If you’re desperate to explore Europe for the first time but haven’t booked a trip yet because you’re waiting for schedules of potential companions to align, this traveler has some advice.
“Pack your bags and take the trip – alone,” says Christina Ford, a single Canadian living in London and a devoted solo vacationer.
Christina tells The Independent that “waiting is highly overrated”.
Not sure where to go or feeling nervous?
Here Christina unveils top tips to set you up with a memorable solo European vacation, from must-visit places and spots to avoid to advice on making solo travel less intimidating, including advice on how to make eating out alone more awesome than awkward.
“Let’s get you traveling, keep you safe, and even make you fall in love with your own company,” she says.
Christina’s top solo European destinations
Croatia is first out of the blocks on Christina’s top solo European destinations list, with the traveler highlighting the “easy island hopping” and the numerous Game of Thrones filming locations, such as Split and Dubrovnik.
The car-free Greek island of Hydra is also a recommendation. There, says Christina, you’ll discover “poetry-inspiring beauty”.
The five “charming” coastal villages that make up Cinque Terre in Italy are also an itinerary must. Christina says that the area is “ideal for solo hikers who like a glass of wine and a bowl of linguine vongole at the end of their trek”.
Two more Italian destinations make the list – Rome and Florence. The former for the “history, ruins, shopping and lifetime-best gelato”, and the latter because it’s “great for art lovers and historians”, and has “insane shopping”, including “one of the best outdoor leather markets”.
Lisbon and Porto in Portugal get the thumbs up, too. They’re “light-filled cities with charm, affordability and friendly locals”, says Christina.
She also urges first-time solo travelers to explore Spain – but to “skip Barcelona”. Instead, she recommends Malaga, Seville and Ronda. “Spain is great value and offers more than you think,” Christina stresses.
Places Christina avoids
Mykonos is beloved by the party-set, but it’s one to steer clear of in Christina’s opinion. She criticizes the Greek island as “overpriced, influencer-heavy and unwelcoming to solo travelers”.
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Next on the list is picturesque Santorini. Surprised? Christina admits that it’s “gorgeous” but warns that the Cycladic island is “filled with honeymooners” and that “everything is overpriced”.
Istanbul is another destination on the no-go ranking that will raise eyebrows. Christina explains: “Beautiful, but not my first pick for solo female travelers. Best seen with a friend or two.”
Ibiza is also one to ignore if you’re alone. “If you’re not partying, skip it,” says Christina.
Tips for nervous first-time solo travelers
Christina urges solo travelers to book group tours, because they “allow for structured exploring and the chance to meet other travelers with shared interests”.
And AI should be “used to your advantage”.
Christina explains: “My relationship with ChatGPT is getting serious, and for good reason. AI can act as your personal travel agent, translator, executive assistant, historian, and foodie guide all in one.”
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Here’s a prompt she reveals that she uses to help narrow down her next destination:
“I’m a woman over 50. I love European history, reasonably priced Michelin-star restaurants, walking tours through safe, vibrant streets, a sophisticated nightlife that doesn’t cater to influencers taking photos of their apple martinis. I want to avoid high tourist season but still enjoy great weather. I have five nights, need a non-stop flight from (insert city), and want to go somewhere that will ignite my soul. And, oh ya… did I mention shopping?”
How to make dining alone an experience you’ll enjoy
“Dining alone can feel awkward or intimidating, especially at dinner,” says Christina. “But it doesn’t have to be.”
She recommends solo adventurers choose restaurants with a bar – “they’re more social” – and to avoid romantic or family style places.
“No one wants to be next to a proposal or a toddler meltdown,” Christina states.
Lastly – put your phone down
Christina says: “Be open to the world around you. Strike up a conversation with someone. You’ll be surprised what happens.”
And she adds: “So go. Take the trip. Get a little lost. Eat the pastry.”
For more from Christina visit her Instagram profile (@abroad.inlondon), TikTok account (@insearchofmrdarcy) and blog (a-broad-in-london). Her award-winning book In Search of Mr Darcy: Lessons Learnt in the Pursuit of Happily Ever After is available at all major outlets.
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