There’s something incredibly liberating about the sand between your toes, the sound of waves crashing, and the sun warming your skin—all experienced solo.
Traveling alone to the world’s top beaches is an empowering way to boost your confidence. It’s a pick-your-own adventure—you can relax, explore, or meet fellow travelers at these affordable and safe beach destinations.
Malta
Malta, a charming archipelago in the Mediterranean, is a haven for solo travelers seeking adventure, history, and natural beauty.
The compact size of the islands makes Malta easy to explore, and its rich history provides endless opportunities for exploration, from ancient temples to medieval towns.
Dive in the crystal-clear waters, wander through the historic streets of Valletta, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Hostels start at just $15 per night and are near top attractions like St. John’s Co-Cathedral and Popeye Village.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum offers a perfect blend of stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture. With affordable hostels starting at just $10 per night and a reputation for being safe for solo travelers, it’s a top pick for beach-loving adventurers.
Flights to the airport in Tulum can be pricey. To save money, check flight prices at Cancun International Airport also, which is only a couple of hours away.
Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve region boasts some of Europe’s most breathtaking beaches, charming coastal towns, and attractive accommodations.
Hostels start at around $15 per night, making it affordable for solo travelers. If you decide to splurge, luxury hotels in Algarve boast stunning views.
Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Canggu, Bali’s trendy coastal village, is a paradise for solo travelers seeking a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere. Known for its world-class surfing beaches, stunning sunsets, and bohemian vibes, Canggu offers a unique blend of relaxation and excitement.
The area is dotted with hip cafes, boutique shops, and yoga studios, making it easy to connect with like-minded travelers.
Catch waves, indulge in a beachfront yoga session, or explore the local art scene. Canggu provides an enriching and invigorating experience for those exploring Bali on their own.
Hostels and guesthouses start at $10 per night.
Koh Lanta, Thailand
Koh Lanta, a serene island in southern Thailand, is an ideal destination for solo travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and laid-back atmosphere, the island offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling tourist hotspots. On your own, you can explore hidden waterfalls, snorkel in clear turquoise waters, or simply relax on the beach with a book.
Hostels in Koh Lanta start at $10 per night.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur, nestled on Nicaragua’s stunning Pacific coast, is a hidden gem and a top choice for solo travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.
Imagine spending your days soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, trying out surfing or yoga, and exploring local markets for unique finds. The welcoming local community and bustling social scene make it incredibly easy to connect with fellow travelers and locals alike.
Plus, with its affordable accommodations and mouthwatering local cuisine, San Juan del Sur promises a memorable and budget-friendly solo travel experience. Dive into Nicaragua’s lush beauty with hostels starting at around $10 per night.
Montenegro, Balkans
Montenegro offers the same beautiful architecture and coasts as other top destinations in Europe, such as Portugal, Croatia, and Italy, without the steep price tag.
See Durmitor National Park, a park formed by glaciers and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or reach Ostrog Orthodox Monastery, a unique holy place.
Siargao Island, Philippines
Siargao Island, often dubbed the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines,” is an idyllic paradise and a dream destination for solo travelers.
This island offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and local culture. Picture yourself riding the legendary waves at Cloud 9, exploring hidden lagoons and natural pools, and lounging on pristine white-sand beaches surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters.
The laid-back island vibes make it easy for solo travelers to feel welcome and connect with like-minded adventurers. Friendly locals greet solo travelers at hostels that start around $10 per night.
Penang, Malaysia
Penang, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Orient,” is renowned for its history, multicultural heritage, and mouthwatering street food.
Solo travelers will find plenty to explore in Penang’s bustling George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where colorful street art, historic temples, and traditional shophouses line the winding lanes.
The local hospitality is warm and welcoming, and the diverse cultural influences create a unique and enriching experience. Hostels start at around $10 per night, and even hotels are relatively affordable.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Escondido is a hidden gem that offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an enticing destination for solo travelers.
Known for its laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, and world-class surfing spots, this coastal town invites solo adventurers to soak up the sun, catch a wave, and connect with like-minded travelers.
The local culture is inviting to travelers, with colorful markets, lively festivals, and delicious seafood eateries to explore.
Hostels start at $10 per night—far less expensive than in other areas of Mexico.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang, Vietnam, stands out as a unique solo travel destination. It offers a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.
