Spending a Week Solo in Europe: 9 Lessons Learned on Independent Travel

I've had experience with long train rides on the East Coast, a week on a massive Caribbean cruise ship, and solo rail journeys to places like Niagara Falls, Montreal, and Quebec City.

So by the time October 2022 rolled around, I was quite accustomed to solo traveling. I embarked on a fortnight-long train excursion through Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland, with my friend tagging along for the latter half of the journey.

Experiencing that inaugural week on my own in Europe taught me much about the nuances of exploring unfamiliar countries solo.

Understanding the Safety Dynamics of Solo Travel as a Woman

When it comes to traveling unaccompanied, prioritizing safety is paramount. My prep work revealed that some places are more secure for solo voyagers.

Global Citizens Solutions conducted research on 2025's safest spots for women traveling alone, highlighting gender equity, criminal activity, and local safety efforts. Austria and Germany, where I traveled solo, were both acknowledged.

In Austria, I roamed the night-lit streets of central Vienna, feeling secure due to the reserved nature of the locals. Similarly, in Germany, I lodged in Neustrelitz, a charming town near Berlin, navigating easily between them by train while feeling secure.

Regardless of the destination's reputation, it's vital for any traveler to do thorough research, remain vigilant, and trust their instincts for personal security.

Embracing Public Transport to Discover Cities

Being a New Yorker, I'm at home on subways but felt apprehensive using public transport where language barriers loomed.

To my surprise, the subways in cities like Berlin felt remarkably similar, down to the signage for arriving trains.

Both Berlin and Vienna feature impressive transit systems that facilitated learning the lay of the land. Leveraging transit apps, purchasing tickets, and route planning became straightforward.

Public transport became a source of confidence, as navigating these locales alongside locals helped assuage my initial hesitations.

Choosing Central Accommodations for Easier Exploration

Location is crucial when traveling solo. For this trip, I alternated between city-centered Airbnbs and those in quieter areas to contrast urban vibrancy with serene outskirts.

While solo, the trek from remote stays to city centers seemed wasteful compared to planning and having companionship.

In Germany, my residence in Neustrelitz entailed lengthy commutes, shortening my Berlin explorations, unlike my Vienna hotel stay, which offered round-the-clock city access.

For solo travelers, especially newbies, opting for central lodgings simplifies venturing into the unknown.

Discovering the Desire for Longer Solo Adventures

The first week was challenging, adapting to the lone exploration process without the familiar comfort of sharing experiences.

However, the end of the week saw me comfortably immersed in the wanderer's lifestyle, craving even more time to fully embrace the experience.

For those considering going solo in unfamiliar territory, a minimum two-week stint is advised; the initial week lays the groundwork for a more enjoyable second.

Managing Mindset: Staying Present and Cherishing Wins

Encounters with deterrents, including navigating the wrong station or sudden downpours, initially dampened my mood.

Deciding to control the controllables, I emphasized positive outcomes like successfully securing necessities — finding my spirits lifted.

Staying mindful, I celebrated small victories, from securing a spontaneous hotel in Vienna to encountering unexpected delights in Vienna's culinary spots, all buoying my journey.

Recognizing the Necessity of Health and Rest

Sleep effectively transformed my trip. Having initially overlooked my surroundings due to fatigue, rest rekindled my enthusiasm.

Being well-rested manifested as improved hydration and attentiveness to my body's cues — recognizing neglect and maintaining hydration became a travel routine.

Incorporating necessary breaks instead of incessantly touring is imperative for truly enjoying what solo travels can offer.

The Universal Language of Smiles and Gestures

In Europe's multilingual environment, non-verbal communication methods proved invaluable in overcoming linguistic divides, where expressiveness replaced words.

Despite initial trepidation, approaching others with confidence, particularly through a smile, often resulted in reciprocating warmth and willingness from locals.

Bridging Distance with Communication

The sizable time zone gap demanded deliberate planning to maintain connections, which remarkably soothed loneliness during my foreign sojourn.

Making time for family during their day proved comforting amid the absence of familiarity in the cities I visited.

Solo Travel: A Reflection on Companionship

Traveling alone offers an unparalleled opportunity for growth, though challenging, bolstering both personal strength and appreciation for shared journeys.

Reuniting with my companion revealed how far I’d come independently, boosting confidence to venture solo again with anticipation of an enriched experience.

Reflecting on my initial uncertainty, the adventurous spirit fostered by solo travel now firmly invites subsequent journeys on my own terms.