Do you want to travel alone in Europe? You are in the right place! My name is Kate, and I teach women how to travel safely alone around the world. While I am American and travel around the world, I have spent most of my time in Europe. Several years if you add everything. I traveled to every country in Europe and lived in two of them (Italy and Great Britain).
This continent has given me so many happy travel memories, and I want you to have them too.
And yet… You have doubts about your trip. You may have well-meaning friends or family members who have convinced you that a woman should not travel to Europe alone. And you Google…that’s why you landed here.
Don’t worry. I am here to help you, and I take this responsibility very seriously.
This guide will tell you the truth about what it is like to travel alone in Europe.
Why travel alone in Europe?
Why not travel alone in Europe? This is one of the best regions in the world to have fun alone.
Europe really has everything a single traveler could hope for. Looking for interesting cities? Fantastic Cuisine? Beautiful Mountains? Beautiful islands and beaches? Handsome men or women? Hey… Spain and Sweden. That’s all I’m saying.) Not only does Europe have all these things, but the continent has dozens of goals that have each of these things.
In addition, Europe is a very safe place for Women to travel alone. In general, it’s about as safe as your hometown, and most of the precautions you need to take are precautions you’re already taking as a woman. Europe is also easy for women traveling alone for the first time, as much of the continent has excellent infrastructure for travelers.
Also be aware that it is very common for women to travel alone in Europe. Especially European Women. While you may be the only one of your friends who has traveled alone, no one in Europe will give you a second look at being alone.
The Best Experiences in Europe
How to reduce the best things to do in Europe on a Solo trip? I could make this list of hundreds of articles, But here are some of my best recommendations:
Visit Christmas markets in December. They are all over Europe, but the best markets are in Germany. One of my favorite trips was to visit different markets throughout Bavaria, Germany, eat sausages and drink mulled wine, and just enjoy the festive atmosphere without the pressure of seeing all the sights.
Island jump through Croatia or Greece. These two countries are home to the most glorious islands! Whether you book a sailing cruise (as I did in Croatia) or book ferries between the islands, you will discover some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in Europe.
Spend time under the midnight sun. Whether you’re doing it in Iceland, Finland, Norway, or elsewhere, swimming at midnight in a lake under a pale pink sky can be a nerve-racking experience. It’s even better if you dip skinny while doing it among a group of nonchalant Finnish women!
Take a tour through the canals of Venice, Amsterdam, or Brussels. Find your perfect canal city and relax in a boat. There is no better way to see cities than water!
Sit in an Irish pub and listen to traditional music. Order a Guinness—yes, it’s a lot better in Ireland than anywhere else—and listen to the magic as the musicians play with each other, play each other, and thrill the crowd. You will have a group of friends in no time!
Take a walk in the Alps or go skiing. The most majestic mountains in Europe demand a visit. Whether you’re skiing in St. Moritz or hiking in Italy’s South Tyrol, climbing Mont Blanc in Chamonix, France, or snowboarding through Austria in August, the Alps will invigorate your body and mind.
Visit one of the most original festivals in Europe. My Favorite? Until Helly Aa, where they dance all night with Vikings in the Shetland Islands. Or head to Las Fallas in Valencia, Spain, where things burn and explode for three days. Catch live performances or street theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or Ana Desenica in Ljubljana, Slovenia. My favorite festival? The world championship of aerial guitar in Finland.
Visit the places where your family comes from. If you are of European descent, it can be a lot of fun to follow your roots and see where your ancestors lived. I did it in Latvia, Sicily, and Scotland.
Sit in a Cafe and people-look. It is universal. When the sun goes down, it’s time to see and be seen in many places in Southern Europe. Whether you’re watching a glass of red in a Piazza in Rome while well-dressed people are walking around, having coffee in a sidewalk Cafe in Zagreb, or watching Cava in Madrid while the kids are playing football, it’s a typical European experience.
Is Europe good for women traveling alone for the first time?
Yes, Europe is perfect for women traveling Solo for the first time! Europe is simple, safe and fun. Here, Europe shines especially for novice visitors:
Infrastructure. Travelers have been coming to Europe for centuries. Europe has all kinds of hotels, Restaurants and tours for travelers, especially in its most popular destinations. And if you’re from North America or Australia, you’ll be delighted to see how much better public transport is, especially trains.
Worn Tourist Path. Although it seems that so many people are talking about leaving the tourist route, it can be very beneficial for new travelers. Knowing that many travelers are going from Rome to Florence to Venice can greatly facilitate their own travel planning. (And then you can make it a reality with excursions to Pienza and Bologna!)
Familiarity. It can be upsetting to drive for your first solo trip to Asia or Africa. And if you go to India or China, yeah, it’s a great cultural leap. But Europe is familiar and easy for Westerners. They will understand the food; they will be able to chat with people. Save on Africa and Asia for once you get a little more comfortable traveling on your own.
Knowledge of English. Of course, this varies a lot from continent to continent, but for the most part, you can find someone who speaks English when you need it. English skills tend to be highest in the Netherlands and the Nordic countries, plus Great Britain and Ireland; I found English skills to be lowest in less developed countries like Albania, Moldova and Belarus.
Natural and artificial beauty. Whether it’s cliffs or castles, fjords or palaces, Europe is arguably the most photogenic continent in the world. Whether you are holding the leaning tower of Pisa or standing in front of the tiny island of Lake Bled, you will have beautiful photos wherever you go.
