My Solo Trip to Europe !

Traveling alone will be a life-changing experience.

Being alone in a foreign country will challenge you to overcome your fears, and you will feel liberated.

“Everyone should at least try it once in their lifetime.”

I didn’t plan to travel solo this year. That was not on my bucket list of things to do in 2019.

Do you honestly know yourself? The person you see every day in the mirror?  I am a spontaneous person.

While my mum was in the last week of her holiday in Abu Dhabi with me, I decided to get my Schengen visa and pack my bag for a week in Europe. Let me mention that my mum was ending her three month holiday and leaving my ten-year-old son in her care was more a gift than a grandparent responsibility.

Years from now my little guy will remember his solo days with Grandma.

Only a week to spare I needed to make sure I was prepared for my Solo trip.

Getting a Schengen visa for France

I hate applying for visas, and unfortunately, some countries require me to.  I have applied previously for a Schengen visa but not through France.

I will admit the paperwork and procedure are straightforward and if I could get a visa so can you.

For expats in Abu Dhabi, we use VFS Global. The website provides all the information on how to apply for a visa.

Here is the list of documents I used when applying for my visa

• Three-month bank statement
• Letter of employment and salary certificate
• Travel document – Passport – ( must be valid for six months) and residency visa (UAE residents)
• Travel Insurance – https://www.allianz-assistance.ae/en/
• Flight itinerary – I used Yatra.com. This airline will hold your ticket for 24 hours and its free.
• Hotel confirmation- I used Booking.com. Try to make a booking that you can cancel for free.
• Travel Itinerary – You have to be specific of your intention to travel. I wrote down all the sights and places I want to visit and why.
• Letter of Motivation – This letter is significant. Try to be honest and state clearly why you want to visit Europe.
• Leave certificate – I used the school calendar, as it states the holidays for Teachers and students. If you not a teacher, I suggest having your employer sign a letter saying you have permission to travel during the dates you submitted.

Tip– It takes 15 days for a visa to be issued. Apply well in advance so that you are not disappointed.

Booking a flight

I used FareCompare to check the best prices and then went directly onto the airline’s website to see if there was a big price difference. If you are traveling to different European countries, why not book a multi-city flight that will save you time and money.

 

Weather in Europe Late March & Early April 

I traveled end of March and beginning of April when the weather varies in different parts of Europe.

In Paris the weather was warm and the beginning of spring. A light jacket was only necessary for the early morning time. In the afternoon the sun was bright and I felt hot. The evening time was cold and a coat would be required.

In Belgium, the weather was much colder, and I needed my woolen cap and thick jacket since the wind was icy and it was very cold.

In Amsterdam, the weather varied from day to day. Checking the weather forecast helped me plan what to wear. The weather was warm on most days but the evening was slightly cold.

I was also lucky to experience some rain. Packing an umbrella would be a smart thing to do.

 

My Solo suitcase

I packed a small bag so I could avoid checking in my luggage and having to wait for it after passport control. If you can pack this way you will feel liberated when you see everyone struggling with so much baggage, and you are waltzing out of the airport like a free bird.

• Pack flat shoes- Walking around in Europe is a must. Your feet will thank you for being smart. I packed a brown and black boot. I will admit my brown boot had a thick square heal but just enough height to make me still feel comfortable. My black boot was flat and causal.
• Two jackets – A long beige coat and an army green winter jacket.
• Two dresses in case there is an opportunity to go out in the evening.
• Winter Stockings and gloves, neck scarves, socks and undies
• Two pants, a jumpsuit, and two polo necks
• An umbrella and Backpack (So you can have your hands free while taking pictures )
• My selfies stick, chargers, and an international plug
• Toiletries

Tip– Take a cleaning cloth to wipe the dust of your shoes! Paris has many sandy walk ways especially near the Louvre where there is a beautiful park and garden. May locals and tourists sit by the fountains and enjoy the day.

 

Arriving in Europe – Paris

When I landed at Charles De Gaulle Airport at 7 am on Friday, I had to navigate myself out of the airport and to my hotel in the center of Paris.

I knew this would seem scary and to avoid getting lost or feeling lost, I called the hotel before my flight left Abu Dhabi. I received directions from the hotel, and this helped me a lot.

If you can book a hotel with airport shuttle or service, this will save you a lot of time on the train.

I wanted to challenge myself and save some cash by experiencing France transport system. If you not sure how to get to your hotel by train, you can use the taxi.

Hôtel Eiffel Rive Gauche – Great for Solo or two travelers

This three-star hotel is just a five-minute walk from the Eiffel tower and metro station. The room is pretty and small. If you want a lot of space, you will not feel happy with this hotel. I liked it a lot because of the location and the quality of service. The breakfast was delicious , and the hotel was comfortable and well kept.

