Americans don’t ride trains. At least that’s what I’m told by every American I meet.
02.01.2024 - 00:51 / euronews.com / Ian Smith
It can be a daunting thought to go it alone and travel to a new place where you know no one. But what might first come across as a negative, is actually what makes solo travel so great.
You can do whatever the f*** you want and are accountable to no one but yourself. It’s a liberating and euphoric experience.
Something new you want to try? Go for it! Someone new you want to try? Do it! Somewhere new you want to go? Book it!
If you’ve been thinking about your first solo travel holiday, but are afraid to take the plunge, I’m here to give you the confidence to do it. I became a solo traveller six years ago and have travelled to seven countries solo since. Some trips have been better than others so I’m here to pass on my hard-won lessons on solo travel.
There can be an urge to go big right away and spend a month interrailing around Europe on your own. This may work for some people, but if you’re a bit nervous about solo travelling I recommend planning a short trip first.
The first time I travelled alone it was at the end of a family holiday. I was already in Spain and I added on two days in Barcelona by myself. It was the perfect introduction to solo travel. It was not too daunting beforehand, there wasn’t too much planning and it gave me the confidence to do more. Since then I’ve gone on solo adventures ranging from a couple of days to two weeks.
I love to meet new people when I’m travelling and there’s no easier place for that than in a hostel. Plus it’s a budget friendly option when you have no one to split the cost of an Airbnb with.
I use the website Hostelworld to find the perfect place. You just search the city with your planned dates and it gives you all the hostel options available. Make sure to read the descriptions and reviews before booking to make sure it’s the kind of vibe you’re looking for.
I usually want a more social atmosphere so I check for ones that have lots of events and I make sure the reviews match that. It might not always be the cheapest one, but it’s worth the money if it means you’ll make new friends easily.
I’ve stayed in OneFam hostels in Budapest and Seville and they have social events every night. It is often quite alcohol-focused, but not always. In Seville the staff took us to a free flamenco show one evening. They also have locations in Barcelona, Madrid, Porto, Prague and London.
If you want your own space while keeping the social side of a hostel, you can opt for a private room instead of a dorm. Personally I don’t mind staying in a dorm, I always pack ear plugs and an eye mask so I can sleep just about anywhere. It can be a good idea for a longer trip though to book a hotel or private room for a night or two halfway through just to give you a moment to yourself and to take a
Americans don’t ride trains. At least that’s what I’m told by every American I meet.
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The brand offers innovatively-designed ships, outstanding service and a focus on active shore excursions and wellness through their signature EmeraldACTIVE program.
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