travel tips Archives - Travels with Erica

December 8, 2021December 5, 2021

10 Essential Iceland Travel Tips You NEED to Know

Iceland is a dream destination for many travel lovers, but it often seems mysterious and challenging to plan a trip to Iceland. Thankfully, there are some Iceland travel tips that will make you feel prepared and confident for your trip.

I’ve been to Iceland a few times, and I learned some very difficult lessons along the way.

Like almost being stranded in the middle of rural Iceland because I ran out of gas type of mistakes.

I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did. I want you to be prepared and know what to expect before you arrive in Iceland.

Which, as a side note, I’m in love with the bathrooms in the Iceland airport. They’re so big and everybody has their own sink! Definitely the most comfortable airport bathrooms I’ve ever experienced.

Anyways, back to what you’re here for.

There are a few very important tips for travelling Iceland you need to be aware of, and I’ve got your back!

As long as you know the tips and tricks in this post, you’ll be all set and ready to have the trip of a lifetime in Iceland.

Be sure to bring an extra camera battery. You’ll be using your camera a lot and don’t want to run out of battery along the way one day!

10 underrated cities in Europe

1. Book Your Accommodation Well in Advance

If there is only one Iceland travel tip you listen to in this whole post, let it be this one!

You do not want to leave booking your accommodation to the last minute.

You’ll be stuck sleeping in your car.

There aren’t many places to stay in Iceland once you get outside Reykjavík. There are long stretches of road without a single town all throughout rural Iceland.

And that town you do stumble across might not have a hotel, and if it does, it is likely sold out if you’re trying to get a room for that night.

I’m definitely one of those travellers who likes to wait until the last minute to book my accommodation because I often don’t know where I’ll be next week.

Iceland isn’t the place to do that.

As soon as you decide to visit Iceland, start making a plan.

Decide what part of the country you want to visit, how many days you’ll be there, and an area where you want to find a hotel in.

Then start looking for a place to stay and book one as soon as you find something you like.

Yes. You can rent an RV and just sleep on the side of the road. That elevates the need to book accommodation in advance. However, most people don’t rent an RV and need to book a hotel to sleep in at night.

2. Leave Extra Time to Visit Roadside Attractions

One of the things that surprised me the most on my first trip to Iceland was how many times I would randomly pull over on the side of the road to see an attraction I had no idea was there.

There are little signs on the side of the road all over Iceland indicating that roadside attractions are coming up.

They range from small things like a sign explaining a piece of history to large things like a lava field.

I had planned the major attractions to see each day on my road trip, but I had no idea there were so many smaller things I’d never heard of before to do as well!

I highly recommend you leave some extra time in your daily schedule to explore some of the roadside attractions you stumble across.

Allotting an hour or two per day should be more than sufficient.

Sometimes you have to drive a few minutes off the main road to get to them, so it is better to have a little extra time built into your schedule.

You don’t want to have to not stop at a roadside attraction you’re interested in simply because you don’t have enough time and are rushing to get to the next big attraction.

Slow and steady wins the race!

You want to be able to enjoy your vacation and not miss out on spontaneous experiences, so build in some extra time every day.

Solo travel in Iceland

3. Have a Bigger Budget than You Think You Need

We all know that Iceland is expensive, but most people don’t realize just how expensive it is.

It honestly gets me every time I visit as well. I’m never not surprised by how much things cost in Iceland.

One of the best Iceland travel tips I can give you is to bring more money than you think you need.

If you think you need $1,000 for your trip, budget to spend $1,200.

This gives you a little bit of a cushion on your trip. You don’t want to run out of money and be stuck not eating for part of your trip.

Luckily, most of the tourist attractions in Iceland are free to visit!

You just have to cover the cost of your rental car, gas, hotels, food, and souvenirs.

You’ll know the price of accommodation and your rental car ahead of time, which helps a lot.

So, really, all you have to try to budget for is gas, food, and souvenirs.

All of which are very expensive.

Just do yourself a favour and have a little extra money budgeted for your trip. It’ll make your trip less stressful.

And what’s the worst that can happen? You don’t use it, and you already have a little money saved for your next vacation.

There is no downside to budgeting a little extra money for your trip to Iceland, so there is no excuse not to!

4. Rent Pocket Wifi

You can probably guess that the wifi coverage in Iceland isn’t that good. Outside of your hotel, you’re not likely to find free public wifi when you’re out and about.

Maybe at a restaurant here or there, but that isn’t guaranteed.

You’ll need some sort of GPS access when you’re driving around Iceland. You can either rent a GPS system from the car rental company or rent a pocket wifi device.

They are similar in price, but I always recommend you rent the pocket wifi device.

You connect your phone to it, and it gives you access to the internet wherever you are.

You use Google Maps on your phone to figure out how to get from place to place and have access to your social media, internet (to Google nearby attractions), and can easily let someone know where you are if you need help.

In my eyes, it is a no brainer, and renting pocket wifi in Iceland is essential.

If you’re an avid traveller, you can consider purchasing your own pocket wifi through Solis before you leave.

I purchased mine in 2019 and can’t live without it. It is one of the best travel investments I’ve made, but it isn’t for everybody. Read my full review here to figure out if it is right for you or not.

A tourist’s guide to wifi in Iceland

5. Renting a Car is Worth the Money

Renting a car in Iceland isn’t cheap, but it is worth the money.

If you want to see more than just Reykjavík, you have two options. You either rent a car and drive yourself or you pay to go on guided group tours.

Both options have their pros and cons, but they will both cost a fair amount of money.

Oftentimes, it is more expensive to pay for guided tours than it is to rent a car and drive yourself.

I know that the cost of renting a car in Iceland may make you shy away from it, but it is worth every single penny.

You have the freedom to do what you want when you want. You can get an early start to the day or have a lie in.

You can stop at as many roadside attractions as you want and stay for as long as you want.

And, for the introverts like me, you don’t have to deal with all the small talk that comes with going on a group tour.

If you’re going to Iceland and want the full experience, it is in your best interest to rent a car and drive it around the country.

6. Pack Lunch and Snacks for the Drive

As you may have gathered, Iceland is remote, and it can be difficult to stop in a grab a snack somewhere whenever you feel hungry.

One of my best Iceland travel tips is to stop in Reykjavík at the beginning of your trip and grab snacks and drinks for the drive.

They’ll come in handy along the way.

It will also help you with your budgeting. You won’t be forced to eat at the only restaurant you come across and pay whatever the cost for what might not even be a good meal.

You can always grab lunch at a gas station when you stop, but a pre-packaged sandwich will still cost you more than you’d like. The options will be limited as well.

Your best bet for lunches and snacks when driving is to grab some food at a grocery store in Reykjavík and take it with you.

It may seem expensive, but it will be less expensive than winging it and grabbing food as your go.

7. Fill Up on Gas Whenever You See a Gas Station

This is another one of the most important Iceland travel tips you need to pay attention to.

Iceland isn’t like many other countries where you can find a gas station anywhere and everywhere.

Most of Iceland is very rural, and gas stations can be few and far between.

If you see a gas station and have anything less than nearly a full tank, you should stop to fill up on gas.

You don’t know when you’re going to run into a gas station next, and you don’t want to be caught running on fumes.

I know it can be a bit annoying to stop for gas when you have more than three quarters of a tank of gas, but it is just the smart and safe thing to do.

Especially if you get caught driving into the Icelandic wind and burn more gas than you otherwise would.

Take the opportunity to stretch your legs, grab a drink, and feel safe and confident as you continue on in your trip around Iceland.

Click here and use code TRAVELSWITHERICA for 10% off my favourite Instagram presets!

8. Focus on One Part of the Country

Many people look at Iceland on a map and think they can see it all in one trip.

That’s not the right mindset, and one of the best travel tips for Iceland I can give you is to pick one part of the country to visit and stick to it.

You won’t be rushed, and you’ll be able to explore more during your vacation.

If you have a week, choose either the north or south.

If you only have a few days, you need to narrow it down even more. Choose the north eastern part of the country, for example.

One of the worst things you can do when travelling in Iceland is try to do too much.

There are so many surprise pit stops and attractions along the way. You don’t want to be rushing and not be able to stop.

You also don’t want to spend five, six, seven hours per day driving when you’re on vacation!

There are plenty of free Iceland itineraries online.

Find one that has you driving for a maximum of 4 hours per day. That’s what I do when I go to Iceland, and it works out really well.

What I wish I knew before backpacking Europe alone

9. Pack Warm Clothes (Even in the Summer)

Iceland is cold. Colder than you think!

You need to pack a warm jacket, gloves, and something to cover your ears from the cold wind no matter what time of year you visit Iceland.

You may not have to use them, but if you do (which you likely will have to), you’ll be happy to have them!

The first time I visited Iceland it was April. I had been in mainland Europe for the past two and a half months where it was warm.

I thought it was going to be the same in Iceland, but I was very wrong.

It was freezing. I ended up having to spend a ton of money to buy warm clothing in Iceland.

It was worth buying the warm clothing, but it is even better to be more prepared and come with warm clothing.

That way you can spend your money on souvenirs you may want more than a toque or gloves.

Most tourist attractions in Iceland are outside, so you can’t get away with not having warm clothes and staying inside all day.

Pack warm and thank me later!

This is definitely one of the most underrated Iceland travel tips, but it is also one of the most important!

10. Don’t Use Unmanned Gas Stations

You can add this to the list of things I wish I knew before visiting Iceland. It is also one of the most important Iceland travel tips I can give you!

There are a few unmanned gas stations around Iceland. The most popular one is near the airport, and people stop there to fill up before dropping their rental car off.

The problem is a lot of people aren’t able to use the unmanned gas stations.

This is because the pumps don’t accept foreign credit cards, so you can’t prepay for the gas you need to fill your car.

It isn’t a huge issue if you’re trying to use the unmanned gas station near the airport. You just have to turn around and drive back to the manned gas station that is about 5 minutes away.

Even there it is a little bit of a hassle.

You have to go into the gas station and either have a nice attendant who opens the pump for you or buy a pre-paid gift card and use that to pay at the pump.

All in all, it is a minor inconvenience that is easy to get around.

The issue comes in when you’re trying to use an unmanned pump in rural Iceland.

There won’t be a nearby manned gas station you can drive to, and if you’re low on gas, you’re in a precarious situation.

That’s why it is so important to fill up on gas whenever you see a manned gas station. You don’t know when you’ll come across one again, and you have to get while the getting is good.

If there is only an unmanned gas station around, and you’re in desperate need of gas, you can wait around and hope someone else comes around shortly.

You can explain your situation and very kindly ask if they would be willing to put their credit card in your pump in exchange for cash.

It isn’t guaranteed to work, but it may be the best way out of a not-so-great situation.

Tips for flying along for the first time

Conclusion

Iceland is an amazing country, and if you have the means, I highly recommend visiting it at least once in your life.

But it can also be a difficult country to plan for in advance. It is unlike most other countries, and you need to know what to expect before you arrive.

Hopefully, these Iceland travel tips help you plan your perfect vacation to Iceland and help you know what to except before you arrive at the airport.

As long as you keep these Iceland travel tips in mind, I know you’ll have an amazing trip and make life-long memories.

December 1, 2021December 6, 2021

10 Underrated Cities in Europe You Need to Visit ASAP

There are countless cities in Europe, but I bet only a dozen or so pop into your mind when you start dreaming about your next European vacation. The most popular cities in Europe are popular for a reason, but you should also consider visiting some underrated cities in Europe.

Especially the underrated cities in Europe on this list because they are set to explode with tourists once more people learn about them.

In fact, some of the cities on this list have already started to become up and coming destinations, so you better visit them quickly!

I’ve travelled extensively through Europe, but I haven’t visited everywhere. So, this list is based on the cities I’ve visited and think are underrated.

I haven’t made it to Georgia yet (sad face), but if I had, I’m sure a city from there would make a list.

What I’m trying to say is this is by no means a comprehensive list of underrated cities in Europe, but it should get you pointed in the right direction.

There are cities in Wester, Central, and Eastern Europe, so no matter where your European trip takes you, you should be able to stop into one of these underrated cities in Europe alone the way!

And please tell my your favourite underrated cities in Europe in the comments! I’d love to hear them, and the community would love to hear them as well. 🙂

10 overrated cities in Europe (& where to go instead)

1. Tallinn, Estonia

I’m going to start with what I think is the most underrated capital city in Europe.

Granted it is more popular now than it was when I visited for the first time in 2017, but it still isn’t on most people’s radar.

Tallinn has everything you could ever want in a European city.

It has one of the most gorgeous old cities in Europe, lots of fun things to do outside the old city (which most people ignore), and is super affordable.

You can visit Tallinn as a day trip from Helsinki, Finland, but I recommend spending at least two or three days to get a full sense of the city and what it has to offer.

If there is a performance during your time in Tallinn, I highly recommend you go to the City Theatre for a play or ballet performance.

Tickets are very affordable, and the inside of the building in spectacular.

You’ll likely fall in love with Estonia on your visit to Tallinn and may want to explore more of the country. If that’s the case, I highly recommend you visit Tartu.

