Solo Travel Is Surging in 2026 — Here Are the Budget-Friendly Destinations Worth Booking Right Now

If your group chat has been trying to plan a trip for months with zero progress, maybe it’s time to stop waiting. Solo travel continues to surge in popularity for 2026, and it just might be the best move you make all year. Whether you’re working remotely from a café in Europe or cashing in PTO for a proper adventure, there are destinations out there practically built for independent explorers who want culture, safety, and vibes, without draining their savings.

Recent travel rankings highlight a mix of locations ideal for first-time travelers and seasoned globetrotters alike. From creative capitals with world-class nightlife to under-the-radar gems your friends haven’t even heard of yet, here’s where to point your passport.

Berlin: The Creative Capital That Won’t Break the Bank

Let’s start with the one that checks almost every box on a budget-conscious solo traveler’s list. Berlin, Germany is a stand-out solo travel destination where history, creativity, and affordability intersect — and that trifecta is hard to beat.

Berlin has long had a reputation as one of Europe’s more wallet-friendly capitals, and for solo travelers, that affordability stre...