Considering that Europe is a fairly safe continent, we suggest a destination that you will love for that solo trip that you have been planning for so long.
Freedom. This is what it feels like to embark on a solo trip. Although it is true that the first time there may be a bit of fear, there is nothing to fear if you know how to choose the destination well.
A trip, whether good or bad, to the next town or to the other side of the world, changes the person who does it, especially if they do it alone, because they have advantages that groups do not have, which is choosing everything, improvising without being judged and getting to know themselves.
It is never too late to practice ‘solo travel’, you just have to arm yourself with courage and leave home with very clear ideas, ready to discover the world around us.
Safety is very important when planning a solo trip, especially if you are a woman. There are rankings such as the ‘Women’s Danger Index’, prepared by the Asher & Lyric travel consultancy with information from the United Nations, which evaluates the different destinations.
According to it, Europe is the safest continent, hosting seven of the ten countries at the top: Iceland, Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia and Malaysia. While at the bottom are South Africa, Brazil and Russia, among other places that you should not visit alone.
Another characteristic to take into account when choosing the destination is the budget that we have and the cost of living in the place where we are going to go. Knowing all these parameters, we can say that the best European destination for your first trip alone is Slovenia.
Although northern Europe is not exactly known for being cheap, the area of ​​the Baltic countries has its own particularities, it is safe and cheap. It is usually a country that is completely forgotten, but it hides infinite possibilities that do not leave anyone indifferent, both urban and rural.
The most urban Slovenia
Slovenian cities are not exactly large, so feeling welcomed is much easier, even in its capital, Ljubljana, whose charm lies largely in this. It is a city that is spread over both sides of the Ljubljanica River, whose banks can be explored on foot, by bicycle or viewed from a boat.
Its old town reveals its medieval origins, with a castle on top of a hill and eclectic architecture that is most impressive. Setting off from here to get to know the country is the best option, as it offers the possibility of discovering other places in a very simple and cheap way.
Just an hour from the capital is Bled, an emblematic city presided over by a castle on a cliff at the foot of a beautiful lake that bears the same name. On the other side, on the Mediterranean coast, we can visit Piran, a sort of Slovenian Venice that actually had ties with the Italian city of yesteryear.
Kranjska Gora, in the heart of the Julian Alps; The unknown Maribor, which is home to the oldest vine in the world; Ptuj, the city with the most history in Slovenia; or the picturesque Kamnik, very close to the Velika Planina shepherds’ plateau, are other essential cities to visit here.
The most natural side of Slovenia
Every Slovenian city is surrounded by an impressive landscape, starting with Lake Bled, the most visited natural attraction in the country. And no wonder, as its crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains and the castle presiding over the surroundings seem out of this world and take the breath away even for the most skeptical.
Another natural wonder of Slovenia is the Vintgar Gorge, a gorge about two kilometers long where you can walk and admire the magnificent landscape at your feet. On the other hand, the Soca River is perfect for those who want to practice some sport such as rafting.
The most adventurous and mountain lovers can take advantage of the opportunity to climb the highest peak in the country, Mount Triglav, 1,864 meters. It is located in the heart of the Julian Alps and gives its name to the only Slovenian National Park.
‘The Vsic Pass, the Postjona Caves, the Tomlin Gorges, the Skocjan Caves or the previously mentioned Velika Planina are some of the many natural attractions of this beautiful Baltic country. Its perfect combination of urban and rural makes it the best destination for solo travel, but it also makes it a perfect place to visit at any time and situation.