Solo Trip Reassurance

Zach,

Pull the trigger and don't think twice. You will have the time of your life, and you'll probably catch the travel but that all the rest of us have. Don't let the naysayers slow you down.

Bruce

Make that "the travel BUG." You might get travel butt, depending on the airline seat size in coach.

Bruce

Traveling solo is extremely fun. You don't have to answer to anyone, which is rare in life. Don't think twice, go. The naysayers just don't know what they are talking about or what they are missing. In truth, you actually have to be careful traveling with others, as even best friends might not be the best people to travel with, and it can ruin friendships.

Go and enjoy! You've picked a nice itinerary, too. Those are three cities still on my list to see.

I've done a dozen solo trips to Europe. I wouldn't want to do it any other way. I am puzzled sometimes when people express their nervousness about traveling alone, but I guess because I have done it so many times, it feels like second nature to me. Traveling with other people can be more fun in some ways but a huge hassle in others.

Try to fly open jaw - into one city out of another, on one ticket, not "round trip" between two cities, if possible. That will avoid backtracking.

I was 40 before I took my first trip to Europe, the first week with friends in Ireland and the second 10 days or so in England by myself. I think that it's terrific that you can go, and going solo will be interesting and probably great fun as you meet other travelers.
On my first trip I completely changed my mind about where in England I was headed and didn't have to worry about inconveniencing any companions. (This was before one needed to book ahead, of course ...)
On my subsequent adventures I have sometimes taken RS tours, sometimes traveled with friends, and sometimes traveled alone. It's all good.
Happy trails!

Zach, you are going to have a wonderful trip. I've done several solo trips to Europe, and a few with other people, and I much prefer the solo travel. I don't stay at hostels, and I'm pretty shy, but I've had some really nice experiences meeting people. Sometimes just sitting in the hotel lobby and chatting with the desk clerk, or going into a shop and asking the proprietor questions about life in this town or city, can create the best kind of memories. And at a hostel you're sure to meet a lot of like-minded individuals, travelers from all over the world. What a great opportunity!

One of my favorite things about solo travel is in the morning. I can leave for the day whenever I'm ready. I don't have to wait for anyone else to get ready. And throughout the day, there are no compromises. I take as long as I want in each museum. I walk as fast or as slow as I want from place to place, or I hop on a tram or bus if I want. No one else to have to worry about. I eat when I want, what I want, where I want.

There are definitely times when I get lonely while traveling alone. Bring either a small laptop or a paper and pen for journaling, and use your free time to write. It's amazing how writing about what and how you are doing can enhance your experience. I've done this while eating alone at a restaurant, and I've had servers ask me what I'm writing, and soon I've made a new friend, at least for an hour or two.

But also, try to embrace the loneliness. It's rare for most of us to spend a lot of time alone by ourselves. There's a great opportunity for introspection, and even sadness, that can make your trip one of self-discovery. You may learn as much about yourself as you do about the places you visit.

Have a wonderful trip, Zach, and be sure to come back and post a trip report!

The naysayers, sometime those mugs are just jealous.. I know because I have felt jealous when I use to hear people in the office going somewhere adventurous on vacation and I could not afford to and the lady in the cubicle next to me always says she is jealous when I tell her where I'm going. She and others always ask, as my cubicle is decorated with pictures from all my travels including one of me in front the Great Pyramids of Giza. Moreover, people are not all that great to be around all the time.

I have done about 10 solo vacations to Europe. Though as I could afford it, two times I have paid the way of others (a best buddy and my niece) that I really enjoy. My most recent solo was last April to Germany (Berlin, Bremen and Lubeck) for an international festival centered on my other passion/hobby besides travel : Jazz music.

I have discovered for me solo travel is the best if you can incorporate some of your hobby or something you are a nerd about into it; that way you meet like minds on an international scale and they usually can speak English as well as other languages. (Music is the healing force of the Universe someone said). Sort of like how people go on business trips but way better. That always shut up the jealous mugs that are asking you “well what did you do there by yourself”.

