November 2025

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Giverny is known as the home to Monet’s gardens, but it is so much more than that. Giverny is a beautiful part of France that is home to different museums, sights, restaurants, and things to see.

You are guaranteed to have a good trip to Giverny if you keep these 5 things in mind. Some things have to do with Monet’s gardens and the others will help you explore other activities the area has to offer.

The biggest mistake you can make when visiting Giverny is to book a guided tour from Paris. A guided tour is expensive, and it often isn’t as convenient as taking the train.

Most guided tours use a bus as the mode of transportation. The freeways in France can get very busy, so if there is a traffic jam, you lose precious time you could have spent in Giverny stuck in traffic.

It is incredibly easy to get to Giverny from central Paris. If you want to learn how easy it is, check out the Giverny section of this post.

Guided tours are also extremely expensive whereas purchasing a train ticket and doing a self-guided tour is not. You won’t miss anything by skipping the guided tour from Paris.

You decided to opt out of a guided tour from Paris, but you are still interested in learning more about Monet’s gardens than you would be able to doing a self-guided tour.

Well, you’re in luck. You are able to reserve a guide through the Claude Monet Foundation that is licensed to tour you through the gardens and teach you about their history. You will want to book your guide in advance because they can be quite popular- especially during the peak summer season.

Reserving a guide through the Foundation allows you to get the in-deth knowledge a guided tour from Paris would give you, but you have a level of personal freedom you wouldn’t have if you booked a guided tour through a travel agency.

Vernon is a small town close to Monet’s gardens. Monet actually frequented it while he was alive.

It has a number of great restaurants with patios where you can sip wine and be inspired by the beautiful scenery. You can also take in the sights it has to offer. The Old Mill and Collégiale Notre-Dame church are two points of interest. Monet painted both of them, so you know they must be beautiful.

One of the most beautiful things you can do in Vernon is have a picnic lunch by the Seine. The views are breathtaking, and it is the perfect way to get away from the rest of the tourists.

Giverny is a popular tourist destination. Many guide books and online articles state Giverny is one of the most underrated tourist attractions in France, but it is still extremely busy.

People come from all over the world to see Monet’s gardens, and it is especially busy from the beginning of June through the beginning of September. If you can avoid those months, you will have a more pleasant and less crowded experience at Giverny.

April through May are, in my opinion, the best time to visit Giverny. The weather is decent, the flowers are in bloom, and it is during the shoulder season. You will not have as many crowds if you visit during a shoulder season, and this will allow you to enjoy the gardens more.

Monet’s gardens are open from the end of March to the 1st of November. If you can’t visit the gardens in April or May, October would be the next best time. The weather won’t be as nice in October, but the flowers will still be in bloom and the crowds will be minimal.

If you want a more unique experience in Giverny, you can take a hot air balloon ride. This gives you a bird’s eye view of the region and an experience that you won’t soon forget.

There are a number of companies you can book a hot air balloon ride through. You will want to book the ride early to ensure you get a spot because most balloons only have enough space for 3-4 passengers.

Booking a hot air balloon ride while in Giverny is perfect for couples looking for a romantic outing while in France. The only downside to this experience is the price tag. A hot air balloon ride can cost a couple hundred Euros per person, so you will need to evaluate how much you want to do it. But it would sure make a great story!

Giverny is famous for Monet’s gardens, and you should not miss touring them when you visit Giverny. They are stunning, relaxing, inspiring, and humbling. The amount of work the Foundation does to upkeep the plants is astonishing, and they do an amazing job.

However, Giverny deserves to be explored beyond Monet’s gardens. It is a special part of France that is often overlooked when people are creating their French travel itineraries. The best part of Giverny is that it can be explored in just one day from Paris, so there is no excuse not to go see it.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on my affiliate link and purchase something (at no additional cost to you!), I may earn a small commission that helps me keep the blog running. Thank you so much for your support!

Seoul and Busan are the two most popular cities in South Korea for tourists to visit. It is incredibly easy to travel from Busan to Seoul, so there is no excuse not to explore both these beautiful cities!

The easiest and most popular way to travel from Busan to Seoul is on the KTX high-speed train. It will get you from Busan to Seoul in under three hours, but it is the most expensive option. If you’re on a budget and can’t afford the KTX, the next best option is taking the slow train, but you’ll arrive at a train station outside of central Seoul and will have to take public transportation into the city centre, which will take upwards of 30 minutes.

You also have the option of taking a bus or flying from Busan to Seoul, but they are less popular and less convenient than taking the KTX or slow train.

No matter what transportation method you choose, it is easy and straightforward to travel between Busan and Seoul.

My personal preference is to take the KTX from Busan to Seoul. The convenience of the high-speed train is worth the additional price tag. Plus it drops you off in the heart of downtown Seoul, so it is super easy to get to your hotel or Airbnb.

But everybody has their own travel style and transportation preference, so this post is going to cover every transportation method you can take from Busan to Seoul.

It also discusses the pros and cons of each transportation method, so you can make an informed decision about what is best for you!

By the end of this article, you’ll be fully knowledgable about how to travel from Busan to Seoul and will be able to choose the best transportation method for you!

One of my least favourite parts of travel planning is figuring out how to travel from one city to another.

