Solo Travel on a Budget

Travelling alone has become a uniquely 21st-century aspect of female life. The idea of solo travelling acts a tool of female empowerment and self-discovery especially since the publication of popular culture powerhouses such as Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love and Cheryl Strayed’s Wild.

For many, becoming a world traveller is an ultimate life goal to achieve only after retirement or winning the lottery. Muthoni Njenga says however that you do not necessarily have to wait that long to plan bucket list-worthy vacations on a budget.

She has been to 20 countries and this number not enough for her in fact, Muthoni says that she does not have a magic number she would like to settle on.

“There's so much world to see out there. Why settle?” she says.

That travelling as an expensive luxury is the biggest misconception she says, adding that it can only be as expensive as you want it to be.

“If your taste is seven star, then it means shelling out more money. I am a budget conscious traveller, but I also like comfort so just find what range fits your pocket. I scout my destination, make a budget and try to keep my costs within that range,” she says.

Muthoni says that this has been especially easy with the new wave of affordable Airbnb’s and hostels which are within any budgets reach.

While many people would shy away from the idea of travelling solo or being alone is some foreign land and not knowing what to do during the trip, this has not stopped her.

Many of her friends have different schedules from her because they have corporate jobs however the solo travelling has turned out to be an eye opening experience for her.

“I am outgoing and friendly and this works in my favour. If you are in need of company go to places where you have an opportunity to meet people. You have to really get out of your shell, be open-minded, smile big and the rest will follow, it is contagious,” she says.

Muthoni says she started by travelling locally before venturing to the international destinations over the last two to three years. Her favourite places being France and Costa Rica which she says are very different and unique.

“France is so diverse. I recently visited the south of France, region called Provence, which is old and quaint, it has a laid back vibe which is a polar opposite of Paris which is fast paced, buoyant and very chic with Parisians to boot. In Provence, you will be in awe as it is the proud home to some of the oldest and most beautiful towns in France,” she says.

Adding that, “If you need a break from the buildings, you can relax with a glass of rose in one of the many chateaus in the region. It's rich in culture, wines and finest art you will ever see.”

France also offers amazing dishes she says referring to it as a “foodies dream”.

“I never had a bad meal in my 10 days there. And this is coming from a self-proclaimed foodie,” she says.

France may have been good but Costa Rica was even better, so much better that she went back again in the same year.

“Costa Rica is another piece of heaven on earth. It has everything to offer. Costa Rica will deliver in spades, If you want waterfalls they have in plenty there is also the beaches, If you are into hiking they have the rainforest boisterous in tons of flora and fauna,” she says.

As for the food Muthoni says Costa Rica has street food that are just as tasty as they are affordable.

“The people are one of the happiest I have ever met! Very relaxed and super friendly. The food and the vibe is pretty much like Kenya's and this made me feel quite at home,” says Muthoni.

Muthoni says she cannot decide on what would be the most ideal travel destination for Kenyans since we are a diverse people but advises on what to do when travelling to these two countries.

“For both destinations I would highly recommend renting a car and this allows you one of the best and unforgettable road trips of your life,” she says.