It is actually my favourite city in Estonia!

Top 3 Things to do in Tallinn

Visit the old city

Explore Toompea Castle

Wander around Kadriorg Park

Important Information

Currency	Euros
Best Time to Visit	May-September
Days Needed	2-3

2. Timișoara, Romania

Now it is time to move on to what I think is the most underrated city in Europe (in my own personal opinion).

I adore Timișoara and find myself dreaming of going back more than any other Romanian city.

Romania as a whole is widely underrated and a country I recommend to all my friends and family. But even within Romania, Timișoara doesn’t get as much love as it deserves.

Not only is it stunningly beautiful, calming, and idyllic, but it also has a very interesting history and is where communism started to fall in Romania.

There are other cities in Romania with important communism histories as well, but Timișoara’s is extra interesting. You’ll understand it more once you get there and start learning about the history.

Timișoara is one of the most vibrant cities I’ve visited. The sights and colours are intoxicating, and if you’re anything like me, you want to spend all your time walking around or sitting at a café soaking up the atmosphere.

Be sure to bring your camera and lots of extra batteries!

Plus the food in Timișoara (and all of Romania) is to die for. Pack your stretchy pants because you’ll be eating a lot!

Top 3 Things to do in Timișoara

Visit Victory Square

Tour the Communist Consumer Museum

Walk through Roses Park

Important Information

Currency	Romanian Leu
Best Time to Visit	March-June
Days Needed	2-3

3. Kaunas, Lithuania

Raise your hand if you’ve heard of Kaunas before. Ah, yes, I’m not surprised most of you haven’t!

I guess that’s why it made the list of top underrated cities in Europe!

I honestly hadn’t heard of Kaunas until a few days before I arrived in the city. I was backpacking through the Balkans and wanted to see more of Lithuania than just Vilnius.

A short Google search later, and I found myself booking a hostel in Kaunas, and it was one of the best hidden gems I visited on that entire three-month trip.

Kaunas is located in central Lithuania and is only 1.5 hours away from Vilnius by bus.

It is a fairly quiet town, but there is still lots to see and do.

There is one long promenade in the old part of town where most tourists flock to. It is full of life, and is a must-do for anybody visiting the city.

But it isn’t the only thing to do in Kaunas.

A lot of tourists miss the heart and soul of Kaunas because they stick to the old part of town and don’t venture out to the more local areas.

There is a ton of great artwork painted on the buildings around town. Even just wandering around aimlessly for a few hours will result in you finding more than one piece of artwork to snap a picture of.

You can (and should) also explore the historical part of Kaunas by visiting the old castle and fortress.

And, of course, there are a few churches you can wander through and marvel at.

However, I must admit my favourite part of Kaunas was the Devil’s Museum. It is a museum dedicated to just collecting artwork, sculptures, and trinkets that depict the devil.

When I was there, it boasted that it was the only devil museum in the world. I visited in 2017, so I’m not sure if it is still the only devil museum in the world, but it was certainly the first.

I know this is an odd thing to recommend to you, but it was honestly so much fun. The museum is multiple stories tall, and it is just so wonderfully odd that you can’t not visit.

I would 100% go again the next time I’m in Kaunas.

But, if devils aren’t your thing, there is still plenty to keep you occupied while you’re in Kaunas.

Top 3 Things to do in Kaunas

Visit the Devil’s Museum

Explore Kaunas Castle

Tour the Ninth Fort of Kaunas Fortress

Important Information

Currency	Euros
Best Time to Visit	May-September
Days Needed	1-2

4. Brighton, England

Brighton is one of the most underrated cities in Europe for sure. It is popular with people in the UK, but I’ve never met anybody else in my personal life who has visited Brighton.

Even though it is only 1.5 hours away from London by train!

Brighton couldn’t be more different than London, and it gives you a completely new peak inside what England has to offer.

The city is super laid back, and you get out of the hustle and bustle of London for a while.

The weather is delightful, the food is outstanding, and you can walk to pretty much any tourist attraction you want to visit.

And they have world class tourist attractions!

The whole city is a breath of fresh air compared to London.

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely adore London, but it is nice to get outside the capital city and explore a different part of England.

You can visit Brighton as a day trip from London, but I personally recommend spending at least two days there.

There is plenty to see, do, and eat. You don’t want to be rushed or feel like you’re missing out on what Brighton has to offer.

Just be sure you try out the food! There are plenty of fresh seafood restaurants along the seafront, but my personal favourite is going to The Lanes to eat.

The Lanes is an old section of the city where narrow streets twist and turn. You walk around and get lost in the streets.

There are plenty of small spots, cafés, but, more importantly, the best restaurants in the city. You can eat at pretty much any restaurant and be guaranteed a good meal!

41 things to do along the Brighton seafront

Top 3 Things to do in Brighton

Visit the Royal Pavilion

Get an unbeatable view of Brighton at the British Airways i360 Viewing Tower

Explore the iconic Brighton Palace Pier

Important Information

Currency	Pound Sterling
Best Time to Visit	June-September
Days Needed	1-3

5. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo was a travel experience unlike any other. You immerse yourself in the history and tragedy of the Bosnian Muslims during the Bosnian War, and you can’t help but be emotional during your entire trip to Sarajevo.

It is without a doubt one of the most underrated cities in Europe. There is so much modern history that everybody should experience in the city, and you should definitely add it to your bucket list.

Not only does Sarajevo teach you a lot about the Bosnian War and what people went through, but it also teaches you a lot about resilience.

The city is vibrant and full of life. If you weren’t aware of the city’s past, you would think it was like any other city in the region.

One of my favourite things to do is stand outside around noon to listen to the church bells and the Adhan (the sound that notifies Muslims it is time to start praying) sounding off at the same time.

It is the perfect representation of what the city of Sarajevo has become.

The city is welcoming to everybody and anybody.

Not only does Sarajevo have an interesting (and tragic) modern history, but you can also stand on the bridge where the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated and where WWI began.

There are certainly still some issue with corruption, which is the big reason why BiH hasn’t been allowed in the EU yet, but it is slowly but surely getting better.

In a few years, I’m sure Sarajevo will not longer be one of the most underrated cities in Europe and tourists will be flocking to it.

Top 3 Things to do in Sarajevo

Visit Gallery 11/07/95 and learn about the tragedy of Srebrenica

Walk along the 1984 Winter Olympics bobsleigh track

Wander through the Old Bazaar

Important Information

Currency	Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark
Best Time to Visit	May-June and Early September
Days Needed	3-4 (if you want to make a day trip to Mostar)

6. Sofia, Bulgaria

There is so much to see and do in Sofia. It is an unassuming capital city, but it is definitely one of the most underrated cities in Europe.

It has an interesting mix of modern culture and history. You want see street artwork right next to old ruins.

The city is truly unbeatable, and if you’re lucky enough to be in Sofia during a holiday, you’ll experience the history and culture of Bulgaria that locals still take seriously.

No trip to Sofia is complete without taking a day trip to Rila Monastery.

It is the largest and most well known Orthodox Church in Bulgaria, and you can even crawl inside a cave where the St. Ivan of Rila spent 20 years of his life praying in solitude.

It is an experience you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world!

To top it all off, the food in Sofia is incredible! I doubt you could find a bad meal in the whole city even if you were trying to.

Top 3 Things to do in Sofia

Visit Rila Monastery

Tour Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Visit the Museum of Socialist Art

Important Information

Currency	Bulgarian Lev
Best Time to Visit	April-May or September-October
Days Needed	2-4

7. Zagreb, Croatia

Croatia is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, but people tend to focus on the coastal towns and completely ignore Zagreb.

I love Zagreb and was blown away by the city.

When I visited Croatia in 2015, every single blog I read about where to go in the country said don’t bother visiting Zagreb. It is boring and not worth visiting.

Well, there was one specific thing I really wanted to do in Zagreb, so I ignored the advice of all the blogs I read and spent three days in Zagreb.

Let this be a reminder that you shouldn’t take what bloggers say (even me) as the absolute word of truth. We’re all just sharing our own opinions. Do lots of research and make the travel decisions that suit you best!

Zagreb is colourful, full of life, yet homey and small at the same time.

You can walk pretty much anywhere in the city within half an hour and be treated to beautiful sights along the way.

One of the most popular things to do in Zagreb is take a day trip to visit Plitvice Lake. It is a gorgeous lake, but I prefer Krka National Park.

Krka National Park is located just outside the small town of Šibenik and is a short bus ride from Zadar, which is where I recommend staying if you want to visit Krka National Park.

In any event, Plitvice Lake is well worth visiting, but you should spend a few days exploring the city as well.

You’ll be thankful you did. I know you’ll fall in love with Zagreb!

What I wish I knew before backpacking Europe alone

Top 3 Things to do in Zagreb

Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships (Seriously! It is phenomenal!)

Spend an afternoon exploring Mirogoj Cemetery

Wander around Upper Town and take a million photos

Important Information

Currency	Croatian Kuna
Best Time to Visit	April-September
Days Needed	2-4

8. Lviv, Ukraine

Lviv is a city I wasn’t planning on visiting but used it as a transfer point from Ukraine to Poland.

Unfortunately, I was only in the city for a day and a half, but it was long enough for me to fall in love with it!

I was debating whether I should include Lviv or Odessa on my list of underrated cities in Europe, but Lviv won out by a hair because I think there is more to do there.

But, if you’re in Ukraine, you can’t go wrong with visiting Odessa as well.

Lviv is by far the brightest and most vibrant city I visited in Ukraine. It feels like a small town but is actually quite a large city.

Even as a tourist, when you walk around the centre of Lviv, you can’t help but feel comfortable and at home.

But be sure to get outside the centre of the city and explore everything else the city has to offer!

And please, please, please come with an empty stomach.

As I’m sure you can guess, the food in Lviv (and everywhere in Ukraine) is outstanding. You’ll want to eat and eat and eat until you’ve made yourself sick and can’t stuff another bite into your mouth.

Yes. I’m speaking from experience.

A lot of people don’t think to visit Ukraine while they’re in Europe. Whether it is misinformation that Ukraine is unsafe or they don’t realize how much the country has to offer.

Either way, you’re missing out on a lot of amazing sights and experiences if you don’t visit Ukraine.

Kyiv is outstanding, but you should also visit Lviv while you’re there.

Top 3 Things to do in Lviv

Climb city hall for the best views of the city

Visit the Armenian Cathedral

People watch at Rynok Square

Important Information

Currency	Ukrainian Hryvnia
Best Time to Visit	May-September
Days Needed	1-3

9. Dundee, Scotland

Dundee is overlooked and is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. Not many people know about it, but it is the perfect addition to any Eastern Scotland road trip.

It is in an ideal location and the best city to spend a few days between the lowlands (a.k.a. Edinburgh or Glasgow) and the highlands.

I mean technically Dundee is part of the highlands, but it isn’t too north and isn’t what people picture when they think of the highlands.

Dundee is the perfect mixture of a modern town with deep historical roots.

I’ll admit that the only reason I planned to spend a few days in Dundee the first time I was in Scotland was because I wanted to visit the RRS Discovery.

Anybody else weirdly interested in Shackleton’s expeditions or is it just me?!

But, I’m so glad I planned three days in the city as a way to break up the driving and moving from hotel to hotel every day or two.

The city is so much more than just the RRS Discovery, and I wasn’t bored for a moment the three days I spend in Dundee.

The city is young and hip, which I didn’t expect. It has a great vibe, wonderful pubs and restaurants, and tourist attractions that suit anybody’s interests.

If you’re planning a road trip in the eastern part of Scotland, Dundee is a must on your itinerary.

Top 3 Things to do in Dundee

Learn about Arctic expeditions on the RRS Discovery

Visit The McManus Art Museum

Tour Glamis Castle (a short drive or bus ride outside Dundee)

Important Information

Currency	Pound Sterling
Best Time to Visit	May-August
Days Needed	2-4

10. Wrocław, Poland

Just like Lviv, I used Wrocław as a transfer point. I was in northern Poland and had to get to Prauge.

I didn’t want to go all the way from the north of Poland to Prague and decided to find somewhere to stop along the way, and that place was Wrocław.

For a city I didn’t think much of when I booked my stay, it ended up blowing me away.

It is such a unique city.

Wrocław has the same architecture as the rest of Poland, but it quirky.

There are over 400 statues of gnomes all over the city. Most of the are small, but a few of them are larger.

The gnomes started popping up around the city in the 1980s as a satirical and funny protest against communism.

Since them, gnomes have been popping up all over the city, and many of them are wearing unique and silly costumes or props.

It is weirdly addicting to spend hours wandering through the twisting streets of Wrocław trying to find as many gnomes as possible.

I have pictures of dozens of different gnomes, and it makes me giggle every time I go through my photos from my trip to Wrocław.

In addition to gnomes, Wrocław has what is known as the Cathedral Island. It is the oldest part of the city that is home to a number of different cathedrals and churches. The island is accessible by three different bridges and is surrounded by water.

Other than the gnomes, Cathedral Island is the most unique part of Wrocław. You’ll be hard pressed to find anything like it anywhere else in Europe.

