Many individuals are intimated by the considered solo journey however loads of individuals journey alone in Europe. The truth is, my first backpacking Europe journey was a solo journey and I’ve now completed 10+ solo journeys to Europe. And whereas I used to be somewhat apprehensive at first, I now discover touring alone to be an excellent rewarding expertise.
And whereas touring alone does have some downsides, I nonetheless wholeheartedly endorse solo journey to anybody.
On this information, I’ll educate 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 secure, the best way to struggle loneliness, and loads of different sensible recommendation for profiting from your solo travels.
Be aware: Searching 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 all the time been a distinct segment type of journey (try the r/SoloTravel subreddit) however it actually began booming alongside the surge of post-pandemic journey (Kayak’s Journey Development 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 Folks Are Doing It – BBC.
Let’s soar straight into a few of the greatest 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 delay 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 loads of money and time. Attempting to coordinate schedules and budgets of a number of individuals is commonly sufficient to delay (and even stop) the beginning of a visit.
And each group appears to have one one who can’t commit or cancels final minute—which may throw a wrench into all the journey earlier than it even begins.
However with solo journey, all you must do is purchase that ticket and also you’re in your method.
Full Management Of Your Day
Touring alone means that you can be in whole management so you are able to do no matter you need, everytime you need. You’ll be able to eat every time, 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 recognize this freedom till you journey with different individuals.
Meals Freedom
From my expertise, selecting the place to eat is likely one of the most hectic facets of touring with different individuals—particularly once you’re touring with a bigger group of individuals.
While you journey alone you may 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 may also enable you to get seated sooner if the restaurant has seats on the bar.
Select Your Itinerary
Attempting to get a complete group of individuals to comply with an itinerary could cause loads of fiction.
Some individuals love the seaside. Others love metropolis adventures. Some individuals need to journey cheaply and others need to drop loads of money. Some need to cease at each memento store and others need to spend their days in museums. Inevitably, these misaligned journey kinds issues trigger stress and battle.
Solo journey means that you can do stuff you need to do. You don’t have to reply to anybody else. In a bunch, everybody has their very own concepts of what to see and this could trigger loads of conflicts.
No Arguments
Journey is hectic. And also you normally take out that stress in your journey companions. This will trigger riffs between you and your journey accomplice or riffs inside a bigger group.
I discover myself getting a lot much less careworn when I’m touring alone… as a result of I’m not going to argue with myself.
Whole Focus
There isn’t a one to “distract” you once 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 need to be once you journey alone. Solo journey offers you an opportunity to shake off the “previous you” and take a look at being another person for some time.
Meet New Folks
Teams are likely to unknowingly put up a “wall” between themselves and different vacationers—which frequently prevents them from making pals with different individuals.
I’ve additionally discovered that solo vacationers have a tendency to satisfy different solo vacationers—particularly should you’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. The truth is, even a reservation for 4 individuals might be a lot tougher than a bunch of two.
Even discovering two and three-bedroom rental properties might be tough.
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 advantage of touring to Europe alone. You be taught which you could depend on your self. You be taught which you could determine stuff out whereas on the highway. You develop self-confidence after determining a tough drawback.
Ultimately, you turn out to be a stronger particular person.
Disadvantages of Solo Journey
I’d be mendacity if I mentioned that solo journey was all the time superb—as a result of it’s not. And generally it form 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.
Essentially, consuming alone isn’t almost as awkward as we predict it is going to be… however, given the selection, I’d nonetheless somewhat eat with somebody than eat alone.
Undesirable Isolation
Solo journey might be isolating. And each solo traveler will expertise bouts the place they need they’d somebody to hang around with.
I bear in mind my very first evening 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 evening 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 had been fairly uncommon.
However, I nonetheless discover going to bars alone to be intimidating.
No “Buddy System”
Having somebody to share your reminiscences with might be good—particularly if everybody travels nicely with one another.
Touring with a good friend additionally helps with different practicalities like having somebody watch your luggage, watch your drinks, save your seat, enable you to remedy an issue, and many others.
Too Many Selfies
Most of my journey pictures are selfies. Minor problem however all of your pictures begin trying the identical after some time. After all, you may ask strangers to take your picture however that additionally will get previous (and folks take actually dangerous pictures).
Normal Security
Europe is a really secure place for solo vacationers however there’s all the time security in numbers irrespective 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 bunch since you’re not in a position to break 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 large cash saver.
Suggestions On How To Journey Alone Efficiently
Now that we’ve lined the positives and negatives of solo journey, let’s check out some suggestions that can assist you efficiently journey alone.
Contemplate Staying In Hostels
Hostel life isn’t for everybody however it’s a superb strategy to be immediately linked with different vacationers (particularly different solo vacationers).
Hostels have modified rather a lot previously 5-10 years. Europe now has a lot of higher-end hostels so many really feel extra like boutique inns than the stereotypical finances 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 should you’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 type.
Extra Suggestions On How To Meet Folks In Hostels
Hostels are naturally social however there are some things you are able to do to extend the prospect of assembly different individuals.
