The Complete Guide to Budget-Friendly Solo Travel

Tips, good deals, and affordable destination ideas from Lyon

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Traveling Solo? Absolutely! But Without Blowing Your Budget

All the keys to living a rewarding, stress-free, and budget-friendly solo adventure

Traveling solo is much more than just a trip: it’s a personal pause, a special time to reconnect with yourself, discover who you are, and open up to the world at your own pace. But this freedom doesn’t mean you have to blow your budget!

In fact, solo travel can be very affordable—provided you plan ahead. By carefully organizing your trip, making smart accommodation choices, and arming yourself with some practical tips, you can enjoy a rich and accessible experience. This guide will walk you through all the key steps: from preparation to safety, daily management, and the best destinations for a successful solo getaway.

At the end of the article, you’ll find two curated travel selections easily reachable from Lyon: one focused on city trips, perfect for a first solo experience, and the other geared towards adventure and nature lovers.

Getting Ready for Your Solo Trip

Before even booking a ticket, the most important step is choosing the right destination.

When traveling alone, some cities are better suited to solo adventures — especially those that combine easy access, a safe environment, and a welcoming atmosphere for solo travelers. The easiest option is to go for major European capitals, which are well connected from Lyon and known for their openness, like Lisbon, Barcelona, or London.

You can also base your choice on the local cost of living, which lets you enjoy your stay without constantly watching your budget. It’s also best to avoid peak travel periods — by flying outside school holidays or choosing a departure on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you’ll often get much cheaper rates on both transport and accommodation.

Once the destination is set, it’s time to get organized. It’s always reassuring to know the main local transport options, spot the best neighborhoods to stay in, and check if there are any formalities to take care of (such as a visa or travel insurance).

This preparation phase is even more important when traveling solo, as it helps prevent unnecessary surprises and allows you to head off feeling calm and confident.

Sleeping Well While Traveling Solo

Accommodation is often one of the biggest expenses when traveling solo. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce costs without compromising on comfort or safety. Hostels, for example, are no longer just for young backpackers.

Across Europe, many hostels now offer modern dorms or private rooms at budget-friendly prices, all within a friendly atmosphere that makes meeting other travelers easy. For those who prefer more peace and quiet, homestays — especially through rental platforms — are a great alternative. They combine affordability with a more human experience and often come with local tips from your host, all while giving you a space of your own.

There are also hybrid options gaining popularity, such as coliving spaces or capsule hotels, especially in large cities. These offer hotel-like services while keeping things affordable.

And for the more adventurous or those with flexible schedules, service exchange platforms are an exciting option. By offering a few hours of help — with gardening, cleaning, or assisting at a hostel — you can get free accommodation while immersing yourself in the local culture.

Smart Ways to Get Around

Once you're there, getting around can quickly become a major expense — or a great opportunity to explore, depending on how you approach it. Walking is by far the best way to discover a city at your own pace, get pleasantly lost, and stumble upon unexpected encounters.

Most major cities also offer efficient public transport networks: trains, subways, buses, and trams are usually much cheaper than taxis or ride-sharing services, and make it easy to get around. Many cities also offer daily or weekly passes that are very cost-effective.

Solo travel also relies heavily on digital tools. Apps like Maps.me or Citymapper help you navigate effortlessly — even offline. Others, like Rome2Rio, are perfect for planning routes between cities or comparing different transportation options!

Eat Well, Eat Local, and Keep It Cheap

When it comes to meals, solo travel doesn’t have to mean eating alone or settling for sad food at the edge of a table. On the contrary, it’s often the perfect chance to follow your cravings and discoveries.

To stick to your budget while still enjoying great food, consider heading to local markets, small canteens, or street food stalls, which are very popular in many parts of the world. These options let you taste authentic local cuisine for just a few euros, all while soaking up the atmosphere of everyday life.

Preparing your own meals can also be a smart choice, especially if your accommodation has a kitchen. A homemade breakfast or a spontaneous picnic can help save money and keep your day flexible.

And if the idea of dining alone puts you off, know that more and more places now offer communal tables or social evenings specifically designed for solo travelers!

Solo Travel Safety: Journey with Confidence

One of the main concerns when traveling alone is safety. However, with a few simple habits, it’s entirely possible to travel with peace of mind.

First and foremost, always keep a copy of your ID documents stored online (in an email account or cloud storage), and inform a trusted person about your itinerary or accommodation details. Enabling location sharing through an app also allows someone you trust to know where you are if needed.

Once on-site, it’s best to stay in lively, well-connected neighborhoods and avoid isolated areas, especially at night. It’s also important to trust your instincts: if a situation feels strange or uncomfortable, it’s better to walk away.

Finally, to protect yourself in case of loss or theft, it’s recommended to have a backup bank card or a small amount of cash hidden somewhere different from your usual wallet.

Perfect Cities for a First Solo Trip

For a first solo trip or a lively urban getaway, several cities accessible via direct flights from Lyon are ideal choices. London is a safe bet: dynamic, cosmopolitan, and very well connected, it offers a blend of history, culture, and modernity that appeals to all kinds of travelers.

Venice, on the other hand, invites you to wander. Traveling alone in this romantic city allows you to soak up its unique atmosphere, stroll through its charming alleys at your own pace, and enjoy a spritz overlooking the Grand Canal.

Barcelona captivates with its Mediterranean energy, colorful markets, Gaudí’s iconic architecture, and urban beaches.

Finally, Lisbon combines a laid-back lifestyle, stunning viewpoints, generous gastronomy, and a moderate cost of living — a true delight for solo travelers!

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Craving Fresh Air?

If you’re looking for a more immersive trip while still keeping it solo-friendly, several destinations offer unique experiences. Marrakech, with its vibrant colors, scents, and energy, guarantees an immediate change of scenery.

Iceland, via Reykjavik, is a destination like no other: wild, silent, almost mystical. Traveling alone amidst volcanoes, glaciers, and the Northern Lights is as much an inner journey as a geographic adventure.

Stockholm, gentle and enriching, blends nature and design in a peaceful atmosphere—perfect for recharging your batteries. In Croatia, the cities of Split and Dubrovnik are ideal bases for island hopping, hiking, or swimming in crystal-clear waters.

Finally, sunny and authentic Crete offers villages, coastal trails, and local specialties — a true playground for exploration!