I just inherited $25k and I’m seriously thinking about quitting my job and doing a long solo trip in 2026. I’ve saved some too, but I’m trying to be realistic about how far $25k actually goes.
I’m from NYC, US citizen, only speak English. I’ve done solo trips before (Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Lisbon, Paris, etc.) but never longer than 2 weeks. This would be my first long stretch.
Big thing: I’m solo female, and safety is my #1. I prefer hotels over hostel dorms at this point.
Rough plan:
Europe first (Portugal + Eastern Europe, maybe March to June)
Then SE Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, maybe Taiwan, July to Nov)
Then Mexico and Colombia (Dec to Feb)
I’m estimating $50–70/day but I honestly don’t know if that’s fantasy once you factor in hotels, transport, tours, and random life costs.
Questions I’m trying to sanity check:
How long would $25k actually last if I’m doing 3 star hotels?
Which cities actually feel safe to walk around at night solo?
What’s the real deal with visa runs in SE Asia?
Would you plan for 6 months instead of 10 just to be safer financially?
Not looking for financial lectures. I work in finance. I’m way more worried about physical safety and making a plan that doesn’t fall apart.
Would love reality checks, places you’d recommend, and anything you’d bring or do differently.
0