I'm trying to quickly decide if I should go through with plans to visit Germany now that my travel partner has backed out. I was planning on flying into Frankfurt, and working my way up to Amsterdam during the first part of May. Are there areas/cities to avoid or that seem more safe than others? Safe accommodations for a solo traveler on a budget? Thanks for your response!

My only advice is to get out of Frankfurt before dark.

I have traveled a similar route that you describe. If you take the same precautions that you would if you were in big city USA, you should be fine. I found travel through Germany to be quite safe, and have yet to come across fellow travelers who have had negative experiences.

I traveled last year alone from Frankfurt to Salzburg and back to Munich by train, and then by car to the Garmisch area, north to Rothenberg, and then to Heidelberg and the Rhine and Mosel Valleys with no problem. Go for it!

Ellen, what did you think of Heidelburg and the Rhine and Mosel Valleys? Do you have any tips to share? <BR>Thanks for your response!

Brenda, I frequently travel alone in Germany. It is quite safe and I think you will find people generally very helpful to you, especially if you stay in smaller towns or villages. I'm not a big fan of Heidelberg, but have never met anyone who didn't LOVE the Mosel. What do you have in mind for an itinerary?

Hi Ann-<BR><BR>I have decided to spend 2-3 days in the Rhein River area. I'm currently trying to decide which of the cities to use as a base and take day trips from there. St. Goar and Bacharach seem to be the current leaders (thanks to other forum posters), but I'm open to other suggestions, if you have them. I leave on Wednesday, so if you have any info to share, I'd be grateful!

I've travelled alone all over Germany--Frankfurt, Rheingau, Hamburg, Konstanz/Mainu, etc. I've rented a car and taken public transportation. Germans are very friendly. Use caution as you would in any large US city and you'll be fine.

I am studying in Germany right now and make many trips alone. I have found no problem with traveling alone. Just be cautious and don't do anything stupid. I was just in Amsterdam, the second u step off of a train, people will start coming up to you and asking if u have a place to stay. Listen to them and follow them. They will offer to take u there by the train and our person even gave us a map of Amsterdam and explained it! Most likely you will find a cheep place to stay with friendly people. I was there with 2 friends and we got a room for ?20 while 2 other friends found one for ?13. Have a good time!

I routinely travel alone, and have never felt the slightest bit uncomfortable anywhere in Germany. I like Heidelberg (just returned from there, in fact). Amsterdam would probably be the most intimidating, but even that will be cake if you've travelled in big cities in the U.S. Public transportation is much better than it generally is in the U.S.