Many individuals are intimated by the considered solo journey however loads of individuals journey alone in Europe. In actual fact, my first backpacking Europe journey was a solo journey and I’ve now accomplished 10+ solo journeys to Europe. And whereas I used to be somewhat anxious at first, I now discover touring alone to be a brilliant rewarding expertise.
And whereas touring alone does have some downsides, I nonetheless wholeheartedly endorse solo journey to anybody.
On this information, I’ll train you the best way to journey solo in Europe—together with the positives and negatives, the best way to meet individuals, the best way to keep protected, the best way to combat loneliness, and loads of different sensible recommendation for profiting from your solo travels.
Word: On the lookout for female-specific recommendation — try our Information To Solo Journey For Ladies in Europe.
The Finest Issues About Solo Journey In Europe
Solo journey has at all times been a distinct segment fashion of journey (try the r/SoloTravel subreddit) but it surely actually began booming alongside the surge of post-pandemic journey (Kayak’s Journey Pattern Report states that single-person ticket gross sales are up by 36% in comparison with 2022). Many main information publications have additionally just lately written about the advantages of touring alone—The Solo Journey-Discover at Your Personal Tempo – NY Occasions, How (and Why) to Journey Alone – Vox, and Solo Journey: Why Extra Individuals Are Doing It – BBC.
Let’s leap straight into a few of the finest issues about touring alone (don’t fear, I’ll cowl the downsides within the subsequent part).
Simpler To Merely Get Began
I’ve met numerous individuals who have postpone journey for five or 10 years as a result of they couldn’t discover somebody to journey with.
Taking a visit to Europe is an enormous dedication. It takes numerous money and time. Making an attempt to coordinate schedules and budgets of a number of individuals is usually sufficient to delay (and even forestall) the beginning of a visit.
And each group appears to have one one who can’t commit or cancels final minute—which might throw a wrench into your entire journey earlier than it even begins.
However with solo journey, all it’s a must to do is purchase that ticket and also you’re in your manner.
Full Management Of Your Day
Touring alone lets you be in complete management so you are able to do no matter you need, everytime you need. You’ll be able to eat at any time when, see no matter, and go wherever you need.
Really feel like sleeping in? You bought it.
Wish to simply stroll for hours? Go for it.
You’ll be able to’t absolutely admire this freedom till you journey with different individuals.
Meals Freedom
From my expertise, selecting the place to eat is likely one of the most demanding elements of touring with different individuals—particularly if you’re touring with a bigger group of individuals.
Once you journey alone you possibly can select precisely the place to eat and also you don’t have to fret about splitting payments and ensuring you receives a commission again.
Eating alone also can aid you get seated sooner if the restaurant has seats on the bar.
Select Your Itinerary
Making an attempt to get a complete group of individuals to comply with an itinerary may cause numerous fiction.
Some individuals love the seashore. Others love metropolis adventures. Some individuals wish to journey cheaply and others wish to drop numerous money. Some wish to cease at each memento store and others wish to spend their days in museums. Inevitably, these misaligned journey types issues trigger stress and battle.
Solo journey lets you do stuff you wish to do. You don’t have to reply to anybody else. In a gaggle, everybody has their very own concepts of what to see and this may trigger numerous conflicts.
No Arguments
Journey is demanding. And also you often take out that stress in your journey companions. This could trigger riffs between you and your journey associate or riffs inside a bigger group.
I discover myself getting a lot much less confused when I’m touring alone… as a result of I’m not going to argue with myself.
Complete Focus
There isn’t a one to “distract” you if you’re touring solo. You’re completely centered on no matter it’s you’re experiencing.
An Alternative To Reinvent Your self
You might be whoever you wish to be if you journey alone. Solo journey offers you an opportunity to shake off the “outdated you” and take a look at being another person for some time.
Meet New Individuals
Teams are inclined to unknowingly put up a “wall” between themselves and different vacationers—which regularly prevents them from making mates with different individuals.
I’ve additionally discovered that solo vacationers have a tendency to fulfill different solo vacationers—particularly for those who’re staying in a hostel.
No Massive Group Points
Touring in a big group poses different points {that a} small group received’t expertise.
One of many greatest points is discovering a desk at eating places as a result of reservations for greater than 4 individuals is usually a problem. In actual fact, even a reservation for 4 individuals might be a lot more durable than a gaggle of two.
Even discovering two and three-bedroom rental properties might be troublesome.
Massive teams additionally stand out so that you’re more likely to be pegged for vacationers.
An Alternative For Self-Progress
Most solo vacationers discover that self-growth is the best long-term good thing about touring to Europe alone. You be taught that you may depend on your self. You be taught that you may determine stuff out whereas on the street. You develop self-confidence after determining a troublesome drawback.
In the long run, you turn out to be a stronger particular person.
Disadvantages of Solo Journey
I’d be mendacity if I stated that solo journey was at all times superb—as a result of it’s not. And generally it sort of sucks.
However I’ve additionally discovered the difficulties of solo journey find yourself being essentially the most rewarding experiences.
