Skip to content Going on a trip alone is something that will enrich you with a life experience you are likely not to forget. The continent of Europe, with its ancient traditions, cultures, and beautiful scenery, is ideal for a single traveler.
Suppose you are new to solo traveling or a professional solo traveler. In that case, this guide informing all the basics and some details you may not have considered necessary for any single trip around Europe.
How and Why Solo Travel in Europe?
They are perfect for solo travelers because of their cultural and historical richness, in addition to the fact that the continent is rather easy to navigate. Even the transportation networks are well-developed within the continent, so there is ease in getting from one city to another.
It is very independent because one defines one’s rhythm, picks what to do, and is flexible in the activities to do, unlike involving a group. You will have the independence to enjoy beautiful and scenic countryside, picturesque villages, vibrant cities, and much more at your own pace.
Planning Your Solo Trip
Choosing Your Destinations
The first core aspect of any solo red-eyed plan entails choosing the destinations for the trip. Europe can be recommended for visiting, as there is everything, starting with the historical cities and finishing with the magnificent countryside.
Think about what kind of experience you are seeking: cultural, adventurous, restful, or both. Upon selecting several destinations, it is essential to gather information about the place’s attractions, weather, crime rates, and solo traveler accommodation.
Creating an Itinerary
When you are set on the places, it is now time to make a schedule/plan. It is best to plan for the trip in such a way that one can afford to be very flexible since unscheduled or unexpected occurrences also characterize field trips.
Never try to pack all activities into a day because, most of the time, this leads to exhaustion. Therefore, it is only appropriate to devote a considerable amount of time to each place and adequately appreciate it.
It is wise to employ travel planning apps that help keep track of the outline of travel and all the bookings, as well as other useful information to be noted.
Booking Accommodation
Accommodation is among the most significant decisions when traveling alone, for it determines how comfortable the journey will be. Search for areas that have a moderate level of risk, which are safe and comfortable, with opportunities for social contact.
You could go for hostels, guest houses, and small, select-service hotels since most of them have common sitting and dining areas where lonely souls can socially interact. Also, many hotels and rental rooms have probably received commendations from other lone travelers regarding their friendly reception.
Traveling alone is thrilling and can be challenging at times, especially if you are a solo traveler.
Security should always be a priority for anyone who is traveling alone.
Safety Tips for Solo Travelers
Safety is a top priority when traveling solo. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Always try to look around, especially in crowded places and regions that are not well known.
Secure Your Belongings
Carry anti-theft bags and ensure that your cash and other valuable items are stored within your reach.
Share Your Itinerary
Inform someone you trust your traveling schedule. Often, call to let them know that you are still alive.
Trust Your Instincts
Lastly, if you ever feel uncomfortable in any way, then do not hesitate to get out of that environment.
Stay Connected
Make sure your phone has enough battery charge and carry a spare charger. Ensure the emergency contacts are signed up and within reach.
How To Navigate in Europe?
Public Transportation
Cities across Europe have a well-developed public transportation system, with many modes of transport available for travelers crossing the cities and countries. Buses, trams, and trains are functional and can be relied on to offer the transport services required.
It is recommended that you buy a Eurail Pass if you will be traveling a lot on trains. Taking public transport not only costs you less but also exposes you to different parts of the city’s life.
Renting a Car
If you want more freedom and to go where the guidebooks don’t point you, then consider a car rental. This is good for the countryside and those areas that have good scenery when driving. You must ensure that you acquaint yourself with the traffic regulations within that country/region as well as the road signs.
While renting a car could prove to be costly compared to other means of transport, it provides the convenience of moving about at your own pace.
Budgeting for Your Trip
Budgeting is a significant component of tourism since it is the key factor in the differentiation between leisure and business trips. Act in a financially responsible manner and calculate your purchases in advance so that you do not spend more money than you earn.
Consider the following:
Accommodation
Find general information and check the offered price for various categories of accommodations.
Transportation
People should consider low-cost modes of transport, such as low-cost carrier airlines, railways, and road transport by passenger buses.
Food
Reduce the amount of money spent on meals and snacks by buying food from the market, the roadside, and cheap eateries.
Attractions
Search for free or cheaper tickets as it can often be possible for museums and other attractions. One should also buy city passes if you want to make even further savings.
Packing Essentials
One can easily avoid checking in luggage when traveling alone and ensure that it is easy to move around. Here are some essentials to include:
Clothing
Bring a wardrobe from which clothes can be put on over the other. Think about the hard climate of the places you will be traveling to.
Footwear
Well, this depends on the site, but it goes without saying that shoes for walking are needed. Bring a set of formal footwear for the formal occasions in the evening.
Travel Documents
Always have your passport, visa, travel insurance, and any other essential documents with you, and rate papers stored securely while being easily accessible.
