Have you ever caught yourself staring at your old travel photos while trying to prevent a Lego disaster in your living room, wishing you could take a break for a day or two? The idea of sneaking away for a well-deserved solo escape may sound amazing. But let's face it: when you’re balancing work, kids, and everything in between, it can feel like an impossible dream. Plus, the thought of leaving behind the pile of laundry that rivals Mount Everest might seem daunting. Let alone try and figure out the safest and best budget-friendly solo travel ideas!
This guide is here to change that! Just because you’re single-handedly managing the household doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to a solo adventure that’s easy on the wallet. If you've been dreaming of beach sunsets, peaceful hikes, or city exploration, these budget-friendly solo travel ideas will get you packing. Because every supermum deserves a little "me-time," and it doesn’t have to break the bank!
7 Budget-friendly Solo Travel Destinations 2025
1. Camping or campervan adventures (Say goodbye to private rooms)
First up on my list is camping or campervan adventures. If you've been drowning in the hustle and bustle of the city, you'll love the laid-back vibe of living in nature on your own.
As a solo camper, you don't even have to think of activities to keep things fun. You can hike whenever you want, swim in a lake with a waterfall, eat whatever you like, read a book in peace, or even sleep all day.
Of course, camping on your own can be scary. Here are some reminders to stay safe when camping alone:
- Share your camping plans with a trusted friend, including your exact routes and schedule
- Make sure there are cell services where you are
- Keep a first aid kit in handy (and learn how to use it)
- Pack light
- Pack more than you need, in case of emergency
2. Free accommodation: Housesitting
Looking after someone else's house may not be what you consider a holiday. Are you not going on this solo trip to get away from your responsibilities at home? But don't snub house sitting, because it means free accommodation!
I'm a mum who loves my house, so I'm more comfortable staying in an Airbnb than a hotel. House sitting is an even better option since I have all the furniture and appliances I need and don't have to pay anything. Aside from staying for free, you can also explore the neighbourhood and experience the local culture firsthand. It can be fun to experience how exactly a family lives in that area. You can even befriend the neighbours in case you get lonely.
Further reading: 8 Great reasons to house swap for a cheap holiday.
3. An off-season package holiday
An off-season package is another affordable way to travel. You can still explore the best solo travel destinations, minus the holiday crowds and prices. I always plan my cheap solo vacations during off-peak months to save a lot of money.
If you plan to spend your short vacation locally, the cheapest time to go around Australia is during the shoulder season (February to April and September to November). Travelling in winter (June to August) is even cheaper here in Australia since tourism is almost dead during these months. If you're okay with going out in the cold, consider adding off-season holidays to your list of vacation ideas.
To compare prices and get yourself travel discounts, try sites like Expedia and Wotif.
Destinations for solo travellers
4. A solo cruise
As a mum who loves the seas, a solo cruise is one of the best solo travel ideas for me. A cruise is definitely a breath of fresh, salty air.
I managed to tick it off my bucket list with a 7-day cruise when my youngest daughter finished high school, and I was finally alone at home. But if you still have young kids you can't possibly leave behind for long, you can find cruises for three, four, or five days.
If you didn't know, cruises are not limited to lounging on a ship and drinking wine, as the movies portray. You can find snorkelling and scuba diving cruises or sail over the beautiful Great Barrier Reef overnight.
5. Volunteer travel
If you're searching for solo travel ideas for women that let you do something good for others, why not give volunteer travel programs a try?
Volunteer travel is taking a trip to participate in opportunities to help others. The biggest issue for us mums when it comes to volunteering is finding short-term programs. After all, taking an extensive leave from our responsibilities at home is not an option. If you only have a few days or a week max to go on a volunteering trip, you're better off looking for opportunities within Australia or your state.
Several short-term volunteer travel possibilities are worth exploring, such as getting involved in literacy initiatives or construction projects (like building schools and homes). Additionally, some volunteer travel programs offer compensation to help cover your expenses. For instance, you could be paid for assisting with animal care or farm tasks for a week.
6. A biking holiday
If you're one of the 95% of Australians who ride a bike, you'll love this next entry.
Excluding getting a bit of time off your daily schedule, cycling has so many benefits. It's good for your body, boosts your mood, and increases your strength and stamina. You also enjoy spectacular biking routes and possibly meet new like-minded friends.
Plus, if you already have some clothes and a suitable bike for your chosen route, cycling can be a relatively cheap activity. For one, you will spend less on transportation to enjoy a nice view.
Further reading: Is the Sunshine Coast a good holiday destination?
7. Hostel hopping
Last on our list of solo travel ideas for women is hostel-hopping. Hostels are a cheaper alternative to hotels and Airbnb, so they're popular among the curious and intrepid crowd.
Staying in hostels is not just cheaper. Here, you get to meet people from different places and cultures. You also get to experience the unique flavour of the street foods in the area you're staying in for the night.
However, hostel-hopping is not for the faint of heart. You usually share a room with several other people of a younger demographic. If you're uncomfortable spending the night or two with strangers, you might be more suited to a budget motel.
But if you have your mind set on this adventure, here are a few top tips to make your hostel-hopping safe:
- Leave valuable items behind.
- Rent a personal locker and acquire multiple luggage locks.
- Thoroughly review online feedback.
- Distribute your money across various hiding places.
- Rely on your intuition.
Best places to travel alone on a budget
According to Skyscanner, these destinations in the world have the biggest airfare price drop over the past year:
- Sarajevo, Bosnia
- Okinawa, Japan
- Tirana, Albania
- Sapporo, Japan
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Belgrade, Serbia
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Halifax, Canada
- Jakarta, Indonesia
My final thoughts: Affordable solo trip ideas for women
Here's a secret: Solo travel isn't a privilege reserved only for carefree college students or adventurous twenty-somethings; multitasking mums like us can experience it, too.
If you're a single mum looking to go on a solo vacation without breaking the bank, solo travel is well within reach! If you want, you can keep a loose itinerary to wander at your own pace. This way, you'll discover hidden gems and must-visit spots.
Public transportation is not only easy on the wallet but also gives you a genuine feel for the local scene. Plus, many destinations offer free or low-cost tours where you can explore on foot and see the highlights without the expense. If you like visiting national parks, you can be a backpacker or join a walking tour! Or if you want to experience nightlife again, go to the hottest pubs for tourists around the area.
Remember, this is your time to explore, relax, and recharge, so embrace the journey and all its little surprises; you've earned it!
