Hi
I am going to be in Paris from 8-12 April and booked into a hostel in ear the Moulin Rougue. As a single female I wonder if there are any tips for a lady to join others in hostels etc?
This might seem odd but it's my first time in Europe and I will be backpacking solo across 9 countries and I am a little nervous!
What suggestions would you have for me
Introductions and conversations come pretty naturally in your dorm room, at breakfast, or in other public areas of the hostel, e.g., if people are hanging out in the lobby to check their email. Some hostels also organize activities or sell local tour and museum tickets. You might feel more comfortable meeting people in this setting than on a train or on the street, though those are not automatically bad.
If you are in a hostel, you will meet lots of fellow backpackers whether you want to or not. Since you want to, this is perfect - no worries. Many of them will be happy to take you under their wing and give you tips, join you on excursions, meet for dinner, etc.
In addition to any information you get here, the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree forum is more geared to backpackers, so see what you find there. Here's the Western Europe branch: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/europe-western-europe
Hi,
Nothing odd about your query at all. From a guy's point of view I did the same in the early 1970s. My first over was solo too. The hostels are places where you have the greatest chance of meeting other backpackers. There will be other single female travelers too at the hostels, people of different nationalities. Which hostel is that? The one I've checked out is on Rue Dunkerque, up from Gare du Nord, at the line between the 10th and 9th arrondisments.
Just use good common sense, be aware, stay alert, don't do anything stupid...just plain advice for guys and women.
I find expat bars to be a good place to meet people when I travel. Speaking to an Irish bartender or comparing notes with a Canadian tourist can give you that little bit of courage you need to get out there. I can't recommend one specifically as it's been a couple of years, and these places really do change quite a bit as the staff shifts, but last time was there there were a couple of nice, low-key ones in the 18th.
Thanks guys
Will definitely use lots of common sense and be extra vigilant
Hope to have an awesome time and will stash my valuables in my bra if need be
Starting to pack this weekend as I fly next week and my first destination is Zurich
Looking forward to my 39 day euro adventure of 9 countries and 15 cities