Looking back, the easiest of all my solo trips to Europe (before I started incorporating something Jazz into them ) was the first one because of the shock of it all. The hardest part you might find is not wanting to go eat a restaurant alone so I usually stick to the better fast food places (though I admit I have gone to McD's in Paris because they serve beer) or bars that serve food.

Hostels are the way to go for you. Many have evening gatherings. In some, there are bars and you can meet folks. Who knows? Something might happen. In others, there are "who wants to go to the museum on Tuesday? Meet here at 9 am". So possibly meeting folks is more possible.

Hostels are the way to go for you. Many have evening gatherings. In some, there are bars and you can meet folks. Who knows? Something might happen. In others, there are "who wants to go to the museum on Tuesday? Meet here at 9 am". So possibly meeting folks is more possible.

Hostels are the way to go for you. Many have evening gatherings. In some, there are bars and you can meet folks. Who knows? Something might happen. In others, there are "who wants to go to the museum on Tuesday? Meet here at 9 am". So possibly meeting folks is more possible.

Absolutely, go for it. I've traveled alone and with my wife, it's great either way but in different ways. You'll most likely have a great trip, but if traveling alone doesn't work for you there's only one way to find out. And it seems like your choices are a solo trip vs. no trip -- an easy choice.

So, yes, you'd be "crazy ... not to take this opportunity."

Zach,

I travel solo much of the time, but sometimes combine that with a tour for part of the trip. While it can be lonely sometimes, that's offset by the fact that you can do exactly what you want, see the sights that interest you the most and keep your own schedule. If you want to enjoy a leisurely breakfast one morning, you can do that without annoying your travel partner.

As this is your first overseas trip and especially as you're travelling solo, I'd highly recommend that you read Europe Through The Back Door prior to your trip. That provides a lot of good information on "how" to travel well in Europe, and the differences you'll encounter there. It would also be a good idea to have a look at guidebooks (preferably Rick Steves books) for the places you'll be visiting, as they'll allow you to plan efficient touring, get around easily, etc.

You didn't say what you've done to prepare for the trip, but a few things you'll have to consider.....

• Money Belt (always a good idea in Europe)
• credit / ATM cards (be sure to notify your financial institutions that you'll be travelling abroad so they don't freeze your cards)
• travel with technology (are you taking a cellphone, iPad or whatever? You will most certainly need Plug Adaptors and you MUST check the charger of EACH device you'll be taking to ensure it's designed for use on 220 VAC electrical systems)
• staying in Hostels (you'll need to pack a towel, soap, flip-flops and a robust and good quality Padlock for the lockers - DON'T use the cheap TSA luggage locks for that, as they're easily compromised).
• language (you may want to do a bit of research on the usual greetings in the local language in the countries you'll be visiting).

That's all I can think of at the moment.

I did a independent solo trip to Europe less than 2 years after my husband died. No tours for me (not even RS tours)! I was 66 at the time. If I could do it, you can do it Zach. While it was not as fun as when my husband was with me, it was still satisfying and enjoyable. The most difficult part for me was eating alone at a restaurant when all around me were couples, families and groups of friends, but that is also the case right here in the USA.

Do it!! As a single woman, I’ve done solo trips both on my own and with tour groups. You can always take a day trip and be with a group for a day or a few hours. I tend to use Viator.com. As in the replies above, there is a lot to be said for being able to create your own schedule and do your own thing. I’ve never stayed in a hostel, but it sounds like a great way to make some connections. Go for it!!!!

Go for it! Pure and simple.

When I was 23, I came to the US from England for a summer through the BUNAC program. As I researched the idea and filled out the initial application, I shared my plan with everyone and received two kinds of responses: "That's brilliant, I wish I could do that!" or "But you don't know anyone, what if something goes wrong?!" Happily, most were in the first group but the doubters were sincere.

I returned to England after the most amazing summer and having met people that more than 25 years later are still my best friends. When I talked about my trip, the responses were suddenly all unanimous: "That's brilliant, I want to do that now!"

Go. Enjoy.

