Backpacking in Europe Alone

Hello Everyone:

I am a 24 year old female and I am planning a Europe trip. I am adventurous and would love to spend how ever long it takes to backpack around (aka until the money runs out). The problem here is that backpacking alone might be lonely and dangerous. Considering this, I was thinking of changing my plans and visiting 2 cities (each) in 2 countries. I know that booking with a tour group would be a drag, but it would be safer and less lonely. Thoughts/ideas/comments/helpful hints? 😊

Tati Reply to this

Tati and Kaitlyn,

I am 47 and did a 13 day trip to Germany and Austria on my own this past December...and it was fabulous. I had 1 suitcase and a backpack, traveled by rail and taxi and foot. I did hook up with friends for a few days while there, but I never really felt unsafe. I don't know what areas you are traveling to, but just use common sense. I also stayed in full service hotels vs. hostels, but again, you just need to use common sense.

Here's some tips:
- 1 rolling suitcase and 1 daypack is the max you should take. I used an Eagle Creek 22" rolling pack that had an expansion zipper and backpack straps - very roomy and handy, and also had a Rick Steve's Civita daypack, which I absolutely loved. Both were durable and lightweight - a must for us ladies!
- If you are traveling so that you are arriving late at night or early in the morning - while it is dark - spend the money and get a cab.
-Always walk looking like you know what you are doing and where you are going. If you are lost, find a pharmacy, grocery or some very public everyday place to ask for directions. Check sunrise/sunset times online, as these are sometimes very different from where you are currently located.
-Purchase a combination cable lock that you can lock your luggage/pack to if you need to. I found this especially helpful on the train.
-keep purchases to a minimum. If you see something that you have to have, inquire about shipping it home. You will not want to lug items around - it will get very old, very quick!
-Research, research! Plan where you want to go, what you want to see before you leave. You will save valuable time, energy and money by doing this.

Now - since the 2 of you are wanting to do this - why not connect and travel together! Reply to this

You'll be fine!
I'm 27yr old female and spent three months in Europe on my own last year.
It's the safest part of the world to travel alone if you ask me.
Great transport, easy hostelling (I never had a problem staying in hostels alone) and if you're sensible and don't hitchhike alone or go home with strange men there should be no problems.
You'll also meet heaps of other solo travellers and have the bonus of being able to do exactly as you please each day.
Don't worry about it, just do it and you'll have a ball.
My advice would be to take minimum luggage - a pack with a zip off day pack is all you need after all - because don't forget that if you're on your own there's no one to watch your stuff at train stations etc so you need to be able to fit it all in the loo with you and be able to carry it everywhere etc. Reply to this

Hi there i'm also traveling alone this summer from june 30 to october 30, 2007.

I did something major spontaneous i quit my job and bought a plane ticket to euro. I was thinking of only going for 2 months in sept/oct but then on a limb at the travel place i went for 4 months. I'm going to backpack and hostel it.

Does anyone want to meet up and travel together? I'm getting a eurail pass and plan on hitting 16 of the 18 possible contries (excluing romania and ireland).

Into a little partying but mostly seeing sights and beaches and having fun! Reply to this

Thanks for all of the great advice! I unfortunately have to postpone my trip for a bit, cause I don't have enought money saved. I want to be able to be thrifty but not have to watch the budget so carefully that I miss stuff. Hopefully in the spring or next fall I'll go for a few months! And who knows, maybe I can save up for a longer trip 😊

Thanks again! Reply to this

Hi Tati, Tenerife, Canary Islands is a great place to travel solo. Very safe and cheap! Reply to this

Yes, I think it is fine. When you travel by train they have shelves that are high up on the wall for you to put your bags. It's pretty hard for someone to try to get into your stuff without you waking up. You won't be sleeping that deeply...especially on a moving train. Have fun. Reply to this

I've heard there are rules and restrictions at them, but that they are pleasant. I've heard that often only females can stay at them, but I'm not sure. Reply to this

also.... considering that m a female, do u still think its ok to travel @ nite?? Reply to this

yeah!!! m basically from India but m in the uk for last 3 years and m planning to travel around western europe.... 😊 Reply to this