Sitting alone in Hyde Park, crying and worried, I think to myself: what have I done?
Fast forward four-and-a-half months, landing in Melbourne, I’m now thinking: wow, what did I just do!
While travelling with others provides comfort, solo travel is a challenge in independence worth experiencing.
When alone, in such a populated and unique place as Europe, you have the pleasure to do whatever you want, whenever.
I have now taken two solo trips to Europe and yes, it sounds daunting, and I won’t lie, it does have moments of anxiety and loneliness, but ultimately, it is so much fun.
Take these four tips, pack them into your suitcase and be prepared to embark on an unforgettable journey.
Maybe you will become the next victim of saying “Europe changed me”.
Any trip, long or short, requires its research and preparation to ensure for a seamless transition into a foreign environment.
If you are unsure where to head first on your trip, Lonely Planet notes that Iceland, Portugal and Greece are the top three destinations for an independent adventure.
For a first stop, you want to be familiar with a city's culture, language and key transport method.
Feeling lost in a new country and unsure of what to do during the day?
Problem solved: find one food place to visit and visit one destination.
By beginning your day with a goal to visit a certain café or restaurant and a tourist destination, you are planning out small wins for your day, while being open for lots of extra adventures throughout.
With this, not everything in your itinerary needs to be fully booked by your departure date, and you can open some time for spontaneous adventure.
Gemma McGee, from Auckland, who went on a six-month solo trip to Europe at just 18, recommends “trying not to have every single thing planned”.
“Definitely have some goals in there, but I wouldn't be so strict on exactly what you want to do.
"I think you will miss out on the little exciting and cute adventures along the way when you're trying to do everything to a schedule,” she said.
Like many, McGee was nervous about heading out on her own, and worried about meeting new people.
After making many friends internationally, she reflects that “now, looking back, being worried is so dumb because obviously you’re meeting so many people all the time”.
Picking the right accommodation is an important part of travel, but for a budget-friendly trip to Europe, hostels are your go-to.
Although I was nervous and intimidated on my first night in a hostel during my four-month trip, over time I settled into hostel etiquette and felt far less like a deer in headlights.
Beyond being budget-friendly, hostels also offer one of the easiest ways to meet new people.
This year, ANZ estimated Australians to spent $280 million on ‘Euro summer’. This is a 10 percent rise due to higher hotel and flight costs, so save your money for an extra Aperol and opt for a hostel instead.
Hostelworld, the world's largest hostel site, is a great way to easily book accommodation and also chat with fellow travellers. When using it, my rule is simple: choose 8.5+ ratings, read reviews and look for events. A saving grace of a hostel is a ‘family dinner’ night.
On my only night in Porto, I sat down with a group of fellow travellers and over our (free) dinner we laughed, got to know one another, and made plans for the night ahead. It was a favourite night of my trip, where we rushed to Jardim do Morro for sunset before joining the hostel’s pub crawl.
Hostels which offer activities, social areas and nights out are a great way to meet others and feel less alone in a big city. However, be prepared to become besties with someone, only for them to check out the next day.
Even when on a solo travel trip, there are many group travel options. Many group tours are targeted towards young people and encourage solo travellers to attend. A very popular option is Contiki.
Contiki offers a wide range of group trips for 18–35-year-olds with varying lengths and destinations, giving your meticulously planned Excel spreadsheet a well-earned rest.
Ellen Mantle from Perth, now a Contiki trip manager specialising in the Greek Islands, recommends including some group travel experiences in your itinerary, if you are doing a long trip.
“It takes a lot of loneliness out of solo travel and once you come on to these group travels, like Contiki, the work's done … so you can actually sit back and enjoy the trip”, she said.
These group trips allow you to have your personal time but also give you the opportunity to join in on group activities with others from around the world.
For a budget-friendly alternative to group tours, check if your hostel offers small trips or excursions you can book at check-in. In my experience, nothing bonds strangers faster than a rainy day spent playing cards in an Albanian farm homestay.
By participating in both Contiki and a hostel-organised trip, I’ve seen how these group travel opportunities are an awesome time to find the best connections in the most random places.
Take on board these tips and I guarantee you will have an experience of a lifetime traveling Europe!
Solo travel has its anxious moments, but the sense of achievement, new friendships and unforgettable memories make it all worthwhile. You’ll return home inspired and desperate to plan another trip.
