My solo trip to Montenegro was one I had in the pipeline for years. I’d always wondered why more people hadn’t travelled to the Balkan gem, so I decided to check it out. I'm Lucy, a solo travel expert who has been solo travelling the globe for a decade to over 50 countries. I share my solo travel tips and expertise in these solo travel location guides to help you feel confident to try travelling solo to your dream destinations.
Montenegro is nestled on the coast, surrounded by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Croatia, and Albania. After exploring Asia, America, Africa, and parts of Europe, I really didn’t know what to expect from Montenegro. To no surprise, I immediately fell in love. Everything grasped me from the culture and history to the vibrant cuisine and dramatic landscape. But the town of Kotor truly stole my heart for its UNESCO status, tranquil beaches with stunning mountain views, and the beautiful Old Town. My solo Montenegro trip was a fraction of the costs of visiting other European destinations making it as affordable as it is beautiful.
With so many backpackers exploring Croatia, it shocks me that more travellers don’t take a bus from Dubrovnik and venture over the border! Sapphire waters, soaring mountains and friendly locals made me feel easy from the off, even as a solo female. Feeling safe is essential for me to be comfortable travelling in a country alone and Montenegro felt like home.
Planning a solo trip to Montenegro? Here's where you'll find:
- Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Montenegro
- How To Get To Montenegro As A Solo Traveller
- Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Montenegro
- Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Montenegro?
- How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Montenegro?
- How To Book Hostels and Hotels in Montenegro
- Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Montenegro
- SIM Cards in Montenegro
- Is Montenegro a Good Place to Travel Solo?
- How Much Does A Solo Trip To Montenegro Cost?
- Is Montenegro Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?
- Best Places For Solo Travel In Montenegro
- How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling Montenegro?
| Essentials for Montenegro |
| Find cheap flights to Montenegro |
| Find hotels or hostels |
| Find activities and tours for Montenegro |
| Get an eSIM for Montenegro |
Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Montenegro
Deciding to solo travel Montenegro is the first step to a spectacular adventure, but don’t panic if you don’t know where to start with your travel plans! I’m here to give you the low-down on everything you need to know before a solo trip to Montenegro to beat any travel wobbles, make great savings, and have the adventure of a lifetime.
Why visit Montenegro? Simply put, it has everything. Picture scenic beaches with the cleanest water you’ve ever seen, a mesmerising landscape of luscious mountains, and Kotor, which offers a rich history and cultural depth inside its Old Town walls. But before you can dive into the turquoise Budva Riviera, the coves of the Luštica Peninsula, or hike steep summits in the Durmitor National Park, you have to depart from home and arrive in Montenegro.
How To Get To Montenegro As A Solo Traveller
Travelling for me is a lifestyle. I choose to save throughout the year and avoid frivolous spending in favour of several solo trips. This means I have to balance my travels, choosing destinations that won’t blow my bank balance to pieces– hello, Montenegro! Flights can be the priciest part of a trip, but I found endless deals when booking my trip from the UK.
Quickest Route | Cheapest Flight | |
Departure | STN London Stansted | STN London Stansted |
Layover | DTM Dortmund | MXP Milan Malpensa |
Arrive | TGD Podgorica | TGD Podgorica |
Duration | 5 hrs 10 mins | 10 hrs 35 mins |
Cost | £81 | £56 |
Checking out as many flight options as I can is a must no matter where I’m travelling! For Montenegro, flights are typically cheaper departing from Stansted rather than Heathrow, but the best way to find deals is with a flight comparison website.
Take a look at the two options I found above for travelling to Montenegro in mid-September. Both flights are pretty cheap considering Podgorica is around 1500 miles (2414 km) from London! Generally, you can find cheaper flights if they have unfavourable conditions like a couple of airport transfers or a long delay, hence why the second option is longer but cheaper.
Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Montenegro
Sourcing cheap flights used to take me days. I’m not kidding when I say I used to scroll endless websites looking for the cheapest flights, but thankfully things are far easier now! Making savings from the get-go is the ultimate way to kickstart a budget backpacking journey and flights are a good place to start. Check out my tips for finding cheap flights, and bookmark this blog to save my top tips below:
Use Comparison Sites
Speaking at festivals, travelling the world, and holding an online space for solo travellers means I get asked a lot of questions! One of the main ones is ‘how do you afford to travel so much?’. After a decade of exploring the planet, I’ve become a witty traveller, learning how to cut costs to fund other trips. One of my biggest tips is to use comparison websites! These cut the time it takes to find affordable flights, accommodation and more so you have free time to search the fun stuff like day trips, historical sites, and must-see hidden gems.
