Solo travel through Europe is a dream for many. After all, the European continent is populated with countries rich in natural beauty and the most fascinating history and culture. Moreover, most European countries have a safe and friendly environment, making solo travel quite marvelous. The best part is that you can visit 27 European countries with a Schengen visa. Yes, you heard it right! With just one visa, you can tour 27 Schengen countries without applying for a separate visa for every country you want to visit. While solo traveling in the Schengen area is easy, safe, and delightful, you must be aware of certain things, like how to apply for a visa and stay safe while traveling alone. This guide also includes the best solo-friendly destinations in the Schengen zone.
Tips to Get a Schengen Visa for Solo Travelers
The Schengen visa application process for solo travelers is not different from that for those traveling with families. You must submit your passport (with a minimum validity of three months), application form, photographs, financial proof, a letter from your employer, proof of accommodation, flight tickets, etc. Still, the chances of rejection are a bit higher, especially if you do not submit the required documents and follow certain rules. Here are some tips to get a Schengen visa for solo travelers:
- Submit documents that prove that you intend to return to your country when the visa expires. This could include a letter from your employer or proof of close family ties in your home country.
- Ensure you have enough funds in your bank account to cover your costs in the Schengen country. If your trip is sponsored by someone else, you must have sufficient proof for the same.
- Make sure to provide the exact reason for applying for a Schengen visa. Also, you must prove that you will not take up a job, enroll in a full-time course, or defy any other rule levied on a person with a Schengen tourist visa.
- Provide a detailed travel itinerary, including the countries you visit, the dates you will enter and exit each country, the places you will stay, and your confirmed flight tickets.
A Schengen visa application for solo travelers might get rejected if you do not give enough proof to ensure you will return to your country. However, if this is taken care of, you will definitely get a Schengen visa for your solo travel.
Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in the Schengen Zone
Most European countries, including the Schengen ones, are safe. The crime rate is minimal, and you will not hear much about assaults. However, it does not mean that tourists can be completely carefree, especially when traveling on their own. Here are some safety tips that solo travelers should keep in mind when traveling in the Schengen countries.
Keep Your Loved Ones Informed: Make sure that you share your itinerary with a family member or friend back home. This should include the places you will visit, the hotels you will stay, the date on which you will travel, etc. Also, make it a point to stay in touch with them regularly so that they know about your whereabouts and plans.
Make Copies of Your Documents: Make photocopies of all your important documents, like your passport, identity card, flight tickets, etc., in case of emergencies. Having soft copies of these would also be helpful.
Know the Place You are Visiting: Research the places you are visiting. Apart from the famous attractions of the place, you must also try to know about the safest areas, crime rate, and other details about the place.
Choose Rooms with High Ratings: As you travel alone, always book top-rated rooms. Be it a hotel or a hostel, book a room with good security. Do not book rooms only because they are cheap. Locality and security are equally important.
Learn the Local Language: English is not widely spoken in many European countries. So, it will be a great idea to learn a few common words and phrases in the local language of the country you are visiting.
Keep Your Phone Close: Always carry your phone with you. Your phone is the quickest way to reach out to your loved ones an emergency. Moreover, phones also help you show the way, look for interesting places to visit, and translate languages you do not know. Remember to keep your phone safe.
Keep Your Valuables Safe: Petty crimes like pick pocketing are common in several European countries. Hence, do not carry your valuables while on a sightseeing tour. Keep them in a safe in your hotel room. Also, do not flash your wealth by wearing precious jewelry or spending too much money shopping.
Stick to Day Tours: Explore the city during the day and stay close to the hotel if you want to step out after sunset. If you want to go sightseeing at night, it would be best to join a tour group. Moreover, if you want to explore the nightlife of the place, head to crowded spots and avoid walking in secluded lanes in the dark.
Drink Responsibly: As a solo tourist, you will want to enjoy the nightlife of the city, and Europe is quite popular for its nightlife. However, it is important to keep your alcohol intake in check. Remember that you are responsible for your own safety, so refrain from drinking too much alcohol. Also, do not accept drinks from strangers leave your drinks unattended.
Solo-Friendly Destinations in the Schengen Zone
While most countries in the Schengen zone are safe, some are safer than others. Here is a list of solo-friendly destinations in the Schengen zone.
Switzerland: Home to the spectacular Swiss Alps and mesmerizing lakes, there are many beautiful places in Switzerland. With great public transport and plenty of social accommodations, Switzerland is truly a heaven for solo travelers.
Italy: Be it Florence, Rome, Naples, Milan, Cinque Terre, or Bologna, every city and town in Italy will welcome solo travelers with open arms. From basking in the natural beauty of the place to exploring its numerous attractions and tasting its delicious cuisine, Italy is wonderful.
France: Traveling to France as a solo traveler allows you to explore its vibrant cities, picturesque towns, and breathtaking landscapes on your own. Paris, Lyon, Champagne, Normandy, Versailles, and Lille are some must-visit destinations here.
Spain: Well-loved by solo travellers around the globe, Spain is most popular for being affordable and having a solid tourist infrastructure. With a good transport system, it is easy to explore the interesting places in the country, including Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, and Sevilla.
Croatia: If you are new to solo travel, Croatia is the best place to start. Extremely safe, Croatia is budget-friendly and is home to some amazing landscapes. Split, the Dalmatian Coast, Zagreb, Zadar, and Dubrovnik are the best places to visit here.
Portugal: Warm, friendly, and affordable, Portugal offers several interesting activities for solo travelers. Porto, Lisbon, Sintra, and the Algarve are a few of the amazing places to visit here. The country is quite popular among digital nomads.
Finland: If you want to take the road less traveled for a solo experience, Finland is a good place to start. Watching the incredible northern lights, checking out the cultural scene, learning about the local culture and lifestyle, and exploring the best Finland shopping centres are must-dos in this country.
Greece: Endowed with aquamarine beaches, quaint towns, ancient architecture, and soul-touching food, Greece is the perfect place to spend time on your own and find yourself. Santorini, Corfu, Crete, Kefalonia, Mykonos, and Rhodes are the best places to visit for solo travelers.
Solo traveling in the Schengen zone may not be a cakewalk. But with proper planning and preparation, it is worth the effort. So do not waste any more time! Figure out the places you want to visit and get ready for the experience of a lifetime.