First-Time #Solo Travelers in #Europe: 41 Tips to Make the Most of Your Experience
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| Ultimate Guide to #Solo #Travel in #Europe – Safety, Budget & Experiences |
Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Europe – Safety, Budget & Experiences
I can highly recommend the wonders of traveling alone in Europe if you're looking for life experiences that will make you laugh, cry, throw up, and be incredibly annoying at parties.
I mean, traveling alone across Europe? Without anyone to guide or pester? It's thrilling. It gives you power. Oh! And how am I going to forget? It's frightening. Extremely frightening.
When I embarked on my first solo European adventure at the naive age of 21, that's what I believed anyhow. After nearly ten years of traveling alone, I've been scammed, lost, lonely, and on1., at two in the morning, I mysteriously broke out in hives in a hotel without a window in Bulgaria.
To sum up, traveling alone in Europe is an adventure. But one that is both terrifying and transformative.
How can we best combat the fear? Get ready! And study! If I haven't scared you away yet, you're very close to a comprehensive list of all the advice and essentials I wish I had known before my first trip to Europe alone. Fortunately, you're here. Think of it as a collection of lessons learned from my mistakes so you don't have to.
Even so, I'm still unsure of the source of the hives.
In any case, here is a list of my top suggestions for traveling alone in Europe. If you want to cover other essentials that I haven't had time to, check out my general tips for traveling in Europe. In spite of everything, I do have more to say about this subject. Crazy.
Put this list of tips for traveling alone in Europe away for later!
You'll be happy you did.
1. Determine your fears and gain self-assurance well in advance of your trip.
Okay, let's begin with the fundamentals. When it comes to traveling alone, the most crucial thing is to boost your confidence as much as you can before you leave.
And in order to accomplish that, we must play the incredibly entertaining game Confronting All of Our Anxieties! Cheers.
To be honest, each traveler will have varying levels of comfort and anxiety when it comes to traveling alone. Some people may fear being seen as isolated. Some people may be afraid to navigate alone. Others, like me, worry that when nature calls at coffee shops, no one will be around to watch their laptop.
The point is that everyone has different fears when it comes to traveling alone, and the simplest way to get ready for this is to write down your biggest fears and gain confidence around people in a more comfortable setting.
For example, if getting around and navigating is your biggest source of anxiety, you can practice your navigation skills by going on smaller, local adventures.
Another option is to visit your hometown for a solo meal or museum if you're anxious about going out alone.
You'll be fine if you prepare for your first solo trip by gaining confidence in the areas that make you anxious.
Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in #Europe – Safety, Budget & Experiences
2. Choose the type of solo trip you wish to take.
The days of "solo travel" only involving backpacking and sharing a room with 17 of your new best friends are long gone.
Yes, traveling alone in Europe can be that" but if you don't want to deal with the logistics, you can also take a group tour (such as with Trafalgar or Contiki). Or booking a room at a five-star hotel to enjoy a spa weekend by yourself. Or walking 30,000 steps a day while lodging in a moderate hotel until you're hobbling back to your bed.
When it comes to solo travel, the possibilities are endless, so before you begin organizing, consider what your dream solo trip might entail so that you can make the necessary arrangements.
3. When choosing your first European solo travel destinations, use strategy.
The next big decision is where to go on your first solo trip in Europe.
There may be some places that are more "beginner-friendly" for first-time solo travelers, even though I strongly believe in just going where you want to go. Which ones to pick, however, will depend once more on our favorite conversation topic: your particular fears! Cheers.
For example, a larger city like London might be a good fit if you're concerned about being seen as lonely. There, you can enjoy the limitless anonymity of the thousands of people who are out and about alone.
Choose a location that isn't too different from your familiar surroundings or where you can communicate in the local language if you're afraid of being overwhelmed by change (for example, if you're from a big city, choose another big city).
Nordic nations like Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland are more beginner-friendly solo travel destinations if safety is a concern.
To put it simply, lists of the "best solo travel destinations in Europe" are highly subjective, and the first two factors that will determine which one is best for you are a) your bucket list and b) the fears you wish to allay.
4. Discover the benefits and drawbacks of various forms of solo accommodations.
You have just as many lodging options in Europe if you're traveling alone as if you were with friends or a significant other.
Nevertheless, choosing the appropriate lodging for your trip is crucial, so here are some recommendations based on firsthand knowledge.
