Do you think it's a good idea for me (18 years old female) to go on a tour by myself through Europe?

Question

So, I will be studying over in Lancaster, UK for the fall semester and I'm debating if I should go early and tour Europe. The problem is I have a budget (very little). So I'm just debating if I should go early to tour Europe by myself or just go to school in Lancaster and just visit Europe some other time. How much money do you think I will need to bring if I decide to go on the tour vs. just staying over in Lancaster for 3 months? Let me know what you think, any answers are highly appreciated. Thanks,

Answer 1

There are many  ways you can-to save money there are websites that help in finding accommodation where homes allow what is called couching- means you have a place to sleep in - I regret that at the time I write this I cannot recall the exact names for these places!

How little is the budget I don't know , but I sure know that a lot of students do travel to europe on a tight budget- you can visit a few countries in europe and when you have just a little left then head back! france and switzerland can be the 2 countries that you may like to think about, being closest to UK

Good Luck and happy traveling!

Answer 2

You will need at least $US 100 per day to travel in Europe, when starting from England. (Either you have a more expensive travel at the start or you pay more as you stay nearer England.)

I think that being only 18, and having so little money, it might be better to not travel Europe.

But if you can come a couple of weeks before the start of your studies, you might well spend them in England and get to know the area a little better.

If you have money left over, near the end of your stay, you might get a couple of days traveling in Europe.

By then you will know a little more about Europe, you may have made friends in Europe you can stay with, so cut back on the cost. I think that is a better option than starting out to travel before studying.

Answer 3

Of course.

Just spend your money wisely.

I plan on doing this myself soon, but ill actually be back packing it, and will mainly be on foot.

Good Travels mate.

Answer 4

yup.  I did it alone when i was 18 and it was one of the most amazing things ever.  You can eat quite cheaply in Europe.  Here was my strategy:

--Sleep on overnight trains as much as possible so you can kill 2 birds with one stone (sleeping and getting somewhere).  

--Buy the Euro-train pass thingy... saves a lot of time and hassle.

--Stay in hostels.  While I was there I met a lot of people that lived in the places that I wanted to go anyways, so I scored a free couch and usually a meal or 2.

--If you're budget is tight, spend a day seeing the things that you really want to see in the big cities, and spend more time in Eastern Europe which is cheaper (and further away from where you'll be going to school).

Traveling alone (esp as a girl) is an amazing way to meet people from all over.  You wouldn't regret it and you'll probably get some of that wunderlust out of your system before you settle down for school.  You'll also know where you want to visit on your breaks.

Answer 5

my opinion is that if your on a budget you won't get very far in Europe. Mabey go to Ireland or Scotland because its closer and they speak the same language. I feel venturing out alone would be a lots of fun but don't let people take advantage of your money. The mighty dollar isn't so mighty right now. Have fun!!!

Answer 6

I think thats a great idea...as long as you're careful and smart about it

Answer 7

Well you can go on a tour which is a great easy and safe way for young European newbies (ppl who havent traveled by themselves through Europe b4)  to travel, but it might be past your budget.

But a great way seeing as you are by yourself is to pick a popular tourist spot...Like the amalfi coast or the French Riviera or the Greek islands (where I live) and get a Summer job!  They are usually p**s easy jobs like waiting tables or looking after a clothes shop and you will have your own apartment and you can go to the beach and live in a foreign community and finance your own trip!!  I came to the Greek islands in 2004 to work in a night club and I made so many female friends from different countries and I had so much fun, I rented a moped and buzzed about the island and we went to the beach and the tavernas and had cocktails before work.  It was  a blast!  Now believe it or not, I loved it so much here I married a local and we have a little girl.  Heaps of English uni students come here to work every year!  (well I mean in the islands, my island maybe just a handful)  

  message me if you want more info! :)

Answer 8

It's not a good idea to go on a tour through your native country alone at any age. I wouldn't do it.