Top 7 Safe & Cheap Places to Travel Solo Female in US

• Why Choose Solo Travel?
• Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers
• Best Cheap Solo Female Travel Spots USA
• Affordable Road Trips for Solo Female Travelers
• Best Budget-Friendly Activities for Solo Female Travelers
• Resources for Planning Your Trip
• Final Thoughts on Cheap Places to Travel Solo Female in US

Whether you want to challenge yourself, learn more about other cultures, or simply have an adventure, traveling alone can be an empowering experience. However, as a female traveling independently, ensuring your safety and budget travel should be top priorities.

In this article, we will explore cheap places to travel solo female in the US—affordable cities and destinations across the United States that are also widely considered safe and welcoming for solo female travelers.

We’ll begin by looking at some of the benefits of solo travel, such as the independence and personal growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone on your own. Next, we’ll discuss factors to consider for safety when selecting a travel location, especially when exploring cheap places to travel in the US. While every place has risks, some U.S. cities are particularly attentive to protecting the security of women.

We will then provide recommendations for affordable travel spots that meet safety criteria. From coastal getaways to cultural hubs, we’ll introduce options with reasonably priced accommodation, transport, food and activities. 

Why Choose Solo Travel?

Hitting the road on your own can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. Traveling solo gives you new chances and lets you see life from a different view. Here are some key reasons solo female travel can be so great.

Be Your Own Boss

When you travel alone, you’re in charge of your whole trip. You can pick where to go and what to do. Do you want to relax at the beach or hike in the mountains? The choice is up to you. 

You also set your own schedule so you stay as long as you like in each place. Feeling spontaneous? Changing plans is no problem when it’s just you. Being the boss of your adventure helps you feel empowered and in control.

Learn About Yourself

Traveling solo stretches you out of your comfort zone in good ways. Facing challenges on your own, like finding your way in a new city, builds your confidence in yourself. 

You also have time to think about who you are and what really matters to you. Dealing with anything unexpected teaches you to be flexible and bounce back when things don’t go as planned.

Experience New Places Your Way

Solo travel lets you explore wherever interests you at your own speed. Dive deep into different cultures through museums, classes or events. Connect with nature however you want – hiking, biking, relaxing. 

And meeting new people happens on your terms, whether other travelers or locals. You get to fully explore places without having to compromise for others.

Inspire Others

Your solo adventures can motivate other women to break out of their own shells too. Sharing your experiences and what you learned encourages bravery in others. 

Many women find friendship with fellow lady travelers too. Your journey becomes part of a bigger story of women’s empowerment.

In the end, cheap solo travel to the USA opens a world of possibilities for women. From independence to self-discovery, these benefits show why going it alone can be such an uplifting experience.

Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers

Going it alone as a woman means taking extra care of your safety. These simple tips can help you enjoy cheap and safe solo female travel in the US worry-free:

• Do Research Beforehand: Learn about the areas you’ll visit. Check if places are safe according to other travelers. Know local customs too so nothing catches you off guard.
• Choose Lodging Carefully: Read reviews from solo lady travelers to find safe, secure lodging. Hotels in good neighborhoods work best. Inspect locks and ask to change rooms if something feels odd.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your environment. Leave any place that makes you uncomfortable. Don’t get distracted by your phone or music either.
• Protect Your Stuff: Use travel locks and smart bags to keep cash and IDs hidden in different spots. Only carry what you need for the day.
• Plan Transportation Wisely: Stick to licensed taxis or ride apps, not random vehicles. Go out during daylight if possible. Have backup plans for getting around at night.
• Watch What You Eat and Drink: Never accept open drinks and watch your own at bars. Moderation helps you stay clear-headed.
• Meet People Safely: Don’t announce traveling alone. Choose public meetings and well-lit areas. Listen to your gut if someone seems off.
• Stay in Touch: Check-in with trusted contacts to share details of your travels. Save emergency numbers too just in case.
• Learn Basic Phrases: Greeting locals and asking for help works better than relying on charades alone!
• Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation quickly. Your gut is a powerful safety tool.

Best Cheap Solo Female Travel Spots USA

Going it alone doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With a bit of planning, solo female travelers can enjoy exciting experiences at cheap solo female travel destinations in the USA while sticking to a modest budget. 

In this section we will talk about the best budget-friendly solo female travel destinations in the USA, offering friendly communities, unique experiences, and ways to travel light on cash. Whether you prefer vibrant urban vibes or relaxing natural settings, there are plenty of affordable places to travel solo in the US to suit your interests.

#1 Austin, Texas 

Music, nature, and delicious fare define Austin’s laid back atmosphere, making it a top budget pick for solo travelers. This Tech-driven capital has changed dramatically in recent years but remains inspired by its musical roots. From live shows in funky venues to outdoor adventures in lush parks, plenty of affordable fun awaits.

