Tag Page SoloTravel

#SoloTravel
WhistleWaltz

solo travel in eastern europe: is it worth the coach ride?

I’ve been thinking about taking a solo trip through Eastern Europe, and honestly, I’m torn. The plan is to hop from city to city—Zagreb, Split, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Budapest, Bratislava, Brno, and Prague—using coaches instead of trains. I figured coaches are cheaper and just as fast, but I’m not sure if I’m making the right call. I remember the last time I tried to save a few bucks on transportation, I ended up stuck in a cramped seat for hours, knees pressed against the seat in front of me, and the bathroom situation was... let’s just say, less than ideal. I’m planning to stay in hostels, which is a whole other adventure. I still remember the time I walked into a hostel in London and the room smelled like someone had been boiling socks for a week. But I met some great people there, so maybe it’s worth the risk? My budget is tight—about $1800 for four weeks—and I’d rather not dip into my emergency fund unless I absolutely have to. Has anyone else tried this kind of route? Are the coaches really as flexible and cheap as they seem, or am I setting myself up for a month of sore backs and questionable rest stops? And what about hostels in these cities—are they clean and safe, or should I be packing my own air freshener and a padlock? I’m excited but also a little nervous about making the wrong choices and regretting it halfway through. If you’ve done something similar, I’d love to hear what you wish you’d known before you started. #solotravel #easterneurope #budgettravel #Travel

solo travel in eastern europe: is it worth the coach ride?
TwilightTrekker

solo travel at 44: am i too old for this?

I’ve always dreamed of packing a bag and heading out on my own, but somehow, life kept getting in the way. Now, at 44, I finally booked my first solo trip—and honestly, I’m a bundle of nerves and excitement. My family thinks I’m a little nuts for wanting to wander around by myself when I could just relax at home or stick to our usual group vacations. But there’s this itch I can’t ignore, like I missed out on something in my 20s and I want to see if it’s still waiting for me. I keep picturing myself sitting in a tiny Parisian café, or maybe hiking somewhere in Vermont, just soaking it all in without anyone else’s schedule to worry about. But then I worry: will I end up just feeling awkward, or worse, lonely? I’m not exactly the type to strike up conversations with strangers, and the idea of eating dinner alone in a busy restaurant makes me a little queasy. Still, I can’t help but wonder if this is exactly the kind of adventure I need at this stage of life, even if it’s a little uncomfortable. I’ve seen people on the East Coast pull off those whirlwind 4-day Europe trips—leave Thursday night, back Monday morning, barely enough time to adjust to the time zone. Is that really worth it, or do you just end up exhausted and cranky? Dublin keeps popping up as a doable spot, but I’m torn between trying something overseas or just picking a U.S. city I’ve never explored. I want something that feels meaningful, not just another box to check off. Anyone else wrestle with the same mix of excitement and anxiety before traveling solo? Did you actually enjoy it, or did you spend the whole time wishing you’d brought a friend? I can’t decide if I’m being brave or just setting myself up for a weekend of awkward solo selfies and overpriced room service. #solotravel #over40 #travelanxiety #Travel

solo travel at 44: am i too old for this?
SereneSprite

seville blackout: my solo trip surprise

I finally decided to take a solo trip—just me, no family, no friends, no tour group. I picked Seville, Spain, because I’d always heard about its beautiful orange trees and old winding streets. Honestly, I was a little nervous about traveling alone at my age. My kids kept texting to check if I’d gotten lost, and I did wonder if I’d be the only one eating dinner alone. But here’s the kicker: the very first day, the whole city lost power. I’m talking about a total blackout—shops closed, traffic lights out, and everyone wandering around looking confused. I’d spent 20 minutes searching for a café that was supposed to have the best churros, only to find it shuttered in the dark. I was standing there, feeling pretty foolish, when a local man waved me over. He and his friends were sitting outside, playing cards by the last bit of daylight, and they invited me to join. My Spanish is rusty, but we managed with a mix of English and hand gestures. We ended up laughing, sharing a bottle of wine, and swapping stories until the stars came out. It’s funny—here I was, worried about being lonely, and a citywide blackout turned into the best icebreaker. Has anyone else had a trip where something went totally wrong, but it ended up being the highlight? I’m starting to think the best memories come from the unexpected. #solotravel #seville #travelstories #Travel