This city in Southeast Asia boasts My Khe Beach, perfect for unwinding and enjoying water activities. The city’s skyline is scattered with modern skyscrapers juxtaposed against traditional Vietnamese architecture, creating a captivating visual experience.
Solo travelers can indulge in the city’s rich culinary scene, explore the Marble Mountains, or wander through the bustling Han Market. With its friendly locals, affordable amenities, and diverse attractions, Da Nang provides a safe, exciting, and culturally enriching experience for those exploring on their own.
Hostels start at around $8 per night. During your trip, plan to visit some of Vietnam’s other well-priced cities, such as historic Hoi An, Saigon, and Sapa.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has surged in popularity as a top destination for solo travelers, and it’s easy to see why.
This Central American country is a paradise of biodiversity, offering solo adventurers a plethora of outdoor activities, from zip-lining through lush rainforests to surfing on the Pacific coast’s waves.
The country’s commitment to eco-tourism ensures that travelers can explore its natural wonders sustainably. Additionally, Costa Rica is renowned for its welcoming locals, known as “Ticos,” who embrace visitors with warmth and hospitality.
Hostels can easily be found for approximately $10 a night.
Goa, India
Goa, India’s beachfront haven, is a top destination for solo travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. The casual vibe of the beach shacks and the bustling energy of the night markets provide a perfect balance for solo explorations.
India is extremely inexpensive by Western standards, which allows solo travelers to find hostels in the beach destination for around $8 a night.
Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira offers a unique blend of beaches and natural landscapes with Moroccan culture. Travelers visiting Essaouira can climb sand dunes and take surfing lessons at local beaches.
Hostels start at around $15 per night, a reasonable nightly rate for a busy beach town. The best time to visit Morocco is in the spring or summer—plan your trip accordingly to avoid extreme heat!
Belize
Belize offers stunning beaches, incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities, and affordable accommodations.
With its breathtaking Caribbean beaches and thick jungles, Belize offers an intrepid traveler a diverse range of experiences.
Dive into the world-renowned Blue Hole for a unique underwater adventure, explore ancient Mayan ruins nestled deep within the rainforest, or simply relax on the sun-kissed beaches of Ambergris Caye.
Hostels start at around $20 per night, making it a budget-friendly option for solo travelers.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is a tropical paradise with stunning beaches and rich culture. The destination in Africa is one of the safest for solo travelers on the continent.
Its beautiful blue waters rival those of pricier destinations like The Maldives and Bora Bora. Hostels start at $10 per night, and the area is known for its safety and friendly locals.
Barbados
Barbados stands out among the other Caribbean islands for solo travelers. The island’s lively local festivals, such as Crop Over, provide a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant Bajan culture and connect with locals.
Additionally, the island’s history can be explored through its colonial architecture, fascinating museums, and local rum distilleries. For those seeking adventure, Barbados offers excellent opportunities for surfing, diving, and hiking.
Even though Caribbean Islands are often known for having expensive resorts, shockingly affordable hostels exist on the island. Rates typically start around $25 a night.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Reaching the Galápagos Islands doesn’t need to be expensive. Known for its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes, the Galápagos Islands are a bucket list destination for many adventure travel enthusiasts.
Hostels start at $20 per night. The Galápagos is typically reached from mainland Ecuador. Budget a few days to explore Quito, which is also affordable, before or after your time in the islands.
Panama
Panama has everything from cosmopolitan Panama City to adventurous escapes into the jungle. The famous Panama Canal is a marvel to behold, reflecting the country’s engineering prowess.
Explore the historic Casco Antiguo district or unwind on the idyllic San Blas Islands—you won’t be bored on a solo trip to Panama.
Hostels start at around $10 per night.
Mauritius
Adventure awaits in Mauritius, which boasts dramatic natural landscapes and crystal-clear waters. Visit Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark or hike around Black River Gorges National Park.
Hostels start at $20 per night, and the island is known for its safety and welcoming locals.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and cultural sights. Located off the coast of India, the island in Southeast Asia is quickly rising in popularity.
Hostels start at around $10 per night. Those who prefer hotels will love that Sri Lanka’s top properties can be found for around $60 a night.
You don’t need to go far for an amazing beach vacation
Seeking to start your solo travel adventures closer to home? There are plenty of affordable beaches in the United States to discover that don’t require a passport.
These are among the country’s cheapest sandy getaways.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
