Five tips to make solo travelling more affordable

As we see international travel making its return, wandering to a new country may be an enthralling thought for many.

When it comes to travelling, most may choose to travel in a big group as it offers companionship, safety and most importantly, allows everyone to chip in with the expenses.

Some may balk at the idea of travelling alone, as it means that they have to fork out for all the expenses on their own and run the risk of burning a hole in their pockets. But travelling alone can still be done on a budget, if planned right.

If you’re looking to make your solo travel plans anytime soon, here are five tips to help to cut down your expenses.

Accommodation is likely to be the most expensive, especially if you want to sleep comfortably.  

Instead of staying at a hotel or a luxury villa, book your accommodation at hostels or homestays that can be easily found on Airbnb. From there, a quick search on Google or various websites such as Hostelworld and Agoda will give you the best deals, sometimes at prices as low as $5 a night depending on the destination that you’re travelling to.

First-time solo travellers might feel sceptical or uncomfortable sleeping in a shared dorm-style hostel. However, many hostels provide a limited number of private rooms with private bathrooms, similar to a hotel, but at a fraction of the price.

Those feeling more adventurous can even try Couchsurfing – a platform that allows travellers to work in exchange for free accommodation.

As the platform functions in a way that is based on trust and instincts, it is important to read the reviews of other profiles to ensure that their account is legitimate. 

Always have a backup plan in mind, so that you have an alternative accommodation to consider if the host has misrepresented their home or makes you feel uncomfortable. 

Compare the cost between taxis and car rentals, buses and trains to find the most common mode of transportation in the city that you’re headed to.

If you’re travelling to Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, which have the highest number of motorcyclists in the world, try opting for a motorbike as you can rent it at a reasonable price.

Do keep in mind that most countries require proof of an international driving permit before travellers can rent a motorbike. 

If riding a motorcycle on your own is out of your comfort zone, then consider sharing a ride with other travellers you meet along the way.

Always research hostel and homestay policies ahead of time to find out if they provide free breakfast. As someone currently travelling solo, I gravitate toward accommodations that offer free breakfasts to make the most out of every buck.

Otherwise, you could also grab simple breakfasts such as a sandwich, pastry or a granola bar at the nearest convenience store. 

If you’re travelling on a tight budget, avoid grabbing an Instagrammable avocado toast for brunch as it will cost upwards of $7, excluding taxes, at most trendy cafes.

Even though it’s tempting to splurge on three nice meals a day, planning and being strategic about which meals you splurge on during the day will help you stay within your budget.

When it comes to activities, I recommend Airbnb Experiences as it offers local tours and events at a lower price than travel agencies. The platform also allows you to make friends with a local who then takes you on a tour of the area. 

For those planning a trip to Europe or the United States of America, where walking tours are common, consider taking free walking tours instead of buying tickets through a tour company.

However, do keep in mind that while the tour is free, travellers are expected to tip the tour guide as a token of appreciation. 

For paid activities, try booking it in advance as early bird discounts are usually available.

Entertainment costs can vary widely depending on your lifestyle and interests. When planning activities such as kayaking, skiing, or water-rafting, doing it in a group with other travellers as may get you discounted prices.

For solo female travellers who enjoy spending nights out at a club, visiting on ladies’ night may entitle you to free entry and two hours worth of free drinks. Make sure to research any promotions beforehand so as to make sure that you’re not spending unnecessarily on drinks. 

Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean not spending at all, but spending wisely and choosing where you would allow yourself to splurge. 

Once you’ve done your homework and saved what you can, focus on making memories as that will be the highlight of your trip!