I normally find it difficult to find all the information I need in one place and have to spend way too long scouring the internet to put together a travel plan.

That’s why I love writing these transportation guides for you!

They contain all the information you need to plan you’re journey from one city to another.

If you’re travelling throughout South Korea, you may want to check out some of my other South Korean transportation guides:

The KTX is the most popular way to travel between cities in South Korea.

It is quick, efficient, clean, and comfortable. The only downside to the KTX is that it is the most expensive way to travel throughout Korea.

The convenience and efficiency of the KTX often makes it worth the higher price tag. Especially when you’re travelling across long distances like the journey from Busan to Seoul.

As mentioned in the introduction, the KTX journey from Busan to Seoul takes less than three hours!

That’s incredibly fast considering the two cities are 329km apart!

KTX trains depart from Busan to Seoul once (and sometimes twice during peak times) per hour and are direct.

You don’t need to worry about transferring trains! You get on in Busan and off in Seoul.

It doesn’t get any easier than that!

The price of a KTX ticket fluctuates.

It depends on what time of day and what day of the week you’re travelling. Tickets will cost more during peak times on the weekend and less on off-peak times on weekdays.

In general, a KTX ticket from Busan to Seoul will cost you between 53,000 won and 60,000 won. That is approximately $44USD to $50USD.

They certainly aren’t cheap, but they are oftentimes worth the splurge!

You can purchase KTX tickets either online or in person.

No matter how you choose to purchase your tickets, I recommend you purchase them at least 24 hours in advance.

The earlier the better, but a day in advance is the latest I would leave purchasing KTX tickets. Especially if you’re travelling on the weekend or during a holiday!

You can purchase your tickets up to a month in advance if you’re really planning ahead!

Purchasing your tickets online is the easiest way to get your KTX tickets.

You can purchase your tickets through the Korean Rail website. They have an English version of their site and accept foreign credit cards, so it is super easy to get your hands on a KTX ticket!

The website will tell you that you need to print out a hard copy of your ticket before boarding the train.

That is what I always personally do because I’ve always had access to a printer.

I’ve heard from many people that you don’t really need to have a hard copy of your ticket and that an electronic copy of the ticket on your phone will suffice.

If you have access to a printer, you should definitely print out your ticket and take it with you on the train, but I wouldn’t stress out too much if you don’t have access to a printer.

Just make sure you have a copy of your ticket on your phone that can be enlarged. That way the ticket agent can easily scan and view your ticket.

The other option you have to purchase a KTX ticket is going to the train station and getting your ticket in person.

You can either purchase your ticket from a teller at a ticket booth or at an electronic ticket machine.

The tellers are the only place you can pay for your ticket in cash, so if you are looking to pay with cash, you’ll have to go to the station and purchase your ticket from human ticket salesperson.

I personally think purchasing your ticket online is a better option than buying it in person. It isn’t really the best use of your time to trek all the way to the train station, stand in line, buy your ticket, and then continue on with your day.

All KTX trains depart from Busan Station.

Busan Station is located along metro line 1 and is just seven stops away from Seomyeon, which is the most popular area in Busan for tourists to stay.

It is super central and super easy to get to!

The KTX arrives at Seoul Station.

This is super convenient because Seoul Station is located in the heart of central Seoul. You can easily jump on the metro or bus and get to where you’re staying quickly and easily.

The KTX is the only form of transportation from Busan to Seoul that drops you off at Seoul Station.

If you’re staying in central Seoul, the convenience of arriving at Seoul Station is unbeatable!

• Quickest way to travel from Busan to Seoul
• Comfortable and clean with lots of luggage storage
• Drops you off in central Seoul

• The most expensive form of transportation

The next best option is to take a slow train from Busan to Seoul.

The slow train takes quite a bit longer than the KTX, but it is significantly more affordable and still a fairly comfortable experience.

This is definitely the option to choose if you’re on a budget!

The travel times vary quite a bit with the slow train.

The journey takes longer during peak times and on weekends because the slow train needs to keep stopping on the tracks to let the KTX pass.

A slow train from Busan to Seoul will take between 4.5 and 5.5 hours on average.

There are a very few occasions where the slow train will take about as long as the KTX, but those are few and far between.

They also tend to be during very off-peak times when the tracks are quiet. We’re talking middle of the night and wee hours of the morning.

Not the times of the day most people choose to travel, so your slow train from Busan to Seoul will most likely fall into the 4.5 to 5.5 hour category.

If you choose to take the slow train, you’re probably looking at spending your entire day in transit so don’t make any plans for the day you arrive in Seoul!

Just like the travel time, the cost of slow train tickets vary significantly.

A ticket from Busan to Seoul on the slow train will cost you between 28,000 won and 52,000 won. That is approximately $28USD to $43USD.

The cost of your ticket directly correlates to how long the journey.

The longer the journey the cheaper the ticket.

The shorter the journey the more expensive the ticket.

Some of the slow train tickets cost almost the same as a KTX ticket. In those cases, you should seriously consider spending the extra money on a KTX ticket to save time and arrive in central Seoul.

But if you don’t mind spending 5.5 hours on a train, getting a ticket from Busan to Seoul for only 28,000 won is a pretty sweet deal and is about half the price of a KTX ticket!