I also had a view of the Eiffel Tower from my window which was precisely what I wanted. Being a female Solo traveler, safety was high on my list. I wanted to see the Eiffel tower at night but did not want to walk around at night on my own. Having a beautiful view from the safety of my hotel room made all the difference to my stay in Paris.

How do you get to Hotel Eiffel Rive Gauche form Charles De Gaulle Airport using the train?

Take the RER train/ Metro- On the lower ground of the airport, you will find the trains. There are signs that you can follow. Tickets can be purchased at the office. If you want to take a taxi, it will cost 50 Euros, but the train only costs 10 Euros.

Solo travelers might prefer the train.

From the RER train, you will go to Chalet Les Halles → then you will change to Metro 1 Concorde → Get on line 8 Ecole Militaire→ The Eiffel Tower is in walking distance from the exit of the metro.

The hotel is across the Eiffel Tower.

Tip– Make sure to write the address on paper so you can ask someone if you still not sure how to get to the hotel. I also used google maps which is very useful.

 

Sightseeing in Paris

When I am traveling solo, I prefer a reliable and trustworthy company. CitySightseeing Paris was my first choice. Spending 40 Euros to hop and off the bus for 24 hours seemed more reliable and safe for me. The tour guide will give you a promotion when you purchase the ticket at one of the many stops on the red or blue routes.  I am a flexible person and prefer not to book online. Anything can happen, and you might not use your online ticket.

Tip- Wait until you arrive in Paris to book your ticket. You might discover more sightseeing options that you like.

The 24 hours or 48 hours ticket includes the 1-hour river cruise directly situated across the Eiffel Tower. The company also has promotions on tickets, and you can access all the routes from the app which is available on Play store or iTunes.

Tip– Make sure to keep your CitySightseeing Ticket for a 10 percent discount on another bus ticket in other European countries.

 

Free Tours– Tip- Supported Tours- WhatsApp / Call +33 (0) 695 388 849

If you love walking and you on a budget. I recommend Discover Walks

Also recommended by the Guardian, Timeout, CNN and Trip advisor

Rain or shine these guides wearing pink vests can be found in different locations. All you need to do is call them or send a message.

Arriving in Belgium- Europe 

I took the Thalys train from Paris- Gara Du Nord to Belgium.  When you arrive in Belgium you can either take the taxi or metro to your hotel. An information service is available to help you and will guide you in the right direction.

ibis Styles Brussels Centre Stephanie Hotel

I preferred this hotel because it is within walking distance from the Horta Museum.

The surrounding parks, such as the Cinquantenaire Park, Park van Vorst, and the Tenbosch Park are eminently suited for leisurely walks.

While in Belgium you can visit iconic attractions, such as Manneken Pis, the Atomium and Brussels Grand Place.

Have a look at mesmerizing art in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.

The hotel also has a tram right on its doorstep and offers free coffee throughout the day. The breakfast is delicious, and the room size is comfortable with a fridge and microwave for your convenience.

Why not try some of Belgium’s famous waffles and chips? 

 

Arriving in Amsterdam – Europe 

Taking the Thalys train from Brussels to Amsterdam is a faster option. The tickets vary in price, and you can check the best time and cost on the website.

When you head out of the station, there is a CitysightSeeing house outside Central station. The canal cruise departs from there and not far from the station is the first bus stop.

I opted to book the bus for 48 hours which gave me access to the canal boat and the bus. This option saved me money and time. I was able to hop off near my hotel and get a tour at the same time.

Tip– Remember to use your previous Citysightseeing ticket to get a discount on your ticket.

Choosing the best area to stay in Amsterdam can be tough. I knew I wanted to be near the Canals and Vondelpark.

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Amsterdam Canal Hotel

The Amsterdam Canal-Hotel is located on two beautiful canals, just on the corner where the Reguliersgracht and Lijnbaansgracht cross each other. The “Pijp” area and the Albert Cuyp market as well the Heineken Brewery are situated on walking distance. In the Utrechtsestraat you can choose from many different restaurants.

The two biggest entertainment squares, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, are close and easy to reach. The most important museums (The Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum)  are just a block away.

The Amsterdam Canal District has been added the UNESCO World, Heritage List. The 17th-century Canal District is an international icon of urban planning and architecture. The location and view from my hotel room were perfect. The hotel decor is impressive and breakfast served daily is delicious. The hotel also offers guests a daily complimentary mini bar stocked with Heineken beer, sodas, and water. From 4 pm to 10 pm daily the hotel offers snacks and drinks in the restaurant overlooking the canal. Guests can unwind and relax in the hotel after spending the day sightseeing.

Tip- I highly recommend this hotel for Solo, couples or families. Its the perfect hotel to make your stay more perfect in Amsterdam. The hotel offers much more than other hotels in the same area. 

 

I hope you inspired to take a Solo trip!

Superlady