One of the best things about Europe is that you can drive for 45 minutes and be in a whole new country with a different language, culture, diet, architecture and style. The only bad thing about traveling Europe? That it can require a whole load of extra planning.
While Europe is a breeze to travel through, once you’ve got the hang of the ever-changing specifics, there are certain tips to keep in mind that promise to keep your travels as stress-free as possible. Because when you’re a solo female traveler, you’ll likely want to stay one step ahead of your upcoming adventures at all times.
If you’re heading to Europe soon and want to stay in the know, we’ve rounded up all of the best travel tips for Europe for solo female travelers.
1. Do your research before you go
While the continent as a whole is pretty friendly and welcoming, each European country has its own rules, regulations, and etiquette. You don’t want to get into trouble or offend anyone by accident. So make sure you know the basics of the places you’re visiting, like visa requirements, currency, tipping, dress code, and public transport.
You can use websites like Lonely Planet or Fodor’s to get reliable and updated information, or post your questions in groups like The Solo Female Traveler Network to get up-to-date answers.
2. Get travel insurance
When it comes to the best travel tips for Europe, this one’s an unmissable one. You never know what might happen, from medical emergencies to flight cancellations to lost luggage. Travel insurance will cover you for these unexpected situations and give you peace of mind. Compare different plans and choose the one that suits your needs and budget. Learn more about travel insurance and get our list of favorite companies and coverages.
3. Use a money belt or a hidden pouch
Pickpockets and scammers are common in touristy areas, especially in cities like Paris and Barcelona. And the last thing you want is a ruined trip due to stolen cash, cards, or documents. To avoid this, keep your valuables close to your body, in a money belt or a hidden pouch under your clothes.
Don’t flash your money or your phone in public, and be wary of strangers who approach you with offers or distractions. We love the Sherpani bags for their comfort, style, and theft resistant features.
4. Book your accommodation in advance
It might seem obvious, but Europe is a popular destination, and finding a place to stay can be tricky, especially during peak seasons or festivals. To avoid disappointment or paying over the odds, book your accommodation in advance, preferably online.
Some of the best platforms for booking accommodation in Europe are Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Airbnb. If you’re traveling on a budget, Facebook communities like Travel Meetups – The Solo Female Traveler Network can be great for finding free or reduced places to stay.
5. Mix up your itinerary
Don’t just stick to what you’ve seen on Tiktok! Europe has plenty of hidden gems as well as its iconic landmarks. Take the time to head off the beaten track: visit second cities as well as the capitals, travel by train or bus to check out smaller towns and villages, and get lost in nature whenever you’ve got some free time.
Feeling overwhelmed but want to see as much as possible? Our Meetup Tours offer a fusion of cultures, culinary highlights, connection to local women, and incredible experiences you couldn’t find on your own…not to mention the crew of new friends! .
If you’re heading to multiple European points and you’re not sure where to start, book onto a free walking tour at your next stop and ask the guide for their recommendations. If you’re looking for specific suggestions, join expat or nomad groups on Facebook before arriving to get some pointers.
6. Learn some basic phrases in the local language
English is widely spoken in Europe, but not everywhere. And even if it is, learning some basic phrases in the local language can make a big difference. You don’t need to be fluent, just learn some common words and phrases, like hello, thank you, excuse me, and so on.
Use apps like Duolingo or Babbel to learn and practice a new language. Another one of our best travel tips for Europe? Make sure to download the Google Translate app to your phone before you arrive: its audio and camera tools are super helpful for navigating a new place beyond the basic phrases.
7. Use public transportation or walk
One of the best tips for solo travel in Europe is to use public transportation or walk. It’s almost always faster and more eco-friendly than taking taxis or renting a car. Plus, it’s a great way to see the city and get a feel for the vibe.
Most European cities have excellent public transportation systems, with a mix of buses, trains, trams, and metros to help you get around. Apps like Citymapper are brilliant for showing you the specifics. If you’re traveling a longer distance, check out BlaBlaCar, too.
8. Stay connected with an eSIM
Technology can be your best friend when traveling solo in Europe. You can use your phone or laptop to book tickets, check maps, read reviews, find information, and make friends. The previously mentioned apps like Citymapper and Google Translate require the internet to work on a live basis, so you’ll want to invest in an eSIM or local SIM card at each destination.
