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Hey there,
I’m planning my first solo international trip (I’ve done some US solo travel) to Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and France.
I’m going to be interspersing visiting friends and family with some solo stays, and I would love suggestions and tips for how you felt most comfortable and safe while traveling. What were the easiest ways to get between cities? What was it like to go out at night alone? How were hostels on your own?
Thanks!
Nora -
Hi Nora!
Sorry for the delay, I was out camping in the Sahara. I have only ever done solo travel in France. I was with a group when I traveled to Germany and I have never been to Switzerland. To travel through France, I used the SNCF train system that was super reliable and comfortable, but it was pretty expensive. There is also carpoolworld.com in France and covoiturage.fr that are free ride shares, but you have to register for both services. Blahblah car is another ride share app and you are expected to at least chip in for gas. I personally have never used this service.
Going out at night by myself and staying at hostels has always been a pleasant experience for me in Europe, because I have always had the benefit of my smart phone. I only feel vulnerable when I get lost (which is often) or when I arrive in a new city without lodging. Lately, I have been using airbnb to book rooms in homes hosted by other women. I would only recommend using airbnb if you have a smartphone with you or at the very least, a phone with a working sim card, as you usually need to contact the host to meet you. I like it because I get a view of how local people live, but I can also come and go as I please.
As far as hostels go, staying in dorms feel better when there are male and female dorms. I also appreciate lockers so I don’t have to worry about leaving my things or lugging them with me when I go out. I have always been able to meet people who want to you out in a group, but there have been occasions when not everyone wants to head back at the same time, which makes a phone come in very handy. I lived in France 15 years ago, and traveled without a phone, and although it seems romantic and nostalgic to disconnect, it has made me feel much safer and in control of my surroundings. Double check that your phone is unlocked for European sim cards, otherwise you can buy cheap smart phones for around 20 Euro. I am in Spain right now, and I bought my sim card here, however my phone is from Thailand and came unlocked.
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