You'll always find naysayers about anything you do in life, but particularly when it comes to the topic of solo travel. You can even encounter them on a travel board. I came to this very board when planning a year long round the world solo trip and got private messages (from someone who still posts on this board today) telling me "there must be something wrong with you to want to go on a solo trip for that amount of time" and trying to discourage me from even thinking about. I deleted their messages, didn't listen to them and had a fantastic year. I've gone on plenty of solo trips since that year and honestly, it's a great way to travel. Sure, I like traveling with my boyfriend or my friends, but they don't always want to go to the same places I want to, or they don't have the time or money. I'm not going to sit around waiting until there's someone to go with. You've got the money to do this, you already have 1 solo trip under your belt and you don't have any pressing obligations - I'd tell you emphatically to pack your bag and do this.

You're the perfect age for a hostel - yes, anyone of any age can stay at one, but from my experience staying at a lot of hostels during my solo year, the vast majority of solo hostelers were folks in their mid 20s to early 30s. I find traveling solo makes you more approachable to both other travelers and to locals. If you are worried it will be lonely, think outside the box beyond hosteling for other ways to meet people. Ex. the Couchsurfing community online isn't just to find a free place to stay, but it's also a place where locals with an interest in meeting people from around the world might post they are open to meeting up to share a coffee, drink or meal. Or, for a reasonable fee, sign up for a meal cooked and served in someone's home on the EatWith website - again, it's mostly people who are locals that want to interact with people visiting from around the world and for the same price as you'd likely pay in a restaurant, you'll be guaranteed to have someone to chat with who can also give you some good advice about other things to do/see in their city.

Don't always stick your nose in a book, your phone or click away on your laptop when out at a bar, restaurant, cafe or sitting in a park. If you constantly look "busy", you don't look approachable. Be brave and put those things away for a few hours.

One of the few regrets I have in life is that I didn't start traveling sooner, and I will confess it was mostly over fear of traveling alone. But I did it, first starting with going solo on tours, then solo trips on my own. The first one was a bit scary, but now, I'm not sure how I would do traveling with others.

In my opinion the trip you outlined is just about right way to test out how you fare. Bigger cities have plenty of options for entertainment, food, transportation, and sights. Arm yourself with information and ideas about what to see, so you can occupy your time. If you find yourself lonely, take a guided walking tour, take a guided tour at a museum, or sign up for an activity through the hostel. I have met so many delightful people (locals and travelers) just striking up a conversation.

And when you return, if you decide out solo travel isn't your gig, that's ok too - no one else can make the best decision for you, but you won't know how you do until you try. Have a wonderful time.

HEY ZACH go for it! I am a 75 year old solo traveler: Belize/ Ecuador (6 weeks) Eastern Europe ( 8 weeks) and in may 2018 8 weeks of solo island hopping in Greece. I stay in hostels/ family run hotels/ airbnb. I feel well cared for and safer than in a large chain hotel. I never rent a car. I rely on local bus/ train/ferry and take day trips when local transport isn't possible. Be sure and reserve your 1st and last night stays. Keep in touch with a family member or friend DAILY to re assure them you are surviving.Post FB photos as an on line journal or do it the old school way with paper and pen. Have 2 "real" books to trade at hostels. Use trip advisors "cheap eats" listings for saving money on food. I also used local 7-11 stores and delis and take out spots. Even if everything is on your phone also have a map and /or guide book as a back up. One of the down sides of solo travel...there is no one to watch your bag when ypou head to the coffee stand or WC LOL. The upside? I have been befriended by locals who have shared home cooked meals and personalized city tours. Learn 10 basic language phrases for each destination. Have these printed on a 4x6 file card for easy access. If you get bad vibes about a place - cut your losses and move on. If needed say " OH my friend is meeting me here soon" DON'T LOOK LOST that makes you look vulnerable. You will have increased confidence after a solo trip. You can't delay your travel because of friends work/family obligations.
My motto: If not NOW then when? I will never be younger/ richer/ healthier than I am right now. Good Luck and Safe travels.