You purchase slow train tickets exactly the same way you purchase KTX tickets.

They can be purchased online through the Korean Rail website or in person at the train station.

Both methods work equally as well- although I still favour purchasing my ticket online in advance.

It is less important to purchase your slow train tickets in advance because they don’t sell out like the KTX sometimes does, but it is still a good idea to get your ticket a day or two in advance to ensure you get a seat you like!

Slow trains don’t depart as frequently as the KTX, so if you have a specific train you need to catch, you’ll want to book your ticket as early as possible.

Ticket sales open up a month in advance just like the KTX.

Slow trains depart from Busan Station.

Busan Station is the main transportation hub in the city, so it is where nearly all forms of transportation depart from.

This makes it super easy to ensure you’re going to the right place. It is pretty hard to go to the wrong station when there is only one to choose from!

There are three different types of slow trains in South Korea: ITX, SRT, and Mungunghwa.

Each train type arrives at a different location in Seoul, so you’ll need to pay attention to that when you book your ticket.

You’ll either arrive at Yongsan Station, Suseo Station, or Yeongdeungpo Station.

A few ITX trains arrive at Seoul Station. Those trains are few and far between, so you’ll most likely arrive at one of the other three stations.

All three of the main stations the slow trains arrive at are outside of central Seoul, so you’ll have to figure out how to get to your accommodation on public transportation from these stations.

It takes at least half an hour to get to central Seoul from all of these train station and can take up to an hour.

Be sure to take that into consideration when you’re deciding what mode of transportation to take from Busan to Seoul.

• Affordable
• Comfortable and clean
• Nice to be able to get up and walk around during the journey

• Takes quite a bit longer than the KTX
• Most trains arrive outside of central Seoul
• Not as much luggage space as the KTX

The third option you have is to take a bus from Busan to Seoul.

Buses in South Korea are actually quite nice and comfortable. They are large coach-style buses with luggage storage under the bus.

So you don’t have to worry about finding a place to store your luggage like you do on the KTX and slow trains.

I’ve ridden a number of inter-city buses in South Korea and have always had an excellent experience.

The downside to the buses is that they are a bit slow, can get stuck in a traffic jam, and arrive outside of central Seoul.

The bus ride from Busan to Seoul takes approximately 4 hours assuming there isn’t a ton of traffic.

You probably won’t have an issue with traffic on the highway, but you may run into heavy traffic when you get closer to Seoul.

Buses often have a dedicated driving lane, so they aren’t as susceptible to traffic jams as a normal car. But they can still happen!

I don’t recommend you make any plans for the first few hours after you’re supposed to arrive in Seoul.

That gives you some wiggle room in case the bus is delayed!

A bus ticket from Busan to Seoul will cost you between 23,000 won and 37,000 won. That is approximately $19USD to $30USD.

The variation in the ticket price comes down to the bus company you use and whether you’re on an “express” bus or not.

There isn’t a huge difference in the ticket prices, so I wouldn’t worry too much about getting on the “cheapest” bus.

Just like the KTX and slow train, you can either purchase your tickets online or in person.

I recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance because they offer a slight discount.

You can purchase your bus tickets online through the Korean Bus website.

Just like the Korean Railway website, the bus website has an English version and accepts foreign credit cards.

It is super simply to use, and you can use an electronic version of your ticket unlike the KTX or slow trains.

You also get the following discounts if you purchase your tickets online:

• 10% off if you purchase your ticket at least 48 hours before departure
• 10% off if you purchase a roundtrip ticket
• 10% off if you reserve one of the 4 seats at the very back of the bus

These discounts definitely make it worthwhile to book your ticket in advance!

Who doesn’t want to save 10% just by buying a ticket 2 days in advance?! I sure do!

The other option you have is purchasing your bus ticket in person.

There aren’t ticketing machines that sell bus tickets, so you’ll have to purchase your ticket from a teller. If you want to use cash, this is the method for you!

Buses don’t tend to sell out, so you can easily show up a few minutes before a bus departs and still get a ticket.

It is perfect for spontaneous people!

Just be sure to leave yourself a few extra minutes in case there is a line at the ticket booth!

I doubt you’re surprised to learn that buses depart from Busan Station.

It really the transportation hub in Busan!

All buses arrive at Seoul Gyeongbu Bus Station. It is also commonly referred to at Seoul Express Bus Station.

They are one in the same, but it can get confusing when the station has two common names!

Seoul Gyeongbu Bus Station is located on the opposite side of the Han River from central Seoul, so you’ll have to use public transportation to get to your accommodation.

It takes approximately 30 minutes to get from the bus station to Seoul Station, and you can use either the metro or city bus to get there.

It is a bit of a pain, but it is your only option if you’re taking the bus from Busan to Seoul.

• Least expensive mode of transportation
• Super easy luggage storage
• Has window shade to block the sun

• Fairly long journey time
• Bus arrives outside of central Seoul
• Can be delayed due to traffic

Your final option is flying between the two cities.

Flying is not recommended.

It is the most expensive, time consuming, and environmentally damaging way to travel from Busan to Seoul.

The flight itself is only an hour.

However, you have to take into consideration everything else that comes along with flying.

