A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:This summer I'm planning to take a trip by myself, more so for the experience and greater benefit of independance, I would like to see what it is like when you're out in the world by yourself, experiencing new places. I'm hopping to go for two maybe three weeks, which I know isn't long but I want to do this whilst i'm young. I'm 19 years old, I know if I don't do it this summer, I will regret not having done it as a teenager after wanting to for so long.The thing is going by myself I don't know if this is a bad idea and much about this. I'm just so passionate about going that i've saved up and the time is finally here! But there's a few questions that I'm so lost on and i figured this website would have at least a few people that can help...- What places in Europe should I visit? I've already been to barcelona, rome, madrid and paris.- Would you suggest I go travelling via planes and such, or instead travel by intteralling?- Is two weeks long enough, or is that too long of a time for me to go?- Am i being silly going by myself at 19 and what should I expect?If anyone can help, as well as if you've done this too please share your stories I would love to hear of your experiences!! Reply to this Question
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reader, chigirl  +, writes (19 March 2012):
 I never travelled by interrail, but I hear lots of good stories from people who have. If it is cheaper than by plain, and doesn't take up too much of your travel time, then sure. Two weeks isn't much. I'd calculate at least 3-4 days at each place, in order to explore it properly. Now, being from the North-East of Europe I can recommend Copenhagen and Reykjavik. Copenhagen is a lovely city. Love it there. The atmosphere is great, and there are tons of free museums or attractions if you go the right days (I think Sundays most museums are for free). Reykjavik is cool, urban, and exotic. You'll get a unique experience going there. Lastly, I MUST recommend you visit St.Petersburg. It's not a typical "continental Europe" place to go, but it is in Europe too. So since you asked. It's a place you have to see at least once in your life. It is vibrant, modern meets tsarist empire. The architecture is amazing, and there's tons of castles and splendid gardens and museums and art etc. It is beautiful! Besides, Russia is a cheap place to travel. Food and museums are low priced, but they take a bit more if you are a foreigner. However it is still very affordable. And absolutely gorgeous, and very liberal. Most Russians don't speak English, but you'll get by just fine.As when traveling all places by yourself: don't walk the streets alone at night unless you are in a place with lots of light and other people (or know the area well). Don't enter dark places such as parks or back alleys at night. Don't publicly flash money, a wallet, or poke around your purse too much. You don't want to draw attention to your money or the fact that you are a tourist. Don't put your wallet in your back pocket. When in a crowd, such as a train station, keep your backpack/purse in front of you, to avoid being pick pocketed. Don't give money to begging children. Be cautious of where you withdraw money, preferably go to a bank, and not at an ATM on the street. There's just tons of standard rules, most of which you follow at home as well. You wouldn't follow a stranger home or get into his car at home, and you shouldn't when abroad either. So just use your common sense. I recommend getting together with a tour group or guided tours though, once you visit special places. Guides are necessary to get all the interesting stories and fun facts, and makes a trip to an attraction much more interesting. If you were to visit the castles outside of St. Petersburg for example I would recommend going with a guide, who can inform you about the things you'll see. Either that, or you'll have to read up on a ton before you go and bring heavy information books...
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female
reader, Honeypie  + ♥, writes (19 March 2012):
 I have back packed through Europe a couple of times and enjoyed it.
I love London, Copenhagen, Rome, Firenze (Florence)Pompei, Gaeta, Domus Tiberius are also lovely places to se in Italy.Southern France Is one of my favorite places in France - Personally I LOVE the Languedoc area. ( I am not a fan of Paris to be honest, LOVE LOVE the museums there but not so keen on the Parisians (no offense). I ADORE Holland ( The Netherlands)as well, there is more to Amsterdam then pot & prostitutes. Prague is wonderful and so is Budapest.
You can take a ferry from Brindisi (way south in Italy) to Corfu or other Greek Islands. I've been to Corfu several times and love it, but then again I have been to many of the Greek Islands and loved then all, I was in Athens as a kid and it was too hot and too crowded for my taste.
I think it really comes down to what you want to do/see.
Getting a Euro rail ticket may not be a bad idea. And finding online website with hostels and travel tips.
Figure out how much time you have and make a bucket list of things that are MUST SEE (for you)
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reader, anonymous, writes (19 March 2012): Id fully advise on going traveling solo- ive done it 5 times now and it gets better and better everytime! You dont have to follow a crowd or plan around other people and the feeling of indepenance is out of this world.
Ive not been to too many places in europe- went to america, and spain a couple times each so far and all i can say ios go for it 100%. Just be carefull and have fun!