Keep Flexible
We all have a picture in our minds of how we want our adventures to go, but sometimes it’s good to be flexible. My favourite comparison site is Skyscanner because it lets me choose a range of airports and departure dates, making it easier to see the most affordable options. By considering various dates, departure, and arrival locations, I’m able to uncover the best prices in the country or surrounding countries to make my travels cheaper.
Avoid Peak Season
For me, peak season means packed planes, limited availability, and expensive flights. In Montenegro, the peak season spans July and August. To still catch pleasant, sunny weather, consider venturing to the country in September when days will be mild but travel costs significantly lower.
Use Flight Deals and Discounts
Signing up for flight deals and discount websites is a no-brainer and can quickly rack up points. These points can then transfer into flight discounts or even bag you an upgrade to first class! Online memberships offer exclusive savings on flights for little hassle– just get your email account ready for plenty of messages!
Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Montenegro?
Travellers with a valid passport or residency for Ireland, the USA, the UK, or Schengen countries don’t need a visa to explore Montenegro. You need to have a minimum of six months validity left on your passport beyond your departure date but that’s pretty much it– how easy!? It’s best to stay up to date with entry requirements on the run-up to your trip, and the UK’s GOV website is a great place to start for those travelling from Great Britain.
How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Montenegro?
So, you’ve chosen to take a solo trip to Montenegro but are unsure about the type of experience you desire. Do you want a fully planned trip with everything like flights, accommodation, activities and more arranged beforehand? Or would you prefer a social group trip with other travellers? Perhaps you’re completely on the other side of the table and want to arrange as little as possible and be spontaneous… Let's look at all the options.
Entire Planned Trip
Booking your entire trip means your holiday is shaped from the start, taking any guesswork out of hotel stays and activities. If this is your first solo trip, you may enjoy knowing exactly what’s happening and when. Take Jet2 package holidays for example. You can explore a range of trips online and choose the one that sounds most enjoyable for you! Check out the Jet2 solo travel discount using code SOLO30 to save £30 and book package trips for Montenegro.
Group Trip
A group trip is the ultimate way to meet other solo travellers and potentially make friends for life! I don’t usually book full group trips, but I’ve made lots of friends over the last decade of solo travelling the world. Often, we’d group for activities or hostel stays which saves money and gets everyone bonding! Group trips are the ideal opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, meet like-minded people and have a support network of other travellers to help boost your confidence abroad. Check out G Adventures group trips in Montenegro.
Flights and One Night Accommodation
For the spontaneous beans out there who love nothing more than adrenaline and adapting to different circumstances, booking only a flight and the first night’s accommodation might be your answer! Travelling this way is gutsy, and only something I could do after a few solo trips. Leaving yourself open to changing plans can be exhilarating and really makes you become a ‘yes’ person when accommodation or activities are offered last minute!
How To Book Hostels and Hotels in Montenegro
There is so much choice to suit all budgets when booking boutique hotels and budget hostels in Montenegro. I recommend using Booking.com and Hotels.com when searching for boutique and budget hotels as they have the best range, you can also find some great unique accommodations to make your trip even more memorable. If you're travelling on a budget or solo and want a more social experience, try booking backpacker hostels through Hostelworld to find the best prices. The ability to explore various date ranges, price brackets, and locations in one easy search makes finding hotel deals effortless. To find out more, check out my blog on hotel deal tips. Read on in this post for some specific hotel and hostel recommendations for each area.
Currency, Plugs And The Best Ways To Get Around Montenegro
Navigating Montenegro is best done via public transport. Buses and trains are affordable, timely, and safe– perfect for a solo Montenegro trip! You’ll need to pay with euros which is the country’s currency but may also find it useful to travel with a prepaid travel card able to hold several different currencies.
When it’s time to get packing (if you haven’t already started!) make sure your devices are compatible with plugs C and F. Type C is commonly used throughout Europe, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find adaptors if needed. Explore my top tips in detail on my ultimate packing guide.
Best Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Montenegro
I thrive on adventure, but when it comes to my well-being, I don't compromise. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance provides coverage in 175+ countries, and I have complete control over when my policy starts and stops at any time. They've recently expanded coverage to include adventure sports and electronics theft too. Think of it as your safety net, if something goes wrong its great to have back-up in case you get sick, injured or your kit gets damaged. I know how frustrating travel can be sometimes, so it's good to know that when things go wrong I've got a good insurance policy in my corner.
