Europe is one of the safest places to travel when you are on your own and travelling Europe alone on a budget. It can be a great place to meet people and fellow travellers as well. We all know about the famous European must-visit spots like Barcelona, Paris, Berlin and London, but there is a lot more to the Euro experience than this. That is why we have picked out ten European destinations that may not be at the top of everybody's bucket list. They are all definitely worth a visit. And for each Country we have included one insider tip on a place to visit which is a little bit special.

Norway

The Land of the Midnight Sun is home to some of the most beautiful natural sights you will come across anywhere on your travels. Every summer in the northernmost part of the country days last 24 hours, making it the place where the midnight sun lasts the longest. Of course, the opposite is true in winter. Despite having to endure so much darkness the inhabitants of this country are regularly cited as being the happiest in the world. The capital Oslo is lovely – if expensive. As a solo traveller you will find the locals to be friendly and most fluently speak English.



Insider Tip: Check out the Vigeland Sculpture Park. It is the largest sculpture park in the world. It features hundreds of pieces which were created between 1907 and 1943 by artist Gustav Vigeland.

Italy

Nobody really needs an excuse to visit Italy, home of some of the most iconic destinations in the world. Rome, Milan, Venice are places that everybody should try to visit at least once in their lives. Roman architecture abounds. The works of great masters adorn churches and galleries, and the rich culture of this ancient country has touched much of the civilised world. That culture includes the famous Italian cuisine. When you think about how many food and drinks use Italian names in the English language it really emphasises how omnipresent Italian food has become. However, there is no substitute for sipping cappuccinos in Rome or sampling Neapolitan ice-cream in Naples.



Insider Tip: With so many fabulous places to visit, many people miss out on the beauty and charm of Lake Garda. Pay a visit and you won't be able to come back soon enough. And while you are there, stop in at the Osteria Gatto d'Oro for a meal. This quirky dining establishment is not to be missed.

Switzerland

Despite being in the heart of Europe, Switzerland has always held onto their own unique customs and culture. From yodelling to Alpine horn playing, Switzerland has a distinct identity which is all its own. Of course, this country is dominated by its Alpine mountain range, with the imposing Matterhorn having tempted climbers for generations. Of course, Switzerland is also famous for its clocks and watches, and it seems like everything runs on time here. As a solo traveller you can set your own agenda. Make sure to soak up as much of the atmosphere as you can on your visit.

Insider Tip: We recommend taking a trip to Gruyères, where you will find the incredible H.R. Giger museum. Trust us when we tell you that this is no ordinary museum. The creator of the monsters from the Alien movies having designed this place himself in trademark Gothic style.

Czechia

Formerly known as the Czech Republic, Czechia has almost become synonymous with its capital city of Prague. This beautiful chocolate-box-like city attracts millions every year, especially around Christmas time when the Christmas markets open. There are snow falls often to make the city look even more beautiful. Czech people are outdoor-lovers. Most of the locals love to escape the towns and European cities. They travel to go hiking or skiing in the beautiful natural mountains and lakes which are dotted around the country. Perhaps this love of exercising in the outdoors explains the heavy local diet of meat and dumplings, washed down by gallons of delicious locally-produced beers.



Insider Tip: Take a solo trip outside of Prague and discover the neglected city of Ostrava. Czechia’s third largest city is always in the shadow of the more glamorous capital but has its own unique charm. Fantastic restaurants, friendly people and a very low cost of living make this a great off-the-beaten-track destination for solo travellers.

Albania

Albania has long been the forgotten country of Europe. One day people are going to wake up and realise that this beautiful part of the world has a lot to offer. While near neighbours Greece and Croatia hoover up just about all of the tourists. Any solo travellers bold enough to take a trip to this relatively unknown land will be pleasantly surprised by what they find there. The climate is wonderful and you will find plenty of beaches along the coastline. But it is the opportunity to enjoy the culture and history of this fascinating country that is the big draw. Especially since you won’t have tens of thousands of other tourists stepping on your toes.

Insider Tip: Make sure to visit the Archaeological Park at Butrint to explore the Roman and Greek ruins. This is a beautiful natural site. You get to feel like an explorer as you wander around the centuries-old site without having to put up with crowds of people.

Finland

This Scandinavian country regularly tops the lists of safest countries in Europe. So it is one place that even the most timid of solo travellers should feel secure in. The least visited of the Scandinavian nations, Finland has a very unique feel thanks to its close (and sometimes uneasy) proximity to Russia. This is the home of the sauna, with an estimated 3 million saunas for the use of its 5 million inhabitants. While we may make the connection between Finland and vodka, they love their beers in this part of the world. Locals especially enjoy drinking a cool beer or cider while enjoying a sauna. Overcome your shyness and hookup in this most natural of Finnish customs.



Insider Tip: There is no better place to watch the incredible Northern Lights than from Finland. Rent out a glass igloo in the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort for a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget.

Hopefully you have found something to inspire you in our whistle-stop trip around some of Europe’s less visited places. There is more to a solo Europe trip than ticking off trips to Paris and Barcelona. You should take the time to explore more than just the traditional options. The map of Europe forms a rich and diverse tapestry. As a solo female traveler or singles you have the freedom to set your own itinerary. Traveling solo in Europe is easy thanks to the excellent public transportation networks which criss-cross the country. So why not take the time to opt for the road less travelled on your next vacation with our travel tips?