Solo Travel
Traveling alone is not as scary as it sounds, and you don't need a friend to say yes first. A few of my friends, men included, kept asking me how I do it. Today they are traveling the world on their own. Here is what I would tell you before your first trip.
Why I love traveling alone
If you worry that you will be bored alone, you usually won't be. You meet new people, and that is the best part. I once met a lovely person at a musical and we are still in touch on LinkedIn. You can make friends, and if you want, you can even go on a date. Keep an open mind.
Traveling alone also means you answer to nobody: check-in times, how long you take to get ready, whether you are a morning or an evening person, whether you love a fixed plan or hate being stuck to one. Traveling with someone, even as a couple, can be harder than it sounds. And after a while you get choosy. For cities I have always wanted to see, I go alone first, because the person next to you changes the whole trip.
There are downsides, of course, but for me the benefits are much bigger. So don't worry about what you will do alone. Take the first step, give it one chance, pick a safe and comfortable place, and do your research before you go.
Where to start
Start with a European city that has good public transport. Berlin, Lisbon and Porto are my favorites for a first solo trip. Athens, the Greek islands, Barcelona, Rome, Milan and Florence work well too. London is still wonderful, but it needs more care than it used to: where you go, where you stay, your phone and your bag.
Feeling safe
I research a lot before I go: the neighborhoods, the hotel, how to get around. On a first trip I choose a hotel with a reception, so there is always someone to call. Keep your phone charged and carry a full power bank. Wear your bag crossbody, in front of you. Don't keep everything in one place: cash, cards and passport go in different spots, and unnecessary things stay at the hotel. Take some cash and two cards, and make sure they work abroad.
Eating and going out alone
I got used to eating alone while living in Oxford and studying in İzmir. It started as a necessity and became a pleasure. In Europe it is even easier, and the waiter, the manager or the bartender often ends up chatting with you. The easiest start is the theater, the cinema or a concert. You don't need anyone next to you.
Where to stay and how to get around
I'm not a hostel person and not a luxury traveler. I like places that are clean, safe and well located, and I love a good deal. I want to reach most places on foot or by metro. Don't insist on public transport only: in some cities, Lisbon for example, Uber or Bolt can be cheaper and easier.
A night out, just for you
I don't love very expensive places, but I do love dressing up for one evening and going somewhere really nice. A jazz club, a concert, or a musical in London.
Women, men, everyone
In safe cities it makes little difference whether you are a woman or a man. Everyone should think about the hotel, the arrival time and the transport. A woman may simply think about a few more things at night.
