With the promise of longer days and finer weather on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to start looking at solo holiday ideas in Europe. Whether you’re a people-watcher or an off-the-beaten-track explorer, there’s nothing quite like discovering a new city at exactly the right pace. And with solo travel more popular than ever, you can choose between surrounding yourself with new people or spending some coveted time alone. Here, we take a look at some of the best solo holiday ideas in Europe – all just a hop, skip, and a jump away from one of our ferry ports.
Relaxing retreat in Spa, Belgium
Built around warm, iron-rich springs, the original wellness town of Spa has been relaxing visitors since the 12th century. A history rooted in relaxation means there are plenty of beautiful spa resorts for you to choose from, such as Thermes de Spa, which opened in 1868. The treatments are only one part of the relaxation in Spa – soak in a hot Jacuzzi or sit in a steam room and let your stresses melt away.
Another thing that makes Spa one of the best solo holiday ideas in Europe is its incredible setting. Nestled in the Ardennes, the surrounding rolling hills are perfectly suited for long walks where you can truly escape reality.
City break in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Take advantage of the whatever, whenever, and wherever of solo travel by exploring one of Europe’s most unpredictable destinations. As well as holding all the typical charms of a coffee-sipping city break, Amsterdam is also the perfect spot for a plethora of new experiences.
Challenge your taste buds at the multi-sensory cocktail museum called The House of Bols, or take one of the free ferries from the Central Station to Veer Buiksloterweg for the EYE Filmmuseum. Alternatively, take the free 15-minute ferry ride to NDSM for the giant flea market and an urban collection of unique bars – the perfect spot for a quiet drink with a book during the day and catching some live performances in the evening.
Wine tasting in Bordeaux, France
Nothing says holiday quite like a smooth glass of red while sitting back to admire the vineyards stretching for miles under the sun. And the wine capital of France, Bordeaux, is a fantastic place to kick off your solo travels.
Many wine tour operators organise group trips to gorgeous vineyards, so you’ll meet plenty of new people to socialize with. Most of them also provide you with your own beautiful hotel accommodation, ready to welcome you home after a long day’s exploring.
If you prefer a glass of bubbly, then make sure to stop off at Champagne on your way down from Calais, where you can go on specialist tours led by the biggest luxury brands.
Ready to book one of these solo trips in Europe? Take a look at our ferry crossings today, and don’t forget to check out our top tips for solo travel in Europe too!