Dorms are the best option if you want to meet new people while traveling. Don't worry if you prefer privacy; a lot of hostels now offer single rooms so you can enjoy the social vibe without having to listen to a snoring symphony every night.
In fact, many hotels in Europe offer single rooms for less than double rooms, so if you're not too concerned about meeting new people and are more concerned with comfort at the end of the day, that might be a great option if you want a hotel experience without having to pay for a giant room.
NOTE: You can find the ideal location by using my tried-and-true strategy for locating inexpensive hotels in Europe.
Last but not least are vacation rentals such as Airbnb. Since there are many more requirements than at hostels or hotels, such as meeting your host or possibly sharing a room with them and other guests, I don't think Airbnbs are ideal for solo travelers.
In my opinion, more conventional lodging options like hotels and hostels feel safer, and since Airbnb has some ridiculous fees these days, I would stay with hotels or hostels if at all possible.
5. Give priority to lodging in crowded areas.
Booking lodging in a busy area is another crucial piece of advice for single travelers. By doing this, you can steer clear of awkward situations like returning home alone at night when no one else is around.
Additionally, make sure to conduct some research in advance to determine which areas of the city are safer, then give priority to finding lodging there.
Because Booking.com offers a fun map view that lets me view options by neighborhood, I enjoy using it to search for hotels.
6. To reserve hostels, use Hostelworld.
But I suggest using Hostelworld specifically for hostels.
They were my go-to when I was living in a hostel, and now they have a lot of cool new features like group chats that let you talk to other hostel residents at the same time. How many awkward conversations could I have avoided if I had done this? Sincerely, I'm upset that this didn't exist when I was alive.
However, if you don't care about Hostelworld's extra features, be aware that booking directly with the hostel is almost always less expensive. In order to avoid paying additional fees, the majority of hostels will provide a perk, such as a complimentary breakfast, in exchange for direct reservations.
7. Make sure your data plan is sound.
I believe that having data access is essential when it comes to must-haves before your trip, not only for useful purposes like using navigation and translation apps, but also to stay safe and in touch with loved ones.
Purchasing a local SIM card might be a wise decision if your phone plan does not offer a robust international option. You can actually purchase a SIM card in any EU nation and use it throughout the EU and some other countries without incurring roaming fees because of EU-wide roaming waivers.
Very useful if you intend to travel to many different countries!
8. Obtain a credit card that is travel-friendly.
A good credit card that you can use overseas is another essential.
This, in my opinion, is particularly crucial for lone travelers since, should your domestic cards fail, you will have no one to extort money from. To put it another way, you're in serious trouble if your cards don't work.
NOTE: In the event that your credit card is stolen, you have more recourse against fraudulent charges if you have a credit card rather than a debit card. Additionally, I've discovered that credit cards—especially well-known brands like Visa or Mastercard—are more widely accepted.
9. Always plan to arrive during the day.
Another crucial piece of advice for solo travelers is to arrange your travel days so that you reach new locations during the day.
Because in the dark, what appears more frightening and stressful? Everything. Everything, everything.
Therefore, don't schedule your arrival for the evening. If necessary, make the additional payment! It will be worthwhile.
10. At the beginning of your journey, treat yourself.
My general rule is to always treat yourself at the beginning of your trip rather than saving it for the end "as a treat" if you're nervous about traveling alone.
This is due to the fact that once you get there, you'll always be the most anxious, so if there's a chance to pay for a cab or get some rest, it's now.
I promise that after you get out of your bags and get some rest, you'll feel a lot more confident.
11. Depending on the nation, treat yourself to first class train travel.
Alright, here's another slightly boujee tip, but pay attention.
Some train systems (like the German and French train systems) have first class trains with single seats that you can reserve, which is a great tip for traveling alone. If you want to spread out without worrying about bumping into someone else, this is perfect. It's fantastic and well worth the investment, particularly for longer trips.
Additionally, I think first-class cars are generally safer. More information is available in my guide on traveling by train in Europe.
12. Remain near couples and families.
One way I always find comfort is by staying close to couples and families, whether you're deciding where to sit on a bus or train or just feeling unsure while visiting a new place.
I'm not saying that every family and couple is flawless, but in general, I feel comfortable asking a mother to watch my belongings while I go to the restroom. I haven't been misled yet by this!
