Advice for Solo Women Travelers

I am going to be getting a one way ticket to Europe on August 27th, 2011, and will probably stay for two months. I will be covering a lot of ground, alone. I will only be 18, and a female. I have travelled a bit with my family, but don’t have too much travelling experience, and none alone. Please feel free to leave tips on travelling alone, budgeting, where to stay, safety, and other things I should know thanks!!

Last year, I posted in this forum, under another username because I lost this one about wanting to travel alone, as my original plans with a friend were no longer to be. I was very concerned, not necessarily about my safety, but mainly about the limitations of traveling on my own. Having always previously traveled with people, I had certain judgements, or fears I suppose ‘what is there to do after 8 p.m., etc etc.
So last year, for a month, I went away on my own. I visited Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria and then made my way to visit family in Germany.

This summer I will be studying abroad in Paris with a group from my school. The program is only five weeks, but being the independent woman I am, I convinced my parents to let me travel before and after the program. (Also, I am from the USA)

I didn’t think too much of it until I ran it by a friend. When she heard the word “solo traveling,” she looked at me and told me “bad idea” and “you shouldn’t travel Europe alone.” It was hurtful and seemed almost like an attack. However, she wasn’t the only person I’ve talked to that reacted that way.

Hey, I’m 21 years old and this summer I’m heading to Europe for 2 months…
I’m going at the busiest time of the year (july-august) because that’s when I have off from school.

For the first month I’ll be traveling with my sister and some friends, but in August I’ll be traveling alone.
I’ll be doing all of Italy, amsterdam, brussels, copenhagen, prague, vienna, munich, berlin, budapest, paris, barcelona and I might add a few cities, all depends on what happens once I get there.

I’m in my late 20’s, from the States, and yes, I will admit, never been across the pond. To celebrate 2011, I’m looking to finally plan my first European adventure. Unfortunately, I can’t find any friends to do any sort of European getaway with me and so I’m on the search for a tour group or organization where I can travel with like minded people, in the same age range as me, looking to explore new cities and meet new friends.

Can anyone reccommend any sort of trusted organziations/groups where a young, woman solo traveler can explore and meet new friends abroad?

To whomever can help me. I recently edited my eurotrip as “Coco and shasta” if anyone has the time to check it out, I would greatly appreciate it. I have never been to Europe, so this whole thing is new for me. I am Coco and I am going to be traveling with my daughter. The cities and towns I chose is because i love art, architecture and the outdoors. My questions to you are:
How long does it take to go from town to town and/or city to city on my itinerary? I will be traveling by train and taking the bus to sightsee.

I am a 35 year old female planning to travel with my 12 year old daughter to Spain, Italy and France. We both speak fluent spanish and undersatnd some italian and french. We are planning to stay in private rooms in hostels and travel by rail. Any suggestions? Is it a good idea, or should we be with a male? Is it safe? Any publications you may recommend me to read?
we greatly appreciate any tips you may have
Aloha and Mahalo from Hawaii

Hi,

Is it a good idea to bring Cayenne pepper with all around Europe? Is it legal while passing customs or aboard a plane?

Thanks a lot.

Hi….

I am going to travel to UK from July 6- 26 by myself….i plan to visit all the museums and sight seeing the first 10 days…then all the beaches the next 10 days….starting in London….going up..then come back to Liverpool and hit Cambridge, etc ,etc.

I am super nervous and excited at the same time. I have read numerous posts an reviews….are the hostels safe? do they have a place i can lock my stuff?

Hey guys,

I need advice. I’ve been planning on a Eurotrip May 13th – June 15th, for the last year or so with my best friend. Now that its getting closer to the time to leave, I’m starting to have a bad feeling that she will end up with some excuse to flake on me. In the case that my worst fears come true – what should I do? Should I just go solo? [which I’m not entirely crazy about going alone.. but am open to it as a last resort option].. or can I maybe somehow find someone to go with? and if thats an option – how could I go about finding a traveling companion???
help?

-K