Be sure to check out Hala Targowa when you’re in Wrocław. It is the best place to find fresh food, unique gifts, and cheap treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Top 3 Things to do in Wrocław

Go gnome hunting

Explore Cathedral Island

Visit the The Royal Palace and the Historical Museum of Wrocław

Important Information

Currency	Polish Złoty
Best Time to Visit	March-May
Days Needed	2-4

A Friendly Reminder About Internet Safety While Travelling

You rely extensively on public wifi when you travel. Unless you have your own pocket wifi, you’ll 100% be relying on free wifi.

Public wifi is great because it allows you to connect to the internet without spending any money, but it comes with its risks.

Public wifi is just that. It is public, so anybody can connect to it.

And before you tell me that your hotel wifi has a passcode, it is still considered public wifi because anybody can access the passcode!

With so many people using public wifi, it puts you, your devices, and your privacy at risk.

All it takes is one person with bad intentions, and your European vacation is ruined because someone stole your banking information.

You do not want to have to go through the hassel of canceling debit and credit cards while you’re abroad.

It takes a lot of the fun out of your trip, and it leaves you in the difficult situation of trying to fund the rest of your trip without your normal cards.

I’ve had a few banking issues while abroad, and I can tell you that it is a major headache to deal with. I haven’t had my information stolen, but I can only imagine how much worse that would make it!

The only way you can protect your online data and information when using a public wifi network is installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially puts a forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for anybody else to access your information.

A VPN makes using public wifi just as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the passcode.

My Favourite VPN

As you can imagine, I’ve used a lot of different VPN providers during my years of travel. Honestly, I hated all of them and cancelled my subscription after the first year.

VPNs are notorious for slowing your phone down, and I would often find myself putting my privacy at risk by not using my VPN just because my internet access was so slow.

That all changed when I discovered NordVPN.

I’ve been using them since 2018 and have no plans of ever switching to a different VPN provider.

The reason I love them so much (and why I recommend them to my fellow travel lovers) is because they are the fastest VPN on the market.

You can’t notice a change in your internet speed when you’re using your NordVPN, which is basically unheard of in any other VPN.

One subscription protects up to six devices, so you can protect all your devices (and possibly the devices of a friend or family member) for one low, low price.

Seriously! The cost of a two-year subscription is less per month than the cost of a single latte.

It is a tiny price to pay to protect your online data and have peace of mind when travelling.

My philosophy is that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online data and privacy.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NORDVPN

Conclusion

Are you inspired to check out any of the underrated cities in Europe on this list?!

Again, this isn’t an extensive list. There are countless other cities and towns in Europe that are underrated.

I wanted to add cities to this list that had a little something for everybody and were easy to get to.

Use it as inspiration for your next trip. Even if you don’t visit any of the cities on this list, find a hidden gem in the part of Europe you’re travelling to and take the time to visit that city.

You’ll never be disappointed that you stepped off the normal tourist trail and experienced something that most tourists don’t get to!

July 28, 2021August 29, 2023

10 Disadvantages of Travelling (Shocking, I Know)

If you had told me when I was 21-years old and setting off on my first solo trip abroad that there are a number of disadvantages of travelling, I wouldn’t have believed you.

I thought travel was all rainbows and sunshine.

You’re living the dream and seeing the world. How could there be any disadvantages of travelling?!

Well, I was in for a bit of a reality check.

Don’t get me wrong. I love travel, and the advantages of travel certainly outweigh the disadvantages of travelling.

But, now that I’ve travelled for years, I want to share with you some of the disadvantages of travelling, so you can have a more realistic view of what travel is actually like.

That way you won’t be surprised if you encounter some of the less glamorous sides of solo travel.

You can take the good with the less good and still have an amazing trip.

There is always a rainbow at the end of a rain shower!

So, I’m sharing the top ten disadvantages of travelling I’ve discovered in my years of travel.

You may not encounter all of the disadvantages on this list. You may experience other disadvantages.

This is based on my experience and what other travellers have echoed in my conversations with them.

This should hopefully help you be more prepared for travel and result in you having an even better trip than you ever imagined possible!

Tips for planning your first solo trip

1. It Costs a Lot of Money

I bet you’re not surprised that travel costs money, and money doesn’t grow on trees.

How we all wish we were trust fund babies or won the lottery, so we could travel without worrying about money!

There are a number of ways money is one of the biggest disadvantages of travelling.

You have to be disciplined enough to save enough money for your trip.

You have to stick to a budget while you’re on your trip.

The money you spend on your trip can’t be used anywhere else. So, you have to sacrifice other things you may want to buy in order to travel.

I, obviously, knew that travelling costs money when I took my first big trip. The other two aspects of money and travel were a little bit more difficult for me to come to terms with.

It can be hard to forego travel experiences because it isn’t part of your budget, but it is a reality that every traveller faces.

It can be hard to say no and to figure out what is and isn’t worth shelling over your hard-earned money for.

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does cost a pretty penny.

Especially if you’re taking short trips rather than long trips.

Flights are expensive, but once you get to a geographical area (especially if you can rely on trains and buses to get around), your monthly living costs may actually be less than your normal living costs.

It is those short, week long trips halfway around the world that kill your budget!

But those are the trips most people can take based on their work schedule.

It is a cruel world!

2. You Have to Consider Opportunity Cost

You don’t only have to think about the cost of your actual trip but the opportunity cost of travelling.

You’re potentially giving up job growth, a promotion, or other opportunities that will allow you to make more money in the future.

More money to fund your future travels. 😉

Even the income you miss making while you’re on the trip is part of the opportunity cost of travel you have to consider.

This is one of the disadvantages of travelling that impacts long-term travellers more than short-term travellers.

If you take a one-week vacation, there isn’t much opportunity cost to that trip.

However, if you’re like me and travel for months at a time, there is a lot of opportunity cost.

There were plenty of years where I didn’t have a blog and was relying solely on earning income from my job back home.

I would make less than $15,000 in a year and spend it all on travel!

Obviously that isn’t sustainable throughout your entire life.

On the flip side, there is also an opportunity cost to not travelling and working full-time instead. You don’t get to experience everything the world has to offer.

There is a give and take when it comes to opportunity cost and travel.

You have to find the balance that works for you and run with it!

But without a doubt it is one of the biggest disadvantages of travelling.

Digital nomad jobs for beginners

3. Your Personal Information is More at Risk

I know this one sounds odd but hear me out!

When you’re at home living your normal life, you’re most likely using your home internet more often than not.

Your home internet is very safe because you’re the only person who knows the password to access it.

You can sleep tight at night knowing that there is only a slim possibility that a hacker can access your home internet and steal your personal data.

That’s not the case when you’re travelling.

You are reliant on public wifi networks when you travel.

Whether it be at your hotel, a restaurant or café, or at the airport, there are lots of opportunities for your online information to be stolen.

And I know what you’re thinking.

Most public wifi networks have a password, so they are safe.

Wrong!

Even if there is a password on a public wifi network, your online information is still at risk of being stolen.

Anybody can get the password and gain access to the wifi network!

The only way you can protect your online data when using a public wifi network (even when you’re at home) is to install a VPN on all your devices.

A VPN essentially puts up a forcefield around your devices that keeps prying eyes out.

Even when using a public wifi network!

A VPN essentially makes using public wifi just as safe as using your home internet.

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of different VPNs over my years of travel, and pretty much hated them all.

VPNs have a reputation of slowing down your devices, and my phone and laptop were often so slow that I ended up turning off my VPN and putting my data at risk just to be able to use the internet without wanting to bang my head against the wall.

That all changed when I discovered NordVPN.

I’ve been using their VPN for years and have no plans of ever switching!

NordVPN is the fastest VPN on the market, and that’s why I recommend it to all my fellow travel lovers.

You don’t even notice there is a VPN protecting your devices. You can stream away, check socials, and do whatever you want to do on the internet without feeling held back.

While still being protected!

I truly, truly believe that everybody should have a VPN on their devices. It is silly to leave yourself and your personal information exposed.

You can protect up to 6 devices with on NordVPN account, so you can easily protect all of your devices at once.

A two-year subscription costs less than the price of a Starbucks latte per month, so there are no excuses!

My philosophy is that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online information!

You do not want to have the hassel of having to cancel your bank cards while on holiday because you were too cheap to protect your online information.

That’s just no fun! And 100% preventable.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NORDVPN

4. Travel is Exhausting

I was not prepared for how exhausting travel is before I started travelling on a regular basis.

You have an image that travel is the ultimate escape, and it kind of feels like the rules of the real world don’t apply.

But they do!

It doesn’t matter whether you’re on a short trip or a long trip. The days are long, and you expend a lot of energy.

This may not technically be one of the disadvantages of travelling, but it was sure a shock to me!

I was going non-stop for two and a half months before I finally burnt out and decided to take a few days to rest.

Taking time to relax and enjoy your holiday is alright. In fact, I often tell my friends and family who ask me for advise to plan a few extra days in any given city.

This gives you time to see everything you want to see without rushing. You can spend a few hours people watching in a café and not feel guilty for not doing enough on your vacation.

Whatever that means. It is your trip! Make it exactly how you want it.

But be prepared to be tired when you travel!

Your feet will be sore from all the walking. Your body will be tired from all the excitement.

You may even come back more exhausted from your vacation than when you left!

Even beach vacations can be deceptively exhausting. So make sure you leave some wiggle room in case you need a breather.

5. Planning a Trip Takes a Lot of Effort

If you’re anything like me, you hate planning your trips. It just sucks the energy out of me!

One of the biggest disadvantages of travelling (and one not many people talk about) is all the prep work required before you even start your vacation!

It can be stressful to research where to go, where to stay, what to do, and try to find the best deals.

Some people love the planning process. It gets them excited for the trip and makes them feel prepared.

Others (like me) dread it.

No matter what side of the debate you fall on, there is no getting around the fact that planning a trip eats up a lot of time and effort.

It is one of the less glamorous sides of travel you rarely get to see!

There isn’t really a way around the planning process either. Sure you can use a travel agent, but you still need to be active in the planning process.

You have to tell them where you want to go, what area you want to stay in, and what your budget it.

Then you have to review and approve their suggestions.

It is a lot of work, but it is so worth it!

You get to go on an amazing trip, and the hard work you put into planning it more than pays off!

Just be prepared to put in the work before you leave in order to have your dream trip.

6. Relationships at Home Suffer

This is one of the biggest disadvantages of travelling.

Unfortunately, some of your relationships back home may suffer or die altogether. This is especially true if you’re a long-term traveller.

A lot of people don’t understand the desire to travel. They may even be jealous that you can afford to travel and they can’t.

Or you being away for a little while might bring to light some cracks in the foundation of your friendship or relationship.

I don’t think I’ve met a single solo traveller who hasn’t had at least one friendship end because of their travels. Whether directly or indirectly.

I’m definitely not saying you will have friendships and relationships end if you travel!

I’m just saying it is a possibility and one of the biggest disadvantages of travelling and something I wish I was more prepared for before I took my first trip abroad.

7. You Miss Out on Important Moments at Home

Even if all your relationships stay peachy-keen while you’re away (and I truly hope they do!), you’re likely going to miss out on some important moments while you’re away.

I can’t even count the number of engagements, housewarming parties, and baby showers I’ve missed because I’ve been on the road rather than at home.

Granted, most people don’t travel as extensively as I do and don’t miss as much time away from home.

But, there is still the chance you’ll miss out on events going on at home while you’re on the road.

Even if it is just a birthday party or a ladies’ night out where a new inside joke comes to life.

Missing out on things back home is one of the biggest and toughest disadvantages of travelling.

It is probably the one I wish could disappear!

Unfortunately, though, it is one of the trade offs that comes with being a travel addict!

8. Earning Money while Travelling Isn’t Always Easy

This is a very niche disadvantage of travelling, but it an important one to many people.

As we discussed earlier, there is an opportunity cost to travel, and it most often comes in the form of lost wages.

Many long-term travellers try to make money on the road, but it isn’t always easy!

There really isn’t a way to make quick, easy money while travelling. No matter what other bloggers are telling you!

Most digital nomad jobs require you to put in a lot of up-front work before you see any results.

So, if starting your own website isn’t as easy as bloggers make it out to be, what other options do you have?

Most countries have immigration rules. You can’t just go out and find a bartending job anywhere in the world and make quick money.

Well, you technically could, but it wouldn’t be legal, and there are consequences if you get caught. I know a lady who is never allowed to visit Ireland again because she worked there illegally while travelling.

Working at a hostel is always an option.

The downside to that is most of the time you trade your labour for a free stay in the hostel. Not actual money.

It is better than nothing though!

So, if you’re on the road and strapped for cash, you probably need to get creative if you need money ASAP and can’t build up your own business.

I 100% recommend everybody start an online business. It can be life changing and give you the freedom to travel as much as you want without having to beg your employer for time off.

But, if we’re being honest, properly creating and sticking to a budget is probably the better choice than blowing through your money and scrambling to try to make a few bucks, so you can eat that night.