13. Make sure you are well-versed in your routes beforehand.
Now, if you intend to walk a lot while traveling alone in Europe (which, of course, you are), I must be obnoxious and remind you that you are responsible for your own navigation, so make sure to pack appropriately.
Here are some helpful tips for navigating solo like an expert:
Before you arrive, use Google Street View to get a sense of your route.
By entering "ok maps" into the search bar, you can download the Google Map of your destination so you can use it offline in the event that you run out of data.
Use Google Maps to mark your lodging so you can always remember its location.
When you check in, ask for a business card or something similar so you have the address of your lodging in case your phone is lost or stolen.
For offline use, download the local language from Google Translate in case you need to translate signs, ask for directions, or do anything similar. For additional suggestions, make sure to review my list of travel apps for Europe.
14. Bring light.
Having to carry your bags by yourself is one of the biggest problems of traveling alone in Europe, especially for weak-armed gremlins like me.
Even though strangers' generosity can occasionally make a big difference, you're better off assuming that you'll always have to carry all of your bags by yourself.
This endeavor can become particularly challenging if you're taking public transportation, as carrying several suitcases on and off buses and metros is one of the most dreadful and sweatiest things in the world.
15. Bring a journal or book.
Having a book or journal close at hand for those brief moments of solitude is always a good idea for people who are afraid of being left alone with their thoughts.
… which, incidentally, can happen often when you're traveling alone in Europe!
Keep a book or journal with you at all times (or engage in another solitary activity you enjoy) as I find that it feels much better than aimlessly scrolling through your phone.
NOTE: Although I adore printed books, an e-reader is a far more practical use of space if you're going on a lengthy trip. I adore my Kobo e-reader because it allows me to check out eBooks for free by connecting it to my library card, which is a great travel hack.
If you want to make friends eventually, you should think about bringing a social item in addition to solitary activities. An excellent icebreaker is a deck of cards or an entertaining, simple game!
16. Carry a portable charger.
Another essential item for traveling alone in Europe?
juice.
Not the type of drinking. The chargey type. These days, having internet and phone access is crucial, particularly when you're alone.
Therefore, having a portable power source is crucial. For example, this is the thinnest one available.
17. Bring an outlet extender or plug.
A plug or outlet extender of some sort should also be taken into consideration if you intend to stay in a hostel.
An outlet extender can be a lifesaver because there are frequently not enough outlets to go around, which can be problematic if you need to charge your phone, laptop, camera, etc.
18. Bring high-quality headphones that can block out noise.
Although I don't typically buy pricey equipment, these headphones are among my most cherished travel accessories and are well worth the investment.
Baby, are you screaming on the plane? blockedBlocked.ur neighbor snoring? BLOCKED.
Outside my window is a boisterous street party? Blocked! In a lovely way.
I'm not being dramatic when I say that investing in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones will truly make your trip more enjoyable.
NOTE: Avoid wearing your headphones at full volume when you're out in public for safety reasons.
Joe Jackson's Unsplash photo
19. Developing a friendship? First impressions are very important.
Now, let's discuss some social advice for traveling alone.
When it comes to meeting new people, the most crucial (and annoying) fact to remember is that first impressions count.
Therefore, be extremely conscious of the first impression you give off when you enter unfamiliar settings, such as a hostel or a tour.
It will be extremely difficult for you to change the perception and make friends after your caffeine has taken effect if you come across as a cold, mean person right away. Being amiable and approachable from the start will greatly simplify your life.
20. Put on a recognizable icebreaker.
Here's a solo travel tip that will help you make friends if you're a shy person.
Just wear or carry something that suggests a hobby or passion of yours, like a pin on your bag or a sticker on your laptop. In this manner, people who share your interests will find you. Cheers.
21. Make reservations for (specialized) guided tours to network.
Apart from hostels, I've discovered that guided tours are the best way to meet new people. This is especially true for tours that bring like-minded people together, like a tour of X filming locations or an activity where you have things in common, like a cooking class.
NOTE: You can also try Bumble BFF and Facebook groups.
22. Offer to take someone's picture if you're unsure.
I'm going to share a secret with you now.
One of the simplest tips for traveling alone is to offer to take a stranger's picture when you're in a touristy area if you want to engage with them in a non-weird way!
Selecting someone who is most likely alone or with a group of friends is crucial in this situation. Offering to take a picture is a simple way to start a conversation and, at the very least, get a nice picture of yourself. Win twice.
