BigE2118

I have never solo traveled before, and am slightly weary of it just because I fear I may get bored, etc, but nobody else I know has money/time to travel! I'm 21 and ready to see the world! So, a little advice, please...I want to go on two seperate trips, one to Japan and Hong Kong, and the other to Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria. I'm not sure which one to do, the Europe one is a bit cheaper and shorter of a trip, but they have such appeal to me. Anyways, could anyone possibly give me some advice on this? Thank you!!

suze

I would pick Europe for a first solo trip. Because for a long list of reasons, I believe it is easier traveling (and you mention shorter and cheaper as well).

You may or may not like traveling by yourself. But I'm willing to bet getting "bored" just won't happen. Being all by yourself in a foreign country is very invigorating and exciting.

toedtoes

I agree with Suze. Start with the Europe trip.

I also doubt you will get bored. Start doing some things in your home town solo to get a feel for it.

Go to the movies by yourself first - that is pretty easy to do.

Then visit a museum or historical site.

That will give you an idea of what it's like.

Also, your age will benefit you. People will be impressed that you're traveling alone at 21 and that will help break the ice. Read through some of the prior posts on this site - there are lots of tips on how to meet people.

If there are any pub crawls, pub walks, etc. in the towns you're going to, that is a great way to experience the night life without really being alone.

clofstad

Hey! I am also 21 and this past summer i went on a contiki all by myslef. It was the most amazing time of my life and i got to meet and become friends with 45 new people from across the world! It wasnt scary at all because contiki set up everything and i never had to worry about being completly by myself if I didnt want to. They provided the travel to and from each city and set us up in hotels and all. you should look inot them because they specalize their tours for people 18-35 but most people were around 22. email me if you want more info on them or my trip! happy travels

casuaa

Japan, or at least Tokyo, is easy to navigate once you figure how to use the trains and subway. It would be best if someone could show you how. For example, when I first went, I bought a ticket and tried to use it at the wrong company's gate since there are separate companies at the same station.

It would definitely help if you could speak some Japanese, or at least read hiragana/katakana though there's English at train station stops and at tourist attractions. Cashiers at McDonald's will also bust out the English picture menu for you when they realize you don't speak the language.

Actually, I am going to Japan (again) and Hong Kong this spring. I'm hoping to see cherry blossoms in Japan. I can let you know how easy it is to navigate in Hong Kong.