You have to arrive at the airport early enough to check in, go through security, and board the plane.

Then you have to fly to Seoul.

Finally, you have to wait for the plane to taxi, wait your turn to get off the plane, get any baggage you checked, and navigate your way into Seoul and wherever you’re staying.

The flight might not be long, but the entire process of flying is a time suck.

Flying is easily the most time consuming way to travel from Busan to Seoul.

The cost of plane tickets vary drastically.

It depends on how close to your date of departure you purchase the ticket, what day of the week you travel on, what time of day the flight leaves, what airline you fly, and so much more.

It is impossible for me to give you an accurate plane ticket price since there are so many variables.

What I can tell you is that you can find some great flight deals within Korea.

In some cases, you can get a one-way flight from Busan to Seoul for less than the cost of a KTX ticket!

I always like to start looking for flights on Skyscanner and then compare their price with the price listed directly on the airline’s website.

This way you know you’re getting the best ticket price!

All flights in and out of Busan depart from Busan International Airport (Gimhae).

Busan International Airport is super close to downtown Busan, and it doesn’t take long to get to the airport.

I always take a taxi from my hotel to the airport. It has never cost my more than 10,000 won (about $8USD).

It is way more convenient than taking public transportation. You’ll have to transfer lines at least once if you take the metro and airport buses stops are fairly spread out around the city.

You will land at either Incheon International Airport or Gimpo Airport.

Both airports are located a fair way outside of central Seoul, so you’ll have to use public transportation to get wherever you’re staying.

It takes about an hour to get to Seoul Station from Incheon International Airport and about 25 minutes from Gimpo Airport.

Flights that land in Gimpo Airport will be less expensive than flights that land at Incheon International Airport, so you’ll likely be landing at Gimpo Airport.

Just jump on the metro at the airport, and you’ll in downtown Seoul in less than half an hour!

If you land at Incheon International Airport, you can either take the metro or an airport bus.

I prefer taking the airport bus because it is more relaxing, and I’m guaranteed a seat. The bus is slightly more expensive than the metro though. Keep that in mind when choosing how to get from the airport to Seoul!

• Can be less expensive than the KTX
• Convenient if you’re flying out of Seoul on the same day

• Very time consuming
• Not good for the environment
• Have luggage and liquid restrictions

As you can see, there are a number of different ways you can travel from Busan to Seoul.

They all have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to you to choose which method is best for you and your travel style.

My personal preference is the KTX. I like how quick it is and that it drops me off at Seoul Station. I’m a sucker for little conveniences like that!

But you may be on a tight budget and choose to take the bus or slow train even though the arrival location isn’t the most convenient.

That’s the beauty of having so many transportation options!

If you’re wondering how to pass your time while travelling from Busan to Seoul, be sure to check out my in-depth post all about wifi in Korea for tourists!

It has all the information you need to navigate the wifi situation in Korea.

And don’t forget to use a VPN to protect your online data when on the road!

You never know who’s looking at your online activity without your consent!

Wifi and online safety aside, Busan, Seoul, and South Korea as a whole are amazing! You’ll have a great trip, be immersed in an incredible culture, and eat delicious food.

There is hardly a country in the world I love as much as South Korea, and I hope your trip makes you love it as much as I do!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on my affiliate link and purchase something (at no additional cost to you!), I may earn a small commission that helps me keep the blog running. Thank you so much for your support!

I love a good solo Disney trip, but it can be quite intimidating if you’re an introvert like me!

If you’re an introvert planning your first solo Disney trip, there are so many unknowns that can make you anxious and even scare you out of booking a solo trip to Disney!

Is it going to be awkward eating alone? Am I going to look weird getting photos of just me? Am I going to die of boredom waiting in ride lines? Is it even worth the cost of going to Disney alone? A Disney trip is really expensive, you know.

I completely understand all the questions swirling around in your brain as you contemplate booking a solo Disney trip.

This post is going to answer all those questions and more!

By the time you’re done reading this post, you’ll be armed with all the information you need to decide whether going to Disney alone is a good option for you or not.

Going on a solo Disney trip always so much fun for me! I’ve never had a bad experience while at Disney alone, and I hope this post gives you the confidence boost you need to book a solo trip to Disney!

There are a lot of people on the internet who write posts about things they don’t know anything about.

I wanted to share my history of going on solo Disney trips to show you that I know what I’m talking about and have the real answers you need. I haven’t just Googled “solo Disney trip” and regurgitated the information I found online.

I’m a self-proclaimed queen of introverts and have been on many solo Disney trips in the past few years. They’ve all been wonderful, and I didn’t feel like my introversion held me back at all!

• June 2017: Shanghai Disneyland (my personal favourite Disney park!)
• September 2018: Disneyland (the trip that gave me the official status of visiting every Disney park in the world!)
• September 2018: Walt Disney World (I went straight from Disneyland to Disney World!)
• November 2018: Tokyo Disney Resort (celebrated Tokyo Disneyland’s 35th anniversary!)

As you can see, I’ve been on solo Disney trips all around the world and have a lot of experience hanging out in Disney parks alone.

I’m an experienced solo travellers, so I’m pretty good at being alone and travelling alone.

Even though I am an experienced solo traveller, I was nervous about what a solo Disney trip would look like before I went to Shanghai Disneyland.