Best jobs for digital nomads

9. Your Travel Companion May Annoy You

I may have found this out the hard way when I was younger.

Just because you get along great with someone when you’re at home doesn’t mean you’re compatible travel companions.

This is without a doubt on of the biggest disadvantages of travelling with someone for the first time.

You won’t figure out whether or not you’re compatible travel companions until you’re already on your trip.

And once you’re on your trip, there is no going back.

You have to finish the trip with the person you started it with.

Hopefully you can find a way to become more compatible with your travel buddy, but that is easier said than done at times.

On the other hand, you may learn that the person you travel with is the best travel companion possible!

Those are the best trips!

You don’t know until you try! So, take the leap of faith and travel with people you think you’ll be compatible with. If you’re more interested in group travel than solo travel that is.

You’ll learn so much from each travel experience.

Even if you’re not compatible travel mates, you’ll have a better idea of who may be more compatible on your next trip!

How to conquer your fear of solo travel

10. You May Discover You Hate Travelling

Travel is romanticized.

It seems like the best part of life and that people who have the privilege to travel are living the best life.

That’s true for a lot of people, but it may not be true for you.

I know quite a few people who hate travelling.

Would rather sit at home and watch tv rather than travel, and that’s 100% alright!

We all have different interests, and you may figure out after you take your first trip that travel just isn’t for you.

At least you tried it and know rather than dreaming of travelling and regretting that you didn’t travel later in life.

But, I will admit from the perspective of a travel lover, finding out you hate travel is one of the biggest disadvantages of travelling.

Once you know you don’t love travel, you need to figure out where to go from there.

You may still want to see the world but hate travelling. Those are two things that are hard to balance!

The solution may be booking tours where everything is planned for you, and all you have to do is show up and admire the beauty of the place.

It may mean you suck it up and deal with the aspects of travel you dislike.

We all have aspects of travel we hate. Trust me!

It may also mean you fulfill your wanderlust by watching YouTube videos and travel documentaries.

If you discover you don’t enjoy travel but still want to experience the beauty of the world, you need to figure out a solution that works best for you.

It isn’t always easy, but it is worth the effort!

Conclusion

I hope you don’t think I’m a Debbie Downer!

There are far more benefits of travel than there are disadvantages of travelling! Trust me!

I wanted to write this post to help you get a more realistic sense of what comes with travelling.

Especially if you travel for long periods of time!

Knowing that there are disadvantages of travelling helps you prepare for your first trip. You know that not everything is rainbows and sunshine.

And this helps to enhance your travel experience!

If you go into travel without your rose coloured glasses on, I truly believe your trip will be amazing.

You’ll be more willing to roll with the punches and potentially be more willing to step outside your comfort zone and experience the culture you’re visiting.

Travel is a beautiful things, but just like anything in life, it comes with its hardships.

You won’t love every aspect of travel.

I promise you that!

But travel is still worth it (as long as you enjoy it). Disadvantages and all!

March 25, 2020December 13, 2023

10 Practical Taiwan Travel Tips

Taiwan is an amazing country with lots to see and do. It is an underrated country, so there isn’t as much information about Taiwan on the internet as other popular Asian countries like Thailand.

This post will provide you with 10 incredibly practical and helpful Taiwan travel tips. It includes transportation tips, dining tips, and general Taiwan travel tips. It will hopefully help you when you’re in Taiwan.

You always want to try to blend in as a tourists, and these Taiwan travel tips will help you look like a local. Well, maybe not a local, but at least not an ignorant tourist. Nobody wants to be that person who is clearly a tourist and hasn’t done any research before visiting the country.

Lucky for you, you won’t be that person if you follow these 10 Taiwan travel tips!

1. Be Careful Where You Sit on Public Transportation

Finding a seat and sitting down sounds like one of the easiest parts of figuring out the transportation system in a new country, but that isn’t the case in Taiwan.

There are dedicated seats on the metro and buses for elderly people, pregnant people, and people living with disabilities. The seats are marked either with a coloured fabric over the top of the seat on the bus or by a different (normally dark) coloured seat on the metro.

The dedicated seats are normally near the front of the bus or near the doors on the metro.

You do not want to sit in those seats even if there aren’t people who need to use them nearby. People in Taiwan take these seats seriously, and you’ll get dirty looks from the locals if you sit in them.

Even if all the other seats are taken, it is best to stand rather than sit in these spots!

This is one of the best Taiwan travel tips I can give you! It’ll help you blend in, and you won’t look like a jerk if you’re taking a seat that is reserved for someone who needs it more than you do.

Be sure to purchase your Taoyuan Airport MRT ticket online in advance to save time standing in line for a ticket at the airport. You even save a little money buying it in advance!

2. Bring Your Own Drink to Restaurants

This is one of the most unique Taiwan travel tips on the list and was not something I’ve ever encountered while travelling before. As a North American, it is considered quite rude to bring your own drink into a restaurant, so it was a bit difficult to get used to bringing my own drink to dinner in Taiwan.

There is, however, a very logical reason for this behaviour. Bubble tea is an immensely popular drink in Taiwan, and you can purchase it at a walk-up window on the street. No matter where in Taiwan you are, you won’t be more than a few hundred meters from a bubble tea window.

Restaurants are used to people bringing in their own outside drink, and they don’t mind one bit. Some smaller, local restaurants don’t sell drinks, but most do.

You can purchase a drink where you’re dining in most cases, but you may as well bring your own drink that was probably much more affordable than buying a drink at the restaurants.

There are some higher end restaurants that don’t let you bring your own drink. There will be a sign on the door (or an employee will tell you) if you’re not allowed to bring in your own drink.

3. Visa is the Most Widely Accepted Credit Card

This was another surprising thing I learnt while in Taiwan. Visa is the most widely accepted and preferred credit card in Taiwan. Master Card and American Express are accepted but by fewer vendors.

Most major retailers and hotels will accept any major credit card you have, but that may not be the case if you’re trying to pay by credit card at a local restaurant or store.

It is definitely something to be aware of and prepare for if at all possible. It is awful to be stuck in a situation where you’re trying to purchase something, your credit card isn’t accepted, and you don’t have enough cash to pay for whatever you’re purchasing.

I only used my credit card to purchase rail tickets when I was in Taiwan. I used my Master Card and had no issue. But I heard a number of stories from travellers about running into trouble because they didn’t have a Visa.

4. Cash is King

This tip fits in nicely with my last tip.

You want to carry cash with you while travelling in Taiwan. There are a number of places that only accept cash. This includes night markets, and you will undoubtably be visiting at least one night market in Taiwan.

You’ll also be making a number of small purchases (mostly bubble tea if you’re anything like me) that you’ll want to pay cash for. You don’t want to be paying credit card conversion fees on small purchases!

I personally like to take out cash before I leave on a trip, so I don’t have to worry about paying an ATM fee in whatever country I’m visiting.

You can also exchange money when you get to Taiwan. You’ll want to avoid exchanging money at the airport though. Most airport currency exchange kiosks charge a higher percentage than kiosks anywhere else. It is a bit of a scam so try to avoid it at all costs!

5. Cities are Walkable but Spread Out

I love walking and tend to walk wherever I need to go when I’m travelling. I’m talking walking over an hour to get from one destination to another, but I know I’m not the norm in that regard.

It is definitely possible to walk to most tourist attractions in Taiwan, but it isn’t always the best use of your time. The tourist sights in cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung are really spread out, and take public transportation is your most time efficient option.

If you’re not in Taiwan for a long time, you’ll want to take public transit to make the most out of your time. If, however, you’re like me and have a few weeks in Taiwan and love walking, feel free to hit the pavement and walk until you can’t walk anymore!

6. English is Widely Spoken

I know this isn’t technically a travel tip, but it is a good thing to know.

You don’t have to worry about not being able to communicate while in Taiwan. Many of the locals, especially the younger generation, speak English.

Metro stations, buses, trains, and metro cars all have English signs, so you’ll be able to figure out where you are and where you need to go.

Many restaurants have English versions of their menus. You just need to ask, and they’ll be able to help you out.

Taiwanese people are incredibly friendly! They’re more than happy to help you out if you’re lost or need help with something. Locals will likely come up to you while you’re in Taiwan and want to talk to you about where your’e from and how you’re liking Taiwan.

Language barrier is not something to worry about at all.

Of course there are a number of people who don’t speak English, but they’ll always do their best to help you and find someone who does.

7. Get a Transportation Card

You’ll be using public transportation quite a bit in Taiwan, so you’ll want to pick up either an EasyMoney card or iCash 2.0 card.

You can purchase both cards at any convenience store, at the airport MRT station in Taipei, or at metro stations in Taipei and Kaohsiung. You’re able to load and re-load your card at these places as well.

Ticket machines won’t give you change when reloading your EasyMoney card. Make sure you have the exact amount of cash you want to load onto your card if you use a machine. If you don’t have the exact amount of cash, you can reload your card at the ticket booth manned by employees. They can give you change.

Credit cards are not accepted at either the ticket machine or the ticket booth. You must pay for your transportation in cash.

You pre-load the transportation card with money and then simply tap the card when getting on and off transportation. This allows you to easily use public transportation and save time. It is a hassle to purchase single-journey tickets whenever you want to use public transportation.

There is a small fee to purchase a transportation card, but it is well worth it. It will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.

Paying with cash on the bus is especially annoying. You need exact cash, and you’re given a little card saying you paid that you have to give back to the driver when you get off the bus.

My iCash 2.0 card wasn’t working properly one day, and I had to use cash on the bus. It was a bit annoying, and a transportation card works much better.

Transportation Guides:

You can’t use your transportation card when travelling between cities. You have to purchase either a train, bus, or plane ticket.

Here are a number of travel guides to help you plan your transportation between cities:

8. Pay When You Order and No Tipping

One of my favourite parts about dining out in Taiwan is that you pay for your meal when you order not at the end of the meal.

This completely eliminates the awkward time at the end of your meal when you’re trying to get your server’s attention to bring you the bill. It is my least favourite part of dining out, and I love that it isn’t an issue in Taiwan.

You order your food, pay for it, eat, and then walk out. It is the perfect system in my mind. If you want to order more after you paid, simply tell your server. You’ll need to pay for the new items you ordered, but it isn’t an issue at all to add to your order mid-meal.

Tipping isn’t common practice in Taiwan, so you don’t need to add anything on top of the base price for your meal. People are paid a living wage and don’t rely on tips, and it can often be seen as rude if you do tip.

I know it can be difficult to get used to not tipping if you’re from North America, but it does save you some money! You don’t have to worry about shelling out an additional 15% to 20% anytime you eat out!

2023 Update: More and more restaurants seem to be moving towards paying after the meal instead of when ordering. Some restaurants have you pay when you order, but these are more commonly found in shopping centres and food stalls. This makes it a bit more complicated to figure out how and when to pay for your meal. If you’re not asked to pay for your meal up front, then you’ll probably pay at the counter when you leave. You can always ask an employee if you’re not quite sure about payment.

9. No Talking on Public Transportation

This is another one of those Taiwan travel tips that will help you blend in and look like a local when using public transportation in Taiwan.

It is also one of my favourite things about Taiwan transportation. I hate when people have casual conversations on public transportation, and I don’t need to worry about that in Taiwan!

It is considered quite rude to talk while on public transportation in Taiwan. This includes having a conversation with someone you’re with or talking on the phone.

You don’t want to be the obnoxious traveller who is carrying on a loud conversation annoying everybody else on the train or bus. Reserve your conversations for when you’re off the train, and everybody around you will very much appreciate it.

Also, don’t eat on public transportation. It’s not allowed, and you will get in trouble. I saw a man eating a sandwich on the metro and was scolded by a security guard on the train.

10. Eat Like a Local

Taiwanese food in incredible and some of the most delicious food in Asia.

Food, for the most part, is really affordable and inexpensive in Taiwan. There are certainly places where food is expensive, but it is really easy to not break the bank while eating out in Taiwan.

To eat the best food at the best price, eat where the locals eat!

This includes at night markets, street vendors, food courts in department stores, and mom-and-pop restaurants. You’ll know you’re in a good place when there are more locals than tourists!

It can be difficult to find a local place to eat. You can ask your hotel for recommendations, and they should be able to help you out. My preference is to wander into a local neighbourhood and then use Google Maps to find a restaurant nearby. I then read the restaurant reviews until I find a place that suits my fancy.

I’ve found some of my favourite restaurants in Taiwan using this technique. I’ve found it to be a great way to try a local place and know I’m getting good food. If the locals give it a good review, I feel confident giving it a try.

BONUS: Get an Esim

Taiwan has a public wifi network called iTaiwan, but it doesn’t really have the coverage you’d expect, and it can be a bit complicated to create and account and access the wifi.

I highly recommend you skip the headache of trying to access iTaiwan and get an esim instead. You simply purchase and download an esim onto your phone, and it activates as soon as you turn on your data when you arrive in Taiwan.

You get to keep your home number and phone set up and can top up your data anytime during your trip through the app. Esims are without a doubt the most convenient way to get data when you travel. I never travel without an esim now. I’m obsessed with them and how easy they make accessing the internet while abroad.