GO! You can do it. Hostels are the way to go. Added up, my solo travel is over a year and my best experiences were staying in hostels. You will meet so many people in hostels. Most hostels have bars or common areas. It was easy to meet and talk about places and make plans. You will need flip flops, a good padlock, I use "The Absorber" instead a towel, it is lighter and more absorbent and will not mold. You will make plans, meetup with someone and throw them out the window. Don't be afraid to eat alone. Remember, trouble feels like trouble it doesn't matter where you are whether in your hometown or across the world. Learn a few words, it will make a world of difference, even if you butcher them. It will show effort and people appreciate it. Before you enter a museum or site, take a picture so when at home you remember where you were.

I’m in London on my 9th solo trip right now. I love traveling alone and doing exactly what I want for as long as I want with no one’s needs to worry about but my own. I have honed my skills over the past trips, and have a good network of people to communicate with if I get lonely—find that 14 days would be my limit as I hit the wall with being a stranger in a strange land by then. Naysayers seem to be either envious and/or unable to enjoy anything without a guide or entourage so I just ignore them. You’re visiting my 2 favorite cities, Budapest and Vienna, and I hope you have a fabulous time—and post a report!

Zach, it would be helpful to know what your concerns are and why you need reassurance. I will share some of mine, and how I deal with them. (Posted in older threads, but unable to link to posts at this forum.)

Solo travelers do need to address a few concerns. Here are some of mine.

• I have to research and plan a trip myself. A task I really enjoy, but
  not for everyone.

• I list the situations (and things) I had to depend upon my travel
  companions in the past, and plan on how to deal with them by myself.

• My passport have emergency contact info. Someone at home would have
  my itinerary (but I don't stay in contact during a trip, I'm on
  vacation!).

• When I go to a location that is off the beaten path, remote, or
  worrisome, I let my hotel know about it. Especially at night.

• I create custom offline maps for my phone (no internet, no wi-fi, no
  problem), which I carry all the time (with backup battery).

After a few trips and learning from mistakes, these become second nature. Fear evaporates.

Some cons of solo traveling which I have no solutions for:

• Unable to share those magical moments that cannot be expressed in photos or words.

• More expensive lodging and meals.

• Dining alone: unable to share multiple orders, wasting large portions I cannot finish.

• No extra pair of hands (for extra bag, etc.), and extra pair of eyes (for safety, etc.). No navigator sitting next to me while driving.

But I won't let any of these stop me.

I am another single man traveling alone. You are nine years younger than me. In 2015 I went to Quebec, Canada, for 5 days, but two of those days were wasted on the train. I wish I had taken a plane. In 2016 I went to England for 8 days. In 2017 I went to parts of Central Italy for 14 days. I planned a trip to Greece, in October, for 13 days. All of these trips were or will be solo, me traveling alone. I am sure that if I had a girlfriend who could travel with me I would offer to have her travel with me; she would have to pay for her share of the costs. I have no acquaintances or family members who are willing or able to travel with me. I stayed in all hostels on the first 3 trips. In greece I am spending 6 nights in hostels, 5 nights in hotels, and 2 nights on ferries. I am travel alone even though my mother is over-anxious, is afraid to travel far from home, she is afraid of bridges, bad weather, riding in a boat, and riding in an airplane; she thinks what I am doing is mind-boggling; she thinks I am nuts for traveling, and alone and not with a whole-trip organized tour. She thinks cities are dangerous, she thinks I am wasting my money; although occasionally she is interested in what I will see or what I saw; all people have hypocracies and contraditions. My last 3 trips were fine and my next trip will be fine too. There is nothing wrong with traveling alone.

Just go, you will have fun and see things you want to see, eat what you want to eat and travel on your own schedule. No seeing sights that don't interest you or eating somewhere because someone else has a diet restriction.

I don't mind traveling with other people but it's always a sacrifice as I'm compromising the trip I would take for the things they want to see and do. Even when to eat, where to sleep and when to get started in the morning is a compromise.

Forget relying on or waiting for friends to be part of your trip. Admittedly, I almost did that once, my first time over in 1971 but in the end none of them could join me, so I decided to go alone taking a 12 week charter flight solo. One of my best decisions ever.