I was probably in a better position confidence wise when I went on my solo Disney trip, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t go on a solo Disney trip yourself!

You’ll quickly build up your confidence and be booking more solo Disney trips in the future!

One of the most nerve wrecking parts of travelling alone to Disney (or anywhere for that matter) is the issue of dining alone.

Everybody has that fear of looking like a werido dining alone or feeling like everybody is starting at you and judging you for eating alone.

I’ve been there for sure, but I can tell you from personal experience you get used to eating alone, and it starts to feel very normal and not scary at all.

Especially at Disney.

Absolutely nobody is judging you for eating alone at Disney. Heck. Most people are so consumed with chasing down their children that they don’t even notice anybody else in the restaurant. They certainly don’t notice you.

There are some tips and tricks to get more comfortable with eating alone that I’m going to share with you though!

The easiest way to get comfortable eating alone is eating at quick service restaurants. Quick service restaurants are Disney-speak for fast food-type restaurants where you order at a counter, wait for your food, then find a place to eat.

They are a lot less intimidating than table service restaurants because you’re able to control the experience.

You can choose what table you eat at, so you can easily choose a table in corner and eat with your back facing the rest of the restaurant.

You also control how long you’re in the restaurant. Since you already have your food when you sit down, you don’t have to wait for a waiter to take your order and for your food to be prepared before you get to eat.

Your time sitting alone in a restaurant is greatly decreased when dining at a quick service restaurant. You can eat as quickly as you want and then leave the restaurant in just ten minutes if you choose.

Quick service restaurants give you the ability to make the dining experience how you want it. This allows you to feel more comfortable dining alone and helps you build you confidence to move onto other forms of dining.

The next step to take in the journey of becoming comfortable eating alone while on a solo Disney trip is eating at a lounge or bar.

I love eating in lounges and bars when I travel alone.

It is a great way to break the ice of eating in a table service restaurant alone, but it doesn’t feel weird. Eating alone at bars and in lounges is actually quite common.

You’ll fit right in!

One of the great things about eating at a bar is that your back is normally to the rest of the restaurant. The only people you’re able to see is the bartender and the other people eating at the bar.

You completely forget that there is an entire restaurant behind you, and you feel like you’re in your own little world.

I highly, highly recommend you give eating at a bar or lounge a try while hanging out at Disney alone.

You’ll get to try some amazing food that you can’t get at quick service restaurants, and I’m confident you’ll have a great experience.

Cast members are so kind, and you’ll never feel weird or awkward.

You might have to be 21 or over to sit at a bar or in a lounge, but you don’t need to order alcohol. However, since Disney is such a family-friendly place, there are plenty of bars and lounges you can eat at even if you’re not legal drinking age.

The final step in eating alone while on a solo Disney trip is taking the plunge and eating at a table service restaurant. A table service restaurant is a restaurant where you’re sat, a waiter takes your order, you wait for your food to arrive, you eat, and then you pay when you leave.

I know it sounds intimidating if this is your first time eating at a table service restaurant alone, but there is no better place to have your first solo dining experience than at a Disney park!

Cast members will never make you feel uncomfortable or weird for dining alone.

You’ll be treated just like everybody else in the restaurant!

Plus, as mentioned before, everybody else is so consumed in their own world that they won’t even notice.

I know that sounds like a cliche, but it is 100% true.

Seriously, when was the last time you paid the other people in a restaurant a lot of attention?! You probably just scan the restaurant then become completely consumed with the experience you’re having.

Disney has some incredible table service restaurants, and it would be a shame to miss out on them just because you are self conscious about dining alone.

If you’re an introvert, interacting with characters at the best of times is intimidating. I feel your pain!

And that uncomfortable, introverted feeling you may have about interacting with characters (especially face characters who have a conversation with you) can be magnified.

The truth is that even if you’ve interacted with a lot of characters before, it never feels completely comfortable. Or at least it doesn’t for me.

You get more used to it and know what to expect, which helps a lot.

I do have a few tips to help my fellow introverts who are meeting characters while on a solo Disney trip.

They’ve helped me a lot in the past and hope they help you! And save you the pain of trying to learn them by trial and error.

The good thing about Disney characters is that they are trained to lead the conversation.

They’re used to interacting with introverted guests and children and have no problem being the more talkative person.

It is actually quite fun to just listen to the characters talk for a little while. They always speak about their own storyline or universe, and you might get to learn something new about them.

Of course you normally have to talk a little bit.

Most of the time you can get away with giving basic answers to their questions then they’ll take the lead again.

The fur characters lead the conversation as well although it can sometimes be a bit difficult to catch on to what they’re saying. Their character attendant will help you out if you’re really struggling though!

Fur characters will point at things to indicate what they’re talking about or trying to show you. They could point to their backdrop, a cool clothing item you’re wearing, and anything in between.

Whether you’re interacting with a face character who speaks or a fur character who uses gestures to speak, they’ll lead the conversation if you’re not comfortable taking on that role.

This is my best piece of advice when it comes to meeting Disney characters as an introvert.

It is so much easier and less intimidating to meet fur characters than face characters. To this day, I still prefer meeting fur characters and only meet face characters when I’m in the mood for it.

