Whether you’re in
need of seclusion or just want to do things your way, a solo trip to Europe is
a great way to unwind. Traveling alone gives you the freedom to change your
itinerary at a moment’s notice and – without a traveling companion – you’ll
find yourself making new friends along the way.
Following are some
important tips on traveling throughout Europe on your own.
Before you leave
Before you leave
for Europe, carefully map out your destinations, making sure to read reviews
and forums on hotels, tours and attractions recommended by other solo
travelers. When you travel alone, you don’t have a companion who can help you
keep an eye on your luggage in public places, so it’s best to travel light.
Pack your clothing and necessities in a large backpack, and keep your cash,
credit cards, insurance card, identification and travel documents in a money
belt or pouch, underneath your clothing.
 |
| Photo: Stockvault |
You’ll be spending
a lot of time alone, so bring a journal along. Make entries in your journal
often, so you have a record of what you did on your trip. And take plenty of
pictures, too.
Stay safe
Plenty of people
have traversed Europe alone without incident, and as long as you keep your wits
about you, you should have a safe trip. When traveling alone, you should:
- Dress like a European. When you travel alone, you don’t want to call attention to yourself. So leave the flashy neon Nikes and purple skinny jeans at home, as flashy colors and athletic apparel are two clues that you’re a tourist. Wear neutral colors, khakis and hiking or walking shoes.
- Be alert in busy, crowded places. Pickpockets thrive in crowded environments. If you’re carrying a bag, wear the strap across your body.
- Limit your alcohol consumption. It’s fine to enjoy a couple of cocktails on your trip, but you become a target for thieves if you are obviously intoxicated.
- Find a buddy. If you’re planning to do something adventurous – like rock climbing or bungee jumping – do so through a reputable company, and ask in advance if you can be paired with an instructor or partner. If you can’t find a partner, don’t engage in any activity that could put you at risk for injury.
- Make sure someone back home knows where you are. Before you leave for your trip, talk to a friend or relative about your travel plans and discuss when you’ll be calling to check in with that person.
Traveling alone is
a great way to get to know yourself better. And if you start feeling lonely,
strike up a conversation with someone – maybe you’ll run into another solo
traveler like yourself!