23. Make suggestions as a way to start a conversation.
Asking someone for their opinion from a curious point of view and receiving recommendations is another tactic to use if you're at a loss for something to say.
For example, "Oh, I actually just arrived yesterday!" is always an option. What suggestions do you have for x?”
Individuals enjoy sharing their knowledge, and this is a simple method to start a conversation. You could also start discussing other suggestions you've heard from people and perhaps propose that you do it together if the vibe is right.
24. Keep an open mind about who you choose to be friends with.
Finally, regarding friends, I want to stress how crucial it is to have an open mind when traveling alone.
The harsh reality is that you will likely only see a small portion of the friends you make when traveling alone again. Therefore, don't be scared to start a conversation with someone you wouldn't necessarily befriend back home, whether it's because of age or interest differences. After all, you're not necessarily looking for lifelong friends.
This is how I've met some of my most pleasant people when traveling alone!
For me, inanimate statues are definitely not off the table.
25. Always research local scams.
Let's now discuss some safety advice for traveling alone. The first is to learn everything there is to know about local scams.
The fact is that there will almost certainly be a scam or two wherever you go in Europe. What is the other truth? You can probably Google these scams to find out everything you need to know.
Do your homework in advance and ensure that you are aware of the typical scams in the area you are visiting. My pickpocket-avoidance guide for Europe might be a good place to start.
NOTE: You should also know which parts of your destination are rough and should be avoided. Even though I believe that rumors of dangerous places are frequently exaggerated, it's always better to be safe than sorry when traveling alone.
26. Be confident as you move around.
One more thing solo travelers need to know?
No matter how nervous, scared, or lost you are, always walk around with confidence and a purpose. You are less likely to have to deal with unwanted attention if you appear more confident.
Instead of stopping in the middle of the road in a state of confusion, pull over somewhere safe if you absolutely need to check something on your phone or look at your map.
BONUS TIP: When traveling alone, some people swear by wearing a wedding ring to deflect attention from possible suitors.
27. Update a family member on your plans.
Making sure someone at home is aware of your destination is another crucial piece of advice for safe solo travel. Along with giving someone a copy of your itinerary, you should also periodically check in to make sure everything is going well.
However, if that sounds too hands-on, you can also investigate apps that make it simple to share your location, such as with
The iPhone's built-in "Find My" app, which is incredibly easy to use
Life360 is a location-sharing app that lets trusted people know where you are.
28. If you are meeting someone in public, choose a public setting.
Now that most of us are probably over the whole "never trust strangers from the Internet" thing, I'm here to give you some practical advice: if you're traveling alone, it's acceptable to meet a date or friends from an online group, but if you do, please make sure you're meeting them in a public place.
It's always better to be safe than sorry when traveling alone, regardless of how long you've been talking, how many times you've Facetimed, or whether you've already declared your love for one another.
So, have a public meeting. Once more, make sure to inform someone of your destination.
29. Avoid making real-time posts on social media.
Avoid updating your social media accounts in real-time; this is a frequently overlooked solo safety tip.
This implies that you should wait to post and tag a bar in Budapest if you're enjoying some amazing cocktails there until you've moved on.
Or, if you've just gotten to your hotel, this means that you shouldn't display your room number or the view from the balcony until check-out (I've actually seen people do this).
There are numerous explanations for this. First of all, even if your account is private, you can't be absolutely sure that all of your followers can be trusted with your precise location, particularly if you're traveling and your house is open to burglars.
Additionally, every time you use a location tag, your story (and consequently your location) becomes publicly visible to everyone on the planet if your account isn't private. which isn't really the safest way to live.
Thus, keep in mind to save the social media updates for later. You'll be able to live more in the present as well.
30. Don't get too wasted.
No, I haven't finished the buzzkill advice yet. Here's another: please take it in moderation.
Drinking alone is a surefire way to end badly, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area and don't know how to get around yet. If nothing else, reserve the big nights out for when you're more comfortable with your surroundings.
It goes without saying that you should never leave your drink alone.
31. Make backups of everything.
Then, in case your belongings are stolen, make sure you always have backups of everything, including copies of your passport and other important documents, as well as backup cards and cash kept in other bags.
Additionally, be sure to write down emergency phone numbers. In order to avoid being totally screwed in the unlikely event that it does occur, keep in mind that you should be actively planning for the worst case scenario.
