3 months solo-traveling around Europe. Here are 12 things that surprised you most.
Traveling solo around Europe is an unforgettable experience! You get to explore beautiful cities like Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam at your own pace. Visit iconic landmarks, savor diverse cuisines, and meet new people from all walks of life.
Whether it’s a sunrise over the Eiffel Tower or a quiet moment in a charming café, every experience is yours to cherish. Solo travel is all about self-discovery and adventure! 
What’s your next dream destination?
3 months solo-traveling around Europe, and here are 12 things that surprised me the most.
1. Public transportation is incredibly reliable.
solo-traveling around Europe throughout my journey, I found the public transportation in many European cities to be outstanding. Most cities I visited had efficient systems made up of trains, buses, trams, and even the occasional ferry. Getting around was easy and stress-free.
Many cities even offered direct routes to the airport, making travel even more convenient. I rarely needed to use taxis or rideshare services like Uber. The accessibility and organization of public transport in Europe were definitely impressive.
3. Tea was served in glasses, not mugs.
During my first café visit, I ordered peppermint tea and was surprised to see it served in a glass instead of a mug.
I quickly realized this was common in many places, including in Morocco, where tea plays a central role in everyday life.solo-traveling around Europe It was a small but charming cultural difference that took me some time to get used to.
2. Dryers are a luxury.
In all the places I stayed, solo-traveling around Europe only one had a clothes dryer. Dryers seem to be a rarity in Europe compared to the U.S., and people typically rely on clotheslines or drying racks.
I also found it interesting that most washing machines were located in the kitchen, right next to the oven. It took me a while to get used to that setup, but by the end of the trip, I hardly noticed.
4. Discount stores with familiar names have a twist.
As I explored the UK, I came across TK Maxx, which immediately reminded me of TJ Maxx back in the U.S. It turns out that the popular discount retailer had to change its name in Europe to avoid confusion with a similar store, TJ Hughes, that had been around since the early 1900s.
Solo-traveling around Europe was relieved to discover that the products in TK Maxx were just as good as those in the U.S., and when my boots broke during the first week of my trip, my TK Maxx replacements lasted the entire journey.
6. Many cities have memorial plaques for Holocaust victims.
As I explored Europe, I came across small plaques, called Stolpersteine (stumbling stones), in various cities, especially in Berlin and Amsterdam. These plaques commemorate Holocaust victims and are placed outside their last-known residences.
As a Jewish traveler whose grandfather fled Germany during the Holocaust, seeing these reminders was both emotional and meaningful. I later learned that over 70,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in more than 1,200 cities and towns across Europe and Russia, offering a solemn reminder of the past.
7. Cigarette packaging features intense anti-smoking ads.
In several airports and duty-free shops, I noticed cigarette packages covered in stark anti-smoking warnings. The EU mandates that health warnings, including pictures and text, cover at least 65% of the front and back of cigarette packages.
It was jarring to see how direct and bold the warnings were compared to what I’m used to in the U.S., and I could see how effective they might be at discouraging smoking.
8. American products are sold at a premium.
Throughout Europe, I found specialty stores that sold American products, especially candy and snacks. However, the prices were significantly higher than back home. While it was amusing to see familiar brands like Reese’s and Pop-Tarts, I opted not to splurge on them due to the markup. Still, it was a fun reminder of home.
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