EUROPE / EU
Female solo travels in EUROPE / EU
AUSTRIA - VIENNA
Austria is a small mountainous country located in South Central Europe. Its capital Vienna, is an absolute gem. A small and beautiful city with lots of lovely churches and museums. Vienna, I found somewhat expensive for e.g. A two days hop on hop off city bus tour ticket in Budapest was avg 25 euro for 2 days tour with a free river cruise. In Vienna it was 30 euro for a 1 day tour.
Vienna has a charm of its own, with many lovely museums and castle-like buildings. I even saw a hemp shop with cannabis for sale. A city tour with your own Faxi driver (similar to a tuk tuk, that’s what they are called) is a must. It’s a bit more personal and you do enjoy the experience a bit more this way. Definite must visit; St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schonbrunn Palace and the Imperial Palace (Hofburg). Currency used – Euro. Language spoken – Austrian German and Austro Bavarian (among others).
BELGIUM - BRUSSELS
Belgium is a country located in North Western Europe. Its capital Brussels is known for its architecture and chocolates. Brussels is a popular tourist location. What stood out for me most was how friendly and helpful the people were, from the first day I arrived in Brussels until I left, I was totally impressed by the friendliness and helpfulness of the residents. Brussels is also tied in 2nd place for having the best tasting Ice cream. Delicious chocolates of all varieties could be found in almost every shop. Belgium is one of those countries you feel right at home. The city was safe, clean and expensive.
What was quite noticeable from arrival at the airport, was the amount of army personnel everywhere in the airport and everywhere in down town, soldiers were very much present.
Sites to visit will be; the Grand Place, what a beautiful square, wow!!, Town Hall, Train world. A definite must do is the Atomium, take the metro and visit for an entire day of fun and take some beautiful photos from inside the Atom, the lines maybe a bit long but is worth the wait, also at the Atomium is the mini exhibition of all European cities, it’s a definite must see.
Belgium is worth a revisit. Currency used – Euro. Language spoken – Dutch, French and German.
CZECH REPUBLIC - PRAGUE
Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe. Its capital is Prague. Talk about top 3 nicest cities, Prague certainly qualifies, Besides Lisbon, Prague has some of the nicest sidewalk I have ever seen, they are beautifully designed cobble-stoned sidewalks that adds richness and beauty to the city. Prague has many beautiful buildings and much to see and do.
Prague is not an expensive city, and has fairly good food, its a safe city, friendly people and quite clean too. What I found rather strange, most of the people I spoke to, didn’t believe there is a God, this was even echoed by the one of the city tour guides, yet there are so many churches in Prague.
Definite must-see sites in Prague will be; the Vitus Cathedral, the Dancing House, the Charles Bridge (followed by a relaxing ferry river cruise), the Prague Castle, the Old Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock and definitely Mala Strana in Lesser Town such lovely area. If you have the time, then take a drive out of the city to Cesky Krumlov and the Vltava River. This area is so beautiful and quiet, along the way you can see many potato farms and lush greenery.
Prague is worthy of a revisit. Currency used – Czech Crown (Koruna). Language spoken – Czech.
GERMANY - MUNICH
The Federal Republic of Germany is a country in the Western and Central Europe. Its capital is Berlin. Munich is the 3rd largest city in Germany and is Bavaria’s capital city. The people in Munich were neither here nor there on the friendliness scale.
At the hotel I stayed, the man at the front desk was so obnoxious and insulting to a Chinese national, that I avoided him for my entire stay, same at the train and bus station, no smile and very cut and dry. Then there were others who were pleasant and friendly but in the minority.
Nonetheless, I love Munich, it’s a safe city and quite clean too. Definite must visit in Munich will be English Garden, Central Marienplatz Square where you can find the Gothic Neus Rathaus (New Town hall). If you are into vintage and modern cars you can also visit the BMW headquarters, you will be impressed by the vintage and modern cars on display.
What I also found to be cool, was surfing in the heart of Munich. The man-made surfing river (Eisbach) at the Englischer Garden, you can go surfing or just hang out and enjoy the ambiance. Germany for me has the best and tastiest Easter cakes, I have had Easter cakes/buns in many countries and Munich still for me has the best.
Currency used – Euro. Language spoken – German.
HUNGARY - BUDAPEST
The Republic of Hungary located in Central Europe and its capital is Budapest. Talk about beautiful city, then Hungary is in my top 5 nicest thus far. Budapest is such a clean and beautiful city; The Danube river runs in the middle of the city and cuts it in two. Buda on one side and Pest on the other side. Hungary is the Paprika country, with many varieties of paprika, so you know the food here is not bland but rather delicious and spicy, but not overly spicy.
What stood out for me food wise was the ice cream, I am a big ice cream lover, and have sampled ice cream in every country I visited, Greece, Israel, France Belgium were the best, but now, Budapest is No.1 for rich and delectable Ice cream. Budapest is a fairly inexpensive city for food, hotel etc.