Accommodations include budget motels from $80 or trendy hostels downtown from $30. Camping also provides an inexpensive option at city-fringes. Hotel rates vary but often peak around SXSW in March. Opt for suburban areas outside peak dates to save.

Food is a highlight, from iconic food trucks dishing out $10 build-your-own tacos and bowls to casual eateries downtown. Gourmet delights pop up everywhere, like juicy barbecue plates for $15 or coffee and homemade pastries from $3. Sample local specialties without busting your budget.

Free entertainment abounds too. Zilker Park overlooking Town Lake offers hiking trails, boat rentals, and outdoor yoga/films. South Congress shops and people-watches for hours without cost. Barton Springs natural pools and Lady Bird Lake also refresh for nothing. Check event calendars too – many concerts, festivals, and museums operate on a ‘pay-what-you-can’ basis.

Austin charms budget travelers with its vibrant energy, liberal attitudes, and outdoor scenery. Friendly locals often lend suggestions, from live music hole-in-the-walls to hidden natural gems. With advance planning, you too can afford to “keep it weird” in this dynamic Texan destination.

#2 St. Augustine, Florida 

Wandering the cobbled lanes of America’s oldest city, it’s easy to slip back centuries in St. Augustine, Florida. Founded in 1565, the historic district charms with Spanish colonial architecture, narrow alleys, and chill vibes. Within walking distance lie 24 miles of coastline for relaxation too. All can be explored at low cost, making this a top pick for affordable solo trips.

Accommodations include budget motels and hotels from $80, or B&Bs from $100 in high season. Camping provides an even cheaper alternative. Off-season savings of 20-30% also apply from September to May. Check Groupon too for last-minute deals.

Food highlights feature fresh seafood at various price-points. Seafood shacks offer filling plates from $12, while downtown eateries serve up coastal classics from $15-25. Ethnic spots also provide good value with plates for $10-15. Affordable coffee shops dot St. George Street too for quick bites.

Major attractions like the Castillo de San Marcos fortress cost just $15, or visit smaller sites for free. Walking tours offer insider historic insights without charge as well. Relaxing at Anastasia State Park beaches costs nothing either. 

By sticking to free attractions and cheap eats, solo travelers can easily explore this charming coastal town on a shoestring. With such welcoming vibes and low costs, it’s easy to linger in old St. Augustine too.

#3 Harbor Springs, Michigan 

Lush forests, hiking trails and stunning Lake Michigan views define serene Harbor Springs. Local trails offer walks through verdant woods before opening onto postcard coastlines of wave-lashed cliffs and sand. It’s easy to see why this historic lakeside town charms outdoor lovers on a budget.

Accommodations include lakeside cabins and cottages from $100 per night in high season, with offers 30-50% lower in spring/fall. Campground spots provide the most budget-friendly option at around $30. Reserve well ahead for summer.

Dining mainly centers around cafes serving sandwiches, pizzas, and comfort food from $10-15 per entrée. Check out the Full Moon Cafe and Little Fleet for affordable meals and desserts—a great way to experience local cuisine without overspending. Picnics provide another budget-friendly option – supermarkets stock supplies cheaply.

Activities rarely cost much. Hiking and biking trails through forests and along shorelines stay free, as do swimming spots. Equipment rentals like kayaks provide affordable ways to explore the coast and inland bayous for around $25-50 per day. Cultural sites like the Dennos Museum Center charge only nominal $5-10 entry fees too.

Harbor Springs provides an idyllic natural escape on the cheap. Its mix of small-town charm and natural beauty invites leisurely solo exploring without breaking the bank. Comfortable accommodation deals and free attractions make it ideal for budget travelers seeking serenity.

#4 Asheville, North Carolina 

Combining artsy vibes with Appalachian nature, Asheville consistently ranks a top Southeast destination. But its popularity need not translate to high costs. Budget solo travelers find plenty of ways to experience the best Asheville has to offer within modest means.

Hostels provide extremely budget-friendly accommodation from just $30 per night. Motels and hotels drop prices further in shoulder seasons like spring or fall, with rooms found from $70. Camping provides another affordable housing option near scenic spots.

Dining options suit all budgets, from budget-friendly pub fare at $10-15 plates to refined New Southern cuisine from $15-25 per meal. Ethnic spots, food trucks and coffeehouses pepper the city too for cheap bites. Stock up on edible souvenirs like jams or chocolate at producer stores.

With so much nature close by, outdoor recreation stays reasonable. Hike through Pisgah or Graveyard Fields for free, or spend $5-15 on guided trips. Bicycle rentals run $30-50/day. Cultural attractions like museums and historic sites regularly cost $5-15 entry. Downtown also offers nightly live music shows without charge.