They also cover:
- Meals & accommodations if you have a travel delay over 12 hours
- Emergency dental care up to $1000
- Medical care including prescriptions, emergency care and hospital stays
- Coverage for lost checked luggage
- Flights home if something bad happens
- Continued coverage for visits back home
- Coverage for motor accidents
- Coverage for injuries from leisure sports & activities
Read my full blog post on Choosing Travel Insurance for Solo Female Travellers
Best eSIM For Travelling To Montenegro
I simply cannot imagine travelling as a solo female without accessing my mobile. I’m not the type who loves spending lots of time in front of a screen, but I recognise how important phones are for navigation, accessing funds, and getting in touch with others. Roaming costs in the UK are insanely expensive, so I dodge these using Holafly eSIMS.
My number one solo travel safety hack is eSIMs – they're a lifesaver for solo female travellers who want to feel confident when travelling alone. As a solo female traveller, staying connected using the best eSIM for travelling has meant I’ve been able to text, call, and use my phone for the internet worldwide. An eSIM is a digital SIM acting in the same way as a physical SIM, allowing you to activate a network plan and use your phone for texts, calls, and the internet. Differing from a physical SIM card, eSIMs are built into devices and simply require activating. You don’t need to order and wait for a physical card to arrive.
Why does this make solo travel safer? Because the second you touch down in a new destination you have access to the internet and can text/make calls. An eSIM is invaluable for solo travellers to be able to navigate & look up directions, find their hotel, book an Uber and stay connected with friends and family. Holafly are my go-to eSIM provider and I have a special discount code ABSOLUTELYLUCY for 5% off at Holafly – get yours now to prepare for first time solo travel.
Read my full blog post on the Best eSIM For Solo Female Travellers To Beat Roaming Charges for more information.
Is Montenegro A Good Place To Travel Solo?
Before jetting across Europe or to the other side of the world, I complete lots of research. This means exploring the costs of flights, accommodation, food, transport, and how safe the country is for solo travel. I rank Montenegro as one of the safer places I’ve travelled to, with friendly locals helping shape my positive experience and plenty of other solo backpackers to bond with.
The best time to visit Montenegro is during spring or autumn when you can beat the heat but still enjoy mild days and abundant sun. It may be less travelled than countries like Croatia, but I met several backpackers which fuelled my confidence as a solo female. It’s still advisable to be cautious of pickpockets and scams, especially during peak season, but otherwise, I felt completely at ease in Montenegro.
Should I Go To Montenegro On My First Solo Trip?
Taking the plunge to solo travel Montenegro will expose you to a land with nature’s finest offerings. Imagine clear water with a turquoise hue, scaling mountains, and friendly locals who want to smile and chat until the sun goes down! It’s an ideal location for your first solo trip if you want to head further afield than France or Spain, but still want to remain in Europe.
The country almost has an untouched feel. The cities are established and bustling, but it doesn’t take long to venture to the coast and lose yourself in blushing horizon sunsets with nothing but the sound of waves. It’s also near-definite you’ll meet other solo travellers in Montenegro, especially in the capital, Podgorica. You can make friends and take part in some activities together to ease you into life away from the comfort of home.
Is Montenegro Expensive For A Solo Traveller?
An overseas trip can be as cheap or expensive as you want. If, like me, you’re a solo backpacker looking for an epic trip on a budget, there are a few ways to make things cheaper. Use comparison sites for flights and accommodation to grab the best deals, travel during off-peak season, and stick as closely as possible to a pre-arranged budget to help curb overspending. With these tips under your belt, you can save hundreds on your trip, but let’s take a closer look at a month’s spending in Montenegro.
One Month In Montenegro
One Way Flight | £60 |
Accommodation | £450 (hostels) |
Food | £300 (limited restaurant visits) |
Activities | £200 (depending on activity type) |
Transport | £100 (buses) |
Total | £1210 |
Looking at the above rough estimate for 30 days in Montenegro, it’s far more affordable than many other European countries! This is largely due to cheap flights, hostel accommodation, and limited activities and restaurant visits. It’s tempting to dive into every activity and tour in Montenegro but this will blow your budget in no time! Read my blog for the ultimate tips on saving money and discover how I’ve managed to solo travel for 10 years.
Is Montenegro Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?
