9 affordable sunny destinations for solo travel any time of year

This one is for those who wish they could live in a bikini, or at least not have to worry about getting their winter coat out in October...I am such a spring/summer person and while I appreciate a cooler destination with its beauties, I am one of those people who plans a trip as soon as the clocks go back an hour! If you can relate, keep reading, this one is for you. Over the years I managed to escape a few winters, and I have collected my favourite spots, especially if you also want to keep things within budget.

Algarve, Portugal

For years I was reluctant to re-visit places as I said there are way too many destinations for me to explore still. But I was so impressed by the beautiful beaches of Algarve that I had to break this promise. I visited this area during the winter months both times, and I could not recommend this enough. The weather is still mild, mostly sunny, you can take long, recharging walks by some of the most beautiful beaches on Earth, and the best part, it is not crowded during this time. In addition, prices are a lot friendlier than during peak season. If you are looking for a budget and solo travel friendly winter escape, Algarve, Portugal might just be it!

Madeira, Portugal

Still in Portugal, I visited this location at the end of February/early March when in more Northern locations it feels like winter will never end, and this felt like a tropical getaway (which is not far from the truth as the island enjoys a subtropical climate). Trying local passionfruit or banana, walking around in the lush greenery and enjoying walks by the beach are all reasons why it feels like the perfect winter getaway for those who crave a little bit of summer. The island is beautiful and is a must-visit for nature lovers especially. It has gained more popularity over the last few years, but it is still a budget-friendly option. In my opinion this is probably the most exotic place you can visit (and the Azores) that still belongs to Europe and can find budget airline tickets to (Ryanair, easyJet).

Seville, Spain

Seville is still one of my favourite city and winter getaways to date. This city impressed me with its mild and sunny weather (in January), welcoming atmosphere and inviting restaurants. The city centre is busy enough but equally walkable, and felt safe and comfortable as a solo female traveller. The prices were also budget friendly, but if course I went off-season, so that is also expected in a way. If you want to look at orange trees while taking a long walk in a friendly city even in the middle of winter, I would recommend booking a flight to Seville.

Valencia, Spain

Another location that keeps appearing in my blog posts, but rightfully so. This Spanish city also has amazing and mild weather all year round, so you might find yourself swimming in the sea even in November. While in the winter it may not be bikini weather exactly, it is still nice and sunny enough on most days to grab a bike and explore the city and the beaches. There is a huge park in the middle of the city that is green and lush all year round, just a simple walk there can help you beat the winter blues.

Malta

This might be a lesser known destination to non-Europe travellers, but allow me to add this lovely island to the mix. I have visited Malta twice, once in the summer during peak season and once in the middle of the winter. Needless to say, visiting during the winter months was a much better idea..The weather was still mild, sunny and spring-like, while the flights and accommodation were a friction of the price and there were no crowds to be seen.

Mallorca, Spain

Back to Spain for one more island. You may have not heard, but over-tourism is definitely an issue in Spain, and the wonderful island of Mallorca is no exception. So, it is definitely more sustainable (and I think locals will be more welcoming) if you visit it off-season, when no crowds are there. The prices will also be much better and you will be able to explore the island without the heat. I visited the island with a friend in during end of October, when I could still go for a swim but the weather wasn't overly hot.

Sri Lanka

Another island that made it to the list, with its amazing weather all year round, not surprisingly so. Sri Lanka really won my heart over with its beautiful beaches, lush greenery, friendly locals and budget friendly options. Even as a solo female traveller (obviously being pre-cautious and only exploring touristy areas) I felt very comfortable and welcomed here. In terms of the weather, Sri Lanka experiences two rainy seasons, with the southwest monsoon lasting from April to September and the northeast monsoon from November to March. The weather will still be hot, but something to consider. I visited during September/ October and stayed at the southwest part of the island, and only had a few times when it was pouring down.

Cyprus

Okay, one more island... I visited Cyprus a few years ago, when I was in desperate need of a sunny break, away from the gloomy, British winter. Luckily, Cyprus was only a few hours flight away. And even during the end of January I managed to enjoy sitting by the beach and replenishing my vitamin D storage. Of course it wasn't bikini weather, but the weather was mild enough for long walks by the beach or sitting outside to enjoy my morning coffee.

Hoi An, Vietnam

There are so many reasons why I love Vietnam, and Hoi An is definitely one of them. Dry season starts from about end of November, which makes it the perfect, affordable and solo travel friendly winter getaway spot for those who live in the Northern Hemisphere. Inviting cafes, rice fields to cycle through, amazing local food and colourful streets, This is how I would describe Hoi An in a few words. What's not to love?

No matter the season, the world has pockets of sunshine ready to welcome you. These affordable sunny destinations prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to soak up the warmth, explore new cultures, and create unforgettable solo travel memories.

If you’re planning your own sunny getaway, don’t forget to grab my free Travel Wellness Routine That Feels Like Home. It’s packed with grounding practices, a printable checklist, and easy-to-follow wellness tips — perfect for keeping your body and mind happy while exploring somewhere new. Because when you feel good, every destination shines brighter.