Tips For Solo Travel In Europe

Solo travel is booming lately. The latest research shows almost three-quarters of American travelers plan to take a solo trip this year. Just like it is for every other type of travel, Europe is the hotspot for solo trips. And why not? The sights are great, the cities are comparatively safe, and the infrastructure is well-structured to accommodate solo travelers of any age or inclination.

Whether you’re revisiting your semester abroad before joining the working world or taking a solo cruise, here are some tips for a safe and fulfilling trip.

Travel by train

European trains are amazing. A two-hour train ride can take you through numerous countries, while farm fields, castles, ancient city centers, rivers, lakes, and mountains whiz past at 110 miles per hour.

Best of all, ticketing is easy and you can choose how posh you want to travel. You can splurge on a sleeper, tuck yourself away in a compartment or snooze in a day coach, and for the most part everyone is content to let you be.

So many solo travelers travel by train around Europe that you won’t stick out.

You’ll probably make friends with other singles, who’ll have all sorts of helpful suggestions about where to stay in Riga, which you’ll ignore because your mom told you never to talk to strangers, only to later find out they were right.

The Eurail Pass, a beloved travel essential since the 1970s, is still going strong. Offering seamless train travel across Europe, it continues to provide adventurers with the freedom to explore. Simply open the Eurail app to display your e-ticket, and you're ready to embark on a journey filled with scenic routes and unforgettable experiences.

Consider cruises

Cruising solo is the new cruising with a partner. Well, maybe not quite. But it is rapidly growing in popularity.

Cruising isn’t just for couples—solo travelers can enjoy a variety of experiences as well. There are multiple distinct European cruise options to explore, including:

• Cruises around England and Ireland, where you can take in historic sites and coastal landscapes.
• Cruises around Spain and Portugal, offering vibrant culture, rich history, and scenic ports.
• Mediterranean and Adriatic cruises, featuring picturesque islands, coastal towns, and regional cuisine.
• Arctic Circle and fjord cruises, providing breathtaking natural beauty and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• River cruises, allowing for a more intimate exploration of Europe’s inland waterways and historic cities.

Cruising Europe is just so nice. It’s leisurely and comfortable, the ports of call are normally more unique and the food is out of this world.

If you have no one to experience it with, does that really matter? You won’t regret it.

Also Read: Travel Europe by Train: The Fastest, Most Scenic and Popular Routes

Mix up your lodgings

Assuming you’re traveling by land, do yourself a favor and change up where you stay.

First, consider skipping chain hotels for a more unique experience. Smaller, locally owned accommodations often provide more character and a stronger connection to the destination. If a hotel name starts with a loyalty program, you might want to explore other options.

Second, embrace a variety of stays, including budget-friendly choices. Hostels, pensions, and unconventional lodging can offer a different perspective on travel. Mixing luxury with simpler accommodations can create a balanced and memorable journey, allowing you to appreciate both comfort and authenticity.

Sure, rent a car

At least once in your life you need to drive in the U.K. and experience the sensation of driving on the left. The problem is you usually tend to start in London, which can be an uncomfortable place to first experience that.

You can have a wonderful time driving around Europe. You’re on your own schedule; you stop when and where you want, and as long as you make it to your destination in time for your accommodations, all is well.

Now, there are so many caveats with this sort of travel – make sure your rental is insured, be super careful driving at night, yield to sheep, drive around the lava flows, etc. – but if you accept them the experience can be unforgettable.

Also read: Insurance for Rental Car Damage: Where to Get it and Things to Know

Try different destinations

France is the world’s most popular tourist destination, and that fact alone is enough to drive some people to North Macedonia.

Even if you visit France, save some love for less-visited European countries like:

• Andorra
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Slovakia
• The Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia)
• Romania and Bulgaria
• Moldova

These countries have many of the same things that endear Germany and France to our hearts, such as castles, historic city centers, picturesque countryside, and delicious food. And many of these off-the-beaten-path countries are especially hospitable to solo travelers.

Europe is compact enough that you can experience many different cultures in a short trip. So be adventurous!

Also read: Hidden Travel Gems in Europe: From Andorra to Greenland

Steer clear of dangerous scenes

Solo travel comes with some concerns. Even in Europe solo travelers may face safety threats like petty theft and pickpocketing, or even more serious crimes like drink-spiking and violent crime.

These crimes can happen more frequently during peak travel times to popular escapes like Ibiza.

One of the best ways to avoid becoming a victim is to steer clear of the party scene. Be smart, be vigilant, travel with people you trust, avoid dimly lit streets at night, and you'll minimize potential risks.

Also read: 6 Travel Safety Tips that Could Help Protect Your Trip from Disaster

Be aware of your surroundings

Similarly, phone, purse and backpack thefts are common in large European cities. To avoid being a victim, be aware of where you are, who’s around you and where your stuff is.  Get a wrist strap for your phone. Invest in a backpack with cut-proof straps. Wear a money belt.

Solo travel is exhilarating, but it also requires keeping your radar up 24/7. If you can manage those two things, you'll be better prepared.

It’s also prudent for solo European travelers to invest in travel protection. Travel insurance plus assistance services from Generali Global Assistance can help you navigate solo travel in Europe with that most precious of commodities – peace of mind.

Best of all, getting a quote is fast and easy.

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