I am planning a 3-4 week Eastern Europe trip for next year. I will be travelling solo,33, and female and wouldn't mind staying in hostels or hotels that have a sociable atmosphere but not in a party way (I am an early riser). I am just concerned about getting lonely...
I am looking at going to places that are vey medievil looking as I love that atmosphere-more modern cities aren't for me. I am not a museum person, but I love walking around, sitting at cafes and touring ancient castles, churches etc... (11th-13th century or so).
Any suggestions? I have been to Western Europe a few time FYI. My must sees are Prague/Krakow and Budapest.
I figure I would need to take overnight trains. Any advice for a solo female traveller?
Thanks
Posted by
Portland, or, usa
29 posts
Hi There,
Wow, you've picked a great area to spend some time. I'm not sure where you're flying into, but let me know and I can help with an efficient itinerary. I would suggest flying into a Berlin or Vienna, even Prague, just to climatize a bit before heading further east. Based on your interests, here are some favorites of mine, leaving out the cities you know you'll be mentioning of course! Each of these places is full of old churches, castles, but moreover they have the atmosphere I think you are looking for.
Poland- Gdansk: Not to be missed, great old town, inexpensive cafes, drinks, etc. Wroclaw is another great old midevil city.
Ukraine- Recently they dropped teh visa requirement so you only need a passport. Lviv is one of the newest "Prague's" and is well worth the hassle it takes getting there with a sloooow train from Krakow.
Czech Rep- Check out day trips from Prague liek Kutna Hora, Cesky Krumlov is the perfect small town eveyone looks for don't leave it out, LOL!
Hungary- Eger is a nice smaller city after the grittiness of Budapest, Pecs is nice too in the south.
Slovakia- Bratislava is a pretty good day trip, especially from Vienna which is a fantastic city.
Bulgaria-Sofia, Plovdiv are excellent in a very up and coming country. Very inexpensive way to see great Roman ruins and see some beautiful monestaries, Rila, south of Sofia is awsome.
Romania- Dig deep, you won't be dissapointed. Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, Sigishaora are the highlights in Transylvannia.
Slovenia and Croatia are great, get some guidebook help, "Let's Go Eastern Europe"
I'd start your trip up north and make your way zig zagging down south.
Russia and the Baltic countries are well worth it, but it takes some real planning to include them, since you need a Russian visa and getting from the Baltics southward takes time overnight on a bus/train, or check into the cheap one way flights. Check the Rick Steves section under Eastern Europe for link
Posted by
Sacramento, CA, USA
64 posts
Lucky you!
Prague is absolutely gorgeous. I spent 10 entire days there (with a day trip to Kutna Hora - also fab!), and didn't regret a minute of it. It's a great place to just roam the streets. I would suggest taking one of the walking tours, there are several that meet below the astronomical clock every day, rain or shine. I did that the first day or two I was there and it was a great way to orient myself to the city.
As far as traveling as a single female, just the usual stuff you'd think about anywhere else:
-Be aware of your surroundings
-Keep copies of your paperwork (passport, ID, credit cards) in your luggage locked away and the originals on you in a money belt, another copy left at home with someone you trust
-Drinks from the bars... watch them pour it
-Don't stay out too late in unfamiliar places
Just keep an eye out for your belongings. I've travelled solo a few times (at 22, 25 and 27)and I've never had any problems. People are generally pretty friendly. :) Chat up some locales or fellow travelers. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
OP
Winnipeg
590 posts
Thanks for the tips!!