interview by Prime Sarmiento
Solo female traveler Stephanie Lee is the author of Art of Solo Travel: A Girl's Guide. This book is perhaps the ultimate guide for women who prefer and enjoy to travel on their own.
In 2008, after six years of full-time work, Stephanie caught the travel bug and left everything behind to embark on a solo open-ended journey which took her all around the world.
The thirty-something solo female traveler has lived in three different countries. Stephanie was born in Malaysia, spent her teenage years in the U.S. and is now working as an architect in Sydney. She still travels and contributes articles to Indie Travel Podcast. 
Stephanie has traveled extensively in Europe. In this interview with The Gypsygals, Stephanie discusses why Europe is such a great place for solo female travelers.
Question: Why do you think European cities are great cities to visit for solo female travelers?
Answer: I may be biased, but personally I love European cities because they all have such a great urban and cultural vibe, and naturally inquisitive locals who are fascinated by solo travelers. They are always up for a chat or happy to help, and it's so easy to meet other travelers. One is never bored due to the plethora of things to see and do.
Q: If you are traveling in Europe for the first time, where would you go?
A: I will go to Lyon in France. It's a great city with an interesting vibe and the friendliest locals I've ever met.
I also love Prague- the city has great food and alcohol, fantastic sights, and everything is very cheap! And of course I'll go to Bilbao in Spain as it has the best museum in the world (the Guggenheim Museum) and the best pintxos (traditional snacks like croquettes, served in Basque country) and Spanish fiestas every night.
Q: Can you recommend any hostels/ shops/cafes that solo travelers will enjoy?
A: I stayed in a cute little hostel called David Quinn Hybrid Hotel in San Sebastian (Basque country, Spain). It was so small. It has only three or four rooms and I snagged a private room with a TV for only 16 euros. The English owner actually stayed there as well, and was always around to answer any questions. The hostel always provided complimentary eggs, rice, cereal, and even had Vegemite. The very few travelers who stayed there always gathered around in the dining room for a bit of a chat. Also, it has free laundry facilities – really good value when you consider it is at least 5 euros for a wash everywhere else!
I also recommend going to French cafes – with their delicious cakes and patisseries. They are just so charming, great way to rest after a day of sight-seeing and reflecting on your trip. I visited many in Paris, probably a different one each day! I have a weakness for pain au chocolat.
Q: Any must-see sites that you can recommend and why?
A: Athens! This was one of my most enjoyable places to visit solo. There are just so many incredible monuments to see, and basically you can spend the entire day sight-seeing, and after that treating yourself to a hearty Greek meal. Because you are surrounded by so many people all the time, you don't really feel very lonely by yourself. It's great fun with that fantastic Mediterranean chilled out vibe.
Q: If you only have one week in Europe, where would you go and why?
A: Definitely Basque Country. It means a lot to me due to very special people I have met there who treated me like family.
Q: What should be in any solo female traveler's backpack while in Europe?
A: A mobile phone/smartphone with wi-fi to connect to free internet wherever you are. You really need it to connect with new friends and stay in touch with old friends and family.
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I love that book, and I recommend that you buy it. Here's my review of this fab solo female travel e-guide.