Definite must do when in Budapest: The Danube river cruise, with a visit to Margaret Island (charming Island for relaxing or a picnic), the Bus Boat tour also was a one of a kind experiences and a definite must do. Not to miss the most exotic Parliament building worldwide – Hungarian Parliament and Halaszbastya (beautiful structure and best view of the Buda side and the Danube river). After these you can browse the rest of the city at your own pace.
Currency used – Forint (HUF). Language spoken – Hungarian.
ICELAND -REYKJAVIK
Iceland is an isolated European island located in the North Atlantic and is known as the Land of Ice and Fire. Its capital is Reykjavik. Iceland is a volcanic country and also the most peaceful country on earth. It is also the most expensive and coldest country and I have visited. Its hottest month is usually around 11 deg. Celsius.
I love Iceland nonetheless, it is a very unpretentious country. You will not see all the big castle like buildings here like in the rest of European countries. However, there is beauty, in all its simplicity. Its beautiful people and natural beauties, like the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the natural springs, the Blue lagoon and Volcanic Geysers spouting steam meters high in the sky, surrounded by snow, shows the uniqueness of this country from the rest of Europe. The Halgrimskirkja church is worth a visit, it is a very unusual design and very majestic.
What I loved most about Iceland. Iceland is the only country I have ever visited never bought bottled water, it has the cleanest tasting water, (straight from the tap) even better than bottled water. When you take a bathe in Iceland your skin suddenly becomes silky smooth and soft, maybe it’s because of all the minerals in the water from its many volcanoes. Iceland has the freshest and tastiest fish I have ever had Cape Town comes in 2nd. It is also the first country I have been to where I saw no homeless persons or beggars. Iceland brags of the fact that they get more visitors per year than their total population combined, so must be something special about visiting.
I would love to revisit Iceland. Currency used – Icelandic Krona (ISK). Language spoken – Icelandic and English.
IRELAND - DUBLIN
The Republic of Ireland is an Island in the North Atlantic and is separated from Great Britain. It is the third largest country in Europe. Its capital is Dublin. What stood out most about Ireland for me were the people. Reminded of the people back in my country.
The Irish are jovial people. They have a joke for most things or as they call it the Irish Craic. Maybe it’s part of the fact that they love to chill out and have a few drinks…mellows them out I guess.
Dublin is an expensive city. In every aspect of it. The food there was good and love the variety of my favorite thing Fish!! Dublin is a bit on the greyish side, as lots of the buildings doesn’t have much of any colours and so was the skies, grey, on most days. Things to do in Dublin: check out the Irish owned Guinness factory, do a tour, sample the freshly made Guinness and purchase some Guinness truffles (very tasty), visit the Kilmainham Gaol – great Irish jail history or take the train (approx. 1 hour ride) and visit Howth for a day of relaxation, visit the Howth castle or just enjoy the ambiance of this fishing village. There are many fish restaurants in Howth, and the people are very down to earth and nice. Ireland is very clean and beautiful and peaceful country.
I would love to revisit Ireland. Currency used – Euro. Language spoken – Irish and English.
POLAND - WARSAW
The Republic of Poland located in Central Europe. Its capital Warsaw is truly a beautiful city. Old Town (my favorite) and New Town with a charm of their own. New town is the quieter part of the town and Old Town is the lively part of town and more touristy with lots of restaurants and beautiful buildings. Warsaw was reasonably priced for hotel, food etc.
Warsaw stood out for the friendliness of the people and their food. Poland is the dumpling and polish sausage capital. Dumplings prepared in so many ways with delicious fillings. The polish sausage soup was a real treat. The goulash was the best I had in all of Europe.
Poland seemed to be heat regulated so please take note. I stayed at 2 hotels two different locations and for me sleeping in a room at 22 degrees Celsius was way too cold (this was the warmest temp. in room) In fact I slept in coat and hat and still got sick and lost my voice. The response was always the same when asked for more heat. “heat is regulated in Poland, maybe I will have to try Krakow next time to see if its the same. Warsaw has many beautiful parks with lovely lakes running through them. I love the laid-back vibes in Warsaw.
Must see sites would be Old town, Lazienski park, Old Town Observation Terrace and Castle Square. It was a perfect well-rounded vacation with delicious food, welcoming people in a safe city. I really do love Poland and would love to revisit. Currency used – Zloty (PLN). Language spoken – Polish, Russian, Slavic.
PORTUGAL - LISBON
The Republic of Portugal is a country in Southern Europe. Its capital is Lisbon. Lisbon is the Cod fish capital of the world…seriously, everywhere you go there in Lisbon, Cod fish or (Bacalhau as it’s called) dishes prepared in so many ways Even in duty free there is cod fish for sale (this was quite odd). I love any type of fish prepared any way (except sushi) so I was very happy in Lisbon.
My favorite treat was the bacalhau cake made with flour, cod fish and potatoes with cheese in the middle. Really delicious!! Lisbon is one of my top 5 nicest cities visited to date.
What makes a city beautiful in my view? The friendliness of the people, aesthetics, delicious food, cleanliness, safety and prices for goods and services. Lisbon fits that profile, also, I may be a bit bias too because I because I have a Portuguese surname handed down from my grandfather and his two brothers, who left Portugal for the Caribbean many years ago (guess Caribbean ladies are the best!! lol), so I feel some small attachment.