The same idea holds true for backing up your images to Google Photos or iCloud in case your phone is stolen or broken. You'll want those memories, I promise, so try to do this every day!
32. Take a screenshot of everything.
As part of the "worst case scenario" doom-thinking, here's another piece of advice: assume you won't have Internet.
The reason for this is that, at least for me, data has a way of magically exploding when I need it most.
So that you can access them even without an Internet connection, make sure you have screenshots of all your important reservations, tickets, addresses, etc.
33. For peace of mind, purchase travel insurance.
Of course, if we're going with the "worst case scenario" approach, then getting travel insurance is also a no-brainer.
Travel insurance is often offered as a benefit with travel-friendly credit cards, so make sure to check that out. My Amex card provides me with great insurance, which helps me save a lot of money on every trip.
I typically purchase a policy with WorldNomads for longer trips, and I've never experienced any problems with them.
34. Always carry a lock, and keep in mind that it's better to be safe than sorry.
These mini locks are one of my favorite small travel accessories; you can keep one in each bag and use them for a variety of purposes, such as locking up zippers in crowded places or for lockers in hostels.
As I previously stated, it's better to be safe than sorry when traveling alone in Europe. I realize this may sound excessively paranoid. No matter how cool and reliable your new friends seem, follow your instincts and make sure your belongings are securely locked up if something seems even the slightest bit off.
35. Master the art of taking your own pictures.
Nowadays, many people believe that solo travel will only result in a camera roll full of landscapes and selfies.
Believe me, I adore a good selfie, but there are a ton of amazing ways to take self-portraits when you're traveling alone!
There are many ways to take pictures of yourself, from compact tripods and selfie sticks like this one to simply resting your phone on a bench (obviously when no one else is around). You might as well get the shot, so be bold and keep in mind that no one will ever see you again.
NOTE: For this kind of self-photography, I find that getting up very early (sunrise) is perfect because no one else is around, and ultimately, there's nothing enjoyable about having your phone stolen while you're posing longingly.
36. Enjoy the benefits of traveling alone.
Another impromptu piece of advice for traveling alone? Keep in mind that traveling alone offers many special benefits that you should definitely take advantage of, such as getting the last discounted ticket to a play, being able to wait in single riders' lines at theme parks, or just having complete control over your daily schedule and what you eat and do.
Traveling alone is a wonderful gift, and your trip will be more rewarding the more you actively utilize its benefits.
37. Recognize that you will experience bad days.
However, traveling alone isn't always ideal.
There will be times during your solo trip when you wish you had someone to share it with, just as you might occasionally wish you were alone on a busy trip with family or friends. And it's all right!
Since traveling alone can frequently be an emotional rollercoaster, don't feel bad about having a bad day. Thinking you're stupid for complaining can sometimes make things ten times worse and send you into a negative guilt spiral.
Thus, allow yourself to mope when you're not feeling it. After getting some rest, you'll feel much better.
PS: You can get some much-needed rest without going over budget by using apps like DayUse, which let you reserve a hotel at a significantly reduced rate for the day rather than the night, if you truly need a break from hostel life (assuming you're going that route).
38. Rather than eating in, order takeout.
Getting takeout and enjoying it in a picturesque setting is one of my favorite solo travel dining tips.
This is a particularly useful tip if you feel uncomfortable eating by yourself at a restaurant—which you shouldn't, but still. Enjoying delicious food while surrounded by people is something I adore more than anything else, so make sure to take advantage of that trick and see what I mean.
39. Think about taking a seat at the bar.
Sitting at the bar when dining out is an additional option.
This makes it easier to start a conversation with the bartender or other customers.
40. Watch a ton of films and television series shot in your travel destinations.
I'll also add the entertaining tip of downloading movies and TV series shot in the locations you're visiting to your phone or laptop.
This not only offers you a ton of entertainment options for your evenings spent traveling alone, but it also turns into an enjoyable game of location recognition when you're out and about by yourself.
41. Finally, remain composed and laugh when things don't work out.
When traveling alone, the only thing that is guaranteed is that something will go wrong eventually. It's quite liberating to realize that this will eventually occur!
Keep in mind that your response to a situation is more important than the actual circumstance in the end. Simply practice laughing things off as a result.
Ultimately, travel either creates a memorable experience or a compelling narrative. You'll be successful if you see every setback as a story to be told in the future.