Many individuals are intimated by the considered solo journey however loads of folks journey alone in Europe. In truth, my first backpacking Europe journey was a solo journey and I’ve now finished 10+ solo journeys to Europe. And whereas I used to be a bit apprehensive 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 find out how to journey solo in Europe—together with the positives and negatives, find out how to meet folks, find out how to keep protected, find out how to combat loneliness, and loads of different sensible recommendation for taking advantage of your solo travels.
Be aware: Searching for female-specific recommendation — try our Information To Solo Journey For Ladies in Europe.
The Greatest Issues About Solo Journey In Europe
Solo journey has at all times been a distinct segment fashion of journey (try the r/SoloTravel subreddit) nevertheless it really 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 not too long ago written about the advantages of touring alone—The Solo Journey-Discover at Your Personal Tempo – NY Instances, 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 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 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 a giant dedication. It takes a number of money and time. Attempting to coordinate schedules and budgets of a number of folks is usually sufficient to delay (and even forestall) the beginning of a visit.
And each group appears to have one one that 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 important to do is purchase that ticket and also you’re in your method.
Full Management Of Your Day
Touring alone permits you to be in complete management so you are able to do no matter you need, everytime you need. You may eat each 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 may’t totally respect this freedom till you journey with different folks.
Meals Freedom
From my expertise, selecting the place to eat is without doubt one of the most aggravating facets of touring with different folks—particularly once you’re touring with a bigger group of individuals.
While you journey alone you’ll be able to 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 allow 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 conform to an itinerary could cause a number of fiction.
Some folks love the seaside. Others love metropolis adventures. Some folks need to journey cheaply and others need to drop a number 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 permits you to do belongings you need 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 a number of conflicts.
No Arguments
Journey is aggravating. And also you often take out that stress in your journey companions. This will trigger riffs between you and your journey companion or riffs inside a bigger group.
I discover myself getting a lot much less harassed when I’m touring alone… as a result of I’m not going to argue with myself.
Whole Focus
There isn’t any one to “distract” you once you’re touring solo. You’re completely targeted on no matter it’s you’re experiencing.
An Alternative To Reinvent Your self
You could be whoever you need to be once 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 likely to unknowingly put up a “wall” between themselves and different vacationers—which frequently prevents them from making buddies with different folks.
I’ve additionally discovered that solo vacationers have a tendency to satisfy different solo vacationers—particularly if you happen to’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 largest points is discovering a desk at eating places as a result of reservations for greater than 4 folks is usually a problem. In truth, even a reservation for 4 folks will likely be a lot tougher than a gaggle of two.
Even discovering two and three-bedroom rental properties could be tough.
Massive teams additionally stand out so that you’re more likely to be pegged for vacationers.
An Alternative For Self-Development
Most solo vacationers discover that self-growth is the best long-term good thing about touring to Europe alone. You be taught you can depend on your self. You be taught you can determine stuff out whereas on the street. You develop self-confidence after determining a tough drawback.
In the long run, you turn out to be a stronger individual.
Disadvantages of Solo Journey
I’d be mendacity if I stated that solo journey was at all times wonderful—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 unhealthy for breakfast and lunch however dinners do get a bit lonely.
Really, consuming alone isn’t almost as awkward as we expect it is going to be… however, given the selection, I’d nonetheless relatively eat with somebody than eat alone.
Undesirable Isolation
Solo journey could 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 reminiscences with could be good—particularly if everybody travels effectively with one another.
Touring with a pal additionally helps with different practicalities like having somebody watch your baggage, watch your drinks, save your seat, allow you to resolve an issue, and so forth.
Too Many Selfies
Most of my journey images are selfies. Minor subject however all of your images begin trying the identical after some time. After all, you’ll be able to ask strangers to take your photograph however that additionally will get outdated (and other people take actually unhealthy images).
Basic Security
Europe is a really protected place for solo vacationers however there may be at all times 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 could be costlier (on a per-person foundation) than touring with a gaggle since you’re not in a position to break up some journey prices—notably resort rooms/rental flats and meals. For instance, splitting the price of a resort room between two folks 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 ideas that will help you efficiently journey alone.
Contemplate Staying In Hostels
Hostel life isn’t for everybody nevertheless it’s a superb approach to be immediately related with different vacationers (particularly different solo vacationers).
Hostels have modified lots prior to now 5-10 years. Europe now has plenty of higher-end hostels so many really feel extra like boutique lodges than the stereotypical funds backpacker flops of yesteryear.
Moreover, nearly each nicer hostel has non-public rooms and lots of hostels cater to each age so that you received’t really feel misplaced if you happen to’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 Suggestions On How To Meet Individuals In Hostels
Hostels are naturally social however there are some things you are able to do to extend the prospect of assembly different folks.
