European Singles Destinations
When is the best time for singles to travel to European destinations?
Singles have an advantage in scheduling their European travels in that they're not tied to a school schedule, presumably if they're a solo traveller. They can get bargains and avoid crowds by travelling in the off-peak season, and very often, the off-peak season coincides with the school year. From about October until April, there are good opportunities for singles to avoid the crowds and perhaps save money.
What are popular UK destinations for singles?
There are some really interesting destinations for singles in the UK - London of course has to be considered right up there as the number one destination. It is very easy to feel at home in London, whether you're a solo, a couple, or a family - simply because all of those things are so very present in London. London has a very vibrant music scene, and it has a very vibrant theater scene. All of those things provide instant entre for single traveler. Also, in Dublin and Edinburgh, particularly the urban areas, you can feel very much at home simply because these places are very welcoming, no matter whether you're a family, a single or a couple. Particularly for the solo traveler, there are enough diversions where you can fit in fairly easily and feel quite at home.
What are popular Spain destinations for singles?
Spain has an interesting singles destination scene, particularly along the coast. There are some really tremendous beach destinations for singles, but also some of the larger areas as well. The urban areas, places like Madrid, which is hugely urban and has enough destination panache to absorb a single traveler, is a place that singles can feel comfortable. There's also some other, lesser known destinations where singles do fit in nicely too - Valencia, which is a city you don't hear a lot about but which is really a very warm and welcoming city, is a tremendous place for singles, as is Barcelona.
What are popular French destinations for singles?
Thinking of a singles vacation in France is an interesting proposition, simply because Paris is known as the city of love. Besides the city of light, and people often say, Well, I dont want to go to Paris as a solo traveler. And yet Paris is an amazing destination for single travelers simply because you have the opportunity to blend in and there are many, many things that you can do that do not depend on a second person. Whether its going to Notre Dame, or going to Luxembourg Gardens, certainly there are ample opportunities to feel at home in a large city. Also on the coast of France there is a vibrant singles scene, and it may be a place where a vacation for a solo traveler is really appropriate simply because there are so many singles there.
What are popular German destinations for singles?
One of the most popular destinations for solo travelers is Berlin, which has a very vibrant cultural scene. Berlin is a total museum city and I mean that in the best sense; that there are repositories of history, art, and culture all over the city. There is also an incredible singles scene all over Berlin that is very welcoming to singles. I really recommend Berlin as a singles destination.
What are popular European beach destinations for singles?
In Europe, there are some really good beach destinations for singles. The Costa Brava of Spain is a place where singles can go and feel very comfortable. The French and Italian Riviera also have very vibrant singles scenes, and I would have no qualms as a single traveller about going there. Those would be among the top destinations.
What forms of transportation are available for singles traveling in Europe?
Singles have the same opportunities to take advantage of forms of travel in Europe as couples do, and in some cases it's even better. For example, train travel in Europe is something that anybody can do as a single traveller. It often provides a way to be a part of a group and yet apart from the group. The other thing that has recently become much easier in Europe is travel from country to country, because there are a number of low cost airlines. It's a lot easier if you're in a place where you don't feel like the scene fits you, it's easy enough to get on a plane and pay less than say $100 to get to another destination, so that's something that you should consider as well.
What are some money-saving tips for singles traveling through Europe?
Singles can save money by traveling in the off-peak season. It's often easier for a solo traveler to get away during what is traditionally the US school year, and find fewer crowds, smaller crowds, and places that are more accommodating simply because they're eager to move their travel inventory. That means you pay less for a hotel room, or you may pay less for a tour. The other way to save money as a solo traveler is to make sure that when you book your hotel room, that you're booking a single room; this is an issue, especially in Europe. You don't want to book a double room and then end up paying a price that would be charged to two people. You can save money by booking a single room. Yes, it will probably be smaller, and yes, it will probably be a lesser room, but frankly you're not there to see the room, you're there to see the country, so it doesn't matter quite as much.
What are some safety tips for singles traveling through Europe?
Single travelers need to take some extra precautions when they're out on the road. The destination doesn't matter, whether it's the United States, Europe, Asia, wherever they are. It's very easy when you're traveling as a twosome to feel a little bit more secure, simply because there's somebody there to help you handle the travel. As a single traveler, you need to be hyper aware of your surroundings, and you need to follow your instinct. If you feel uncomfortable in a place, you need to leave. We often think, "Well, I'm being silly" or "I'm overreacting". But your instinct is your experience at work. If you don't feel comfortable in a place, go ahead, get up and leave. Yes, you may offend the people around you, but it's better to offend them than to put yourself in jeopardy. You should also really immerse yourself in the city to which you have traveled, and find out where those areas are that you shouldn't be. There are places where single travelers should not be by themselves, particularly at night. Those places exist everywhere, and single travelers need to avoid them. I'm in favor of having a GPS system, especially if I'm are driving. It's so easy to get lost, particuarly if you're like me and have no sense of direction, you can get yourself into some real jams. Carrying a GPS system is critical to making sure that you keep yourself safe. Again, just being hyper aware of where you are, making sure that you are not wearing flashy jewelry, making sure that you are not displaying large sums of money when you take out a few bills to pay for a drink or a cup of coffee - be very aware of these things.
What are some lesser-known European destinations for singles?
Some of the European destinations that may not necessarily be on the radar are those in the former eastern block countries. There are vibrant single scenes in the Czech republic, there are vibrant single scenes in Poland, and in Hungary. These are places that might not ordinarily be on your radar, and yet they often represent a better value for your dollar, which is sometimes very weak against the euro, and they can be destinations that are just as rewarding as some of the big three (Rome, London, Paris), and provide you with the same cultural stimulation that you're seeking.
What European cities should singles avoid?
I don't know if there are any European cities that singles should avoid, but I do think that they should examine the culture of the city to the extent that that's possible, before choosing the destination. If it's a destination that's very family orientated, or if it's a destination that insists on couples travel as it were; that may be a place to avoid, but any urban or metropolitan area in Europe is going to be okay. It's just matching your comfort level to that of the place or destination.
