How to Decide Where to Solo Travel.
Travelling on your own can be daunting. It’s even scarier when you solo travel across countries and continents. There are many possible destinations with lots you need to consider while planning.
In Europe, it gets even more complicated. As someone who has been solo travelling for 7 years, here are a few things I consider before visiting a new city.
Interests and Activities. The sort of activities available in that city should match my interests.
Budget. Some countries are way more expensive to visit than others. A weekend trip to a Swiss city costs 3 times as much to visit a Polish city.
Safety: Europe is generally safe but some cities have a much higher crime rate than others. Even within the same country.
Local Language. Every country on the continent has its local language but English is still widely spoken. There are some cities where you are less likely to find someone who speaks English. in some, people can speak but hate to speak English. This is quite common in France and Spain.
Transportation and Accessibility. Not everyone has a budget for Uber and taxis. In some cities, it’s almost impossible to move about at night or during weekends. so choosing a city with exceptional public transport is important.
Season and Weather. Some cities are more seasonal than others. Researching the best time to visit is a must. You don’t want to visit a coastal city in winter when it’s too cold to swim.
Cultural Diversity: Europe is rich in culture and history. Most countries have a lot of diversity but in various degrees. As a girl of African descent, I feel more comfortable in more colorful and diverse cities.
Visa Requirements. For those living in Europe and traveling within the continent, you can skip this part. As an American, you can apply to enter the Schengen area (EU) without a visa for 3 months. But you will need a pre-approval from 2025.
Local Cuisine: Yes! There is a McDonalds everywhere now. But you can’t say you visited a new place without trying the local food.
My Top Picks For Spain.
Seville
This is arguably the most underrated city in Spain. It’s located in the heart of Andalucia, southern Spain. Seville is not as popular as the likes of Madrid and Barcelona but it has a unique charm.
Activities in Seville. The city is famous for its UNESCO heritage sites and flamenco clubs. Historic churches, palaces, and Moorish architecture. A lot of which are either free or very cheap to visit. I paid just $15 to watch a live bullfighting match, albeit an off-season game.
Some unmissable places to see in the city are:
- Alcazar of Seville
- Seville Cathedral & La Giralda
- Plaza de España
- Barrio Santa Cruz
- Torre Giralda
- Metropol Parasol
- Casa de Pilatos
Budget: Seville is relatively cheap. I had an average daily spend of about $40. In addition to some free activities, groceries and food had decent prices. I did a lot of walking and cycling, so there was no need for a bus pass.
Accommodation prices here start from $15 a night for one person.
Safety: The city felt very safe, with a chill vibe all around. I was out at odd hours and did not feel uncomfortable walking or cycling.
Language: The local language here is Spanish. But, lots of people do speak English and are nice enough to speak.
Transportation and Accessibility: The main form of transportation is buses. But, the city has excellent cycling lanes. I spent a week there and electric scooters were perfect for getting around.
Season and Weather: Sevilla does get insanely hot in the summer. Temperatures as high as 36°C (97°F) are not uncommon. In my experience, the best time to visit is between late September and November.
Cultural Diversity. The city is very colorful, with people from all continents living and visiting. Local Cuisine: You will quickly find that the city has a diverse food scene with endless options. I tried a lot but the two things that stood out were the Pescaíto Frito and Montadito de Pringá. The first one is fried fish while the second is probably the best sandwich I ever had.
Malaga
Like Seville, Malaga is also located in the Andalusia region of southern Spain. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. Malaga is known for its beautiful architecture and breathtaking beaches. Vibrant culture, and amazing food.
Interests and Activities: You should plan properly before visiting Malaga. There are a lot of fun things to do so make sure you give yourself enough time. Here are some of the activities you can try when you visit;
- Hike up to the Alcazaba de Malaga, to get some stunning views of the city.
- Explore the Picasso Museum. It has some work from Picasso and some modern artists as well.
- Relax at Playa de la Malagueta, one of the city’s most popular beaches.
- For car lovers, stop by at the Museo del Automóvil y la Moda de Málaga.
- Explore nearby cities like Marbella, Ronda, and Cadiz if you have enough time.
Budget: Malaga is also relatively cheap (depending on when you visit). I spent Christmas there and had an average daily spend of less than $30. Groceries and food were cheaper than I expected. I spent money only on a sunset boat tour and the Picasso museum entrance. A combined $22 for both.
Accommodation prices here start from $20 a night for one person.
Safety: This is another city that felt very safe. I was out at odd hours and did not feel uncomfortable walking through tiny alleys and empty streets.
Language: You will find many English speakers here. So don’t be afraid to stop someone and ask for directions.
Transportation and Accessibility: Malaga’s main form of transportation is buses. There are also a couple of excellent and clean metro lines. When I visited the small city, I stayed in the historic center. This allowed me to walk everywhere without getting exhausted.
Cultural Diversity. Maybe not as diverse and colorful as Seville but Malaga is a very welcoming city. I was treated very well by the locals and other foreign residents. People here are chill, polite, and very approachable for help.
Local Cuisine: A seaside city means a large range of seafood options. Everything was cheap and tasted fresh. If you are not sure of what to get, you could request a tapas and try several things in small portions. Fritura Malaguena and Gazpachuelo Malagueño were the two fish-based dishes I had. Simply unforgettable.
Valencia
One of Spain’s most underrated cities. Valencia is a smaller and better version of Barcelona. It’s also on the east coast of Spain, just 4 hours south of the Catalan capital. The iconic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches are just a few reasons Valencia should be on your travel list.
Interests and Activities: you need just 3-4 days to truly enjoy the city. The standout attractions here are
- Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. The city of art and science is a must-see place in Valencia. Absolutely mindblowing architecture housing so many different experiences. Best to set out a whole day just for this place.
- The Valencia Cathedral
- The Mercado Central
- UNESCO-listed Lonja de la Seda.
- Lastly, the beautiful beaches.
Budget: I visited Valencia in early May, just before the tourist season kicked in. Like the previous cities, things were relatively cheap. Moving about costs next to nothing and shopping was quite affordable. Tickets for the City of Arts and Science start from $10.
Accommodation prices here start from $25 a night for one person.
Safety: Another really safe Spanish city. Valencia has a chill vibe and remains calm all day long. You can appreciate the architecture at night or enjoy the nightlife with peace of mind.
Language: One of the only downsides about Valencia is you will not find many English speakers here. Asking for directions and help can get a tad tricky. When planning your trip, it’s best to find a place to stay in the city center.
Transportation and Accessibility: Just as in Seville, the easiest way to move around the city is by bus. Although, I enjoyed walking around the city.
Season and Weather: Mild winters and really hot summers. You have a lot of months to pick from when planning a trip to Valencia. However, I’d avoid going between June and August.
Cultural Diversity: Valencia attracts lots of tourists, so no matter where you are from, you should feel right at home.
Local Cuisine: the first thing you should try when you arrive here is the orange. Valencia’s oranges are some of the best in the world. Life-changing stuff. The city is also famous for being the birthplace of Paella. And of course, a wide array of seafood options.
