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Post by mjpenny23 on Jan 9, 2008 23:57:36 GMT -5
Hi everybody,
I'm a 22 year old post graduate male, and I'm seriously considering taking a few months off and traveling in Europe for a month or two. The only thing is, it would be just me, as I couldn't get any of my friends to go for that long. I want to see the sights during the day but at night, I'd like to go out and enjoy the nightlife. I plan on staying in hostels the whole time I'm there. The question I had was, for anyone here on the board who has traveled in Europe by themselves, how hard is it to meet people in hostels that you can go and hang out with at the bars/clubs?? I've never traveled solo before so I'm worried about being able to meet people. Thanks!
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Post by Eagle on Jan 10, 2008 4:00:48 GMT -5
mjpenny23, Welcome to the Boards! I normally travel "solo" (not entirely by choice, but that's another story) so can provide a few comments on my experiences.
Solo travel has both benefits and disadvantages, as does travelling with one or more others. I've seen a few examples of people who began a trip as friends, but were not as close after the trip. One of the disadvantages of solo travel is that there's no one to share the memories with, and it can be a bit lonely. However one very positive aspect is that if forces one to reach out to meet others, and the solo traveller is also much more "approachable" to the locals. I travelled Europe for two months last fall and just spent a month in England and Ireland this fall.
To answer your question about meeting people in Hostels - it's extremely easy to meet people in Hostels to go out with at night. Remember that other "solo" travellers are in the same position, and want a bit of safety if they're out in nightclubs in a strange city.
You won't have any trouble meeting people, especially in Hostels. I tend to be somewhat more "outgoing" when I'm travelling, as opposed to at home. You might find the same thing?
Good luck with your travel plans! I'm sure the group here will be able to help with your Itinerary.
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Post by francefiend on Jan 10, 2008 16:43:43 GMT -5
I agree completely with Eagle. Traveling Europe alone definitely has its perks. You have total independence: go when you want, leave when you want, go wherever you want. It's pretty much what the French quote in my signature from Rabelais says: Fais ce que tu veux = Do what you want! Set your own schedule.
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Post by pointofnoreturn on Jan 10, 2008 18:38:48 GMT -5
When I was in Florence, I met a lot of people where I was staying. There was a fellow Canadian who had been on her own for 3 months already and she was glad to find me and my friend - so we went out one night. The same night, we saw another person from the same place. There was also an older couple (in their 50's) that we had wine with.
Strangely enough, Florence was the only city that I actually "mingled" with people. It's possible to meet them and enjoy their company!
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Post by me on Jan 10, 2008 23:34:28 GMT -5
Many/most of my Europe trips have been solo, at least part of the time. i've also met up with family/friends on several of them. would any of your buds be interested in joining you for part of the trip? "a month or two," should pose no problems. if you're American, there's a 90 day limit for visa free travel in Schengen-zone <almost all of Western Europe, except UK & Ireland> when one is alone, it makes you more likely to meet other solo travelers. if traveling with another, there is a barrier between you and others not part of the travel "group." social interaction becomes more difficult. personally, i like travel on my own. - d |
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Post by me on Jan 11, 2008 17:11:31 GMT -5
this is misleading: Switzerland has joined Schengen, but doesn't expect to implement the Schengen Agreement until late this year. if you're American, there's a 90 day limit for visa free travel in Schengen-zone <almost all of Western Europe, except UK & Ireland> |
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Post by herrbert on Jan 12, 2008 9:51:34 GMT -5
this is misleading: Switzerland has joined Schengen, but doesn't expect to implement the Schengen Agreement until late this year. if you're American, there's a 90 day limit for visa free travel in Schengen-zone <almost all of Western Europe, except UK & Ireland> They have to wait until Liechtenstein is ready for Schengen. |
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Post by garbagegirl on Jan 26, 2008 23:12:39 GMT -5
I am taking a solo trip myself in may for 2 weeks-I'm a 23yr female and I think it will be a blast.
I know I will enjoy it b/c I am used to doing most everything solo and enjoying it, but my parents aren''t too thrilled. Here''s some encouragement for you,go for it!
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