I want to travel Europe on my own because it will force me to meet people in hostels and when I'm out and about. I think I will be able to find people to go sightseeing with me at each destination that way. What do you think?
2006-11-14 03:52:25 · 14 answers · asked by shagg_woo 2 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Other - Europe
Great idea!
I live in France and 99% of the people that I meet are excited when I tell them that I am an American. Don't believe the media...most nice people like other nice people, Nationality aside.
Of course you will need to be careful, traveling alone in the US or anywhere else has its risks, but you can't really understand a culture without immersing yourself in it.
Traveling with a group, you will miss out on meeting locals and having a chance to practice the language. Being in a foreign country, without speaking the language, will give you a new found respect for those who live in the US and have not yet mastered English. I have come to realize that I will never 'master' French (I came here 5 years ago with 1 year of University French).
When you travel with a group, you travel with your own English speaking community. There is no need to venture out of your comfort zone and get to know the people and their 'real' (not the tourist) culture.
2006-11-14 07:26:53 · answer #1 · answered by Amy d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This might sound irresponsible to some people, but.... Go for it! I find that I have some of my best experiences when I travel alone in Europe, and you are right about the hostels. Just don't get too trusting, it's easy to relax too much in Europe as most people are pretty trustworthy. Also, try to pick hostels that have a place to lock up your things. I have had a couple things stolen in hostels.
2006-11-14 04:02:31 · answer #2 · answered by rose_41272 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for it .Travelling in Europe is easy and you will soon meet other people. Some will be alone like you and some will be in groups. One of the best ways is to use an 'on - off' bus. This way you can travel with other people when you want to and go off on your own when you feel like it. Don't get caught up in the tourist traps though - get off the beaten track and do a little bit of exploring.
2006-11-14 04:10:31 · answer #3 · answered by Claudette S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have travelled through Europe by myself and you definately wont get the same experience then with travelling with others. Even if you dont know the people you are travelling with, so many memories will be created.
Last summer I went on a Contiki trip. I went with 40 other people exactly like me from the U.S and Australia and we had so much fun! We went to London, Paris, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy. It is bold to go alone, but with a group you will see so much more. Hope this helps
2006-11-14 06:40:34 · answer #4 · answered by bwollow 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think its a great idea, i've done parts of europe that way myself, bearing in mind language difficulties (i speak french and spanish) its an enjoyable way of doing things that avoids unpleasent travel companions! There are risks involved too though, pick your destinations carefully and dont EVER hitchike, its just not worth the risk now. again the language thing, if you dont know the language i would advise sticking to urban areas, despite what you might think (sorry if im being patronisng) there are lots of areas even in central europe where nobody speaks English at all.
2006-11-14 04:04:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope you renew your life insurance before you go. Haven't you seen the movie hostel? It was a true story.... and remember Europe is not like the United States some of the people do Not like us overthere. Just be cautious and take someone along. If you are a man you might even come back married. Bulgarian women have good degrees and like us. good luck and come back in one peice.
2006-11-14 04:01:22 · answer #6 · answered by Charles U F 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do it. I travelled around Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Russia on my own and i'm a girl. It's perfectly safe as long as you are careful and don't do stupid stuff that will draw attention to yourself.
You will meet lots of people when you want company but because they are not real friends, you can ditch them without feeling guilty when you want to be on your own.
Have fun!
2006-11-14 07:06:31 · answer #7 · answered by Katya-Zelen 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just keep your wits about you and you'll be fine. Also research where you go first. Denmark is a friendly, safe, really cool place to visit. Portugal is as well, but you have to watch yourself in some areas - Lisbon isn't as safe as it once was but is safer than Boston!
Check out Eurorail passes too.
2006-11-14 06:42:48 · answer #8 · answered by Lancer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not recommend traveling alone out of this country period. You should always travel in pairs. Even in the U.S.A. It is just safer that way.
2006-11-14 04:00:08 · answer #9 · answered by Jules 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, many people your age walk in Spain. Most people speak English. Check out the Camino de Santiago. How long do you have?
2006-11-14 07:03:02 · answer #10 · answered by sejeleme 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