After spending time in Asia, America, and Europe, I’ve concluded that solo female travelling boosts confidence and growth like nothing else. I’ve had my fair share of nervous situations when travelling, whether it be unfriendly looks from locals or taking the wrong turn on my way back to a hostel. But over the years I’ve learned key ways of keeping myself as safe as possible while having a great time too.
I rank Montenegro highly as a safe country for solo female travellers as locals were always friendly (some even spoke English), bus public transport was dependable, and I didn’t feel unsafe, even at the beach alone. I do think it’s sensible to stay alert and aware as a solo female, regardless of location. Read more in-depth about my solo female travelling journey and save the posts to access top tips whenever you want.
Which Part Of Montenegro Is Best For Solo Female Travellers?
It’s challenging to select just one location as the best part of Montenegro, but for me, it has to be the fortified town of Kotor, situated on the coast with endless winding streets and historic structures.
Kotor
Why was I instantly captivated by Kotor? The indescribable beauty of the UNESCO Bay of Kotor, the dramatic cliff backdrop, the Old Town with expansive views of turquoise waters below, and St. Tryphon Cathedral are just a selection!
- Hotel: Hotel Splendido
- Hostel: Majka Guest House
- Best things to do in Kotor
Make sure you read my blog on 20 Amazing Things To Do In Kotor, Montenegro before you visit! If you're looking for restaurant recommendations, check this blog post on the 10 Best Restaurants in Kotor, Montenegro
Where Are The Best Places For Solo Travel In Montenegro?
Key considerations I look for when searching for the best places to solo travel are based on safety, activities, and distance away from my accommodation. Five locations jump out as the perfect spots for solo backpackers in Montenegro that you won’t want to miss.
Kotor
Instead of me trying to explain the incredible vast scenes of Kotor, travel the Serpentine Road. Composed of just over 8 km of pure twists and bends, the road spans up the mountainous framework of Kotor, unleashing spectacular views of the water, town, and distant mountains rising from the shore. Kotor’s cultural diversity and rich history are unveiled in the Old City and numerous historical sites.
- Hotel: Apartments Babilon
- Hostel: Stranger Tides Hostel
Budva
For a full experience of Montenegrin culture and history, look no further than Budva. The town lies on crystal waters where tourists can dip their toes before heading off for fresh seafood, sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
- Hotel: Hotel Admiral
- Hostel: Freedom Hostel
- Best things to do in Budva
Perast
The town of Perast is only a few km from Kotor and almost has an Italian feel during the summer with mind-blowing views and gentle cobalt waters. Take a peaceful boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks and enjoy local legends and a historic church before delving into the town’s history in the Perast Museum on the waterfront.
Lake Skadar
Lake Skadar is a big highlight of my trip. Home to breathtaking natural diversity, visitors can hike and explore wild terrain home to nearly 300 bird species and wild Montenegrin beauty. Take a guided sightseeing tour to learn more about the hotspot habitat for animals, trees, and flowers while breathing the purest air.
Durmitor National Park
North Montenegro is home to the Durmitor National Park– a must-visit for travellers wanting full immersion into the country’s wild natural environment. Boasting outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, and water sports, it’s the perfect place to let your hair down and go head-first into something new and exciting!
How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling To Montenegro?
Montenegro is a less popular European destination for travellers, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be completely alone on your adventure! You’ll still find other backpackers, especially if you stay in hostels and take part in group activities. Travelling solo pulls you out of your shell but if you get shy around new people, here are some key tips to help:
Be Brave and Get Out There!
The greatest conversations start with one word, so be brave, take the plunge, and strike up a chat with a fellow backpacker! You don’t need to feel 100% confident, but a smile, wave, and greeting can be the start of something magic, so don’t let your nerves win.
Wear Confidence
After 10 years of travelling the globe solo, my confidence has sky-rocketed, but it hasn’t always been this way. I know exactly how it feels to get wobbly knees and butterflies in your belly at the sight of a new conversation with someone, but my biggest advice is to fake it until you make it! Wear confidence like it’s your favourite pair of jeans and strike up that conversation like you were born to do it. I promise it gets easier and you’ll find your way as soon as the chat flows.
Carry Conversation Starters
Having some reserved conversation starters is a game-changer and something that helps me come out of my bubble! Think of questions like ‘where have you travelled from?’, ‘what are your future travel plans?’, ‘what activities are you doing?’ and you’ll be off to a flying start. Read more tips on travelling by yourself.