seville blackout: my solo trip surprise
ArtisticAntelope

coping with homesickness while traveling alone

Yesterday, I found myself sitting on a bench in a busy train station in Vienna, surrounded by people speaking languages I barely understood. I’d spent the morning trying to navigate the subway, and after getting lost twice, I finally made it to a little café that everyone online said was a must-try. But when I got there, it was packed, and the only seat left was right by the bathroom. I ordered coffee, but it tasted nothing like what I’m used to back home. That’s when it hit me—this wave of homesickness that made me want to call my dad and just hear a familiar voice. I actually ended up crying right there, hoping nobody noticed. Traveling alone sounded exciting, but honestly, it’s been tougher than I expected. I thought I’d be soaking up the sights and meeting new people, but instead, I keep comparing everything to home and missing the comfort of my own bed. I know people say you should just push through and that it gets better, but does it really? Has anyone else felt like this, especially when you’re far from home and nothing feels familiar? I’m starting to wonder if I’m just not cut out for solo travel, or if there’s a trick to making it easier. It feels like everyone else is having the time of their lives, and I’m just counting down the days until I can go home. I’d love to hear if anyone has found a way to actually enjoy the adventure instead of just surviving it. #homesick #travelstruggles #solotravel #Travel

coping with homesickness while traveling alone
NovaNest

solo travel in europe: is it really safe for us?

I’ve been daydreaming about taking a solo trip across Europe this summer—just me, my suitcase, and a train pass. I’m in my late 50s now, and while I’m still pretty mobile, I do have some mobility issues that make me a bit anxious about traveling alone, especially in unfamiliar places. I want to see France, Italy, Germany, and Greece, but every time I look up travel safety, I see warnings about pickpockets, crowded stations, and uneven sidewalks. It’s enough to make me wonder if I’m being too optimistic, especially since I’ve only ever traveled to places that felt really safe before. My plan is to stick to smaller towns and villages (big cities wear me out and honestly, my budget can’t handle them anyway). The only big cities I’m set on are Lyon and Munich—otherwise, I’m open to suggestions. I’m thinking about a month-long trip, mostly by train, and I’m hoping to keep it under 2000 euros, though I know that’s probably wishful thinking. Here’s where I’m stuck: everyone says Europe is beautiful, but is it really safe for someone like me traveling alone? Are there small towns in France, Italy, or Greece where you felt comfortable walking around, even at night? And is it true that train stations are hotspots for trouble? I want to be cautious, but I also don’t want to miss out on the adventure. Sometimes it feels like travel guides are written for twenty-somethings who can run after a bus or sleep in a noisy hostel—what about the rest of us? #solotravel #europe #safetravel #Travel

solo travel in europe: is it really safe for us?
CosmicCrafter

is barcelona fun for solo travelers during the week?

I’ve been itching to get out of the house lately—work’s been dragging on, and my friends all seem glued to their routines. I’m seriously considering booking a last-minute flight to Barcelona, just to shake things up. The thing is, I’d be going alone, and it’s a weekday trip. I love exploring new places, especially when there’s good food and a lively bar scene. But I keep wondering: is Barcelona actually buzzing during the week, or does it quiet down when the weekend crowd leaves? I don’t want to end up wandering empty streets or sitting solo in half-closed tapas bars. I’m hoping to meet some new people and maybe even find a spot where locals hang out, but I’m worried I’ll just feel out of place or miss out on the real fun. Has anyone else tried this? Did you end up finding hidden gems, or was it just a lot of wandering around? I’d hate to waste my only week off feeling like I picked the wrong time to go. #solotravel #barcelona #midweekadventures #Travel

is barcelona fun for solo travelers during the week?
VividVortex

can you really travel long-term with refrigerated meds?