Plus they’re super affordable and can oftentimes be cheaper than getting a local physical sim when travelling!

Get an Esim

Conclusion

There you have it! 10 really practical Taiwan travel tips that will help you navigate and explore Taiwan.

These tips are designed to help you integrate into Taiwan and explore the country like a local as much as possible. You’ll use transportation, eat, and shop like a local! These Taiwan travel tips will make travelling in Taiwan so much easier!

You’ll be able to relax and enjoy what the country has to offer rather than stressing about transportation, food, and money if you implement these travel tips.

All these tips are things I wish I knew before I went to Taiwan. I hope they help you while you’re in Taiwan, and you don’t make some of the mistakes I did.

August 21, 2019April 11, 2021

10 Things No One Tells You About Solo Travel

Solo travel is without a doubt one of the most enriching experiences you can have! You learn so much about the world and grow as a person. I whole-heartedly believe that everybody should experience traveling along at one point in their life.

There are, however, things that nobody tells you about solo travel. But no more! This article is going to highlight ten things no one tells you about solo travel. It will also give you some tips, so you can make the most of your solo travel adventures.

1. You’re Going to Cry at Some Point (Especially if it is Your First Solo Travel Experience)

You read that right. You’re going to cry even if you never ever cry when you’re at home. This is what surprised me the most when I first started solo travel.

The first time I travelled alone I went for three months. Before those three months, I could remember the last time I cried. I cried at least five times in those three months.

Crying just happens when you’re first starting out as a solo traveller and often happens to experienced solo travellers as well. It is normal, and if you ever meet a solo traveller that claims they haven’t cried, either that person is an absolute anomaly or, more likely, lying.

It makes sense that people cry when they travel alone. You are in a new environment, often in a country where you don’t speak a language, and your constantly under stress. Add in the exhaustion that comes with long-term solo travel, and you’re bound to have a good cry session or two. Own it. It’s cathartic, and you’ll feel so much better afterwards.

St. Jame's Park London England solo travel

2. Hostels Don’t Magically Make You Social

You always hear about how people are always making new friends in hostels and that you’re never really travelling alone. Well, the truth is hostels aren’t magic. They don’t magically make you friends and give you new experiences.

You have to put yourself out there and be social when you’re in hostels if you want to meet new people and have new experiences.

I’m a hardcore introvert. I love being alone and find it incredibly difficult to socialize at the best of times and even more difficult when I’m around people I don’t know.

But I read all these articles online about how hostels makes everybody social, so I expected the same when I when on my first solo trip. Well, it didn’t happen because I rarely put myself out there.

You have to engage in hostel events, get to know your dorm mates, and hang out in the common room if you want to have the hostel experience that you read about online. It isn’t easy. It is uncomfortable and awkward at times, but it really is worth it.

I met one of my close friends while staying in a hostel, and it is all because I got to know one of the people in my dorm. It really is worth it to push yourself out of your comfort zone from time to time.

I am by no means telling you to be social all the time. As an introvert, I know that is an unreasonable request, but you should try at least once or twice on your solo travel adventure.

3. Eating Alone Isn’t Scary

Eating is seen as a social even, and a lot of people ask solo travellers how they can possibly handle eating alone. As if eating alone is the most terrifying thing and anybody that manages to do it is a hero.

Well let me tell you that there is nothing weird about eating alone, and people do it all the time.

It can be a bit awkward when you’re not used to it, but you get used to it quickly. I love eating alone, and trying local cuisine has become one of my favourite parts of solo travel.

If you’re nervous about eating alone, here are some tips to help make it less awkward:

Bring a book to read while you’e waiting for your food
Ask to sit at the bar, so your back is to the other diners
Go to a restaurant with wifi, so you can text a friend back home while you’re eating
Eat at off-peak hours when the restaurant isn’t busy

These tips makes eating out as a solo traveller a less awkward experience. I promise you will get used to it once you’ve done it a few times.

4. You Better be Damn Good at Reading a Map

Or using GoogleMaps because, let’s admit it, that is what we all use nowadays.

You are fully 100% in charge of navigating when you solo travel. You have to figure out how to get from the airport/bus station/train station to where you’re staying, your way to all the tourist sights you want to see, and figure out how to get back on track after you’ve made a wrong turn.

And you with undoubtably make quite a few wrong turns along the way, but that is how you learn!

You need to become familiar with how to use GoogleMaps and how to use it when you’re offline. Being a GoogleMaps expert is part of being a solo traveller. It is an essential skill to learn.

5. Get Used to Small Talk

You participate in a lot of small talk when you solo travel. Whether it is introducing yourself to people in your dorm, going on a free walking tour, or running into people on the bus, train, etc. who are decide to start a conversation, you will be doing a lot of small talking.

The small talk gets tiring really quickly, but it never ends when you’re travelling alone. You can come up with some talking points or questions to ask the other people as a way to change it up. Your fellow travellers will appreciate you asking them an interesting out-of-the-box question when you first meet them rather than the standard where are you from, where are you travelling, how long are you travelling for? Yawn.

You will have a lot better conversations if you’re prepared with an interesting topic to discuss or question to pose. You will also avoid the monotony of small talk that way as well.

6. Your Relationships at Home Will Change

This is one of the sadder parts of travel. You’re gone for a long period of time exploring the world and learning new things while you’re friends and family are back home doing the same thing they always do.

You change when you travel, and you will have new perspectives. Sometimes that means the friendships you built before you left are different when you come back. Not all friendships change, but some do.

You don’t think when you leave to travel that life at home will change. It kind of feels like you’re putting life at home on pause and doing something else, but the people you know at home are still living their lives and growing just like you are on the road.

Technology definitely helps keep relationships strong while on the road. It is so easy to send a quick text to a friend to check in and see how they are doing.

It is so easy to get caught up in the joy of solo travel that it is easy to forget to check in on what is going on at home. But it is important to do so.

Even if you come home and find that your relationships have changed, that doesn’t mean they haven’t changed for the better. While some friendships may not be as strong as they were, others will be stronger.

7. You Will Get Homesick

Just like crying, it is inevitable that you will get homesick at some point in your solo travel journey. You will long for your bed, your friends and family, and how easy everything is at home.

And that’s completely normal.

I still get homesick and miss the comforts and convenience of being at home when I’m on the road- especially on days where things aren’t going my way. It would be so easy to give up my travel lifestyle, go home, and life a typical life.

But that’s not solo travel junkies are made for! The feeling passes, and you’ll be back in love with traveling quickly.

Here are a few tips to help you when you’re feeling home sick:

Schedule a Skype call with someone back home
Book a nice hotel or Airbnb that makes you feel like you’re at home in your own bed
Go on an epic adventure that you would never be able to do at home

8. You Will Have a Bond with the People You Meet While You Travel Solo

Travellers understand other travellers. There is an unseen bond between them. This is especially true for people who travel solo. It takes a certain type of person to be addicted to solo travel.

You will automatically understand another traveller and their experiences when you meet them, and you will have a unique bond or friendship with them even if you don’t know each other that well.

I still consider someone I met for 48 hours in Kotor a friend even though we only had a few conversations and shared a dorm room for a few nights. It is a weird thing travellers do.

Embrace being understood by a stranger and connecting about something you both love.

9. The Photograph Conundrum

One of the advantages of travelling with another person is that you always have someone to snap the perfect picture of you wherever you are.

You don’t have that luxury as a solo traveller, so you have to figure out a way around it. Selfies are the most obvious workaround, but sometimes you want a proper photograph of yourself.

You either have to get comfortable asking a stranger to take your photograph for you or live without getting that photograph.

I personally don’t care for selfies, so I have very few photographs of me in different places I’ve been to. It would be nice to have more, but it is one of the sacrifices I have made to travel solo.

It is super easy to ask someone to take your photograph, and they are always willing to help you out! And it does get easier to ask the more you do it. You may feel a bit weird at first, but if the picture is important enough to you, you will ask.

There are definitely other methods of getting a photograph of yourself like using a tripod, but most solo travellers don’t bother with that.

London England United Kingdom Solo travel

10. You Will Get Bored

Yup., you read that right. You will get bored while travelling alone- especially if you’re travelling for a long period of time.

Not every city you visit will captivate you, and sometimes you will be bored and be itching to move on. Sometimes you may even be bored with travel in general. It happens.

You will soon enough find yourself in a new city that ignites your passion for travel, and you’ll wonder how you could have ever been bored.

The evenings, in particular, tend to be when people who solo travel tend to get bored. The after-dinner evenings can seem to drag on and never end, and it can be a bit awkward to explore the local nightlife on your own.

I have spent many a night in a hotel room watching Netflix just waiting for an appropriate time to go to bed. Having spare time is just something that comes along with travel, and when you don’t have a travel companion, the time can drag on.

How to Combat Boredom in the Evenings When You Travel Solo

Get tickets to a local play or ballet
Go on a free walking tour in the evening
Take a ghost bus tour or a haunted tour
Hang out in the common area of your hostel or hotel

Watch the Video!

Conclusion

Solo travel is incredibly enriching and one of the best experiences a person can have. There are, however, some things that no one tells you about solo travel. People tend to gloss over some of the less pretty details of solo travel and make it sound exciting and exhilarating.

Which it is!

But it is only fair to know everything that comes with solo travel before you embark on your first solo travel adventure. You will be better able to prepare for your trip when you know exactly what to expect.

You will also be better able to handle some of the situations that come up when you know that they can happen before you leave.

If you thought hostels would make you automatically social, you can come prepared and have a deck of cards for the common room to break the ice. Or you can have a game plan on how to get the perfect photograph of yourself at a destination you’ve been dreaming of visiting your entire life.

Knowledge is power, and now you know all the insider secrets about solo travel. It isn’t as glamorous as it can seem, but it is well worth it. I have never met another traveller who regrets their time on the road. It can be difficult to travel for an extended period of time- especially alone!-, but it is worth it. Every. Single. Time.

Don’t let the fear of travelling alone stop you from going on an epic adventure.

April 4, 2019October 24, 2020

How to Get From Heathrow to Central London

Most international flights that land in London either land at Heathrow or Gatwick. Heathrow is the most popular airport in London, but it also the largest, so it is easy to be overwhelmed. You need to know how to get from Heathrow to Central London before you arrive in London to avoid stressing about figuring it out when you land.

There are some airports where you can wait to figure out how to get to your hotel until you land, but Heathrow is not one of them.

There are 4 ways to get from Heathrow to Central London. This post will only discuss 3 of them because the fourth option is not practical. All 3 methods of getting from Heathrow to Central London have their pros and cons. You may find that one option will fit your travel style more than the other 2, so you should choose whichever option makes you feel most comfortable.

The fourth option that won’t be discussed in depth is to take a taxi. This option isn’t advisable because it is extremely expensive and not very quick. It takes almost as much time as options 1 and 3 and is slower and more expensive than option 2.

You should choose one of the 3 options below to get to Central London and not even look into taking a taxi. It simply isn’t practical.

1. The Underground

The London Underground is a great option depending on where you stay in London. If you are staying along the Piccadilly line, the Underground is the best way to get from Heathrow to Central London. You won’t have to transfer, so it is very convenient. You will have to transfer if you aren’t staying along the Piccadilly line, but transferring is very easy even if you have bags to haul around.

The Underground is the most cost effective way to get to Central London from Heathrow airport. It only costs £6 if you purchase a standard ticket or £3-£5 if you use your Oyster card.

The downside to taking the Underground from Heathrow to Central London is that it takes a long time. It can take over an hour, and this may not be what you want to be doing right after a flight- especially if it is a long-haul international flight.

The Underground is very busy during peak hours, so you may want to consider what time you will be travelling into London when choosing if the Underground is right for you.

You May Want to Take the Underground to Central London If:

You are on a tight budget
The hotel you are staying at is along the Piccadilly line
You don’t have a time constraint
It is not during peak time

You May Want to Take a Different Transportation Method If:

You have to transfer multiple different times to get to where you are staying
It is during peak time and the Underground will be extremely busy
You have a tight schedule and need to get into the City quickly
There is a person is your group that has mobility that won’t be able to stand on the Underground if necessary or can’t walk through the the stations or climb stairs if necessary

London England United Kingdom How to get from Heathrow to Central London

2. Heathrow Express

The Heathrow Express is a fast-paced train that goes directly from central Heathrow to Paddington station. Central Heathrow is considered terminals 2 and 3, so if you land at a different terminal, you will have to first go to central Heathrow then board the train.

The Heathrow Express only takes 15 minutes and is by far the fastest way to get to central London! It is quick, efficient, and comfortable.

This transportation method is great for people who are in a rush or are staying near Paddington station or along the Underground lines that services Paddington.

You are able to get on the Circle & District, Bakerloo, and Hammersmith and City lines at Paddington. If you are staying along any of those lines, you should consider taking the Heathrow Express.

The downside to the Heathrow Express is the price. It can cost up to £25 if you don’t purchase tickets in advance! That is a serious cost and is something you should consider before choosing this option. The price does decrease if you purchase your tickets in advance.