- 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 individual to introduce themselves. If somebody new arrives on the hostel greet them. An introverted solo traveler can have a tough time assembly new folks.
- I didn’t do an excellent job being outgoing my first few nights and I had a tough time assembly folks. However after the third night time, I compelled myself to be a bit extra outgoing and it opened up so many doorways.
- Purchase Individuals Beer: Purchase some low cost beer and supply it to folks. You’ll meet TONS of individuals this manner. Individuals will typically do the identical for you. Belief me, this would be the greatest €10 you’ll be able to spend.
- Prepare dinner Meals In The Hostel: You’ll meet so many individuals if you happen to hand around in the kitchen round time for supper. Or, if nothing else, dangle across the kitchen at time for supper and also you’ll most likely 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 record of the most effective hostels in Europe.
Keep In A Enjoyable/Common Neighborhood
I at all times attempt to e book 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 retailers, eating places, purchasing, 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 folks out and about.
The perfect neighborhoods are usually the most costly by way of 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 forth.
Collaborating in a gaggle occasion is a superb approach to meet different folks.
I 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 the town. I’ve personally taken Devour Meals Excursions in Rome, Seville, and Madrid—all have been wonderful (try my Devour Rome Meals Tour overview to be taught extra).
Cooking courses are additionally an effective way to satisfy folks because you’re all in a kitchen getting ready a meal collectively and then you definitely all collect to eat every thing 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 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 courses because you’re principally listening to the information speak nevertheless it’s nonetheless a superb approach to be round others.
However you’ll naturally begin up conversations when the information isn’t speaking and also you would possibly 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 effectively. You too can discover extra specialty paid strolling excursions and people have a tendency to draw like-minded vacationers.
Couchsurfing, Reddit, and Different Meetup Teams
Most huge cities the world over have energetic Couchsurfing and Reddit meetup teams that appeal to folks keen to satisfy and chat. These teams usually meet at an area bar to assist the conversations circulation.
One of the best ways to search out these teams is to Google “CITYNAME Couchsurfing Meetup” or “CITYNAME Reddit Meetup.” Meetup.com may also be an excellent 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 approach 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 home made 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 satisfy locals and different vacationers. Plus, assembly an area is an effective approach 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 satisfy different folks.
In the event you really feel bizarre about consuming alone, I like to recommend bringing a e book and sitting on the bar as you look way more approachable than if you happen to’re simply scrolling by way of your cellphone.
Security Suggestions For Solo Vacationers
Whereas Europe is a really protected place to go to, frequent sense security measures are nonetheless one thing that each one solo vacationers ought to take into account.
Act Like You Belong
Among the finest issues you are able to do whereas touring alone is to easily act such as you belong. Stroll with confidence. Fake such as you’ve been there one million instances earlier than. Individuals who look misplaced and bewildered immediately stand out.
Keep In A Secure Neighborhood
All the time perform some research 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 a bit 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.
Pay attention To Your Instincts
If one thing doesn’t really feel proper then you definitely shouldn’t do it. It’s a reasonably easy idea however generally it’s simpler stated than finished.
Know The place You’re Going
Pulling your cellphone 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 a bit time finding out your route so that you solely have to examine periodically.
Hold Linked With Dependable Cellular Knowledge
Having dependable cell information to your cellphone is usually a enormous 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 related.
I like to recommend shopping for an inexpensive pay as you go European information plan—try my information to Use Knowledge Plans and Smartphone Telephones in Europe and my information to the greatest eSIM information plans for Europe.
Get Acquainted With Widespread Journey Scams
As G.I. Joe says, “Figuring out Is Half The Battle” so it’s good to familiarize your self with the commonest journey scams so you’ll be able to keep away from them.
I’ve written extensively about Keep away from Pickpockets and Outsmart Thieves in Europe and 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 too can Google “scams in CITY” to get a greater concept in regards to the specifics of frequent scams in particular person cities—for instance, the “deaf/mute petition rip-off” is standard in Paris and Bus #64 in Rome is a hotspot for pickpockets.
Pack Gentle and Mix In
Lugging round an enormous, heavy suitcase or huge backpack makes you an immediate (and slow-moving) goal. That is much more true in chaotic, crowded, and pickpocket-heavy areas like practice stations, subways, and metropolis buses.
Moreover, understanding find out how to gown so that you don’t immediately stand out as a vacationer may provide you with one other stage of security.
I’ve written a number of packing-related articles you would possibly need to try:
Purchase Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage is sensible for all vacationers as a result of it will probably save your butt financially. I take advantage of and suggest 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 e book “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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