As mentioned above, fur characters can’t speak. That, to me, makes it less scary and easier to manage as an introvert on a solo Disney trip.

Fur characters are a great starting point to work up your confidence and how comfortable you are meeting characters before you start meeting face characters.

I have a couple of posts dedicated to meeting Disney characters. They go way more in depth than this post, so you may be interested in checking them out.

This was the part of my first solo Disney trip that made me the most nervous. Especially since I was visiting Shanghai Disneyland during their first anniversary and knew the wait times were going to be long!

I didn’t have to worry because the lines were much less boring than I anticipated.

I took the time to enjoy the theming in the ride queues and then wasted the rest of my time scrolling through social media on my phone.

Gotta love it when wifi comes to your rescue!

I also had a book in my backpack, but I never ended up pulling it out to read while waiting for a ride. It did come in handy when waiting for parades though!

You don’t really need to worry about how you’re going to pass your time while waiting in ride lines on a solo Disney trip. Wifi has you covered!

It is a great time to fill your loved ones back home in what you’re up to. I always send my parents pictures and updates while I’m waiting to get on a ride. It keeps them up to date (and jealous) and helps me kill some time.

It is a win-win!

There is no better time to take advantage of single rider lines than when you’re on a solo Disney trip!

They were made for people like you, and you should use them as often as you can.

A single rider line often (but not always) moves faster than the normal line. People in the single rider line are used to fill empty seats, so the ride is always filled to capacity.

If a ride vehicle holds three people per row, and there is a group of two in the normal queue, a personal from the single rider queue will be used to fill the empty seat.

Single rider lines are a great way to use your Disney time efficiently and cut down on how long you’re standing in lines.

There are a couple of rides that don’t have very good single rider lines. In my experience, rides like Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster and the Incredicoaster that have two seats per row have a very slow moving single rider line.

I often hop in the normal line for these two rides because it is often quicker that way.

I highly recommend you use the single rider lines for other rides though! Rides like Test Track and Radiator Springs Racers that have three seats per row are perfect for single riders.

The single rider line for those-types of rides always moves super quickly!

Yes! A thousand times yes!

You should still get Fastpasses when you’re on a solo Disney trip. They’ll save you even more time than the single rider line.

The best part about getting Fastpasses while on a solo Disney trip is that since there is only one of you, you’re more likely to score a Fastpass for the most popular attractions that always run out quickly!

I’ve had amazing luck getting popular Fastpasses when at Disney alone. I’ve even gotten some same-day Fastpasses for popular attractions like Slinky Dog Dash.

You should get your Fastpasses as soon as you possibly can!

In Disney World, that means booking your Fastpass+ selections 60 days in advance if you’re staying on property and 30 days in advance if you’re staying off property.

For the rest of the Disney parks around the world, this means getting your Fastpasses the day you’re in the park. You’ll still be more likely to get good Fastpass selections, but you’ll have to work harder for them and have a strategy in place.

I have a number of posts about Fastpasses that go more in depth about Fastpass strategy and what Fastpasses are worth it and which are:

Of course! And plenty of them too.

Every Disney park in the world now offers photopass, so you can get professional photographs taken of you.

You can also ask a cast member to take a photo of you, and they’ll be more than happy to help you out. I’ve also had many instances where a fellow guest has taken a photo of me, and I’ve taken a photo of them.

There are lots of different options to choose from, but you’ll for sure be able to get some photos of yourself while on a solo Disney trip.

Photopass photographers and cast members will not think you’re weird for being alone at Disney and wanting your photo taken.

Most guest won’t either! Especially if you ask childless adult guests to take your photo. They understand the love of Disney as an adult!

It might be awkward and uncomfortable the first few times you get your photo taken alone, but it quickly wears off. Photopass photographers do a great job of making you forget that there are thousands of people around, and you feel like it is just you and the photographer.

I wouldn’t let being on a solo Disney trip prevent you from getting photos taken of yourself! You’ll want those memories for the rest of your life.

Going on your first solo Disney trip is exciting, and you’ll want the photographic evidence.

The first step in knowing what to expect while on a solo Disney trip is reading blogs like this one. So congrats on taking the first step!

You’ll also want to be emotionally prepared for the crowds, weather, food, and transportation.

Research the aspects of a Disney trip that you’re not familiar with and become familiar with them.

This will help you be prepared and confident when entering your first Disney park alone.

Having a plan will help you keep busy at Disney and always know what you plan on doing next.

I like to have an idea of what rides I want to ride, what food I want to eat, if I want to watch a parade or stage show, and any characters I want to meet.

This helps cut down on the decision making time, which is normally the time I’m standing around by myself trying to decide what to do next.

I know being an introvert doesn’t equate with being anxious, but it does for me.

I try to have a plan of what I’m going to do in case I have an anxiety attack and need to calm myself down.

Whether it is a plan to go back to the hotel, find a bathroom, or go on a dark ride, I like to have an anxiety plan when I’m at Disney.

Oddly enough, the two times I’ve had an anxiety attack at Disney was when I was travelling with other people.

But it is good to have a plan just in case. I actually have an anxiety plan whenever I’m travelling alone and would highly recommend you have one too.

