Travelling Alone in Europe?
 

I'm spending a month studying in Berlin this summer. Originally I was going to travel with my mom or a friend of mine after I finished, but it looks like that's not going to happen anymore. I'm considering spending a few days in Paris by myself. Any advice? Does this sound like something reasonable for a 20 year old american girl? I have been to Paris before (but not alone) and I speak German and a decent amount of French. Thanks!

You'll be fine. Quite a few of my female friends , of all ages, actually prefer traveling alone. And Paris is the perfect place to do it

I personally would go for it, but only you can really answer the question of whether you'd feel lonely or awkward etc. (I hate eating alone in restaurants, I must say). If you do decide to go, think about staying in a hostel - they're always full of young people travelling alone or in groups, and you should be able to find people to chat to and maybe join up with for sightseeing. If it's the safety aspect that you're concerned about, don't be. It sounds like you've got a bit of travelling experience under your belt and as long as you use common sense you'll be fine.

Mije.com

Eldoradohotel.fr

Hotel-collegedefrance.com

3 cute solo places with great vibe

Parisvoice.com activities

Solo travel in Paris is wonderful have fun

Eurocheapo.com Paris good budget tips

Journeywoman.com best solo female travel site.

Enjoy!

I'd rather be alone in Paris than there with anyone!

Go!

No problem. Go for it!

Go girl! Paris a great alone or not. No need to avoid going because you will be alone and it will afford you the flexibility to do as you please while there.

I'm another woman who prefers traveling alone. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want! Go and enjoy!

Other than London, Paris is probably the easiest major European city for a young American to travel solo.

Go - have a fabulous time . . .

Absolutely go - esp if you've been to paris before and have the city down pat. I have visited a number of places on my own - adding several days at the end of a business trip. Just make sure you're in a hotel and neighborhood you like.

I'm old old old, and I like traveling alone. I also did it when I was much younger. On my past couple of trips, I've been with another person and have decided from now on I travel alone. Much as I like my friends, there are often too many problems with a companion.

There are long threads on here about the pleasures of solo travel. It might not be for everybody, but it is the very best way for many, many travelers.

I have made many trips alone, one a four month trip through Europe when I was around your age. Go for it. You will have a wonderful time.

I guess I don't need to say it, but yes, go! I was 22 and went to Paris on my own for school. I made friends at school, of course (so not the same as your situation) but I was on my own often. It was a wonderful experience. Have fun!

I lived in France with friends going to school at 19, and at 20, traveled all over Europe alone the entire summer before returning home, since all my friends returned at the end of the school year.

I started off really quiet, and completely came out of my shell! I stayed in lots of hostels and met lots of people from different countries -- making friends that I still have to this day, nearly 40 years later.

So, yes, yes, yes, you will be fine -- and I have to tell you one of my favorite things is going alone to art museums since I can do it at my own pace and not worry about anyone else.

In Paris, in addition to many youth hostels, there's also some small, relatively cheap hotels in the 6th that are great places to stay alone. There's some areas that I'd probably not stay in alone at your age, but it depends on your personal fear factors.

Yes definitely go, its only for a few days and I think you would regret it if you didn't. You will be fine! I'm another one who doesn't mind solo travel, there seems to be quite a few of us on here! Have a wonderful time.

I'm another solo traveler - and I can even enjoy eating dinner by myself. I used to take a book, now I take my iPod with an audio book so I can people watch at the same time.

I've been traveling to Europe, and the rest of the world, almost annually since I was a teenaged, American girl. I used to be gone for 10-11 weeks straight. I'm now in my 50s and am still traveling alone. Love it. Happy Travels!

Guenmai, that sounds wonderful. How are you able to get 10 or 11 weeks off each year though? I was just sitting here thinking how great it would be to take six months off work and travel around Europe - I'd probably have to wait until I retire :( I dream about it all the time :(