The lowest standard ticket price is £12, so you are only spending double what the Underground would cost. That is an easier price tag to handle than £25 so be sure to purchase your tickets online 90 days in advance if you know you want to take the Heathrow Express. It will save you a lot of money!

You May Want to Take the Heathrow Express to Paddington If:

It is important you get from Heathrow to Central London quickly
You don’t have a ticket budget and can spend the extra money
You are staying near Paddington or along an Underground line that services it
Someone in your party has mobility issues. There is ample space to store your luggage of the Heathrow Express and enough seats that you won’t have to stand

You May Want to Take a Different Transportation Option If:

You don’t have a time constraint
The Heathrow Express is not worth the extra expense
You would have to transfer multiple times on the Underground to get to where you are staying

London England United Kingdom Queen Victoria

3. National Express Bus

The third option is to take the National Express bus to Victoria Station. This is the least popular option, but it is still a great option. It costs £6-£10 depending on whether you purchase your tickets in advance or not. The price is comparable to taking the Underground, so it is another great option for travellers on a budget.

The bus drops you off at Victoria station, which is along the Piccadilly line. It is a great alternative for people staying along the Piccadilly line close to Victoria. The bus is a stress-free option. Your bags are under the bus, so you don’t have to worry about them, and you know you will have a seat and not have to stand.

The National Express, on average, takes approximately 10 minutes less than the Underground to get from Heathrow to Central London. This, of course, depends on the traffic. The bus can take much longer if there is a traffic jam or accident.

One of the downsides of the bus is that it leaves as designated times, so you may have to wait around a while until the next bus departs.

If you are purchasing tickets online, you should build time into your schedule to account for getting through immigration, picking up your luggage, and walking to where the buses depart. You should book your bus time for 45-60 after your plane lands to allow for this.

You May Want to Take the Bus to Central London If:

Your hotel is located near Victoria station or along the Piccadilly line
You enjoy the ease of not having to worry about your luggage and relaxing on the bus
Seeing the scenery is appealing to you
It is okay if you are delayed due to an unforeseeable delay on the roads

You May Want to Take a Different Transportation Option If:

You need to get from Heathrow to Central London quickly and can’t risk a traffic jam delaying your arrival
Your hotel is not along the Piccadilly line, and you would have to transfer multiple times on the Underground
Someone in your party gets sick on buses

Tower Bridge London England 10 Best European Countries for Solo Female Travellers

How to Get the Best Ticket Price

Once you have decided how you are going to get from Heathrow to Central London, you should figure out how to get the best deal on your transportation.

You should get an Oyster card if you are taking the Underground. The Oyster card can be purchased at Heathrow before you get on the Underground. You get a discounted rate when you use the Underground, and it can be used throughout your entire stay in London. Even if you aren’t taking the Underground from Heathrow to Central London, you should still get an Oyster card for your time in London. It will save you a lot of money!

You should purchase tickets in advance and purchase roundtrip tickets if you take the National Express bus or the Heathrow Express. There is always a reduced fare when you purchase a round-trip ticket, and tickets are normally cheaper the further in advance you purchase them.

It is worth spending a few minutes to figure out the most cost effective option for whatever mode of transportation you choose. It can save you a lot of money- especially if you have multiple people in your group. As stated earlier, you can save £13 on Heathrow Express tickets just by purchasing them 90 days in advance. That’s a huge savings!

Conclusion

All 3 methods of getting from Heathrow to Central London have their pros and cons. The Heathrow Express is the quickest and most expensive method. The Underground and bus are comparable in both time and expense and come down to your preference.

You should take into consideration what type of travel experience you want to have and what your priorities are. You can’t go wrong with any of the options, but there will be one that is more suited to you.

The location of your hotel should be a factor in what transportation method you take. You won’t save much time if you take the Heathrow Express to Paddington then have to spend 30 minutes on the Underground to get to your hotel.

Alternatively, it may be worth the extra money to take the Heathrow Express rather than the Underground or bus if you are staying near Paddington. You will save a lot of time, and it will be a lot more convenient than having to transfer on the Underground.

There is a lot to consider when choosing what transportation method is best for you. You should take the time to figure out what method is best for you, so you have a good experience and don’t have to haul your luggage around too many Underground stations.

It is really easy to get from Heathrow to Central London, but it is something you will want to figured out before you land in London. It will save you a lot of stress to have everything sorted before you land and tickets purchased in advance if need be.

February 26, 2019October 24, 2020

How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich

No trip to Munich is complete without taking a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. It is one of the most gorgeous castles in the world. It is easy to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich, so there is no excuse not to go! It is truly the perfect day trip from Munich.

Over 1.3 million people visit Neuschwanstein Castle every year. With the majority of people traveling to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich, the public transportation system is well developed and easy to us. From solo travellers to family travellers, everybody can been confident travelling to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich because it really is that easy.

History of Neuschwanstein Castle

Before we get into how to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich, we need to talk a little bit about the history of the castle. There is no point taking the time to travel to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich if you don’t know anything about what you’re going to see!

The palace was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Construction began in September of 1869 and ended in 1886 when King Ludwig II died. The palace was not complete when the king passed away, and no further work has been done on it.

King Ludwig II insisted that the palace be built using his private funds rather than Bavarian tax money. This lead to the complete date for the palace being pushed back multiple times because the cost of building the palace kept going up.

The palace was opened to tourists just 6 weeks after the king died, and there has been a steady stream of tourists ever since.

Castle Neuschwanstein Munich Germany Castle Neuschwanstein from Munich

How to Get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich

To get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich you have to take a train then a bus.

Part One: Taking the Train

You need to take the train from Munich Haupbaunhof to Füssen. Munich Haupbaunhof is the main train station in Munich and is in the centre of the city. The train ride to Neuschwanstein Castle to Munich takes approximately 2 hours.

To get the most out of your money, you should take the 9:52 train. You will be able to buy and use a Bayern ticket if you take this train.

The Bayern ticket allows you to take a train or bus anywhere in Bavaria for an entire day for only €25! On weekdays, the ticket is valid 9am to 3am the next day. It is valid from 12:01am to 3am the next day.

That means that if you visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich on a weekend, you can catch any morning train. You won’t have to until after 9am to be able to us your Bayern ticket.

The best part about the Bayern ticket is that you are able to buy tickets for additional people in your group for only €5 each! It is an amazing deal that you should be sure to take advantage of.

Tip: If you want to be the first off the train and, therefore, the first to get to the bus, sit at the front of the train. This is allow you to be one of the first people off the platform because you don’t have to walk the length of the train.

Part Two: Taking the Bus

You will have to take a bus from Füssen to Neuschwanstein Castle. The bus is located on the opposite side of the train tracks from where you get off the train.

You should be able to see the bus as you are leaving the train.

You want to get on bus 78. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes. After you exit the bus, you will have a short walk to the castle. Follow the throngs of tourists and you won’t get lost.

Your bus ride is included in the cost of the Bayern ticket, so you don’t need to purchase a separate ticket to ride the bus!

Neuschwanstein Castle Munich Germany Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich

Should You Take a Guided Tour to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich?

Tours to Neuschwanstein Castle are probably the most common day trips tour agencies sell. There are plenty of tour agencies that offer day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich. They all offer basically the same trip for a similar price.

I am not going to recommend any particular tour agency because I haven’t taken them to know which tours are quality and which ones aren’t. I recommend you do your own research and find a tour agency that has a trip that works for your needs.

You Should Consider Taking a Guided Tour If:

You have a physical limitation

If you have a physical limitation that makes it difficult for you to get to Munich Haupbaunhof, ride a train for 2 hours, then ride a bus for 20, and finally walk a short distance to the castle ticketing area.

Many guided tours pick you up at your hotel (or a nearby hotel) and drop you off at the ticketing booth. This significantly limits the amount of walking and transferring you are required to do.

You’re a new traveller that isn’t confident

If you’re a new traveller and aren’t confident in navigating the train system by yourself, you may want to consider taking a guided tour.

When you take a guided tour, you don’t have to worry about getting off at the correct stop or getting on the wrong train because there is a guide there to ensure you successfully get to Neuschwanstein Castle and back again.

You will be carefree by taking a guided tour, and you will be able to enjoy the beautiful sights because you won’t be stressed about getting to the castle properly or missing your train home.

You like to skip the line

Most guided tours allow you to skip the ticket line, which is a huge advantage because the ticket line can get incredibly long- especially during the summer. You essentially pay for front of the line tickets when you take a guided tour. You will still have to wait until your designated entry time, but you won’t have to wait in line to buy a ticket.

Warning: Most guided tours do not include the entrance fee of €13. You will be required to pay the entrance fee above and beyond the cost of the tour.

Hours of Operation

The castle is open from 9am to 6pm daily from the beginning of April to October 15th. From October 16th to the end of March the castle is open from 10am to 4pm.

Neuschwanstein Castle is open daily throughout the year except January 1st and December 24th, 25th, and 31st.

You can purchase tickets at the ticket centre everyday 90 minutes before the castle opens for tours.

You will be given an entry time when you purchase your ticket, and you must go on the tour at the time printed on your ticket.

When to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle

Summer: The Busiest Time

Neuschwanstein Castle is undoubtably the busiest during the summer months. Many people from around the world visit Neuschwanstein Castle when they are on holiday in Germany in the summer.

The castle can see 6,000 visitors a day in the summer months. If you can avoid visiting Neuschwanstein Castle during the summer months, you will have a more enjoyable experience.

Fall: A Good Time

Fall is a good option for visiting Neuschwanstein Castle. There were be fewer crowds than in the summer. The scenery will be stunning this time of year because the leaves are changing colours.

The only downside of visiting during fall is that weather. It can get cold at Neuschwanstein Castle, so you will want to have a jacket with you. Other than the weather, fall is a great time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle.

Spring: The Best Time

Spring is, in my opinion, the best time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle. There are smaller crowds, and the weather is normally pretty good. This allows you to explore the castle without feeling cold and wanting to go inside to warm up.

I would still bring a jacket to Neuschwanstein Castle if you visit in the spring, but you are less likely to need it than in the fall. Neuschwanstein Castle is located on a hill, so it can get windy up there.

Winter: A Good Time

Winter is a pretty good time to visit Neuschwanstein Castle. There are not many crowds, so you will be able to spend more time marvelling at the castle without having other tourists sneaking in front of you to snap a picture.

The bad part of visiting Neuschwanstein Castle during the winter is the weather. You have to walk outside a fair amount when visiting Neuschwanstein Castle. The pathways can be slippery and dangerous in the winter. If you have never walked on ice and snow before, winter may not be a good time for you to visit Neuschwanstein Castle.

Admission

As mentioned above, the entrance fee is €13. If you are eligible for a reduced fee, is is €12. You are eligible for a reduced fare if you are a student or senior citizen (65+). Children under the age of 18 receive free entrance to the castle.

You can also purchase a King’s ticket. This ticket gives you access to both Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwagau castle on the same day. This is a great option if you get to the castle early and have extra time to explore.

The final ticket option is called Königsschlösser (or combination ticket in English). This ticket costs €26. It gives you access to Neuschwanstein, Liderhof, and Herrenhiemsee. You can visit each location once during a 6 month time period.

Note: More information on the other castles to follow later.

You can purchase your ticket online before you arrive at the castle. It is highly recommended that you do this! You have to purchase your tickets at least 2 days before you visit the castle. If you don’t purchase them at least 2 days in advance, you will have to purchase them at the ticket booth.

You should purchase your tickets online as early as possible. The earlier you purchase your tickets, the more likely you are to get the time slot you want.

Things to Know About Purchasing Tickets Online

You must pick your tickets up at the ticket centre a minimum of 90 minutes early
Your tickets will be given away if you do not pick them up in time
Tickets must be picked up at the Hohenschwagau ticket centre
There is a separate ticket window for you to pick-up tickets that were reserved online
You will be charged a €2.50 service fee per person for booking online
You have to pay for your tickets the day of your visit at the ticket centre. Only cash or credit cards are accepted as payment methods

How to Get from the Ticket Centre to Neuschwanstein Castle

You’ve made it all the way to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich. Congrats! But now you’ve purchased your tickets and realize that here is a hill between Neuschwanstein Castle and you. There are 3 possible ways to get from the ticket centre to the castle.

1. Walk

If you’re able-bodied, I recommend walking. The walk is 1.5km from the ticket centre to Neuschwanstein Castle. You have to walk up a hill with a bit of an incline so make sure you’re in good enough health to make the walk.

Walking is a great option because you have time to enjoy the sights and not rush. You picked up your tickets 90 minutes before your tour, so you aren’t in a rush to get to Neuschwanstein Castle.

The walk is beautiful. There are trees and foliage all along the way, so you really start to take in the beauty of the area before you even get to the castle.

The walk takes 20-30 minutes. Once you reach the top, there is a bridge to get some great shots of Neuschwanstein Castle. The bridge is always very busy. If you want to get pictures from it, be sure to leave extra time to queue up and wait to get your shot.

2. Bus

You can take a bus to Neuschwanstein Castle if you don’t want to walk. The bus departs just up from the ticket centre a little ways up the hill.

