One of our members recently asked I have not been able to travel to Europe for many years. What is different? As a tour operator for women mainly coming solo, we hear this often. Traveling across the globe is daunting when alone. Since Covid isolation years, travel re-entry is more intense. Some of her answers are below.
The first difference is the impact of influencers vs. professional travel writers on your expectations. It is hard to find the pro’s amidst the influence chatter . To attract paid advertisers, influencers need angles. Something uniquely outrageous like insect ice cream or how to travel with one shoe. Joking…These writers are mainly solo travelers, younger, looking great never tired, while exploring the last undiscovered food/cave/trail/wine/beach.
What most of us want is quality; the best museums, the smartest guide, the fair priced local cuisine, the ‘one on one’ experience. My advice: read the pro’s, 3 of my favorites are Pauline Frommer, Peter Greenberg, Christoper Elliott (he fixes travel problems). Guidebooks are worth it: Frommers, Lonely Planet, Insight Guides, Rough Guides. Spend a few minutes at a book store or on line; check publication date. Borrow from your public library!
Europe is more crowded than many remember. In peak season (Summer), cities like Florence and Venice are “over touristed”. Over touristed means lines for museums, especially for the top ten. Academia in Florence is an example. Sidewalks are busy so pick pocketing could be an issue. Michelin restaurants might turn you away even with a concierge intro. Fear not, there is plenty left for you to see and eat. Delicious street food is everywhere. Tours like ours, pre-book your museum and site entry tickets for museums and choose good restaurants. Watch your wallet is true everywhere; just do it.
Clothes: everyone is casual. Go to Covent Garden for opera or ballet in famously formal London. You will see jeans. I am not advocating jeans for elegant Covent Garden; am just sharing that you will see jeans. One reason is: last minute discount tickets to venues are common. You buy a ‘rush ticket’ you walk right into the theater dressed as you are.
The smart phone rules. In front of the Leaning Tower in Pisa, is a forest of selfie takers. In the British Museum is a new crowd of visitors photographing the Rosetta Stone from every possible angle.
Brands are familiar; most European goods are sold in the US. Prices are not much different. What is different is colors (based on European preferences), adjusted shoe lasts, sizes (smaller). You can still find local styles even if from a market cart. Do not buy fakes– poor quality and often made by terribly paid workers. Be aware: if the store is luxury, you will be deposited on line outside. Hermes and Chanel are notorious for making you wait to spend your own money.
Cards vs cash; cards are king. Many places no longer accept cash. Some will take Amex without a pin; ask before you eat/shop. Bring your own bag or pay for one. Expect to ante up for public toilets; they are usually very clean. Plastic is disappearing so some places offer water to fill up your own bottles.
Finally check the paper currency you hoard, it might be obsolete.
We go to Paris, Greece and Istanbul slightly off season. Weather still good, but crowds gone. Travel tips from The Women’s Travel Group. See our tours: or contact us for more information. Call to hear a human voice: 646 309 5607.