My general travel anxiety plan is to go back to the hotel, and I always book an extra day in a city just in case I spend most of a day at the hotel.

But booking an extra day at Disney is awful expensive, so I don’t really recommend that.

You’re at Disney! Nobody is paying any attention to you so walk with your head high. Nobody will give you a second look.

Having confidence makes your solo Disney trip so much better!

You’re not afraid to do things, and you’re more willing to try new things.

I know it is easier said than done but just fake it until you become it!

There are tons of people who go on solo Disney trips!

There are always people on solo Disney trips in the parks, but you don’t notice them because they blend into the crowds.

Just because you’re on a solo Disney trip doesn’t mean you stick out like a sore thumb!

I thoroughly believe that most people should go on a solo Disney trip. It is a great experience and some of my fondest memories.

There are some people, however, that may not enjoy a solo Disney trip as much as the average person.

You may want to think long and hard about going on a solo Disney trip if you fall into one of the below categories.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t go on a solo Disney trip if you fall into one of these categories, but you should just evaluate whether or not you would enjoy a solo Disney trip.

• You don’t really like rides and enjoy the atmosphere more than anything else
• You’re hyper-dependent on other people and won’t do anything alone
• You have a bare bones budget and wouldn’t be able to do anything other than go to the parks, stay in the cheapest hotel, and eat the cheapest food (no snacks!). You may want to save up for another year before you book your trip, so you can experience more of the Disney magic

I hope this post helps you decide whether you want to book a solo Disney trip as an introvert!

Solo Disney trips are so much fun, and I would hate for you to miss out on the Disney magic due to being an introvert.

I fully understand that it can be awkward and intimidating to go on a trip to Disney alone, but it doesn’t have to be! It gets much, much more comfortable the longer you’re at Disney and the more solo Disney trips you take.

Let me know in the comments below if you’ve been on a solo Disney trip before and what your favourite part of the trip was!

Say hi to Mickey for me next time you’re at Disney!!

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Many people are worried about taking a solo trip to Disney World. They think they might stand out or won’t have any fun on a solo Disney trip.

I’ve been to Disney World alone a number of times, and it has always been a really fun experience.

In some cases, going to Disney World alone was more fun than going with family or friends!

You have so much freedom on a solo trip to Disney World. You choose what you want to do and when you want to do it.

And if you want to completely change your plans on the drop of a dime, you can! You don’t have to consult with the rest of your group.

It can be very liberating!

However, there are some important things you need to know before going to Disney World alone.

A few things you have to consider and a few extra tips to get the most out of your solo Disney trip.

Luckily, I’ve compiled everything I’ve learned through my many, many solo Disney experiences and am sharing them with you!

You’re guaranteed to have a magical trip!

Tips for flying alone for the first time

Okay. Okay. You may hear the phrase stay at a Disney hotel and start to hear your wallet crying.

Disney hotels are notorious for being expensive, but I think they are well worth the price- especially when you’re alone at Disney World.

The main reason I think staying on property is a great decision for people visiting Disney World alone is the free transportation provided by Disney.

Disney free transportation that you can take from your hotel to each of the four theme parks and Disney Springs.

Every hotel has buses, and some hotels have one or two other modes of transportation (either the monorail, skyliner, or boat).

You can easily get around the entire Disney World property without much hassle. You don’t have to rent a car and drive yourself or worry about paying for an Uber every time you want to go somewhere.

I’ve heard some people complain about Disney buses specifically saying they’re too few and far between and take ages to get anywhere.

I’ve never ever had that issue, and I’ve stayed at a number of hotels across Disney World property.

I prefer to be at the parks early for rope drop and come home before park closing, so that’s probably why I’ve never had an issue.

If you like to get a later start or stay later at the park, you may want to consider a hotel that has access to transportation other than the buses.

There are other perks that come with staying at a Disney hotel that are just the cherry on top!

Extra magic hours, coupons for mini golf, and the ability to book individual Lightening Lane passes before the park opens.

All things considered, the extra cost of staying at a Disney hotel is well worth it in my opinion.

I love love love Photopass. I’ll scream it from the rooftops and never stop talking about it.

I tell everybody I know who is going to Disney World to invest in Photopass. A lot of people are hesitant, but they always tell me how much they loved it after their trip and how they’ll never do another Disney trip without out.

And I don’t blame them! I’m the same way!

Photopass is an additional add-on feature you can add to your Disney trip. You get unlimited photo downloads of the photos Photopass photographers take of you.

There are countless photo opportunities throughout the park, and most people walk away with hundreds of photos after a week-long vacation.

You get photos in front of the castle at Magic Kingdom, throughout the World Showcase in Epcot, with characters, and sometimes there is a Photopass photographer wandering around Disney Springs.

The possibilities are truly endless.

As someone taking a solo trip to Disney World, you don’t have a friend or family member to take your photo during your trip.

You either have to take selfies, not have any photos of you on your trip, or invest in Photopass.

And Photopass is without a doubt the best option.

Oh! I totally forgot to mention there are even magic shots included with Photopass when the photographer adds an extra little something something into your photo. Most of the time it is a Disney character joining you!

If you want to get Photopass, be sure to purchase it before the start of your trip. If you decide you want to purchase it once your vacation begins, the price goes up quite a bit.

