8 budget-friendly countries for first-time solo travellers

This article is for all those who have been planning a solo international trip for a long time, and one of their aspects has been how to plan a budget trip. Well, apart from the most chaotic, liberating, and possibly a happy adventure of your life, plan in advance so that you get to save those extra bucks. Going solo doesn’t have to mean going broke. Here are 8 countries where your money goes far, your experiences go deep. (Canva)

Thailand is the solo traveler’s spiritual home, where proper planning can get you some of the things that you never imagined. Cheap street food, around 50-baht pad thai, dreamy beaches, and a well-worn backpacker trail make it easy to explore without feeling lost. Bonus: you can island-hop, temple-hop, and elephant-spot all under INR 3,000 a day. (Canva)

Vietnam is budget travel with a motorbike helmet and a bowl of soup. From Hanoi’s chaos to Hoi An’s charm, this country delivers jaw-dropping landscapes, war history, and coffee that could wake the dead. Overnight buses are dirt cheap, hostels are social hubs, and you’ll eat like royalty on INR 400 a day. (Canva)

No, not the US state. This little Eurasian gem is perfect for first-time solo travelers who want a Europe-meets-Asia vibe. Tbilisi has fast internet, free walking tours, and hostels full of new friends. And did we mention the wine? It's practically cheaper than water. Cheers to that. (Canva)

Yes, Bali’s on the list, but Indonesia is a whole archipelago of budget bliss. Solo-friendly destinations like Yogyakarta, Lombok, and Ubud offer surfing, spirituality, and nasi goreng—all for less than what you'd pay for a sandwich in New York. Stay in homestays, rent a scooter, and say yes to banana pancakes. (Canva)

Portugal is safe, sunny, walkable, and relatively affordable. Hostels in Lisbon and Porto are vibrant, solo-traveler magnets, and the public transport is idiot-proof. Expect soulful fado music, endless seafood, and wine tours that don’t destroy your bank account. (Canva)

Despite what headlines say, Mexico has many solo-friendly cities like Oaxaca, Mérida, and San Cristóbal de las Casas. Street food is delicious and absurdly cheap. You’ll find hostels with hammocks, cenotes to swim in, and enough culture to fill three travel journals. Also: tacos. Every single day. (Canva)

For mountain lovers on a budget, Nepal is the dream. Trekking in the Annapurna region or chilling in Pokhara doesn’t cost much—guesthouses are cheap, and meals are often included. People are kind, chai is hot, and the views are... well, Himalayan. (Canva)

If paradise had a budget section, it would be called the Philippines. With ferries instead of flights and beachfront hostels instead of resorts, you can explore turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and karaoke bars without breaking the bank. Locals are friendly, English is widely spoken, and no one will judge you if you haggle a bit. (Canva)