Asheville retains an authentic charm despite tourism. With advance planning, solo visitors experience its artistic heart and green escapes without breaking the bank. Ease of walking, affordability and friendly community spirit enhance low-key leisurely trips here.

#5 Savannah, Georgia 

Savannah transports visitors back to a genteel Southern past with its beautifully preserved architecture and palm tree-lined squares. But this history need not come with a hefty price tag. Thrifty travelers discover many free ways to savor the scenic charm.

Budget motels and accommodation lines downtown from $90, with hostels offering dorm beds from $25. Off-season deals in January-March let you experience the magic for 20-30% less. Campgrounds also provide another cheap lodging option on Tybee Island beaches.

Strolls around 21 picturesque downtown squares feel plucked from a period film but cost nothing at all. Guided walking tours also provide entertaining historic insights completely. Picnicking along riverfront promenades lets you pack inexpensive snacks too.

Casual eateries everywhere serve up $10-15 plates like shrimp and grits or fried chicken that won’t break the bank. Food trucks, cafes, and ethnic spots provide filling quick bites at bargain prices too. Budget $15-25/head for seafood boils or Low Country boils at casual coastal joints. Drinking and live music thrive in cheap dives as well.

Savannah charms budget travelers with its Spanish moss-draped ambience. By sticking to outdoor exploring, free activities and affordable meals, visitors experience Southern stories in an especially economical way. Throw in the hospitality of locals, and you’ll surely feel inclined to linger in this lovely Georgia city.

#6 Portland, Oregon 

Portland’s bizarre culture and abundance of green spaces make it an endlessly interesting northwest city for solo explorers. Adding to its appeal, creative types have spawned a thriving cheap eats scene perfectly suited to budget adventures. With smart planning, visitors experience the best this city has to offer without breaking the bank.

Hostels offer extremely affordable beds from $30, with locations near transportation. Hotels drop rates significantly during wet winter months as well, with basic rooms found from $80. Camping provides an even cheaper housing option in summer too within an hour drive.

No visit is complete without grazing countless food cart pods scattered citywide. Prices average $5-15 for deliciously unique bites from cuisines across the globe. Thriftier cafes and ethnic eateries continue satisfying taste buds for around $10-15 per entrée as well. Stocking up at vibrant markets keeps picnic costs low.

Countless forests, gardens and parks surround the city for free walks and activities. Attractions like the International Rose Test Garden, Japanese Garden, and Portland Art Museum charge nominal $5-15 entry fees as well. Many areas remain pleasant even when rains fall.

With its alternative vibes, creative scene, and natural beauty, Portland offers solo travelers memorable experiences on a minimal budget.. Mild weather, walkability and affordability of dining especially enhance low-cost visits here.

#7 Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Capital of the “Land of Enchantment”, Santa Fe personifies the romantic allure of the American Southwest. But its cultural offerings need not break solo travelers’ budgets either. With strategic planning, you too can feel the soulful Southwest spirit here affordably.

Budget motels surround Plaza Vieja from $90-150 outside peak season. Hostels downtown offer dorm beds from $30, while campsites provide a lower-cost option an hour’s drive away. Shoulder season rates even plunge deals 20-50% less than summer highs.

Plentiful galleries exhibiting world-class artworks remain gratis to appreciate. Wander alongside local artists freely canvassing the plaza too. Outdoor attractions like parks along the Turquoise Trail also stay free. Even splurge-worthy restaurants serve hearty plates for $15-25 alongside specialty chiles and house-smoked meats.

Festivals like the International Folk Art Market in July bring global handicrafts and live music downtown without entrance fees. Plan around these events for optimal affordability and community spirit. With its charming adobe architecture and indigenous influences, Santa Fe lets solo visitors soak up the enchantment economically.

Affordable Road Trips for Solo Female Travelers

Hitting the open road by yourself can be very freeing. Here are some affordable road trips for solo female travelers in the US. They offer amazing sights, cool stops, and welcoming places along the way.

Pacific Coast Highway

This famous route goes about 450 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles along California’s gorgeous coast. 

Some highlights on the way include relaxing in Half Moon Bay, enjoying Santa Cruz’s beach and boardwalk, exploring Monterey’s aquarium, seeing Big Sur’s cliffs, and taking in San Luis Obispo’s downtown. Be sure to lock your car doors and avoid driving at night. Let others know your plans too.

Route 66

This iconic highway stretches almost 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Points of interest include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Oklahoma Memorial in Oklahoma City, Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, and Santa Fe’s unique culture.

