This past summer, I flew to Europe on my own and spent some time traveling solo in France and Spain. I am sharing my experience and what I learned along the way. Traveling alone in Europe is totally doable, but there are a few things I recommend that you keep in mind to stay safe and to enhance your experience:
Stay in a Smaller Town
Generally, the bigger the city, the less safe. When I traveled to the French Riviera by myself, I decided to stay in the little town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat as opposed to Nice, and I am so glad I did. Not only did it feel totally safe, but it was far more charming. I stayed at the Hôtel Brise Marine (above) which was incredibly lovely and family-run. I felt super comfortable walking around the town on my own, and even to dinner and back at night (it does stay light later in the summer). I would not have felt that safe doing so in a bigger city like Nice (Saint-Jean is a 20-minute taxi from Nice).
Be Vigilant on Trains
I traveled on trains by myself a few times – a short journey from Nice to Villefrance-sur-Mer and Èze and back (just 30 minutes total) and a long journey from Nice to Barcelona (a full 8 hours with 3 different stops and train changes – seen above). All kinds of people travel on trains, and you just have to be careful. Have your belongings compact and manageable. You need to be able to carry your luggage on your own without struggling. I recommend this suitcase and this backpack (both held all my things easily for 3 weeks abroad). Watch where you’re going and who is around you. Stay close to families and other women and avoid close contact with single men or groups of men.
Travel Business/First Class
If you can afford it, I recommend traveling first or business class whenever possible. I traveled business class on British Airways from Nashville to Nice (I got an awesome deal – it wasn’t much more than economy) and got stuck in London overnight due to weather. It could have been scary and stressful, but because I flew business class, I had access to the BA Business Class lounge in London and was helped instantly (no wait!) and calmly by a kind man in the lounge who arranged for my transportation, stay, and meals free of charge. He booked me on a flight to Nice the next day, and that was that.
Flying business class is a bonus, but obviously not a necessity. I think it is more important to travel first class on trains if you are on your own and going a long distance. Buying a first class ticket is obviously more expensive, but you are guaranteed to have a safer group of clientele. In the first class sections of my journey from Nice to Barcelona, I sat among other lone women and friendly families with whom I could talk and feel comfortable. I noticed that the second class sections had more questionable-looking men. As an American woman traveling alone, I paid the extra money because my safety was non-negotiable.
Appreciate the Kindness of Strangers
Although it’s super important to be extra careful when traveling solo, and some people will not be so nice, I found that the vast majority of people are kind to those who are alone. On those train rides, I had one couple help me find my seat and another couple carry and store my luggage for me. I wandered into charming patisseries (like the one above) and practiced my French with locals. I sat at numerous restaurants by myself and was made to feel welcome.
Feel Confident Getting Photos of Yourself
I alternated between using my self-timer to take pictures of myself and asking others when they were nearby and seemed reliable. It might feel a little awkward at first, but keep in mind that this trip is for you, nobody else, and you will want the memories. Plus, in a new place abroad, you will never see these people again. Who cares what they think? Just take the photo!
Take Your Time & Enjoy It
One of my favorite rituals during my time alone in France was having breakfast at Hôtel Brise Marine, when I would linger on the terrace and admire the mountain view. I could quietly sit, or eavesdrop on the other guests nearby.
Traveling solo can be amazing because you make all the decisions. There is no need to make plans or please others. If you want to have a slow morning in your hotel room, do it. If you want to explore everything, go for it. Enjoy the time in this new beautiful place to relax or get adventurous or whatever you please. Savor the solo time and the quiet.
Have you traveled alone before? What are your thoughts? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments!
