Hello all,
I am a 30 year old male taking a three week solo trip to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Bruges, Paris, and Barcelona. I am leaving at the end of April, just in time for Queen's Day! This is my first trip to this part of Europe, and it is my first solo trip out of the USA. Any tips on eating? places to visit? safety? I am both excited and nervous, but I have always wanted to go.
Thanks!
This website has an entire section of tips for solo travelers:
Solo Travel
Hi James,
I am a 34 year old female and traveled all around Europe solo and I find that staying in hostels is one of the best places to meet people. I researched the hostels alot before I left as I wanted to make sure that I wouldn't be staying in a party hostel. My favorite ones were a little more expensive than the rest (but not by much). I liked it when they had a bar or lounge as they were great to meet other travelers. I was surprised how many other solo travlers are out there and that we would instantly hook up and hang out together. Usually the ones in groups stay together and keep to themselves.
Sign up for city tours. I went on many "free" tours that were great to meet other people. You pay a tip at the end and it still works out to be pretty cheap.
I usually ate at the pubs or had street food. Street food is great if your by yourself as you can eat on a park bench and people watch. Making sandwiches back at your hostel is good as well and you can eat at the parks.
I wouldn't worry about safety at all. Just use common sense. It's safer there than at home. Bring a lock for the hostel lockers. You might find more theft at the hostel than on the street. I brought a cable lock to lock my bag to the overhead rack on trains, so when I went to the bathroom I didn't worry about my bags...never used it.
Reserve ahead now for Queen's Day. It will be busy!
All you have to do at hostels to meet people is ask the same required questions off the hop-"where are you from". "how long are you traveling", "where have you been", "where are you going". After awhile you will be sick answering/asking these, but hearing other peoples stories you will wish you were traveling for a few more months!
Forgot to add something,
I couchsurfed as well and it was the highlight of my time. I hooked up with locals for the day and they took me to their favorite hangouts and places. It was great. You don't have to stay at their house, you can just arrange to spend the day/evening with them. It is very popular in Europe and there are many people involved. You can browse through their profiles and match up with people with similair interests as you. Check out the site www.couchsurfing.com
I met so many incredible people from there and now I have a great time hosting people who pass through Winnipeg.
James, as to places to visit: from Amsterdam it is a short, inexpensive trip to Keukenhof - beautiful, famous park with mature trees and usually gorgeous that time of year with tulips, daffodils, etc. from growers all over Holland. Go early in the day. it fills up with busloads of tourists; no need to pay for a tour, easy to reach, can do in a few hours. Even if you're not into gardening or flowers it is a memorable place to visit. In Netherlands, English is spoken almost everywhere. Re eating: supplement with fresh fruit from grocery stores or street markets, apple, banana, strawberries. Sounds like a fabulous trip, have fun!
James, Keukenhof is a great place to meet single girls! Mostly girls with silver hair and sensible shoes though. Not sure how safe it would be for you. Stick with Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris etc. Save Keukenhof for your golden years not your 30's.
