I've always wanted to travel to Europe, And I just graduated, Im single and I have the time and money to travel out there. I feel independent enough to do it alone, especially since no one can travel with me.
2007-07-23 19:43:47 · 13 answers · asked by :) 2 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Other - Europe
The reason im asking this question, is because all of my family is worried about me, and its bringing down my hopes of going and actually having fun, im being brainwashed with negativity!!
2007-07-23 19:53:48 · update #1
I can understand your family being worried about you, especially if you've never traveled abroad on your own before. But tell them their fears are unfounded - because Europe is one of the safest places for women to travel alone.
Many young backpackers, some even still in their teens, hit Europe each summer and have a wonderful time! I've spent my life between Europe and North America and safety is something I don't usually worry about - although I do take some sensible precautions when I travel.
To make the most of your trip and ensure your safety, a few simple steps might both put your family at ease and make sure your trip is a safe one.
1. Have an itinerary and share it with your family. Give them an idea of where you'll be, and when.
2. Let them know when you arrive in a new city, and when you leave it.
3. Arrange for check-in calls at regular intervals, either with a phone card or cell phone, or via email from an Internet cafe. You can check in once a day or once a week - just make it regular.
4. Photocopy all your papers and carry a copy separately from the originals - just in case you lose them.
5. Use a money belt - don't carry your money around in a purse or backpack. And don't take any showy valuables with you - why tempt anyone?
6. In your hotel, make sure your doors and windows are always locked.
7. Don't go to private places with strangers. Meeting people is a wonderful part of travel so by all means, make new friends. Just stick to public places that are well populated.
8. Make sure you've got travel health insurance - Europe has outstanding medical care but it can be expensive for non-residents. Make sure you're well covered.
9. If you're in southern Europe, ignore catcalls and whistles - they're part of the culture and while unpleasant, rarely dangerous.
10. Please don't fret - European travel is a joy and you shouldn't be saddled with worries. Caution is normal, but excessive worry is unnecessary.
Relax, and have a wonderful time on your trip!
2007-07-24 11:02:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I've traveled to several European countries alone. I find it to be rather safe. Violent crime is generally lower in Europe than in the U.S., so you are probably safer there than at home. You have to use the same common-sense precautions that you would anywhere, but you should not forgo the trip just because you will be alone.
Traveling alone is an awesome way to experience Europe. You can stay in hostels and find other people who are traveling alone to get dinner with or check out an attraction. Hostels are great for young people traveling alone.
While traveling in Europe the main places where I was alone were in Ireland, the UK, Greece, Italy, and Switzerland. I never felt that my safety was in question. I've also traveled through most Western European nations, including some Central European countries like the Czech Republic and Hungary. Play it safe and you should be fine being alone in Europe. Don't miss out. Take the trip!!
2007-07-23 19:52:37 · answer #2 · answered by muriel12 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd say yes. Europe is great!
If you stay in some well known areas and in decent hotels you should have no trouble sightseeing or having a good time.
I bought a Euro-pass and traveled around several years ago, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy Monaco and for the most part, we went to cities that we felt very safe in. We were more worried about pickpockets and camera thieves that we heard about, but luckily never saw.
Trains are great transportation, but better to travel so you arrive in a destination early enough to get a room if you don't have a reservation. Train stations are generally deserted at night, so maybe not the best place to be alone.
Check with the concierge or hotel manager about places to eat or shop, it's worth asking what they recommend!
Bon voyage!
2007-07-23 19:55:45 · answer #3 · answered by deepseaofblankets 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well for safety you can always ask your travel agent for a package that includes a tour group that way you are not alone. One of the ones I know are called the Contiki Tour. I'm not sure where they travel, but they do include the major countries in Europe. You can choose a group that includes your own age or mixed. It's totally up to you. I find it dangerous for ANYONE to travel anywhere alone. Including overseas as you are not sure what to expect as you don't know the customs or the geographical area. If you feel comfortable travelling by yourself make sure you get all the information you need for travelling. Get maps, travel insurance and make sure you have emergency phonenumbers of relatives that you can have someone ring just in case problems arise. But if you feel uncomfortable with being alone as I said go to your travel agent. They can hook you up with a tour group in Europe that way you are never alone.
2007-07-23 19:49:28 · answer #4 · answered by ~*Renaissance*~ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Very interesting that people in the US think its dangerous to travel to Europe and people in Europe still think they will be shot if they visit NYC.
Europe is no more dangerous than the states. Many places in the states have a much higher crime rate than anything you will find in Europe.
Naturally there are places where you should not go alone at night but you will find them all over the world.
2007-07-23 19:51:11 · answer #5 · answered by chuck 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
don't worry!! you'll be fine! I'm 27 and live in Europe and did some traveling and am just fine!!! don't you have a girlfriend to go with?? I'd like some company, taking pics and having fun with someone
enjoy your trip and have fun!!
2007-07-23 20:55:55 · answer #6 · answered by March 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends where you go. I have travelled in many places in Europe alone, but there are some countries where I wouldn't go. I suggest you take a trip to England, France, Northern Italy (Rome and Venice) and Greece. Apart from the fact that they are very friendly and safe places, they have the best monuments and places to visit. You also should avoid not so good areas within the countries. I mean, don't go to secluded places or suspicious looking hotels. But I am sure you'll be fine as long as you stay in the most crowded places.
I would avoid countries like Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, FYROM, etc. No offense, but they are not the safest. In the countries I suggested you to isit I am sure you will be much safer than you are anywhere in America, north and south. Be careful for pickpockets in Italy though! And stay away from clubs, bars and guys who try to seduce you in Greece.
2007-07-23 20:52:24 · answer #7 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Go for it. I had been traveling along since my late late teens. I went Europe alone too. Take all the necessary precautions and simply indulge.
2007-07-23 19:49:53 · answer #8 · answered by Tummi 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, not at all, just take extra precautions and make sure you know your way around so that you won't be walking around at night. I lived in London for 3 months for study abroad and never ever felt unsafe!
2007-07-23 20:32:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can travel with you. Im 26 leaving myslef in the middle of august to italy, spain, then to colombia, and argentina. write me to juanjmg@yahoo.com if you want to go with me
2007-07-23 19:48:39 · answer #10 · answered by Juan M 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