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reader, Anonymous 123  +, writes (19 March 2012):
 I'm talking from personal experience here, Norway is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.
Most of Italy is perfect, I've spent the best time of my life in Tuscany in a place called Cortona. Paris is great too, but I'm partial to Rome, once you've seen the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel, all else fades in comparison!
I have always traveled alone and I love that. You can make new friends, the best way to explore a place is on foot, just keep walking and you'll come across little treasures along the way.
Book a hotel that is close to the city centre, dont stay out till late, try not to dress in a way which will attract unnecessary attention, dont look at a guide/map while on a train because that shows at once that you are a tourist travelling alone. if you are lost, always ask 3 different people for directions, so you know you are not being misguided. Keep all phone numbers handy.
Trust me OP, travelling alone is the most liberating feeling ever, its so much fun. It gives you a great feeling of independence, you feel so confident, its the best thing ever!
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reader, anonymous, writes (19 March 2012): I travelled all over Europe, and going soon again. Travelling solo is so much fun, u ll like it. Just want to mention: Scandinavian countries are very expensive so is Switzerland. Greece is overrated in my opinion, I think California is much more beautiful.I love going to Germany. Munich is beautiful, friendly people and reasonable money wise.Italy I love, but it gets very touristic during summer. Amsterdam is a great place, just be careful not to overdose on legal pot there. I saw some young people passing out in metro.Eastern Europe could be a great choice.places like Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria. Lots of history, very cheap, people are very friendly and low crime rate. Nature is beautiful.I would strongly advice against Turkey. They are just on a look for your money, trying to cheat you out of it every step of the way.I wish I could travel when I was 19. I didn't start doing it on my own until kids were out of the house. I go every year twice a year and love every moment of it. Buon voyage!!
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reader, BettyBoup +, writes (19 March 2012):
 I can't give you advice on Europe per say, but I can give you solo travel advice. Just do it! Don't hesitate. I went to Asia for 4 month on my own, at 25 years old, after waiting for people to go with etc. I finally decided to just do it on my own and it was the BEST thing I have ever done in my life. I am now saving up to go back to Asia to teach English for a couple of years, maybe longer :) All I can say is, if travel and seeing the world is a dream of yours, just go for it. You will meet like-minded people and it will be amazing. Every day is exciting and new because it is so far from the mundane day to day life you have always known and you learn so much about life.
If you are worried about going alone, consider going with a tour for young people. I went with realgap and can recommend them. If you dont want to tour the whole time you could arrange to join group tours or tourist activities for a day or 2 as part of your trip. Just research all the options out there and go with what appeals to you the most. Stay in hostels as they are good places to meet people. You can read reviews of most places online now so you won get nasty surprises.
If 2 weeks is what you can afford, go for 2 weeks. I would always say go for as long as you can afford. I hear Greece is beautiful. It depends what you like in a place. Beautiful beaches? Culture? Adventurous activities? Where appeals the most?
Also don't worry about not travelling in your teens. There is no age limit to travel. If its what you want to do you can do it at any age. I met a lady in her 50s who spends 10 months a year working for a charity in Cambodia and 2 months back home in Canada. If you love to travel you will always want to do it. So don't worry about there being a time limit. There are so many different ways to live life. There is no set order for doing things. If you really want to have a taste of solo travel now and have the cash, go for it! Don't worry about going alone. About 90% of people I met on my travels, were travelling alone. You won't be alone trust me :)
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reader, anonymous, writes (19 March 2012): Fantastic idea. www.lonelyplanet.com is an awesome website with tons of resources.
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reader, Starlights +, writes (19 March 2012):
 There are many gorgeous places in europe to visit.
Greece/portugal/Norway/ are pretty good, and its only a few hours away :)
Flights are pretty cheap for greece, 2 weeks can be a bit long there... depends on the area/place your at, (because some places can be seen in less than a week, others take a lot longer)... so how long you decide to stay depends on your destination.
The last time i travelled alone was to Norway and that was amazingly beautiful but a bunch of snow, so i dont know if your after a sporty winter holiday skiing or a chilled out one at the beach? lol
Its ok to go by yourself; (ive travelled alone) as long as you go with a reputable company,
have travel and health insurance,
a safe place to stay,
and dont stray out alone too much while your out there!
Always keep your valuables in a safety deposit while out there so make sure your hotel has one before you fly out :)
You will be fine... sometimes its great to go alone... and build on confidence...
i hope you have a lovely time :)
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