It costs €1.80 for a one-way ticket and €2.60 for a return ticket. Purchasing a one-way ticket is a great option if you don’t want to walk up the hill but can walk down it. This allows you to see the scenery without having to exert yourself walking up a steep hill.

Note: This bus ticket is not included in your Bayern ticket. You have to pay for this bus ticket.

3. Horse-Drawn Carriage

Your third option is to take a horse-drawn carriage to Neuschwanstein Castle.

I don’t support using animals for transportation and do not recommend this option. I’m not going to give you any more information on this option. If you are interested in taking a horse-drawn carriage to Neuschwanstein Castle, you have to do your own research outside of this article.

What to Expect on Your Guided Tour of Neuschwanstein Castle

The only way you can enter Neuschwanstein Castle is by taking a guided tour. The ticket your purchased at the bottom of the hill has a time on it. That is the time of your guided tour. Be sure to show up to the tour meeting place 10-15 minutes to make sure you don’t miss your tour.

Your tour guide will take you through the castle and explain the history of Neuschwanstein Castle. The tour last approximately 35 minutes.

The tour is offered in either English or German. If you don’t speak either of those languages, you can request an audioguide that has 16 languages to choose from.

Only 14 rooms in Neuschwanstein Castle were completed. You will be able to see the most impressive rooms during your tour.

The guided tour can goes by quickly, and you can feel a bit rushed. You should try to stand either at the front or back of your group in order to get the most time in each room.

Note: You are not allowed to take photographs in Neuschwanstein Castle, so put your camera away and enjoy the beauty of the castle.

What to do After Your Guided Tour Ends

You should take some time to explore the area surrounding Neuschwanstein Castle after your guided tour. There is a forested area that you are able to walk through and take pictures of Neuschwanstein Castle from different angels. There is also a stream you can walk over.

It is an incredibly beautiful area, and you should not miss seeing it. You should set aside about an hour to walk around the area and take pictures.

Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle When Living with a Disability

Neuschwanstein Castle, unfortunately, not friendly to people living with a physical disability. You have to walk a short distance from the ticket centre to the bus and then again from where the bus drops you off to Neuschwanstein Castle. The tour also involves a lot of walking, and you have to walk up and down stairs.

If you require a wheelchair, scooter, or have troubles walking short and medium distances or using stairs, visiting Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich on a day trip is not a good option for you.

If you are uncomfortable with crowds, there are ways to visit Neuschwanstein Castle while minimizing crowds. You will encounter the least crowds if you take the first tour in the morning or book a tour after 3pm.

The less crowded times, unfortunately, do not coincide with optimal timing for taking a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich because the train schedule does not fit your needs.

I recommend getting a hotel in the nearby town Füssen. This is drastically cut down your commute time because you will only have to take a 20 minute bus ride from Füssen to Neuschwanstein Castle, which is a lot quicker and easier than travelling to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich.

Fun Facts About Neuschwanstein Castle

King Ludwig II only slept in Neuschwanstein Castle 11 nights
Neuschwanstein Castle was the inspiration for Disneyland Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle did not get its name until after King Ludwig II died
It was used during WWII by the Nazis to catalogue and store art
There was a plan by the Nazis to blow up Neuschwanstein Castle, but it was surrendered to allied forces with the artwork inside
Neuschwanstein Castle translates to “New Swanstone Castle”
More than 61 million people have visited Neuschwanstein Castle since it opened to the public

Other King Ludwig II Castles in Bavaria

Hohenschwagau Palace

Hohenschwagau Palace is located on the same property as Neuschwanstein Castle. It is located at the bottom of the hill and overlooks a lake.

While it isn’t as beautiful as Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwagau is still worth touring- especially since your are already in the area to see Neuschwanstein Castle.

Hohenschwagau Palace has the same opening times as Neuschwanstein Castle, and you are required to take a guided tour to see the palace.

If you have time on your trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich, you should definitely take a tour of Hohenschwagau.

Hohenschwagau was King Ludwig II’s childhood home. After his father passed away, King Ludwig II moved into his father’s room. He disliked living with his mother, so he decided to build Neuschwanstein Castle high above his parent’s castle.

Note: If you use a tour company to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich, you will not have the option to tour Hohenschwagau Palace. You will have time to take pictures of it from a distance but will not be able to go inside.

Liderhof Palace

Liderhof Palace is a 50 minute drive from Neuschwanstein Castle. If you rented a car to visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich, you may be able to visit Liderhof after you visit Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwagau Palace.

You will not be able to visit Liderhof Palace on the same day you visit Neuschwanstein Castle if you take the train to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich.

Liderhof Palace is the smallest of King Ludwig II’s castles, but it was the only one to be completed during his lifetime. The palace was inspired by Versailles, and you can see a lot of similarities between the two palaces.

Herrenchiemsee

Herrenchiesmee is located quite a distance from Neuschwanstein Castle, and it is best to do a separate day trip from Munich to visit it.

This was the last of King Ludwig II’s building projects, and it was also his largest project. Herrenchiemsee was also inspired by Versailles, and, just like Neuschwanstein Castle, construction was not completed during King Ludwig II’s lifetime.

Herrenchiemsee is a very popular tourist attraction in Bavaria, and you should consider visiting it if you have an extra day in Munich that can be used for another day trip.

Conclusion

You should definitely consider taking a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich. It is a beautiful part of Bavaria and has an interesting history. It should be on every castle lover’s bucket list.

I know this article was only supposed to be about how to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich, but I figured I would create a one-stop article that gives you all the information you need to know about Neuschwanstein Castle. I hope you liked it and found it helpful!

February 19, 2019December 7, 2023

10 Best European Countries for Solo Female Travellers

Europe is the perfect destination for solo female travellers. No matter how experienced of a traveller you are, you will be able to navigate most of Europe with no trouble.

The Schengen Area makes it extremely convenient to travel between countries in Europe. If you are travelling from one country in the Schengen Area to another Schengen country, you don’t need to show your passport when you cross the border.

The only countries on this list that is not part of the Schengen Area are numbers 1, 6, and 7. But you shouldn’t rule them out just because you will have to get your passport stamped. I mean who doesn’t love getting a new passport stamp?!

1. England

England is a great place for first-time solo female travellers. You will most likely go to London if you are exploring England for the first time. London is an extremely easy city to navigate for solo female travellers.

London has 5 major airports, so it is a hub for people arriving to Europe. This normally means a shorter and somewhat cheaper flight to Europe, so that is a huge plus!

London itself has enough sights that you can spend 7-10 days there and still not see everything. It has a mixture of free and paid sights and sights that will appeal to you no matter what your interests are. There are also a lot of day trips you can take from London. Bath is a very popular choice!

It has dozens of world class museums, churches, theatre, palaces, parks, markets, trendy neighbourhoods, movie filming locations, and oodles of history. If you’re in London in the summer, you can even tour Buckingham Palace!

London is an easy place for solo female travellers to explore because everybody speaks English. You don’t have to worry about not understanding what people say to you or reading any of the signs or restaurant menus.

The city also has an incredible Underground transportation system. You should get an Oyster card to save money on public transportation in London. For solo female travellers that have never used a public transportation system and are nervous to do so, the Underground is a great place to start because it is extremely user-friendly and there are lots of people who can help you if you have questions about where to get off.

London has a reputation for being expensive. While it can be an expensive city, it doesn’t have to be.

There are plenty of tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels that are budget friendly. For example, most of the museums in London are free. This is incredible because most of the museums are world class. You will definitely want to check one (or more) out while you’re there.

London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

PS- Learn all about wifi in London (it isn’t as easy to access as you might think)

2. Germany

Germany is a great country for solo female travellers because it has a lot of different areas to visit, so it will appeal to everybody. The country has countless historical and cultural sights in every major and minor city. There is so much history in Germany that you don’t want to skip it!

Nearly every German young and old speaks English, so you don’t have to worry about a language barrier. This makes it easier for new travellers to navigate the country with ease.

The transportation system in Germany is extremely user friendly. Whether you are travelling to the heart of the city from the airport or between cities, you will easily be able to navigate the train system.

If you’re going to one of the major cities like Munich or Berlin, you should consider taking a day trip to a smaller town. Germany has so much to offer outside the major cities that it is worth budgeting some time to explore smaller parts of the country as well.

Places like Neuschwanstein Castle, Cologne, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber should be on everybody’s bucket list. You can also take a day trip from Munich to Dachau to tour the concentration camp and learn more about how the camp was run. It is an emotional day, but it is important to learn about and remember the past to stop it from happening again.

Wherever you choose to go in Germany, you will have a great time as a solo female traveller. The entire country is traveller friendly, the people are extremely nice, and the food is delicious!

Take a Munich Beer Tour

Castle Neuschwanstein Munich Germany 10 Best European Countries for Solo Female Travellers

3. France

France is a popular destination for solo female travellers. It is full of iconic sights, is tourist friendly, and, like London, is a European hub. It is also centrally located making it easy to travel from one country to another from France.

If you’re going to France, you’re most likely stopping in Paris. It has so many bucket list sights to see from the Eiffle Tower, to the Louvre, to Notre Dame, Disneyland Paris, and countless others. It is easy to spend 7-10 days (or more!) exploring Paris alone.

Paris has a lot of amazing day trips, so you will want to make time to go on one or two. Most day trips are a short train ride from Paris (like Giverny that is less than an hour away), so it is a great way to explore more of France!

There is truly something for everybody! From historical sights like Vimy Ridge and Normandy a train ride away, wine tasting, world class museums and churches, and a food lover’s dream.

Paris has a great public transportation system, so it is incredibly easy for you to get from one tourist sight to another!

Paris does have a lot of petty theft and pickpocketing, but it is very safe as long as you keep a close eye on your purse when at tourist sights and restaurants.

Parisians have a bit of a reputation for being rude to tourists. I personally have only had great interactions with Parisians. They are nice and willing to help if you need it.

Parisians appreciate when tourists make an attempt to speak French, so it is helpful to know a few basic phrases before you leave. Knowing how to say hello, goodbye, and thank you in French will help you a lot!

Menus, signs, and tourist attractions are all in English, so you will be able to read everything you need to. Nearly everybody speaks English as well, so communication won’t be a problem when you’re travelling in Paris.

Save time and book your Seine river cruise in advance

PS- read my full post on solo travel in Paris

4. Poland

Poland is one of my favourite European countries. There is so much to see and it is inexpensive compared to Western European countries, which is the perfect combination for solo female travellers.

Krakow is the most popular Polish city to visit. It has an adorable old town, and you can visit Auschwitz from Krakow. There is also a salt mine that is worth a day trip as well!

While Krakow is the most popular tourist destination, the country has so many other cities that are worth visiting. Warsaw, Gdansk, and Wrocław are some of my favourites. Each city has its own WWII history and story as well as a vibrant modern history.

Poland has an impressive train and bus system that makes it easy to get from one city to the next. The high-speed trains are quite expensive compared to how much other things in the country cost, but regular trains and buses are very affordable.

Poland is also a very safe country and has a very low crime rate. This means as a solo female traveller, you don’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable or unsafe while on vacation.

English is widely spoken in Poland- especially in the tourism industry. You won’t have a problem communicating with people while you’re there. Even small, family-owned restaurants have an English menu for you to order from.

One thing that Poland does better than any other country I’ve been to is free walking tours. They are incredibly informative and well-organized. Free walking tours are especially beneficial to solo travellers because you get to interact with other people while learning about a city from a local and seeing sights you may not have known about before.

The best Auschwitz-Birkenau tour in Krakow

Gdansk Poland 10 Best Countries for Solo Female Travellers

5. Denmark

Denmark is a great country for solo female travellers that only have a short vacation. It is compact, modern, and sophisticated. Like many of the other countries on this list, you will probably be visiting the country’s capital city: Copenhagen.

Copenhagen is a modern city with a variety of sights to visit. There are historic and modern palaces, museums, restaurants along the water, and an amusement park right in the heart of the city.

Denmark has a great rail system to get you to other cities within Denmark or to Sweden. It is easy to take the train to Malmo for a day trip, and I would recommend you doing so. You will need to take your passport even though you are going to another Schengen country. Sometimes Swedish customs go through the train to check everybody is allowed in the Schengen Area.

Denmark does have a downside though. It is probably the most expensive country on this list, so it isn’t friendly for budget travellers. You can find hotels for $100/night but most will cost you $200+/night.

Denmark is a very safe country for solo female travellers. There is a very low crime rate. Even if you’re walking home later in the evening after Tivoli closes, you will be and feel safe.

The Danes are very well educated, and most of them speak perfect English, so you won’t have a problem with translation or communication. Menus and signs are all in English, so you will have zero problem understanding what is going on around you.

Overall, Denmark is a great place for solo female travellers looking for an upscale European vacation in a country that is very safe and has a lot of different sights to see as well as a relaxed vibe.

PS- take a day trip from Copenhagen to Sweden!

6. Romania

Romania is an EU member, but it is not a Schengen country. This means you will have to show your passport and get it stamped when you enter and exit the country. If you are a citizen of an EU country, you can use your national identity card rather than your passport to enter the country.