Toiletries
Pack in small travel amounts of shampoo, toothpaste, soap, etc., and a small first aid kit.
Tech Gear
Phone, phone charger, power bank, and any adapters should not be forgotten while packing.
Cultural Tips and Etiquette
The information about local customs should be considered when traveling individually. Here are some general tips:
Learn Basic Phrases
Since people appreciate the effort foreigners put into learning their language, one or two phrases should be learned in the local language.
Dress Appropriately
Always dress properly, especially when you visit religious institutions.
Be Punctual
Hence, punctuality is an essential quality, as several European countries expect and highly regard it. Ensure that you are punctual for appointments and also while taking a tour.
Respect Local Customs
It is good to learn and observe the cultural practices, cultural beliefs, and etiquette of the society.
Making the Most of Your Solo Experience
Meeting People
However, this does not imply that a single person has to travel this way alone. Here are some ways to meet people:
Stay in Social Accommodations
Select hostels or guesthouses that have spaces where travelers come together to socialize.
Join Tours and Activities
Eating out, group trips and any other organized activities are wonderful ways for people with similar interests to interact easily.
Use Social Media and Apps
For instance, there are such communities as Meetup and Couchsurfing that contain events and meetups for travelers.
Staying Connected
It is good to remain in touch with friends and relatives back home. Here are some tips:
Use Wi-Fi
Most cafés, restaurants, and accommodation places offer free Wi-Fi to their customers. It was also used for communication with other people, although today, for this purpose, we can easily use such services as e-mail, for example.
Get a Local SIM Card
If you need a local SIM card to use for data and local calls, it will be wise to purchase the local SIM card. This is cheaper than international roaming charges, for instance, in the case of communications.
Share Your Experiences
Carry a travel diary or record your experience and engage with the people on your social accounts.
Top Destinations for Solo Travelers in Europe
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is truly a fascinating city to visit, with a long history that is very much alive. The medieval Old Town is a must; Auditorium; Edinburgh Castle; Walk down the Royal mile.
The city is really safe and friendly for a solo traveler; the amount of cozy cafés and kind people is enough to keep you comfortable.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna, also known as ‘The City of Music,’ is famous for its architectural beauty, classical music, and coffee. Tour some of the largest palaces, watch a concert, and rest at one of the numerous parks in the city.
Vienna also has an efficient means of public transport; hence, one does not find it difficult to move around.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a colorful city of districts, trams with history, and mouth-watering food. Walk along the old streets of Alfama, see the Belem Tower, and enjoy the great nightlife. It is, therefore, a recommended destination for solo travelers, especially because the people of Lisbon are welcoming.
Florence, Italy
Florence is a veritable museum wherein art and history are actually alive. While staying at the given destinations, it is possible to visit the famous museums of Florence, see the architectural masterpiece, the Duomo, and go for a romantic walk on the Arno River.
One advantage of the activities in Florence is that the city is not very big and the people are very friendly; thus, you can move around the city on your own.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen has a distinct modern design of buildings and several parks, and it is a city that is based on bicycles. Watching the beauty of Nyhavn harbor, tasting the local beer, going to the famous Tivoli Gardens, and cycling around the city are also suggested. It is literally safe for one to travel alone, with Copenhagen embracing solo travelers.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a place where tradition and modernity complement each other; it is old and new. Tour around Berlin with a strong feel, shop at the famous Berlin Wall, visit the Museum Island, and experience the vibrant nightlife.
It is easy to get to Berlin, and most of the residents are friendly; thus, Berlin is ideal for single travelers.
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki is a breathtaking city with sea views revered for design, buildings, and a number of opportunities to be active outdoors. Also, visit the architecturally beautiful Helsinki Cathedral, the special Suomenlinna fortress, and take a boat tour through the archipelago region.
Helsinki is safe and rather small for a big city, which makes it rather comfortable for a solo traveler.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s capital city is Reykjavik, which is a hub that leads to some fascinating geophysical landmarks. Stroll around typical streets of Reykjavik, see the church Hallgrimskirkja, and take a balneal cure in the Blue Lagoon. Therefore, Iceland is one of the safest places in the world for solo travelers, and Reykjavik is among the world’s safest cities.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is well-recognized for its canals, museums, and active nightlife. Boat ride through the canals, the museum of Vincent van Gogh, and the house where Anne Frank lived, hidden from nazi occupation. Due to its small area and welcoming people, traveling to the city is perfect even if you travel alone.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic,’ is one of the most picturesque cities near the sea and has a historical background. Take a stroll to the historical city walls, visit the sightseeing Old Town, and take a tour on a boat to the island nearby.
Dubrovnik is safe, and solo travel to the city is indeed historically exciting.