Forget the naysayers. Do they know more than you? I think not. I faced them too, still forty plus years later. Is it weird, only you even put any thought to it. Is it weird, only if I think "they" know more about Europe and especially Germany than I,... I seriously doubt it, not possible. At your age I made my 3rd trip over in the late summer, ie mid-Aug to almost the end of Sept. I was 27, went to France, Austria, and Germany, again solo as the first time.

Ask yourself, at your age what is the big deal going solo? The one distinct disadvantage I see is that when you are at the train station with your luggage waiting for the train with more than ample time and need to hit the WC located some distance away, I wish at that moment I had some one along to watch the luggage (the spinner) without having to roll it with me cutting through the crowds, etc. That's one reason I make it point to know the lay-out of train stations well, focusing on three locations...the coin lockers, the WC, and the coin pay phones. Wien Hbf is big, spread out, has 3 (?) floors.

part 2 here...Keep in mind that it is not only a time issue, or to put it another way, if you don't go, it is wasted time out of your life. I am 42 years your senior, and I still go over solo, still keep hostels as an option.

Going solo nothing to it, just plan, be organized, be prepared to get out of your American comfort zone, should you have one, and that's relative from person to person, pace yourself, and keep in mind, above all, if "they" can do it solo, why can't I, barring any health or physical issues, unless you believe that those going solo having something over you...I didn't even think that way my first time.

A good number of my friends in the same age group would not/do not travel in the manner I do...their choice entirely. As pointed out above, traveling with others demands compromise, unless you're with a person who goes entirely anywhere you want to go.

When I travel with the Mrs in Europe , we split up in a given city. We don't always stick together day in and day out. She has her interests, she goes her way; we rendezvous at a designated spot and time for dinner...no problems.

Wow, Zach. You have been given great information by the previous posters. I just want to encourage you to go! We were in Germany October last year and it was so beautiful. You say you have your trip all planned. You are young, and free of obligations at the moment. There will never be this exact chance for you. It will change you forever. One of the biggest problems you will face will be deciding how quickly you can plan your next trip! Have a wonderful time. (I know you will!!)

Good for you! I wish that I had been daring enough to do something like that when I was your age. Enjoy!

"It will change you forever." How true ! Traveling solo the first time did that to me. It makes you want to travel solo in Europe again and again.

With your itinerary of the three cities above, I wouldn't hesitate to go, preferably in the summer but autumn is all right too.

Well??! Are you going??!

Currently waiting to hear back about a job that would require me to relocate 9 hours away. But if that doesn’t work out, then the trip is on as long as the flight prices don’t go up astronomically.

Well everyone, the flight has been purchased! Vienna, Krakow, and Budapest for about 3-4 days each end of October-early November. Thank you all for your encouragement and tips over this post. Anybody have suggestions on things in each city that I MUST purchase ahead of time or else I may be out of luck? I've got a list started already that includes:

Vienna - Opera
Krakow - Auschwitz, Salt Mine, Schindler's Factory Museum

Definitely buy tickets for Schindler's Factory ahead of time. Try to get a morning entry time. We had an entry time of 9:40 on a Saturday this past August, when we arrived we were able to go right in. When we came out about 3 hours later, the lineup was all the way down the block. Don't know if the line was people waiting to enter or trying to buy tickets, but it was long!

When you order your tickets online, you get a confirmation email telling you to arrive 10 minutes earlier to pick them up, but you can also get them beforehand at the Cloth Hall, which is what we did, and so we were able to go right in without having to stop at the ticket office. Here's what they sent me:

"To receive your booking, please report at the Museum’s ticket office 10 minutes before 09:40 on 2018-08-11 at the latest or earlier in Visitor Centre, Main Market Square 1 (entrance in Cloth Hall, opposite Szewska street)."

Zach, since you're going to Krakow, you might enjoy a Crazy Guide tour. It was a hoot and a good way to balance out the seriousness of some of the other sites, plus they're solo friendly.