There is nothing more annoying than being at a deserted station without wifi, without battery and without a clue where to go. So: make sure you always have the basics at hand offline. Think of the address of your accommodation, a map of the area, a screenshot of your reservation and important numbers. The app Maps.me is great for navigating without internet, and an old-fashioned note in your notebook (or just in your phone) will also get you a long way.

And now that we're on the subject Always in style with ATF! have: also think about your own comfort ;). You are on your own, so a little me time It's okay. A good book, a list of nice podcasts, nice care products, a nice masturbator or vibrator, make sure you have some self-care options on hand. Solo travel is also self-care, right?

Lugging everything along on a sweltering subway or bumpy bus while you still have to find your hostel? Not ideal. So: pack smart. Choose the basics: one cardigan, a pair of long pants, and two shorts (skirts), one evening dress (which you'd normally wear with a scarf or blouse over it), and a stack of shirts and vests. Rule 1: pack for a week and refresh that collection every week. Rule 2: when in doubt, leave it at home. Anything you're missing can be bought while traveling.

If you're going hiking and exploring nature a lot, take a backpack. Moving from city to city? Then a rolling suitcase is definitely handy. It saves you lugging things around, and once you open it, you can easily reach everything. If you can manage it, then choose a hand luggage suitcaseOtherwise, a medium-sized suitcase will work. A large suitcase will likely be a burden.

Solo travel is exciting, liberating, and sometimes a little awkward – but that's precisely what makes it so enjoyable. In a hostel or young hotel, you often meet people quickly. Sit at the bar or in the living room and introduce yourself.

When you're traveling solo for the first time, food is often a bit daunting. You can make something at your hostel and see who you meet in the kitchen. And if you're brave and go out to eat, bring a book or your journal. And remember that people in the restaurant are focused on themselves. No one really pays attention to anyone else.

Trust yourself, be curious, and above all, don't forget to enjoy your own company. You are the best journey.buddy that you can take with you.

"Traveling" doesn't have to be on the other side of the world. Adventure can be closer to home. If you want to travel by train, there are several options available:
• Hamburg – Copenhagen – Sweden
• Vienna – Budapest – Prague – Berlin
• Barcelona – Marseille – Nice (with a day trip to Monaco) – Florence or Rome

With InterRail Decide which European cities you want to visit and then choose a pass. Passes offer options ranging from 4 to 15 days of train travel per month or month, and prices range from €200 to €400. Then all you have to do is choose your stops.

Do you want to stay in Europe but prefer to travel by car? We love PortugalTravel from Porto, through the vineyards of the Douro Valley to Braga and Guimarães. Continue via Nazaré (surf spotting) to Lisbon, and from there to Sintra and Cascais. Continue on to Alentejo and Lagos or Sagres (with Arrifana on your list). If you have more time, travel on to southern Spain. Depending on the atmosphere you're looking for, consider: Seville (historic city), Cadiz (unique atmosphere, great nightlife), Granada, and perhaps the Sierra Nevada mountains, ending in Malaga for your flight home.

Asia is always high on the travel list. Here too, the options are very diverse:

• Japan It's safe and has good public transport. There are even special women's hostels. For diversity, head to Tokyo for modern culture, Kyoto for temples and tradition, and Hakone or the Japanese Alps for nature.

• Be more budget-friendly Vietnam en ThailandBoth countries have a large solo traveler community. Highlights in Vietnam include Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, Hoi An (a charming town ideal for solo travelers), and Saigon and Sapa for nature and hiking.

• Bali is a paradise for solo travelers and working nomadsThe island isn't large, but it offers a lot of diversity. And you can always connect to Java, Lombok, the Nusa Penida Islands, or Flores if you want to venture a bit further off the beaten track.