Consuming Alone
Many individuals really feel actually uncomfortable consuming alone—particularly in eating places. It isn’t dangerous for breakfast and lunch however dinners do get somewhat lonely.
If truth be told, consuming alone isn’t practically as awkward as we expect will probably be… however, given the selection, I’d nonetheless quite eat with somebody than eat alone.
Undesirable Isolation
Solo journey might be isolating. And each solo traveler will expertise bouts the place they need that they had somebody to hang around with.
I keep in mind my very first night time of solo touring. I used to be in Dublin and the hostel was overrun by a big group of Spanish college students. didn’t meet any English audio system that first night time so it was fairly lonely. I used to be additionally a brand new traveler so I used to be fairly timid. Fortunately, events like this have been fairly uncommon.
However, I nonetheless discover going to bars alone to be intimidating.
No “Buddy System”
Having somebody to share your recollections with might be good—particularly if everybody travels properly with one another.
Touring with a pal additionally helps with different practicalities like having somebody watch your luggage, watch your drinks, save your seat, aid you clear up an issue, and so on.
Too Many Selfies
Most of my journey pictures are selfies. Minor concern however all of your pictures begin trying the identical after some time. In fact, you possibly can ask strangers to take your picture however that additionally will get outdated (and other people take actually dangerous pictures).
Basic Security
Europe is a really protected place for solo vacationers however there may be at all times security in numbers regardless of the place you go.
Then again, touring with a big group makes you stand out as a bunch of vacationers—which brings one other host of points. I’ve written extra about security as a solo traveler additional down on this article.
No “Single’s Tax”
Solo journey might be costlier (on a per-person foundation) than touring with a gaggle since you’re not capable of cut up some journey prices—notably lodge rooms/rental residences and meals. For instance, splitting the price of a lodge room between two individuals is a big cash saver.
Ideas On How To Journey Alone Efficiently
Now that we’ve coated the positives and negatives of solo journey, let’s check out some ideas that will help you efficiently journey alone.
Take into account Staying In Hostels
Hostel life isn’t for everybody but it surely’s a wonderful method to be immediately linked with different vacationers (particularly different solo vacationers).
Hostels have modified rather a lot prior to now 5-10 years. Europe now has a variety of higher-end hostels so many really feel extra like boutique inns than the stereotypical funds backpacker flops of yesteryear.
Moreover, nearly each nicer hostel has personal rooms and plenty of hostels cater to each age so that you received’t really feel misplaced for those who’re not the everyday twentysomething traveler.
Many hostels typically plan group meals, bar crawls, and strolling excursions to assist create a communal vibe so do some analysis to discover a hostel that matches your journey fashion.
Extra Ideas On How To Meet Individuals In Hostels
Hostels are naturally social however there are some things you are able to do to extend the possibility of assembly different individuals.
- Don’t Break The Unstated Hostel Guidelines: Take a look at The Savvy Backpacker’s information to hostel etiquette.
- Be Pleasant and Outgoing: Smile and be the primary particular person to introduce themselves. If somebody new arrives on the hostel greet them. An introverted solo traveler can have a tough time assembly new individuals.
- I didn’t do an excellent job being outgoing my first few nights and I had a tough time assembly individuals. However after the third night time, I pressured myself to be somewhat extra outgoing and it opened up so many doorways.
- Purchase Individuals Beer: Purchase some low-cost beer and supply it to individuals. You’ll meet TONS of individuals this manner. Individuals will typically do the identical for you. Belief me, this would be the finest €10 you possibly can spend.
- Prepare dinner Meals In The Hostel: You’ll meet so many individuals for those who hand around in the kitchen round time for supper. Or, if nothing else, cling across the kitchen at time for supper and also you’ll most likely be invited to eat with different visitors.
Take a look at my Information To Hostels in Europe to get a extra in-depth take a look at the world of recent hostels and go to my Lodging Web page to see my checklist of one of the best hostels in Europe.
Keep In A Enjoyable/Common Neighborhood
I at all times attempt to ebook lodging that’s situated in a enjoyable neighborhood as a result of I really like having the ability to stroll out the door and immediately have espresso retailers, eating places, procuring, and nightlife inside strolling distance.
Enjoyable neighborhoods additionally are usually the most secure since they’re the most well-liked so there are at all times individuals out and about.
The most effective neighborhoods are sometimes the most costly when it comes to lodging so that you’ll pay a little bit of a premium, however I feel it’s value the additional prices.
Take A Meals Tour, Cooking Class, Wine Tasting, And so on.
Collaborating in a gaggle occasion is a superb method to meet different individuals.
I really like taking meals excursions when touring solo since consuming is of course a communal occasion—particularly when there may be alcohol concerned. Many meals excursions happen at night time so it’s an effective way to fill your night after you’ve spent the day exploring town. I’ve personally taken Devour Meals Excursions in Rome, Seville, and Madrid—all have been glorious (try my Devour Rome Meals Tour evaluate to be taught extra).
