Going to Europe for the first time alone?

Question

I've been to Europe before, but I will be traveling there alone this summer for the first time. Unfortunately I'm only bilingual (English and French) and the thought of going to countries by myself where I don't speak the language scares me. However, I really want to visit Italy, Greece, Germany, etc. My question is, should I just stick to the UK, Ireland, and France this time around since I really need to gain my bearings on solo travel, or should I go to other countries regardless?

Answer 1

Hey Girl!!
Go for it all. Go where ever you want to go! I just did a 4 month tour of europe all by myself. And like you I am bilingual in English and French, but with a basic understanding of Italy. If you are fluent enough in french, you will NOT have a problem in Italy and even Spain, esp Barcelona. When I traveled, I always found people at the hostel to go out and have a great time. As for Germany, mostly everyone there speaks english. And if you really listen hard enough, you will notice that a lot of the words sound like English!
I would suggest a pocket translator book when traveling. I had one in German and another in Italian. They were very helpful. I would recommand Rick Steves books, they are small and have the basic things you will need when traveling.
I was scared when I was on the plane leaving for Europe (not the first time, but first time for such a long period of time). But I did start out in the UK and then worked my way across. The longer I stayed the better I got at it. You start learning things as you travel alone. But I honestly always met someone at hostels to go travel around the city, and sometimes traveling with someone for a couple days and then spliting ways and exchanging emails to keep in contact with, and maybe meeting up later during our travels which happened a couple times.
Just remember to not trust everyone 100%. Keep your valuables close to you. Know where they are at all times. Know your surrounds as well. Just be alert, you never know what is waiting around the corner. I was always alert when traveling. As for bearings, give it a few days when you first arrive. Thats why I liked starting in the UK. I figured that way I could start it off at a place that spoke english, which is helpful.
Just enjoy yourself over there. After a few days or maybe a couple weeks it wont be as bad. The only thing I found myself nervous was when it was my first time in that country, not knowing what to expect, but once you are there, fear escapes and pure bliss envelopes you! Something that is hard to explain, but you will know exactly what I mean the moment you arrive.

Answer 2

I dont think language shud hold u back.Besides in most countries,ppl speak english anyways.U can always find someone that speaks english , its not a prob.I've travelled around Europe solo.All i did was google wot country i wanna visit the most,wud it all fit into my schedule,book hotels,flights etc.And juz take a breath & go! Its always fun to go travellin around alone,it isnt dangerous if u juz becareful & always be alert.Just becareful when its gettin dark & try to avoid the usual drinks in clubs,etc. The countries that u have mentioned are quite popular places wid tourists so i dont think it wud pose as a prob.Besides , if u cant find ur bearings,u can always point at the map,they wud understand u ( if they dun speak english ). Wot i do is always buy a map when i arrive at a country,spend an hr in my hotel room,check out wer i wanna go,n finish my list within the time am there.Never had a language prob.It wud be rather boring if u let ur language hold u back to english/french speaking countries,dont u tink?Besides,travellin alone is always an adventure, well least i like to tink that it is.1st time , i was in Prague,i didnt know the language, but i bought a map,that had all the main attractions,marked it down, and explored all of it..day by day.Easy as A,B,C. So i wud suggest u go to all the countries u wanna go..juz that ure alone,u need to be xtra careful.Have a safe trip! Send a postcard :P

Answer 3

Go it alone and hit Italy, greece and any other country you want. Youll meet people along they way and have the best time. My first trip to europe was was with three friends but they all wanted to do different things so I took off as soon as we landed in Milan and spent a month meeting new people going the same direction I was headed.
Plus dont worry about the language. I dont even speak english well and I got along just fine, learning the languages as I went along.

Answer 4

i think that you should be fine. they say that germany is safe alone. italy i think is too, just watch out for pick pocketers. just try and learn the basic phrases in each language. like hello,bye, where is.., do you speak english, yes , no. and maybe a few others like 1-10. but in most places if you atleast ask or say something in their language then ask them to speak in english they would be happy to help. they would be grateful that you tried.
have a great trip=]

Answer 5

I think you'd better go to UK this time. Learn more languages to comunicate to oder country people. Go to Romania. Is a lovley country and the people are nice.

Answer 6

Everyone in Amsterdam speaks English and it is very safe.

Answer 7

I think it would be more fun to go with more people, and safer too.......and if anything should happen, then ittl be harder for you........do what you want, i just dont suggest going alone..