Stay in lit areas when stopping and have an emergency plan in place. Listen to your gut if something feels off.

Blue Ridge Parkway

This scenic road goes around 470 miles from Virginia to North Carolina. Places to check out are the Luray Caverns, Blue Ridge Music Center, Mabry Mill, and Asheville’s Biltmore Estate. Always have a full gas tank and first aid kit in remote spots. Use maps if cell signals are weak.

For more affordable getaway ideas, consider these Cheap Beach Vacations USA guide.

New England Coastal Drive

Travel about 120 miles along Maine and Massachusetts’ lovely shoreline. Places to see include Salem, Gloucester’s seafood, Rockport’s galleries, and Kennebunkport’s amazing views. 

Watch the weather, especially in winter, and steer clear of isolation after dark. Pack portable chargers too.

Southwest Adventure

This 275-mile route goes from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Attractions are Hoover Dam, Kingman’s Route 66 Museum, and Williams as a launching point. 

Always carry water in the desert and let others know your itinerary in remote places. Careful of wildlife near roads at dawn and dusk too.

Best Budget-Friendly Activities for Solo Female Travelers

Traveling alone doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot to have fun. Here are some cheap activity ideas in popular destinations for solo female travelers.

Free Things to Do

Many destinations have attractions you can enjoy without spending a dime. Explore these top spots known for their cost-free museums, historic sites, parks and more.

• St. Augustine, Florida: This historic city has plenty to explore without cost. Wander Flagler College’s stunning campus or climb St. Augustine Lighthouse for ocean views from the top. Nearby beaches are also free.
• Washington D.C.: All the Smithsonian museums have no admission price, so take your time checking them all out. Or stroll around iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial.
• San Diego, California: Balboa Park has gardens and museums to browse without charge. Nearby Old Town lets you learn about California’s history at no cost too.

Fun Local Events

Traveling solo doesn’t mean you can’t have fun meeting people too. Check out these destinations renowned for their regular fairs, festivals and street parties perfect for mingling on a budget.

• Asheville, North Carolina: This artsy city hosts free concerts in parks each summer. Or check out the regular Saturday art market downtown.
• Savannah, Georgia: Each month galleries display their work during a free art walk perfect for exploring on foot. Music festivals also include some free shows.
• Portland, Oregon: From May to June lovers of parades and performances can enjoy them for nothing during the huge rose festival celebration.

Outdoor Adventures

Nature offers inspiring scenery completely free of charge. Discover beautiful regions where you can refresh in fresh air without spending a cent on admission for hiking, relaxing by shores or wildlife viewing.

• Great Smoky Mountains: Hiking wooded trails offers easy beautiful nature views without spending a dime. Wildlife is free to spot too!
• Lake Michigan Shoreline: Swim lakeside or stroll the sand at no cost. Picnics make enjoying the views very low-budget.
• Berkshires, Massachusetts: Green mountains invite free hiking with stunning vistas. Nearby farms host activities like pumpkin picking without charging.

Resources for Planning Your Trip

Getting ready for your trip solo can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming. These tools will help take the stress out of organizing and budgeting your journey.

• Booking Sites: Airbnb has affordable home rentals worldwide. Search by location, price and host reviews. Hostelworld scores cheap rooms for meeting people. Booking.com shows flexible hotel deals. Couchsurfing connects with local hosts offering free beds.
• Travel Forums and Groups: Solo Travel Forum is dedicated to solo travelers asking questions. Facebook groups share deals and safety tips from experienced solo female travelers. Meetup finds local gatherings and events.
• Budget Tools: Trail Wallet tracks your spending categories and daily limits. Travel Mapper visualizes your route while estimating costs along the way. Skyscanner sets price alerts for cheap flights. Excel makes tracking a personalized budget plan easy to follow on the road.

Connecting with other solo travelers online or in-person will help ease concerns about traveling alone. These resources make organizing an affordable trip simple so your focus can be on making wonderful memories, not finances.

Embracing Solo Adventure

This article covered planning safe yet affordable solo trips as a female traveler. From ideas like St. Augustine and Asheville to budget activities and online tools, your journey is accessible.

We looked at highly rated budget-friendly destinations across the USA. Places provide culture and welcomingness for exploring independently.

Tips focused on precautions to take like lodging choice and awareness, allowing independence and peace of mind.

Inexpensive activities were shared too, like free sites, community festivals and nature. These provide fun without cost strain.

As you set off stateside, remember endless possibilities await. By following principles yet embracing experiences freely, affordable solo trips can lead to lifelong memories and self-knowledge. Happy exploring!

FAQs about Top 7 Safe & Cheap Places to Travel Solo Female in US

Here are answers to frequently asked queries about affordable solo traveling as a woman in the United States: