Why You Should Solo Travel – And How To Do It Without Breaking The Bank

Last year, I made a big leap. I left my job as a financial analyst and embarked on a three-month solo backpacking trip around the Philippines. It was just me, my 7kg luggage, and a tight budget. 

Now that summer is in full swing, I thought it would be the perfect time to share how I managed to make that journey affordable without sacrificing the experience.

If you've been dreaming of solo travel on a budget but aren’t sure how to begin, this guide is a great place to start.

In today’s edition, we’ll go over:

• Why you should solo travel at least once in your life

• What they don’t tell you about solo traveling

• How to make solo traveling as cheap as possible

TLDR;

The Bottom Line

• Solo travel reshapes you and your worldviews.

• It’s not always Instagram-worthy, and that’s fine. 

• To make solo traveling as cheap as possible: DIY your trip, book hostels, travel during low seasons, and eat and commute like a local.

The content

Why you should solo travel at least once in your life 

1) You are your own captain. 

Solo travel teaches you one thing above all: you are in full control. 

You can pack your schedule with back-to-back activities or spend an entire afternoon doing nothing on the beach. The point is, no one tells you what to do. You’re the planner, the decision-maker, the adventurer.

This freedom can be disorienting at first, but it’s also where the magic happens.

2) It reshapes your worldviews. 

Solo travel doesn’t just take you to new places. It challenges your values if you’re open to it.

I was only traveling around the Philippines, but it felt like I was getting a glimpse of the world through the people I’ve met. Every conversation nudged me to reimagine what a “normal” life could look like.

Coming from a corporate background, I used to think success meant climbing the ladder. But the people I met lived by different definitions of success. And it made me wonder, why was I limiting myself to just one path?

Before solo traveling, I had a narrow view of the world. Now, I see how wide it really is.

What they don’t tell you about Solo Traveling

1) It’s not always Instagram-worthy. 

Often, the most unforgettable memories are made over canned tuna dinners overlooking a hill or sleeping under the stars with nothing but a towel as your makeshift bed (yes, this actually happened to me). 

2) It doesn’t always go according to plan. 

A typhoon could cancel your flight, and ATMs could run out of cash. So many things could go wrong, but it’s in these moments that you build resilience. 

Actionable Tips For You

How to Make the Trip as Budget Friendly as possible 

1) DIY your trip.

While booking through a travel agency offers convenience, it often comes with added costs and rigid schedules. 

I prefer booking activities upon arrival. It allows me to speak directly with locals, negotiate better rates, and customize the experience to what I truly want. Locals are often more flexible (not just with pricing) but also with the itinerary itself.

For instance, during my last days in Siquijor, I negotiated a 4-hour tour with a tricycle driver to visit three nearby spots. Instead of the usual PHP 1,500 full-day rate, we agreed on PHP 600.

Being on the ground gives you room to decide what’s worth your time and your money.

2) Hostels > Hotels

You can get as low as PHP399/per night for 10-person fan dorms. 

It's much better if you can book a hostel with a kitchen. In my 1-month stay in Siargao, I often made scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast. In the long run, I saved at least 50% on meals. 

3) Travel during low seasons. 

When I went to Siquijor in September, I was able to solo a 10-person room for 1 week. So even if I only paid PHP 399 per night, I was sleeping like I was in a PHP 1500 private room. 

4) Eat like a local. 

Eat in carenderias. Buy the PHP 40 coconut juice from a street vendor instead of the PHP 150 same one from an overhyped cafe. Every peso you spend makes a real impact. You directly support the locals and help strengthen the community you’re exploring.

5) Commute like a local. 

In Apo Island, I was offered two ways back to the mainland: a PHP 2,000 private boat I could take anytime, or a PHP 300 public boat that left at 6 AM daily. The choice was simple. Taking the local option not only saved money, but also gave me a glimpse into how the community lived.

If you have a driver’s license, rent a scooter for as low as PHP 350 per day.

For local travel, consider overnight ferries. They’re a practical option, especially for less-touristy provinces where flights are rare and expensive. There’s no algorithmic pricing, and you can often book on the same day. The ride is manageable. Just pack wet wipes, as facilities can be less than ideal.

Interested in more solo travel guides? Reply to this email and we’ll make it happen!

Stuff Worth Sharing

The Link Lowdown

• r/solotravel - subreddit for solo travelers

• r/phtravel - for any PH travel related inquiries