Mid 20s female traveling alone...I need advice!

Stay in hostels. You will have instant friends. You are the perfect age for that, too--most of your fellow hostelers will be mid 20s. There is a wealth of literature by and about solo women travelers. Take a look at some of those books to quell your fears. Before my first solo trip I read an essay by a woman in a wheelchair that traveled across Australia, alone, and it really made an impression on me. Geez, she can do it, what's MY problem? You are safer walking around in Europe than you are walking around Sacramento. It always seems scarier, going someplace unknown, but statistically you are less likely to be victim of a violent crime in Europe.

Don't make yourself an obvious target (since you've been there before you'll have an idea of this). Find people to go out with at night so that you're not alone. Don't get too drunk: according to the American Consulate in Florence, over 90% of problems that American students encounter are due to excessive alcohol consumption. As far as meeting people, whenever you're at your hostel or restaurants or elsewhere, talk to people! I don't know where you're traveling, or if you're comfortable with the language--but attempt conversation even when you can't speak perfectly. When I was in Italy I made a lot of friends at the bars even though I spoke Spanish--I spoke as much Italian as I knew, said the rest of it in Spanish and it worked out. Don't worry about embarrassing yourself! If we know a general itinerary, we can advise more on places to go or avoid--what part of cities to spend more or less time in.

Emily, You may find it helpful to have a look at Europe Through The Back Door, especially Chapter 26 "The Woman Travelling Alone". There are LOTS of great tips in there covering everything from meeting people to avoiding scams. That part of the Guidebook was written by one of Rick's female staff members. It might also be a good idea to "brush up" on the "Rail Skills" chapter. Happy Travels!

Be flexible. When I was 20 I traveled West Germany, Austria and yes, East Germany alone. I often would meet other college kids at hostels and travel wherever they were heading for a day or two. Then meet up with another group for a day or two. I traveled with people from Canadan, US, Norway, Sweeden, Japan, Australia, England and New Zealand. Great experience. Saw great things that I had not planned on.

Stay at the recom hostels or B&B's that RS guidebk recommends. They are in safe areas and run well. you will meet lots of other young travelers while making your meals in the common kitchens. Same advice you would use in Sacto should be applied in Europe. I would skip eve or nights on the town until you feel more secure or can join a grp.
Let us know what cities concern you?

Emily, try not to be nervous!! it's good to think about these things NOW so that you are prepared and can be free to have fun when you are actually there. I was 25 on my first big trip to europe in 2007 and for the 2nd half of it (3 weeks) I was all alone, in cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Vienna, Venice, Florence, and Rome. I always felt safe. I didn't go out late at night and didn't walk down streets after dark where I wasn't sure where I was going. I did research beforehand, especially before I got on a bus or subway, and made sure I knew where to get off. or if I took public transportation from a station to my hotel in a new city and felt uncomfortable and lost, i splurged on a taxi. Use a moneybelt and a purse you feel like you can walk around securely with (cross-body etc). Don't trust anyone who comes up to you. Split up your stuff. I have a friend who was alone in London, had EVERYTHING in her purse and was really in trouble when it was stolen. Keep just enough out of your money belt to get you through each day so that the "big" stuff is all safe. personally I was not comfortable with the hostel idea and stayed in inexpensive B&Bs and hotels. It worked out great for me. i met people at sights that I ended up walking around with, or almost always meet people eating dinner next to me who I ended up chatting with. in Bologna i went on a walking tour with this awesome retired couple who had a time-share in Italy and we ended up having lunch together after and they showed me this really cool localsy supermarket. If you want to meet people you definitely will! Then I went back to Italy a couple years later, again mostly alone and again everything was fine. and in about 5 weeks i am heading off for 3 full weeks in Italy all by myself. Be confident, aware of your surroundings, and most of all have a fantastic time :)

Emily, Check out www.journeywoman.com. They've been there, done that.

I've been travelling alone for over 30 years and have never had a problem. Try to keep a copy of your passport on line - there are some secure sites around although I can't think of the specifics at the moment. If you lose it, at least you can access a copy for the authorities. Wear a money belt and keep your valuables in it - such as passport. I take my drivers license when I travel even if I don't intend to drive - many places will accept that as ID and then I don't have to pull out my passport. I think it's an easier loss to handle if it happens. Do not haul stuff out of your money belt in public. keep a minimum of money in your purse to use just that day. Keep your purse zipped up. Try if possible to take an extra credit card and an extra ATM card - and try to never use those - emergency only. Keep them in the money belt. Remember that you should take your luggage with you into the washroom stall - this can be a real pain, but it's the only way to keep your stuff safe - I wouldn't trust a stranger no matter how nice, to watch my stuff. Another reason to pack lightly. My 25 year daughter found this to be useful when staying in hostels even though she scoffed when she got it as a gift! http://pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=18 Have a system you get used to with your luggage. I always wear my purse cross body, attach a small backpack to my carry on suitcase which is a roller type. Then I have one hand free to deal with stuff and I know I only have to worry about the suitcase. If you don't feel comfortable, change your route, find a cafe or anywhere there are other people and just wait until whoever is worrisome walks away. Trust your own instincts. I've found the average person to be very helpful and responsive. I often ask older women or families with kids for help.

Thank you everyone for your helpful advice. I had unfortunately read to mean horror stories of people traveling but I am feeling much better. I plan on spending a lot of time in Germany and Spain, which didn't concern me too much, but I also wanted to go to Prague and Budapest, which I was a little worried about since I know the least about these two places. But thanks again guys, your all very helpful!

You'll do fine. B&B's, small hotels, or hostels all worked for me when traveling alone. If you find yourself getting lonely and just want people to converse with, think about taking a day tour. You often can meet fellow travelers on a day trip tour. I actually met a nice couple when I toured a brewery in Brugges. We enjoyed our free beer together after the tour. Pam

I've traveled to Europe by myself a few times (I'm also in my 20s). It's a wonderful experience!! Try staying in hostels of course. Some of them have walking tours or dinners that will allow you to meet other people and tour the city. Also see about booking apartments, too. When I was in Barcelona, I stayed in an apartment with 5 rooms and met others in their 20s from all over the world. It was a great experience! If aren't keen on going "out", bring some books and journals to keep you busy in the evenings. I loved going to bed early and getting up early to see some of the cities before everyone else. Always keep an eye on your drink. Don't go home with random men. And don't walk down unlit/deserted streets. You'll be fine!

You should definitely go to both Prague and Budapest. I went by myself to those 2 cities last year, and had a great time. I found I had so much to do that I was never lonely. I also never felt like I was targeted-in fact, I felt that Budapest was one of the safest places I've visited. I found I had to be on guard more in Prague because of the crowds, but again, I found it very safe. Enjoy your trip! You have no need to worry.