Solo Travellers and Backpackers

Traveling as a solo traveller or backpacker offers unique opportunities to explore the world at your own pace while immersing yourself in diverse cultures and experiences. These journeys often emphasize adventure, self-discovery, and the chance to connect with fellow travelers.

Top Five Solo and Backpacker Destinations

#cheap

#energetic

#buzzing2547

No. 1: Bangkok, Thailand

The ultimate backpacker playground. Bangkok is cheap, chaotic, and dripping in neon energy. Street food slaps, hostels are dirt cheap, and the nightlife is straight-up legendary.

Cost

  • Street food meals from £1–2
  • Hostel dorms from £5–8 a night
  • Public transport (skytrain, buses, tuk-tuks) under £1 per ride

Nightlife

  • Khao San Road for backpacker bars and street parties
  • RCA district for clubs
  • Chao Phraya River cruises with live music

Budget Advice

  • Stick to street food instead of restaurants
  • Use Grab app (cheap ridesharing) instead of taxis
  • Book hostels directly for discounts
(To, 2005)

#budgetbanger

#insta-worthy

#wildnight

No. 2: Budapest, Hungary

Europe’s budget banger. Budapest has Insta-worthy architecture by day and wild ruin bars by night. You can soak in thermal spas, smash cheap eats, and still have change for shots.

Cost

  • Meals in local eateries £4–6
  • Hostels from £8–12 per night
  • Public transport pass about £12 per week

Nightlife

  • Famous ruin bars (like Szimpla Kert)
  • Danube river cruise bars
  • Thermal bath parties (Sparty at Széchenyi Baths)

Budget Advice

  • Buy a city card for free transport and discounts
  • Eat at local “étkezde” cafeterias for cheap Hungarian meals
  • Use free walking tours for sightseeing
(Doboz, n.d.)

#culture

#chaos

#tacos

No. 3: Mexico City, Mexico

A non-stop vibe machine. Mexico City mixes culture, chaos, and tacos that cost less than your morning coffee. Nightlife is pure fiesta mode, from lucha libre to mezcal-fueled dance floors.

Cost

  • Street tacos for less than £1
  • Hostels from £6–10 per night
  • Metro tickets under £0.50 per ride

Nightlife

  • Cantinas and mezcalerías in Centro Histórico
  • Lucha libre wrestling nights with beer and music
  • Zona Rosa for clubs and LGBTQ+ nightlife

Budget Advice

  • Avoid tourist taxis, use the Metro or Uber
  • Stay in Roma or Condesa for safety and hostel choices
  • Try mercados (markets) for cheap, authentic meals
(Thank You, 2019)

#cheap

#chill

#surf

No. 4: Lisbon, Portugal

Europe’s sun-soaked steal. Lisbon is pastel streets, rooftop sunsets, and nightlife that starts late and ends with sunrise. Cheap eats, chill vibes, and surf trips are all on the menu.

Cost

  • Meals from £6–8
  • Hostel beds from £10–15
  • Tram rides about £2.50 each

Nightlife

  • Bairro Alto for bar-hopping
  • LuxFrágil, Lisbon’s iconic superclub
  • Fado music performances in Alfama

Budget Advice

  • Buy a Lisbon Card for free transport and museum entry
  • Eat “prato do dia” (lunch specials) for cheap filling meals
  • Explore viewpoints (miradouros) for free city views
(Unknown, n.d.)

#scooters

#asia

#phoforaquid

No. 5: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

The Southeast Asia hustle hub. Scooters everywhere, bowls of pho for a quid, and nightlife that doesn’t sleep. Backpacker street parties and rooftop bars make it a must-stop on the trail.

Cost

  • Street food bowls of pho from £1
  • Hostel beds from £4–7
  • Local buses under £0.30 a ride

Nightlife

  • Bùi Viện Street (backpacker pub crawl hub)
  • Rooftop bars with skyline views
  • Live music cafés and beer clubs

Budget Advice

  • Haggle at markets, prices often drop by half
  • Use sleeper buses or trains to travel Vietnam cheaply
  • Stick to local beer (bia hơi) at 20p a glass
(Tasmanian.Kris, 2022)

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