Travelling Alone in Europe?
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1
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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!
#3
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 290
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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.
#4
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 12,268
Likes: 0
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!
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!
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#11
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,886
Likes: 0
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.
#12
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 12,820
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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.
#15

Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 671
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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!
#16

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,651
Likes: 3
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.
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.
#19

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,860
Likes: 0
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!
#20
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
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
I dream about it all the time