Besides Prague, Lisbon has some of the nicest cobblestone sidewalks I have ever seen, even nicer and more widespread than in Prague. All are beautifully designed and are all different from the next. It adds beauty to the city. Definite must visit sites in Lisbon; Torres de Belem, Portas do Sol, take a drive out of Lisbon and visit Cabo de Roca, it is the most western point of continental Europe and a very beautiful area bordered by the sea, also take a trip to Sintra, I went on a very rainy day so I didn’t get to enjoy the true beauty of Sintra.
Portugal is a fairly reasonably priced city and is worth a definite revisit. Currency used – Euro. Language spoken – Portuguese and English.
RUSSIA - MOSCOW
The Federal Republic of Russia located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is the largest country in the world by land mass. Its capital is Moscow. So much to say about Moscow and my experiences there. Firstly, my very first entry in to Russia, I arrived at the Domodedevo (DME) Int’l airport, immigration was normal, no problems, the 2nd visit I arrived at Sheremetyevo (SVO) Int’l airport.
The immigration officer here spoke no English, he asked no question, I gave him my passport and the only word he knew to say was ‘Transit, Transit” and kept pointing, in fact he seemed to get angry when I was speaking in English telling him I was there on vacation and not transiting, seemed he understood nothing I was saying, he never asked anything else but sat with another officer and speaking in Russian, then came a third officer and he then passed back my passport then the three starting laughing, what that was about I don’t know and didn’t care at the time, just found it very impolite and distasteful. Then came the rip off yellow taxis down stairs, avoid them!! they charge you 3 times the normal fare to get to downtown Moscow.
The hotel was no better, worst customer service I have ever experienced in any country (read my review on trip advisor) my first day back in Russia made me wanted to leave the same day. However, I toughened up stuck to my plans.
Firstly, I must say Russia is aesthetically beautiful, really!! Even the Kremlin is beautiful, I expected that it would had had a harsh look or feel about it but contrary. Moscow was clean, very modern, one of the more beautiful European cities I might add. Here the ladies are very beautiful also. I also found the Russian accent very sexy. Unlike what some may think about being restricted in Russia or fearful about laws and rules, it was quite normal for me, nothing untoward occurred.
What I didn’t like was the fact that the people in Moscow were not very friendly (with the exception of two lovely ladies, I met close to the end of my vacation are currently my friends), I didn’t really get to enjoy any true Russian food like I did in other cities, maybe I ate in the wrong restaurants or maybe there isn’t any special Russian dish..
Points to note when visiting Russia 1. Buy a data sim on arrival, you will need it for your translator, 2. Download a translator on your phone (hardly anyone I met spoke English) you will need it in stores, to ask direction on streets, restaurant etc. 3. Walk with cash, seems stores, restaurants and even hotels frown on credit cards. 4, Forget the rest and enjoy, there are lots to see and do.
Definite must see when in Moscow; You need to see the metro stations. wow. nicest metro stations in world, do the tour to as many as you can, they all look as though they were former palaces. Visit the St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin at Red Square and Manezh Square, especially at night .. such beautiful square. Top it off with a cable car ride or Moscow River boat tour. After these you can browse the rest of the city at your own pace, there so much to see and do in Moscow.
Would I return? Only if the trip is free. Currency used – Russian Ruble. Language spoken – Russian
SCOTLAND - GLASGOW
Scotland is part of the United Kingdom (UK) and occupies the Northern part of Great Britain in Europe. Its capital is Edinburgh, and its largest city is Glasgow. It is beautiful city with lots of lovely churches and museums. Scotland is very clean, and littering is a serious offence there, I once saw a police officer writing a ticket for a man who smoked and dropped the cigarette butt on the pavement, so vigilance is high to make sure it’s kept clean.
The people in Glasgow were polite but not overly friendly. Found Glasgow to be expensive. The food seemed to be lots of baked beans and sausage and also haggis from sheep intestines, seemed to be a Scottish delicacy, however, I enjoyed the salted oats, it was my first and last place I had such a treat.
Favorite place to visit: Glasgow the Botanical garden, absolutely beautiful, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, take a drive out of the city to Loch Katrine, Loch Lomond & Trossachs or Lake Menteith also known as Loch Inchmahome. You will enjoy a boat cruise on any of these lakes, definitely worth the long drive. The location is so beautiful, peaceful ambiance and the waters of the lakes are serene and heavenly. Nicest lakes I have ever seen.
One complaint…there is a need to see more men in Kilts!! Lol!! Just love those Kilts esp. the red ones. Scotland is one of the countries.
I would love to revisit. It is also quite a safe country. Currency used – Pound sterling GPD). Language spoken – English and Scotts/Scottish Gaelic.
Many of these countries can be within your reach with careful planning and learning how to save to travel. You don’t have to be rich to travel, just be willing to sacrifice and cut back on spending of non-essentials and you can reach your goals.
Along with good booking agents like Booking.com, you can plan an excellent vacation.
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