text and photos by Nina Sarmiento


I like traveling solo around Europe. I can wander around at my own pace, in my own time. I don't have to compromise. I don't ask for someone else's permission.I can do all the things that I want – visiting museums, shopping for gifts, taking photos of churches, castles and bridges. At night, I can relax in my room and read a book, no one forcing me to get sauced in a bar. Hellooo…I live in Ireland where I spend most nights drinking with my friends in a pub. Why bother going overseas just to get some alcohol, duh!

But solo travel in Europe have some drawbacks. I have to do lot of preparation because I have no one to rely on whenever something bad happens.

If this is your first time to travel solo in Europe, here are some things that you need to do before you pack your bags:

1. Pick a city – Europe is so vast and diverse and unless you are either on career break or a location independent professional, chances are you can only get a three week leave from the office (one month, if you're lucky).

In a week, you can perhaps travel in three different cities situated in three neighboring countries. But I suggest you take your time and get to know a city more. There was one time I got a week-long break, and what I did was to go on a short Christian pilgrimage by visiting two neighboring cities – Lisbon in Portugal and Barcelona in Spain

Your choice will depend upon your comfort level. Perhaps it is easiest to start your travel in Ireland or U.K. as English is the first language here and is a major travel hub . From there you can start hopping (by bus, train or budget planes) to other cities of your choice. The good news is, English is spoken in pretty much of the touristy spots. It can be tricky though when going in the countryside. But as long as you are polite when approaching the locals, then it should work out. It will also be good if you know some French or German as they're widely spoken in Western Europe.

2. Apply for visa to Europe – Travelers in Europe need to get a Schengen visa.

This visa removes the need for border control posts, allowing easy access between countries that are part of the agreement.

The following countries participate in the Schengen Agreement: Austria,Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany,Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy,Latvia,Lithuania,Luxembourg,
Malta, Netherlands, Norway,Poland,Portugal,Slovakia,Slovenia,Spain
Sweden and Switzerland.

Remember though, that two major destinations – U.K. and Ireland – are not part of the Schengen Agreement. So, if your vacation plans involve a shopping expedition in Paris and London, then get a Schengen AND a U.K. visa.

Citizens of the following countries are granted visa upon arrival or don't need to get a visa when visiting Europe for a short holiday: all countries in North America and Central America, except Belize; some countries in South America (Argentina, Brazil and Chile); and the more developed Asia Pacific countries including Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Macau (part of the People's Republic of China), Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. Just take note that for some of these citizens, they can only stay in the Schengen area for a total of 90 days in any six month period.

If you're like me who holds a Philippine passport and are citizens of developing countries, then you have to apply for a visa at least two months before going to Europe.

The process can be tedious as you need to present documents to the embassy. I've been working in Ireland for the past two years and have valid working papers, but because I hold a Philippine passport, I still need to present documents including proof of employment, a copy of my return tickets and income statement just to get a visa and travel for a few days in London.

Applying for a Schengen visa has to be made by setting an appointment to the embassy or consulate of the country of first entry, or of the country that is the main destination. Application requirements depends on the embassies, so always refer to the websites of respective consulates/embassies for more information.

3. Buy a travel insurance – Yes, you need one. For those who are applying for visa, this is a requirement. For those who don't need to apply for a visa, my advise is you should still buy one. Travel insurance is usually cheap, and you should consider it a safety net when you got yourself into some financial problem, hospitalized or inconvenienced by a flight cancellation. Get insured and put your mind at rest.

4. Travel Light – The one bag to rule them all. I guess this is the utopia, to travel with one bag. This is a whiz for people who are extremely organized but a nightmare for people like me who always panic when packing.

My latest traveling "style" is that I only have one handcarried bag when I'm traveling. By the time I go back to Cork, I will have two hand carried bags (too much shopping :P)

Always check with the airline for the maximum allowed weight of the luggage for each passenger, and even the dimension of the bag. Better observe these rules than to pay extra fees and making a fuss about a luggage that might result to denial of boarding.

My general rule is to travel light, travel happy. Smaller luggage means less stress, less things to carry and less worries.

How about you? what's your secret to traveling light? Please Share your tips here.

Next Week: Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Europe

Resources:
1. Women and Health: Five tips for staying fit while on the road – It’s such a bummer to fall ill forcing you to cancel all your fun travel plans.