Girls! Let’s run travel the world!
Solo travel is rapidly becoming a popular way of life for women across the globe. It is a liberating and empowering experience to venture into the unknown alone. So, if you wanderlust over the Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards of other solo travelling ladies and then quickly think of excuses why that can’t be you- think again! It CAN be. It’s easier than you think and there’s nowhere quite like Europe to take that first step.
Whether you’ve waited too long for your friends to make holiday plans in a endless group chat, you’ve had one too many days bad days at the office or your just want to try something new, here’s why you can make your solo travel dreams a reality.
It’s cheaper than you think
Europe is low-cost airline heaven which means, with careful research, you can snap up some epic deals. Save money on accommodation by staying in hostels or catching sleeper trains where you get a 2 for 1 on your bed and transport. Buying local foods, travelling in the low season and planning in advance will all help you to make your savings go further, literally.
(I use Skyscanner’s Go Everywhere function to work out where my budget can take me each month).
Open borders mean endless possibilities
Once you’re in Europe it’s easy to move between destinations. The range of landscapes, history and culture in over 40 countries means that you can experience incredible variety in a short space of time. In addition to budget airlines, there is a safe, reliable and easy to use train network linking all the major cities, which means French croissants for breakfast, Spanish tapas for lunch and Italian pizza for dinner are all on the menu.
Getting around is a walk (or cycle) in the park
Look for a free walking / cycling tour to help you get your bearings. You’ll hit the main tourist spots and learn a bit about Europe’s fascinating history all on day one. As a solo traveller, renting a bike is an inexpensive and efficient way to wind through Europe’s gorgeous streets. Most cities are bike friendly and many have separate lanes and traffic lights for cyclists. Not to mention, you’re getting fit in the process (or at least trying to counter balance the endless flow of good beer and baked goods!)
You’ll pick up the lingo as you go
With almost as many languages as countries, Europe can certainly be intimidating to any first-time solo traveller. However, in the big cities you can almost always survive with simple English. A little goes a long way and it’s a great idea to learn some basic phrases in advance. If you find yourself in a more remote area and all else fails- you’d be surprised how far charades and some napkin doodles will get you!
Finding accommodation is a dream
Europe is bursting with unique hostels of all shapes and sizes. They are an incredible way to find out about local events, save money and have an interesting conversation with other solo travellers. If you’re nervous about sharing a room for the first time, don’t be! Hostels are welcoming and friendly spaces. If you’re still unsure, look for Female-Only dorm rooms and many hostels offer private rooms to give you a balance of socialising and privacy.
Travelling alone doesn’t mean travelling lonely
Exploring new places alone is priceless, but if you’re a social butterfly and prefer company, there are always ways to meet other people when adventuring alone in Europe. Most hostels have common room areas which is a great place to find like-minded ladies travelling solo. In addition, lookout for organised activities such as bar crawls, day trips and tours. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversation with other’s in your hostel or even ask if you can join them on a trip they’re planning.
Protecting yourself brings peace of mind
A major hesitation for women travelling alone may be the uncertainty of personal safety. Like anywhere, there are things you can do to prevent problems and minimise risk. Pick a hostel close to your bus or train station if you’re arriving late at night. If you are suspicious of someone nearby, enter a shop or hotel lobby until you feel safe. Carry a small amount of cash, keep your valuables close to you and always let someone at home know the address of where you’re staying.
You can prove you did it
Did you really travel Europe if you don’t have the pictures to prove it? Whilst taking pictures isn’t the most important element of travelling, it’s a great way to capture memories and maybe even inspire others to do the same. Solo travel photography comes with practice, but don’t be afraid to ask fellow traveller to snap a picture of you, make use of self-timers and time lapse modes and last but not least, buy a selfie stick and use it shamelessly. Do it, I dare you.
