I am going on my first solo trip in June. I will be eurrail-ing it all through Europe. As a young single woman, I would like any tips you may have. Things I'm currently thinking about are: best (non sneaker) shoes for walking, clothing to pack, cheap international cell phone, bringing lots of film or buying it there, hosteling, etc. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Libby

i wouldn't recommend buying film but using a digital camera. film processing can get very expensive. bring extra memory cards and once the memory card is filled, have an internet cafe convert it to a dvd so you can have a digital memory of your trip. once you are home, you can print out the pics that you like.

Libby-

Shoes need to be comfortable to you, and worn not brand new. Myself I do use sneakers for one pair. I like to take 2-3 pair so I can switch off and not be stuck wearing the same ones every day & night. My thinking on shoes is they are more important than clothes. You can wear the same ole t-shirt for a couple days, but if your shoes give you blisters... man that is no good! I usually take 1 sandals, 1 flip flops, 1 sneakers myself.

Packing. Don't take too much. It's easier since it is summer. I take a mix of nice t-shirts and tops, with several pair of capri. Travel undies you can wash that dry quick might be one good investment. I don't know how long you'll be gone but you can find a laundry matt along the way, and/or wash things out in the sink, instead of taking too many clothes.

I would pack in one single bag, either a 22" roller suitcase or a small, properly fitting backpack. You want to be able to easily handle your own luggage, not just... well because it's easier (lol) but I believe it makes you look more in control, and limits opportunity to appear a "victim" or somehow vulnerable (i.e., schlepping 3 bags you can't manage thru a train station in Spain or Italy may be asking for trouble).

I'm not sure about film, everyone I know is shooting digital these days. Myself I just use disposable cameras when I travel, supplemented by post cards I buy.

Hosteling questions you can go to the Lonely Planet website, their forum called The Thorn Tree. It is similar format to this board, but with many more young people and backpackers of all ages who would be more knowledgeable about the topic over there.

My best advice about traveling solo is to have all your passport, paperwork, money, emergency phone numbers, and stuff like that in order. That is the single most important thing I think when you are alone and far from home.

Safe and happy traveling, Suze

Thanks so much, Suze! Very helpful.

the pleasure is mine ;-)

Hi Libby,
I think traveling solo is fabulous! To echo the advice above, I would pack as light as you can as it just makes you that much more mobile.

Here's a website that I found very useful when packing for a 13-week solo adventure in South America last summer.
http://www.verber.com/mark/travel/packing.html

One other piece of advice I have is to be as open as you can (while still being safe) to conversations with both other travelers and locals. I think that is one of the greatest things about traveling on your own is the opportunity to meet others (and I think when you're solo you seem that much more approachable to other people).

I hope you have a fabulous trip!
Elizabeth

Suze is absolutely right about the shoes - they are the most important. I have Merrels Jungle Crocs and like them very much. For sandals, I use a Cobbie Cuddler lace up style (at Kmart) - they're made like walking shoes with lots of padding, but are a bit cuter looking than most walking sandals. I bring those two pair and use them as slippers as needed.

Think layers for tops and multi-purpose - you can wear a button down shirt on its own or over a t-shirt if it's cooler weather. Go with one basic neutral color and mix and match everything. Pack your bag and carry it around the house for 15 minutes - if it's not comfortable, reduce your stuff.

If you're doing film, always have 2 unopened rolls on hand and one in the camera. When you put a roll in the camera and have only 2 rolls left, start looking to buy. That way you won't get stuck buying in an expensive tourist area.

<i>... when you're solo you seem that much more approachable to other people...</i>

It may be more accurate to say that when you're a solo <i>woman</i> you seem that much more approachable. My experience as a solo man is that the couples, families, and groups I encounter while traveling prefer to avoid me. But nearly all my solo travel experience has been in the United States, where I've only very rarely seen unattached leisure travelers of either sex.

Things may be different in Europe and Australia, since the only people who have been approachable (or traveling solo) have been from there. I also found a friendlier reception in Canada, where I've made one solo trip and two with travel companions.