Cooking lessons are additionally an effective way to fulfill individuals because you’re all in a kitchen making ready a meal collectively and you then all collect to eat the whole lot you simply made. For instance, I’ve taken cooking lessons in Paris at Prepare dinner’n With Class and a cooking class in Florence. These lessons usually final 3-5 hours so you continue to have loads of time to do different issues that day.
Take A Strolling Tour
Strolling excursions are usually rather less social than meals excursions and cooking lessons because you’re largely listening to the information discuss but it surely’s nonetheless a wonderful method to be round others.
However you’ll naturally begin up conversations when the information isn’t speaking and also you may find yourself making a brand new journey buddy alongside the best way.
Most cities have free strolling excursions (the guides work off ideas) so it’s an reasonably priced exercise as properly. You can even discover extra specialty paid strolling excursions and people have a tendency to draw like-minded vacationers.
Couchsurfing, Reddit, and Different Meetup Teams
Most massive cities the world over have energetic Couchsurfing and Reddit meetup teams that entice individuals keen to fulfill and chat. These teams sometimes meet at an area bar to assist the conversations circulation.
One of the best ways to seek out these teams is to Google “CITYNAME Couchsurfing Meetup” or “CITYNAME Reddit Meetup.” Meetup.com can be useful resource for locating people who find themselves additionally searching for issues to do.
Hire A Room On Airbnb
Whereas not assured, renting a room in an Airbnb is usually a good method to work together along with your hosts. Loads of hosts will invite you to dinner or be open to hanging out.
For instance, my Airbnb hosts in Naples invited me to have a do-it-yourself dinner with them one night out on their lovely rooftop patio.
Use Relationship Apps
Utilizing courting apps is usually a great way for single vacationers to fulfill locals and different vacationers. Plus, assembly an area is an effective method to discover cooler locations that you just won’t discover by yourself.
Hit The Bar
The bar has at all times been a pure place to fulfill different individuals.
For those who really feel bizarre about consuming alone, I like to recommend bringing a ebook and sitting on the bar as you look rather more approachable than for those who’re simply scrolling by your telephone.
Security Ideas For Solo Vacationers
Whereas Europe is a really protected place to go to, widespread sense security measures are nonetheless one thing that each one solo vacationers ought to think about.
Act Like You Belong
Probably the greatest issues you are able to do whereas touring alone is to easily act such as you belong. Stroll with confidence. Faux such as you’ve been there one million occasions earlier than. Individuals who look misplaced and bewildered immediately stand out.
Keep In A Protected Neighborhood
All the time do a little analysis earlier than reserving your lodging to make sure it’s in a protected neighborhood—particularly at night time.
TIP: The areas round practice stations in Europe are sometimes somewhat sketchy (since there’s a massive transient inhabitants) however that is additionally the place a lot of a budget lodging is discovered. So hold this in thoughts when reserving a spot to remain.
Hear To Your Instincts
If one thing doesn’t really feel proper you then shouldn’t do it. It’s a fairly easy idea however generally it’s simpler stated than accomplished.
Know The place You’re Going
Pulling your telephone out each two seconds to see the place you’re going will naturally draw consideration to your self and it’s a sign that you just’re misplaced. So spend somewhat time finding out your route so that you solely have to examine periodically.
Hold Related With Dependable Cellular Information
Having dependable cell information on your telephone is usually a large assist when touring—you want it for Google Maps, rideshare apps, digital practice tickets… and absolutely anything else so don’t depend on hard-to-find free wifi to maintain you linked.
I like to recommend shopping for an affordable pay as you go European information plan—try my information to Methods to Use Information Plans and Smartphone Telephones in Europe and my information to the finest eSIM information plans for Europe.
Get Acquainted With Frequent Journey Scams
As G.I. Joe says, “Figuring out Is Half The Battle” so it’s sensible to familiarize your self with the commonest journey scams so you possibly can keep away from them.
I’ve written extensively about Methods to Keep away from Pickpockets and Outsmart Thieves in Europe and Methods to Keep away from Frequent Journey Scams In Europe however listed here are a number of security tricks to think about whereas touring alone.
You can even Google “scams in CITY” to get a greater thought concerning the specifics of widespread scams in particular person cities—for instance, the “deaf/mute petition rip-off” is common in Paris and Bus #64 in Rome is a hotspot for pickpockets.
Pack Mild and Mix In
Lugging round an enormous, heavy suitcase or large backpack makes you an prompt (and slow-moving) goal. That is much more true in chaotic, crowded, and pickpocket-heavy places like practice stations, subways, and metropolis buses.
Moreover, figuring out the best way to costume so that you don’t immediately stand out as a vacationer also can provide you with one other degree of security.
I’ve written a number of packing-related articles you may wish to try:
Purchase Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage is wise for all vacationers as a result of it could actually save your butt financially. I exploit and advocate World Nomads for many vacationers however there are a handful of different journey insurance coverage firms.
James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the writer of the ebook “The Savvy Backpacker’s Information To Europe On A Price range”. He is been running a blog about funds journey in Europe since 2010.
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Thanks For Studying! — James
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