Now that we have that bit of technical information out of the way, let’s talk about why you should visit Romania.

Romania is a gorgeous country. It has natural sights, castles, museums, amazing food, and stunning architecture. It is also inexpensive, so it is perfect for solo female travellers on a budget.

Romania is accessible by bus or train from many Eastern and Central European countries. It also has a number airports, so you are able to fly into the country as well. Flying will require a stop over or two because many of the airports are small, so you will most likely fly to Bucharest then onto any other city you are visiting.

If you are travelling within Romania, taking the bus or train is your best option. The buses and trains are affordable, clean, and normally direct, so you most likely won’t need to transfer when going from one city to another. Taxis are also affordable if you’re going short distances.

Romania has many different cities worth visiting. Timișoara is an amazing city in the eastern part of the country near Serbia. It is picturesque with lots of trees and a beautiful river. But is also has an important history. The Romania revolution and communist uprising was started in Timișoara. It is the perfect city for history buffs.

Be sure to visit Transylvania!

Transylvania is the most well known part of Romania. This region of Romania is associated with Dracula because of Bran Castle (a short day trip from Brasov).

Transylvania is, in my opinion, the best region of Romania. It has breathtaking mountains, lots of history, amazing food, and one of the best castles I’ve ever visited.

Brasov is the perfect home-base while exploring Transylvania. It is centrally-located, and you are able to take day trips to some of the best sights in Romania. Peles Castle and Sighisoara are my two favourite day trips.

Just like every other country on this list, Romania is very safe, English is widely spoken, and it is friendly to solo female travellers. You won’t have any issue navigating your way through the country!

Peles Castle Brasov Romania 10 Best European Countries for Solo Female Travellers

7. Scotland

Scotland is an amazing country. It has so much history and natural beauty to offer tourists that it should be on everybody’s bucket list. It is perfect for solo female travellers because English is the primary language, so you don’t have to worry about communication, translation, or any other anxiety related to going to a country where English isn’t the primary language.

The only downside to Scotland (and why it is so low on this list) is that you have to rent a car to see anything outside the main cities. It is more difficult to navigate driving in a new country alone than it is with someone else in the car.

Even if you don’t rent a car and only stick to the main areas, Scotland has a lot to offer. It has a unique terrain and natural landscape that you will be able to snap spectacular pictures. Scotland also offers castles, monasteries, modern royal sights, and museums.

If you only go to one city in Scotland, it should be Edinburgh. Edinburgh has the most to offer for sights, is the most bustling city in Scotland, and it has a better public transportation system than Glasgow.

Scotland also has a lot of royal sights, so it is a great place for people who enjoy the royal family.

Scotland can be expensive, but it isn’t any more expensive than England, France, or Germany. You are able to find affordable hotels, food, and things to do. Solo female travellers should definitely consider Scotland when deciding where to go on their next trip.

Dunnottar Castle Scotland 10 Best Countries for Solo Female Travellers

8. Estonia

This small Baltic country packs a pretty big punch. You can easily spend 2 weeks travelling throughout Estonia and still not see everything.

Estonia is often overlooked by solo female travellers (and travellers in general), but is shouldn’t be.

It is a great option for solo female travellers because it is less expensive than many countries on this list, is very safe, English is widely spoken, and a good inter-city transportation system.

Estonia is so much more than Tallinn and its old town. Parnu and Tartu are worth a visit as well! It is easy to get to both cities from Tallinn via bus. There are direct buses to both cities, and you are able to walk to your hotel from the bus stop.

If you’re going to Estonia in the summer, Haapsalu is a great option. It is a resort town with a stunning lake and great summer activities. I was there in the winter, and I would not recommend going at that time of year. However, it should be on your to-so list if you’re Estonia during the summer (and can easily be a day trip from Tallinn).

Everything in Estonia is affordable, which makes it perfect for solo female travellers on a budget. You can easily get a nice hotel for $75/night and meals for $10-15. You can go on a nice vacation without being worried about overspending!

PS- be sure to visit Tartu if you have time! It is my favourite city in Estonia

Tartu Estonia 10 Best European Countries for Solo Female Travellers

9. Italy

Italy is on nearly everybody’s European bucket list. It is a great place for solo female travellers because Italy is so used to having tourist from all over the world that it has built a great tourism infrastructure.

Italy has a well-designed transportation system that makes it easy to travel throughout the country, iconic historical sights, and delicious food and wine. Everybody speaks English because of the tourist industry, so you won’t have a problem communicating with locals.

Venice, Florence, Milan, Rome, and Northern Italy are the obvious cities to visit in Italy, but you should take the time to visit smaller towns as well. Smaller towns like Cortona have a lot to offer and are often more authentic and less touristy than the major cities. Visiting smaller towns will give you a more authentic Italian experience than staying in major cities the entire time.

Even though Italy is a major tourist destination, it is an affordable country. Food is reasonably priced, and you are given large portions (leftovers!). The one thing that is consistently more expensive in Italy is the price of a train ticket. Trains were by far my biggest expense in Italy so make sure to budget a little more for transportation.

Italy is a safe country for the most part. Similar to Paris, you have to be aware of pickpockets. You should always keep an eye on your personal belongings when in public.

There are also a number of scams in the larger cities like Rome. Never buy your tickets from someone on the street. Buy your tickets either online in advance (recommended) or at the authorized ticket office. This way you will never fall victim to overpriced or counterfeit tickets. Use your common sense, and you will be fine!

PS- check out these overrated cities in Europe

The reason Italy is so low on this list is because it is such a popular destination. There are a lot of people, and the experience doesn’t feel as authentic as it is in the other countries on this list.

Venice Italy 10 Best European Countries for Solo Female Travellers

10. Ireland

Last up is Ireland. This is another country with native English speakers, so it is perfect for solo female travelers.

Ireland has an interesting history with its separation from the British Empire and The Troubles. You will learn a lot about Ireland’s history no matter where in Ireland you go.

Ireland has a lot to offer. It has a number of great museums, castles, and natural sights. There is a good bus system in Ireland, so you will be able to take the bus from one city to the next.

Ireland is a great choice for solo female travellers that enjoy beer and learning about it. In Dublin, you are able to tour the Guinness Storehouse and learn about how the iconic beer is brewed. After that, you can go to Temple and sample a pint or two (just don’t drink too much because that becomes a safety issue!).

Ireland can be expensive, but it isn’t more expensive than any of the other Western European countries on this list. Hotels are by far the most expensive part of your Ireland trip. Hotels in the centre of Dublin can be extremely expensive, so you may want to consider staying outside the city centre and taking public transportation.

Ireland is a safe, easy to navigate country that has English as its primary language. These factors combined with the array of sights it offers is why Ireland is a great European country for solo female travellers.

Galway Ireland 10 Best European Countries for Solo Female Travellers

You Need to be Internet Safe

It is important to be internet safe every time you travel, but it is even more important when you’re a solo traveller.

You do not want to deal with your personal information (especially banking information) being stolen just because you weren’t internet safe.

You have no choice but to rely on public wifi when you travel, and this puts you at risk of being hacked.

Anybody who has access to that network can access your personal data if they know how and want to.

Scary right!

The only way you can be internet safe is by installing a VPN on your devices.

This makes a public wifi network as safe and secure as your personal home wifi system where only you know the password.

It essentially puts a forcefield around your device that keeps unwanted prying eyes out of your personal information.

My philosophy is that if you can afford to travel, you can spend a few extra dollars to instal a VPN on your devices and protect your online data.

There is no excuse!

Watch the Video!

Conclusion

Europe is the best continent for solo female travellers with little to no travel experience. It is extremely easy to navigate between and within countries.

Most Europeans speak English, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with a language barrier while travelling. This makes it so much easier and less stressful for novice and experienced travellers alike.

Each of the countries on this list are accessible, have great transportation systems, and offer a number of unique tourist sights. This makes them ideal for solo female travellers.

Travelling solo as a female is a great experience. It allows you to travel on your terms, do what you want when you want, and it helps you learn about yourself and build confidence. Solo female travellers are badass, so pick a country on this list and go out and explore the world (you badass).

February 14, 2019July 9, 2023

Where to Stay in London, England

It can be difficult to decide where to stay in London. The city is huge, and there are sights to see in every neighbourhood.

Having a general idea of where to stay in London when booking your accommodation is a huge help. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the choices because there are so many great options to choose from.

My Favourite Neighbourhood

I always stay in Earls Court when I go to London. To me, it is the perfect London neighbourhood for tourists. It is along the Piccadilly line on the London Underground, so it has easy access to central London and Heathrow Airport.

Earls Court London transport zones 1 and 2, so you are charged the cheapest fare when travelling within zone 1 from Earls Court and charges a zone 2 fare when travelling to Heathrow. It is a great way to optimize your money while in London. Don’t forget to get an Oyster card to save money on public transportation in London!

Earls Court itself is a great neighbourhood. It is filled with great local places to eat, and it is far enough away from the centre of London that it isn’t busy.

The hotel prices in Earls Court are extremely reasonable for central London hotels. You can often book a room for $100-150/night.

You get the best of everything in Earls Court. It is central, less expensive than other neighbourhoods, safe, and is more relaxed and quiet than other neighbourhoods.

Earls Court is a great neighbourhood in the heart of London that also has a local, quiet feeling. You will love staying here on your next trip to London.

Great Earls Court Hotels

Stay Along the Piccadilly Line

If you don’t stay in Earls Court, I recommend staying along the Piccadilly line. The Piccadilly line basically runs diagonally through central London.

You are guaranteed to be staying in a central location if you get a hotel close to an Underground station on the Piccadilly line in transport zone 1.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is a great area to stay in. It is very central and walking distance to nearly every major London tourist attraction. It is a smart neighbourhood, so it is generally more expensive than Earls Court.

This neighbourhood is filled with amazing parks, great pubs, and high-end shops. It is great for people who want an upscale trip to London without being in a super touristy area.

The Hyde Park area has a great combination of tourist attractions while not feeling overly touristy. You walk a few blocks away from the parks, and you start to feel like you are experiencing an authentic part of London.

Hyde Park London, England Where to Stay in London England

Great Hyde Park Hotels

Piccadilly Circus/Leicester Square

The Piccadilly Circus/Leicester Square area is the place to stay if you want to be in the heart of London’s tourist attractions. You won’t get an authentic London experience if you stay here because you will be surrounded by tourists and businesses.

This is a great location if you have a short time in London and want to walk everywhere, but it is quite expensive. You will be able to find lots of places to eat and do if you stay in this neighbourhood.

This location is right in thee heart of the West End theatre district, so it is prefect for people wanting to see a lot of shows while in town. You won’t have to worry about taking public transportation home because you will be able to walk.

Piccadilly Circus/Leicester Square Hotels to Consider

West End Theatre London England Where to Stay in London England

King’s Cross/St. Pancras

King’s Cross is one of London’s busiest train stations. It has an Underground station as well as domestic and international trains departing from it. Just like Earl’s Court, it is on the edge of transport zone 1.

King’s Cross is close enough to the heart of London that getting around is easy, but it far enough away that it is quieter. It is still busier than Earl’s Court because of the major train station, but it is less busy than the Piccadilly area.

This is a great location for people that are taking early morning trains that leave from Kings Cross or the Eurostar to another part of Europe. It saves you a commute on the underground if your hotel is walking distance from the train station you depart from.

The Kings Cross area has a number of great restaurants. You can find both independently-owned restaurants as well as chains.

Kings Cross is my second choice for location behind Earl’s Court. It is the perfect mix of being close to tourist attractions while still being able to have some quiet.

Great Kings Cross Hotels

Victoria Station

Victoria station is another great location even though it is not located along the Piccadilly line. It has access to 3 Underground lines and is a busy coach (bus) terminal.

Victoria station is close to Westminster, so you can easily walk to the majority of central London’s most popular tourist sights. Since it is such an important transportation hub, you are guaranteed to find lots of great restaurants and coffee shops.

It is also a great location if you’re looking for a less expensive location in central London. The Victoria station area has prices similar to Earl’s Court, so it is a great location to get a great hotel in the middle of the city without paying as much as you would in the Piccadilly or Hyde Park areas. It is slightly more expensive than Earl’s Court, but you can normally find a good deal.

Great Victoria Area Hotels

St. James' Park London England Where to Stay in London England

Conclusion

London has an amazing transportation system. No matter where you stay you will be able to easily travel from place to place and sight to sight either by the Underground or the bus system.

If you choose to stay in one of the neighbourhoods I’ve suggested, you will be ideally stationed in the city to have easy access to all of the top sights London has to offer.

For a central hotel that still has an authentic London vibe and is relatively quiet, consider Earl’s Court or Kings Cross.

If you’re only in the city for a few days and want to walk to all the sights, Piccadilly/Leicester Square is the place for you.

People who are looking to stay in a high-end neighbour hood will love the Hyde Park neighbourhood.

London is an amazing city, and where you stay has an impact on what type of experience you have while on your vacation. No matter where you choose to stay be sure to research what the neighbourhood has to offer and explore it while you’re there.