Budget Solo Trips Under P20k: Sample Itineraries + What Protection to Add (and Skip)

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13 Nov 2025
7 mins
Out of Town Blog
Team Out of Town

Author: Team Town

Travelling alone has turned into one of the most satisfying forms of wanderlust. It offers total freedom to explore cultures, people, and places at your own pace. Nevertheless, price remains a very important factor for a significant number of potential solo travellers. With proper planning, one can embark on budget solo trips for less than […]

Out of Town Blog

Budget Solo Trips Under P20k: Sample Itineraries + What Protection to Add (and Skip)

Travelling alone has turned into one of the most satisfying forms of wanderlust. It offers total freedom to explore cultures, people, and places at your own pace. Nevertheless, price remains a very important factor for a significant number of potential solo travellers. With proper planning, one can embark on budget solo trips for less than P20,000.

However, when travelling on a budget, it is always necessary to protect oneself and choose individual travel insurance. A budget trip can help you save money at first; however, if you don’t plan well, you might spend more than the trip cost in a foreign country, creating much more expense than the entire trip cost.

Sample Budget Itineraries Under P20,000

A traveller travelling with a backpack has a wide range of cheap and scenic choices. These are some sample itineraries within a P20,000 budget (exclusive of airfare). These trips demonstrate that money is not the reason one should not travel.

Cambodia – The Temple Journey (4 Days / 3 Nights)

If you’re passionate about history, you can’t miss Cambodia. The awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temples, shrouded in legend and history, are a must-see. After exploring ancient ruins, wander through Siem Reap’s lively night markets, where you’ll discover authentic crafts and sample delicious, home-cooked Cambodian meals. Best of all, a trip to Cambodia can be surprisingly affordable—thoughtful budgeting keeps expenses below P20,000, allowing you to enjoy the country’s charm and culture to the fullest.

Indonesia – Island Serenity (5 Days / 4 Nights)

Bali is a renowned global travel hub, and solo travelers can enjoy its wonders without breaking the bank. Opt for budget-friendly homestays to immerse yourself in local culture, and use public transport or rent a scooter to explore the island. Canggu’s lively beaches are perfect for surfing and relaxing, while Ubud offers breathtaking waterfalls and lush landscapes. Do not miss the chance to sample Balinese street food at local markets and join group tours to further enrich your visit, all while maintaining a modest budget.

Vietnam The Cultural Trail (5 Days / 4 Nights)

Vietnam boasts some of Asia’s finest travel experiences. Start in Hanoi, where you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese street food like pho and banh mi at lively markets and food stalls. Wander through the Old Quarter’s historic streets, filled with colonial-era buildings, small shops, and local cafés. From Hanoi, take a brief yet memorable cruise in Ha Long Bay, renowned for its breathtaking scenery of limestone karsts and clear waters. The country’s hostels are budget-friendly—most offer complimentary breakfast. With a budget of P15,000, you can cover food, transportation, and admission to cultural highlights, leaving money over for shopping or extra excursions.

The Importance of Individual Travel Insurance for Solo Travellers

Solo travelling also requires additional preparation, since there will be no one to count on in emergencies. A solo travel insurance policy offers you money in the event of unfortunate situations that might otherwise upset your travel or even cut down your budget. It is like an insurance policy with a wide range of medical and non-medical contingencies.

Usual inclusions on individual travel insurance include:

Emergency Medical Expenses: This will cover hospitalisation, medical care in the outpatient setting, ambulance, and even medical evacuation or repatriation fees.
Dental Care: Covers dental traumas or dental pain caused by accidents or illnesses incurred during travelling.
Personal Accident Protection: Provides a lump sum upon accidental death or permanent disability.

Travel insurance companies like HDFC ERGO cover a wide range of international destinations in their individual travel insurance policies. HDFC ERGO offers access to a global network of more than 1,00,000+ cashless hospitals, along with 24/7 support.

What to Add: Essential Protection for Budget Solo Trips

On a tight budget, it is best to set aside funds for insurance that covers the most probable risk. The necessary inclusions to be considered are:

Medical Emergency Cover: Health-related problems or accidents in a foreign country can drain money very fast. Always plan for hospitalisation, treatment, and evacuation.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment: A loss of a booking that is not refundable can significantly affect a traveller who is not well-endowed.
Baggage and Documents: When losing baggage or documents in a foreign country, it may be expensive and time-consuming to substitute the essential documents or other items. This addition provides peace of mind.
Personal Accident Cover: Solo travellers cannot ignore this coverage because it offers them financial coverage in case of accidental injury or death.

Balancing Affordability and Safety

When working with a limited budget, setting aside some money for solo travel insurance is a smart investment in your safety and peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you from a broad array of surprises—such as sudden illness or injury that needs pricey medical attention, trips being cut short or flights being canceled, and essential documents like passports or visas being lost or stolen. If you don’t have insurance, even a single one of these occurrences could wipe out your savings or saddle you with unexpected debts, ruining your trip and put you under financial strain that could linger long after your travels end.

Conclusion

Solo travelling on a budget is not only possible but can also be deeply rewarding and fulfilling. With careful research and advanced planning, it’s entirely feasible to create an enjoyable and memorable itinerary for as little as P20,000. Start by listing your must-visit destinations and look for affordable accommodation options, such as hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels. Take advantage of early-booking discounts on transportation and explore local food options for meals to save money while immersing yourself in the culture.

To travel responsibly, safeguard your belongings, stay informed about each area’s safety guidelines, and always purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, lost belongings, and unexpected trip cancellations. Prioritizing safety and preparedness ensures a worry-free and enjoyable travel experience.