THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL IN EUROPE
Europe is the perfect destination for solo female travel. It’s compact, easy to get around, and it’s simply breathtaking! The beautiful cities and beaches, fabulous food, grand architecture and countless museums make it a great choice for a female to travel alone. It’s no wonder that Europe is filled with so many solo travelers.
Being your own travel guide is super exciting and so rewarding.
Not only will you discover so much about the places you will visit, you will also discover so much about yourself along the way.
Here is my essential guide for everything you need to know about solo travel in Europe.
Have fun planning your solo adventure!
GETTING AROUND
TRAIN – Traveling by train in Europe is an easy and comfortable way to get around.
Trains will just about take you anywhere you need to go in Europe. It’s often a very scenic ride and filled with other solo travelers.
Check out Seat61.com for great advice and money saving tips on all your train travel needs.
Two things that are important to remember when traveling on a train in Europe is validating your ticket, and seat reservations.
Make sure you check to see what your train ticket involves. Sometimes the train ticket comes with a seat assignment and sometimes it doesn’t.
Remember to be sure to validate your ticket at the platform because the fines for not doing so can be quite steep.
FLIGHTS
Airfare within Europe is usually very inexpensive and a quick way to get around. Google flights and Skyscanner are great search engines for good deals.
Traveling alone can have its advantages and one of them is that you can often find amazing last minute deals.
CAR RENTAL –
If you decide that you want to rent a car in Europe, start researching prices in advance of your trip for the best deal.
Often a car is not needed in a city, but can be good when you want to see a lot of the countryside.
WALK
Walking is one the main ways you will be getting around, so comfort is key. You’ll want to wear shoes that will stand up to a day of nonstop walking.
Shoes or sneakers that have good support and padding will be your best friend.
If you’re getting new shoes for your trip, be sure to break them in before you go. Blisters and sore feet are no fun on vacation.
Walking is definitely one of the best ways to get around as a solo traveler. You will discover so many beautiful streets and uncover so many hidden gems.
MEETING OTHER SOLO TRAVELERS
Europe is such a popular destination for solo travel because it’s so beautiful and easy to get around.
Most people on a solo adventure are super friendly and are constantly striking up conversations with other travelers.
Hostels are a great way to meet other female solo travelers.
You can also take a tour, find a local Meet-up, volunteer, or reach out to any friends you may have in the area.
WHAT TO PACK
Europe’s weather can change rather quickly, so it is definitely a good idea to pack light, and for a range of temperatures. Layers are key when packing for Europe as you need to be prepared for varying temperatures.
Don’t forget a good portable umbrella.
People in Europe always look put together, but never flashy. Clothing is typically well fitted and not baggy.
Keeping your clothing and itinerary organized. Packing cubes are a great way to keep your clothes in order, and make your life on the road a bit easier.
In addition to keeping your travel documents organized, it’s nice to have your itinerary all in one place.
I use an app called Tripit where I document my travel, accommodations and other miscellaneous notes related to my trip. What’s also great about the Tripit app is that you can share it with others.
WHERE TO STAY
Whether you want solitude or social interaction, there are quite a few options for the solo female traveler.
Although accommodations can be quite expensive and take a large chunk out of your travel budget, there are some great money saving options, even when you are traveling alone.
If you do your research, you can often find some great deals regardless of what type of accommodations you are looking for.
HOSTELS
Hostels are a great way to save money and meet people when traveling alone in Europe. Even if you decide to stay in a private room, you will meet so many other solo travelers.
There are over 10,000 hostels in Europe with accommodations to fit every need. There are so many different hostel room types, be sure to research and see which type fits your needs.
Hostelworld, Hostelbookers, and Booking.com are great websites to use when looking for a hostel, and offer a wealth of information for the solo traveler.
RENT AN APARTMENT AS A HOME BASE
Check out VRBO for apartment rentals in Europe. Many solo travelers rent an apartment in a central location and find it very cost effective as well as a way to really soak up an area’s culture.
RENT A ROOM THROUGH AIRBNB WITH A SHARED KITCHEN
This is another option for a private room but with the shared kitchen privileges, you are able to make meals and save some money.
HOTELS
While hotels can often seem like the most expensive accommodation for the solo traveler, sometimes all the extras make it worth while.
Some hotels offer free breakfast, all day free coffee, and fruit and snacks. Hotels also can include afternoon tea or happy hour, and some even include shuttler service or free airport transfers.
Hotel prices change so frequently that it pays for the solo traveler to spend some time checking prices and doing research.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Consider purchasing travel insurance while traveling in Europe and it can save you a lot of headaches.
Many companies offer trip protection, emergency medical insurance, emergency evacuation, and covers loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.
It’s definitely worth your peace of mind.
PRECAUTIONS
Take the same precautions as you would at home.
While traveling alone in Europe can feel intimidating, it really is safe as a whole for female solo travel.
Pickpocketing and petty theft are often the biggest issue you will deal with. The theives are very cunning and sly and will try to distract you with something that seems innocent enough. Be on your guard and keep your money and valuables close to your body.
These issues can be pretty big issues if your purse gets snatched or your credit or debit card gets taken. (See below for tips)
Everyone takes precautions when they are out by themselves at home, so traveling abroad should be no different.
Don’t flaunt your valuables and dress to blend in with the locals.
Be aware of your surroundings. If things don’t look right, they probably aren’t. Change your direction or go to the other side of the street if things look sketchy. Trust your gut and you should be okay.
Avoid walking alone at night. Either walk with a group of people or stick close to a family or a couple. Otherwise, take an Uber back to your accommodations.
Look online and educate yourself with the scams in the local area just to be on your toes.
CHECK OUT GROUPON
Groupon is a great site that can save you a ton of money on just about everything. It has great deals on restaurants, retail stores, concerts, events, and things to do in your area.
Download the app, enter the location and just select the category you are looking for.
KEEP CASH ON YOU AT ALL TIMES AND A SECOND DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD
You should always have some emergency cash hidden on you at all times when you travel, and a backup credit or debit card. Just in case someone steals your purse, you’ll still have some money and another card. You can hide money in your shoes, your bra, a hidden pocket, or a money belt. You can also roll some money up in an empty lipstick container or a hollowed hairbrush stem.
FREE CITY WALKING TOURS
This is such a great way for the solo female traveler to learn about the city and its history.
You’ll get great tips on restaurants, and where to go and what to see. Usually the tour guide will offer other useful information as well as some general dos and don’ts for the area.
As an added bonus, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet new people.
Looking for great solo destinations, check out 9 Ultimate Destinations for Solo Female Travel.
Whenever you decide to travel solo to Europe, you will no doubt have an amazing time. Do your research, plan well and pack wisely.
Enjoy every moment discovering your surroundings and learning about yourself as well.
Traveling solo as a female feels so empowering and changes you in such a profound way.
Happy Travels!
Here is a pinterest friendly photo…so you can save it to your Travel Board!