Use an eSIM to get a local data plan without changing your SIM card like HolaFly or Airalo or buy a physical SIM card pretty easily in most countries, just remember to bring your passport with you to the phone store.
9. Take advantage of free or cheap attractions
Europe is a haven of discounts if you’re under 25, a student, or fit into a handful of other categories. Even if you don’t make the cut for discounts, many museums, churches, parks, and monuments around Europe are free or have a low entrance fee on specific days of the week. You can also use apps like FreeTour to join free or pay-what-you-want walking tours in many European cities if you’re exploring on a low budget.
10. Get a city pass or a rail pass
If you plan to visit multiple attractions or cities in Europe, getting a city pass or a rail pass can be a smart way to save money and skip the lines. A city pass usually gives you access to a number of attractions, museums, tours, and public transportation in a specific city for a fixed price and duration.
A rail pass allows you to travel by train across different countries or regions in Europe for a certain number of days or trips. Some of the most popular passes are Eurail and Interrail across the European network. If you know you’ll be traveling almost exclusively by trains, these passes can save you a whole lot of money.
11. Eat at the right time
Sure, you can’t help when you’re hungry. But different countries have different meal times and habits. For example, in Spain, lunch is the main meal of the day, and it’s usually eaten between 2 and 4pm. In France, dinner is a long and leisurely affair, and it’s usually served after 8pm. In Germany, breakfast is the heartiest meal, and it’s usually eaten between 6 and 9am.
To avoid missing out or being hungry, adjust your eating schedule to the local one. And don’t forget snacks if you know it’ll take you some time to adjust!
12. Reduce your waste and carbon footprint
Europe is a truly beautiful continent, so let’s try and keep it that way. Use reusable bottles, bags, and containers, and avoid single-use plastics. This tends to be easier in Western Europe rather than Eastern but not always. Recycle and compost whenever possible, and dispose of your trash properly. Choose eco-friendly accommodation, tours, and activities and try to take on-the-ground transport where possible, utilizing buses and trains over short distance flights.
13. Don’t be afraid to head off the beaten track
We’ve already encouraged you to see more than just the big hitters across Europe. But we’d also heavily encourage you to check out Europe’s lesser known sights. As well as the likes of France, Germany, Italy, and Greece, check out the likes of Albania, Romania, Lithuania and Poland.
Not only are these countries typically more budget-friendly than Western Europe, they also offer incredible insight into different cultures, languages and history. Our women-only trip to Romania is a perfect example of exploring somewhere a little different with an incredible group of like-minded solo female travelers.
14. Travel with a tour group if you’re nervous of solo explorations
We get it: solo travel can be nerve-wracking to begin with, especially if you’re heading to a new continent. If you’re ready to explore Europe but not quite ready to take the jump solo, book onto a group tour. We run women-only group tours all across the world, here at The Solo Female Traveler Network. Not sure where to check out first? View all of our group trips here or join our community to discuss travel plans with other solo female travelers.
We’ve finished talking you through our best travel tips for Europe. Ready to head off and make some new friends while you’re there? The Solo Female Traveler Network’s Meetup Tours take place all over the world. See you there!Â
FAQ For The Best Tips For Solo Female Travelers Visiting Europe
1. Do I need to research each country before visiting Europe?
Yes! Each European country has its own rules and customs, so it’s important to do your research on visa requirements, tipping, and cultural etiquette to ensure a smooth trip.
2. How can I stay safe while traveling solo in Europe?
To stay safe, consider using a money belt or hidden pouch to protect your valuables, especially in busy tourist areas. It’s also a good idea to be cautious of scams and to avoid displaying valuables in public.
3. When should I book my accommodation for a solo trip in Europe?
Booking your accommodation in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons or festivals. This guarantees you’ll secure a spot in the best locations at a reasonable price.
4. How can I avoid tourist traps in Europe?
Step off the beaten path and explore second cities, smaller towns, and natural landscapes. Don’t just follow social media trends—look for hidden gems and local recommendations to enrich your travel experience.
5. Should I learn the local language before visiting?
While you don’t need to be fluent, learning a few key phrases in the local language can help you connect with locals and navigate everyday situations with ease.