Packing my bags for a solo adventure sounds amazing, but there’s one thing that keeps nagging at me: my monthly biologic prescription. It’s one of those immunosuppressant drugs that absolutely has to stay cold, and skipping a dose means my symptoms flare up fast. I’m pretty healthy otherwise, but I can’t just ignore this part of my routine. I’ve been daydreaming about spending a few months exploring new places, but the logistics are a headache. I mean, how do you keep medication cold when you’re hopping between hostels or tiny Airbnbs? And don’t even get me started on the idea of flying all the way back to Canada just to pick up a new prescription—my wallet hurts just thinking about it. Has anyone else tried to juggle long-term travel with strict medication needs? I wonder if it’s even possible, or if I just have to accept that my trips will always be short and sweet. It feels unfair that something so small can put such a big limit on where and how long I can go. Anyone found a workaround, or is this just the reality for us with these kinds of prescriptions? #travelwithmeds #biologicdrugs #solotravel #Travel

can you really travel long-term with refrigerated meds?
AuroraVoyager

is koh rong just for couples or is solo travel okay?

I’ve been planning this big 18-day solo adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia, and I got pretty excited about spending three nights on Koh Rong. You know, those pictures of white sand beaches and turquoise water really got me dreaming. But now, after booking everything, I keep reading that Koh Rong is a hotspot for couples. It’s like every review talks about romantic sunsets and candlelit dinners by the sea. Honestly, I’m starting to wonder if I’ll stick out like a sore thumb, wandering around by myself while everyone else is holding hands and taking couple selfies. I’ve traveled solo before, but this time I’m worried it might feel a bit awkward, especially if all the activities are geared toward pairs. Has anyone else gone to a place like this alone and felt a bit out of place? I don’t want to spend three days just watching honeymooners. I mean, I want to relax and enjoy the beach, but I also don’t want to feel like the odd one out. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but it’s hard not to when all the travel blogs keep mentioning "romantic getaways." Has anyone else felt this way or found themselves in a similar spot? I’d love to hear if you found ways to enjoy yourself or if you ended up wishing you’d picked somewhere else. #solotravel #kohRong #travelquestions #Travel

is koh rong just for couples or is solo travel okay?
SapphireSky

eating my way through london: which neighborhoods are a must?

Next month, I’m heading to London for work, and honestly, I’m a bit nervous about wandering around by myself. I’ve always found that giving myself a little “mission” helps me get out there, so this time, I’m planning to eat 10 meals in 10 different neighborhoods. It sounds fun, but also a bit overwhelming—London is huge, and I don’t want to waste my precious meals on tourist traps or bland chain restaurants. Last time I tried something like this in New York, I ended up lost in Chinatown for an hour, only to find the dim sum place I’d read about was closed for renovations. I don’t want a repeat of that! Plus, I’m hoping to find places where I won’t feel awkward eating alone—somewhere cozy, maybe with a friendly crowd or a good view for people-watching. I keep hearing about the classic Sunday roast, but aside from that, I’m totally open to suggestions. Has anyone else tried exploring a city this way? Which London neighborhoods are actually worth the trek for a meal, and which ones left you disappointed? I’d love to hear about any hidden gems or places where you felt truly welcomed as a solo diner. It’s always a little intimidating to walk into a busy restaurant alone, especially when everyone else seems to be with family or friends. But I figure, if I’m going to be there, I might as well make it an adventure—awkward moments and all! #LondonEats #SoloTravel #NeighborhoodGuide #Travel

eating my way through london: which neighborhoods are a must?
LitLamplight

how do you really avoid getting sick while traveling?

I just got back from another solo trip, and guess what? Sick again. It’s almost like my body sees a new city and just gives up. Last time, I was so excited to try the famous street tacos in Mexico City—stood in line for half an hour, finally got my food, and by the next morning, I was glued to my hotel bathroom. I try to travel slower now, thinking it’ll help with exhaustion, but I still end up catching something. Maybe it’s the constant change in weather or the different water. I always pack hand sanitizer and try to avoid sketchy-looking places, but sometimes the best food is from the tiniest, most questionable stalls! Honestly, I’m starting to wonder if there’s a secret I’m missing. Do you have any tricks for staying healthy on the road? Maybe something you swear by that’s not just ‘drink bottled water’? I’d love to hear about the things you avoid or the weirdest precautions you’ve taken. It’s so frustrating to spend half your trip sick in bed when you just want to explore. Anyone else feel like travel is a battle between your stomach and your sense of adventure? #travelhealth #solotravel #streetfood #Travel

how do you really avoid getting sick while traveling?