A Solo Staycation in the UK: A Guide to Affordable and Enjoyable Travel
A holiday in the UK offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure. It’s an easy way to unwind without the stress of passport issues or last-minute airport rushes. The UK is familiar yet full of surprises, offering interesting experiences while still providing a sense of comfort. Going solo can be even more rewarding, as it allows you to do exactly what you want, when you want.
However, solo travel in the UK can be pricier than expected. Hotel rooms for one often cost the same as doubles, and single supplements are common. Through trial and error, I’ve learned how to cut costs without sacrificing comfort or enjoying the experience. Cheap and successful solo travel means investing in the right areas and cutting back where possible so that you can still afford a few luxuries.
Start with Cheap Transport
One of the most effective ways to save on travel is by booking rail tickets in advance. Booking 12 weeks ahead often gives you the best fares. Additionally, purchasing a railcard can save you up to a third on your journey. If you’re not eligible for age-related railcards, the Network Railcard for London and the South East could be worth considering if you frequently travel in that area.
Another option is splitting tickets. Instead of buying a single ticket for your entire journey, you can purchase individual tickets for different segments of your trip. Websites like Split My Fare or TrainSplit can help you find these deals automatically, potentially saving up to 40% on your fares. Sometimes this involves changing trains, but other times it simply means holding multiple tickets for a direct journey.
Coaches can be a more affordable alternative to trains, although they may come with more stress due to traffic. Options like the Oxford Tube, which connects the city with the capital from £15, or FlixBus, which operates routes between Inverness and Penzance, including London-Bristol from £3.99, are great choices.
Timing also plays a role in saving money. Traveling during off-peak hours can lead to significant savings on train fares. Additionally, leaving early and returning late can help you save on hotel stays, allowing you to explore a city for three days with only two nights in accommodation. Hotels often lower prices on Sundays when they struggle to fill rooms.
Embrace Off-Season Travel
Traveling during the off-season doesn’t necessarily mean enduring harsh weather. Simply avoiding peak times, especially during the busy school summer holidays, can save you money. June, for example, is a surprisingly good time for solo travelers, as staying in the UK can be more affordable than going abroad. According to data from VisitBritain, June is one of the cheaper months to travel in the UK, offering good weather and relatively quiet cities and towns.
I personally enjoy winter staycations, particularly after Christmas when I need a break from the holiday season. While the weather can be unpleasant, the collective urge to hibernate provides some small benefits for solo travelers. Everything is quiet, everything is cheap, and transport promotions abound. Restaurants and bars often offer deals to attract the few brave enough to venture outside, and hotels tend to lower their prices at the last minute.
Save on Accommodation
I typically choose budget-friendly accommodation, such as hostels where I’m happy to share a toilet or even a bunk. I often use the “sort by price” option when booking and pick from the cheapest options available. However, for those who prefer a bit more luxury, comparison sites like Skyscanner and Trivago can help find great deals. Checking out last-minute Airbnb listings can also be beneficial, as hosts often seek to fill their rooms. Some people even book stays on the day through apps like Hotel Tonight, taking advantage of reduced prices.
Don’t overlook hostels either. They’re not all terrible, nor are they only for young travelers. Many modern hostels offer private rooms that are just as nice as low-end hotels. Hostel World is a great resource for finding great deals.
It’s also important to note that there’s no such thing as a free breakfast. The “complimentary breakfast” you see in hotel rates usually comes at a cost. As a vegetarian, I avoid the option of loading up on hash browns and beans.
Keep Activities Low-Cost
My staycations usually involve reading books with coffee, spending afternoons in pubs, and enjoying a few curry dishes or multi-course meals. I like to indulge, so I make sure to cut back on proper activities to afford these pleasures. I’ll go for just one activity per day, always choosing the most affordable option.
I’ve visited places like Nottingham Contemporary, Sheffield’s Millennium Gallery, cathedrals in Durham and Chichester, Cambridge colleges, and the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh. I always make a donation at these free-to-visit places.
Students often offer low-cost tours of university cities, sometimes asking only for a tip. These tours are one of the best ways to see Oxford, as the students and graduates leading them are often very enthusiastic. Alumni Tours even include punting for just £25 extra.
Free Tour or GuruWalk offer options across the UK with a “pay what you want” model. The guides are often funny and informative, working hard for their money. Alternatively, you can save money by wandering alone and learning as you go.
Set a Daily Budget – But Don’t Be Scared to Break It
I typically set a daily budget of around £70 (more for larger cities), which includes accommodation and travel. However, I allow myself to splurge at least once per trip because life is meant to be enjoyed. I once spent a lot on a performance of All’s Well That Ends Well at the RSC in Stratford Upon Avon, which was a must-see experience. I also went to a great gig at the Jazz Bar in Edinburgh and watched the Welsh rugby team lose several times in Cardiff.
The key is to spend money on what matters to you and cut back elsewhere. I’m happy to sleep in a tent if it means I can afford a meal, while others might book a five-star hotel and eat cornflakes from the box. Ultimately, the whole point of a solo staycation is to do what you like.