- Don’t Break The Unstated Hostel Guidelines: Try 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 evening, I compelled myself to be somewhat extra outgoing and it opened up so many doorways.
- Purchase Folks Beer: Purchase some low-cost beer and provide it to individuals. You’ll meet TONS of individuals this manner. Folks will typically do the identical for you. Belief me, this would be the greatest €10 you may spend.
- Prepare dinner Meals In The Hostel: You’ll meet so many individuals should you hand around in the kitchen round supper time. Or, if nothing else, grasp across the kitchen at supper time and also you’ll in all probability be invited to eat with different friends.
Try 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 listing of one of the best hostels in Europe.
Keep In A Enjoyable/Well-liked Neighborhood
I all the time attempt to ebook lodging that’s situated in a enjoyable neighborhood as a result of I like with the ability to stroll out the door and immediately have espresso outlets, eating places, buying, and nightlife inside strolling distance.
Enjoyable neighborhoods additionally are usually the most secure since they’re the preferred so there are all the time individuals out and about.
The perfect neighborhoods are usually the costliest 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 many others.
Collaborating in a bunch occasion is a wonderful strategy to meet different individuals.
I like taking meals excursions when touring solo since consuming is of course a communal occasion—particularly when there’s alcohol concerned. Many meals excursions happen at evening 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 had been glorious (try my Devour Rome Meals Tour evaluation to be taught extra).
Cooking courses are additionally an effective way to satisfy individuals because you’re all in a kitchen making ready a meal collectively and then you definately all collect to eat every part you simply made. For instance, I’ve taken cooking courses in Paris at Prepare dinner’n With Class and a cooking class in Florence. These courses typically 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 courses because you’re largely listening to the information discuss however it’s nonetheless a superb strategy 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 way in which.
Most cities have free strolling excursions (the guides work off suggestions) so it’s an reasonably priced exercise as nicely. You may as well discover extra specialty paid strolling excursions and people have a tendency to draw like-minded vacationers.
Couchsurfing, Reddit, and Different Meetup Teams
Most large cities the world over have energetic Couchsurfing and Reddit meetup teams that appeal to individuals keen to satisfy and chat. These teams usually meet at an area bar to assist the conversations move.
The easiest way to seek out these teams is to Google “CITYNAME Couchsurfing Meetup” or “CITYNAME Reddit Meetup.” Meetup.com can be a very good useful resource for locating people who find themselves additionally searching for issues to do.
Lease A Room On Airbnb
Whereas not assured, renting a room in an Airbnb is usually a good strategy to work together together 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 stunning rooftop patio.
Use Courting Apps
Utilizing courting apps is usually a great way for single vacationers to satisfy locals and different vacationers. Plus, assembly an area is an effective strategy to discover cooler locations that you simply won’t discover by yourself.
Hit The Bar
The bar has all the time been a pure place to satisfy different individuals.
Should you really feel bizarre about consuming alone, I like to recommend bringing a ebook and sitting on the bar as you look way more approachable than should you’re simply scrolling by your telephone.
Security Suggestions For Solo Vacationers
Whereas Europe is a really secure place to go to, widespread sense security measures are nonetheless one thing that every one solo vacationers ought to take into account.
Act Like You Belong
Top-of-the-line 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 1,000,000 instances 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 secure neighborhood—particularly at evening.
TIP: The areas round prepare 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 maintain this in thoughts when reserving a spot to remain.
Hear To Your Instincts
If one thing doesn’t really feel proper then you definately shouldn’t do it. It’s a reasonably easy idea however generally it’s simpler mentioned than completed.
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 simply’re misplaced. So spend somewhat time finding out your route so that you solely have to verify periodically.
Maintain Linked With Dependable Cellular Knowledge
Having dependable cell knowledge on your telephone is usually a big assist when touring—you want it for Google Maps, rideshare apps, digital prepare 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 knowledge plan—try my information to How one can Use Knowledge Plans and Smartphone Telephones in Europe and my information to the greatest eSIM knowledge plans for Europe.
Get Acquainted With Widespread Journey Scams
As G.I. Joe says, “Realizing Is Half The Battle” so it’s good to familiarize your self with the most typical journey scams so you may keep away from them.
I’ve written extensively about How one can Keep away from Pickpockets and Outsmart Thieves in Europe and How one can Keep away from Widespread Journey Scams In Europe however listed here are a number of security tricks to take into account whereas touring alone.
You may as well 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 in style 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 instantaneous (and slow-moving) goal. That is much more true in chaotic, crowded, and pickpocket-heavy places like prepare stations, subways, and metropolis buses.
Moreover, understanding the best way to costume so that you don’t immediately stand out as a vacationer may also offer you one other degree of security.
I’ve written a number of packing-related articles you may need to try:
Purchase Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage is wise for all vacationers as a result of it could save your butt financially. I exploit and advocate World Nomads for many vacationers however there are a handful of different journey insurance coverage corporations.
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 finances journey in Europe since 2010.
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Thanks For Studying! — James
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