But, seriously, invest in Photopass. You can thank me later. 😉

When I visit Disney World with friends and family, we tend not to park hop very often. Maybe once a trip if at all.

There are so many things everybody wants to do in each park, and it is often easier to dedicate an entire day to a single park.

Either that or we lose track of time and don’t end up park hopping because it is so late in the day!

But, that isn’t the case when I’m on a solo trip to Disney World.

I park hop like nobody’s business and visit multiple parks per day pretty much every day I’m at Disney World.

There is something about having the freedom to do what I want when I want that ends up in me popping over to Epcot for a quick bite to eat or to Hollywood Studios to ride a thrill ride.

Having a park hopper ticket certainly isn’t essential if you’re going to Disney World alone, but you may want to consider it more than you do on other Disney World vacations.

If there is one trip you’re going to park hop on, it will be a solo Disney trip!

Click here and use code TRAVELSWITHERICA for 10% off my favourite Instagram presets!

Single rider lines are a huge time saver. Even if you’re at Disney World with a group of people, taking advantage of single rider lines is still a good idea.

A single rider line is a special line you can use to save time at Disney World. People in the single rider line are used to fill empty seats on a ride, so the ride is always at capacity.

For example, if a ride allows three people per row, and the group in the regular queue only has two people in it, someone from the single rider line will be used to fill the empty seat.

You cannot choose what seat you get, and you will be separated from the rest of your party using the single rider line.

Not that that’s an issue when you’re on a solo trip to Disney World!

Some single rider lines move quite quickly (like Test Track) and some move quite slowly (like Rock ‘N’ Rollercoaster), but they should all save you at least a little bit of time compared to the regular queue.

If you’re lucky, you may even be able to walk onto a ride like Test Track through the single rider line and skip the 90-minute wait!

Unfortunately, not may rides at Disney World offer single rider lines, but if you see one, jump into it!

These are the rides that currently offer single rider lines:

• Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom

• Rock ‘N’ Rollercoaster at Hollywood Studios

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Hollywood Studios

Of the rides that offer single rider lines, using them at Test Track and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will save you the most time.

Those single rider lines move very quickly and save you a ton of time.

Sometimes it can be intimidating to have a sit down meal at Disney World. Many solo travellers choose to only eat at quick service restaurants and skip table service restaurants altogether.

That is a huge mistake!

Disney World has incredible table service restaurants, and you’re missing out if you skip eating at them.

Plus, cast members are so kind to solo travellers. They often go above and beyond to make sure you feel comfortable.

Anything you need or want, they’ll do their best to do for you.

At a lot of table service restaurants, you can ask to sit in a corner or at a table facing the window.

This will help you feel more comfortable and better ignore the other people dining.

And remember! The other people are paying no attention to you. I know solo travellers hear that all the time, but it is even more true at Disney World.

The poor suckers around you are busy wrangling their children or resting their exhausted feet.

They don’t give a hoot what is going on around them and won’t bat an eye at you eating alone.

Unique tips for eating alone

If I didn’t sell you on eating alone at table service restaurants, don’t discount the Epcot festivals as the perfect place to try unique food without having to eat at a traditional restaurant.

Epcot hosts four festivals every year:

• Flower and Garden Festival (my personal favourite)

Each festival includes food booths that feature special items from different countries. The serving sizes are small (often only a couple of bites), so you can easily try a whole bunch of different things from various countries.

It is a super fun way to have a unique meal at Disney World.

Just be sure to make a budget and stick to it! It is super easy to get carried away and spend way too much money sampling all the food.

You can load money onto a gift card at Epcot. It makes for a super cute souvenir and the perfect way to stop yourself from going bankrupt.

Once the money you loaded onto the card is gone, you have to stop sampling all the food!

Meeting characters may not be at the top of your list of things to do on your solo trip to Disney World, but you shouldn’t miss out on them.

Meeting characters was never my jam until I started taking solo Disney trips. I randomly started meeting characters the first time I went to Shanghai Disneyland as a way to pass the time during the middle of the day when the ride longs were way too long.

Ever since then, I’ve taken the time to meet a few characters on every solo Disney trip.

It is kind of fun, and you get some amazing photos when you have Photopass.

You make some great memories meeting characters, and the characters often spend a few extra seconds with you to make it an even more special experience.

The best park to meet characters in without a long wait is Epcot. Many characters wander around the World Showcase and don’t have more than a five-minute wait to meet them!

Tips for meeting characters at Magic Kingdom

Disney World offers guests a number of add on experiences you can purchase including special events like Mickey’s Not-So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

These two events give you an extra taste of the holiday season.

You see the characters dressed up in their special Halloween customs or Christmas outfit, there are special parades and shows, an exclusive firework show, and you either get to trick or treat or collect Christmas cookies.

There are great fun and well worth the extra money.

If you have the chance to go to one of these special events, I highly recommend it.

However, the very best events you can attend at Disney World are the After Hours events.

Disney only sells a few thousand tickets to these events, and you get VIP access to either Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Hollywood Studios for three hours.

Every ride is basically a walk-on, and you can ride everything you want multiple times during the events.

Some rides even let you go around again without getting off (like Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin). Others you have to get off and go back into line again, but you walk right onto the ride when you get to the front of the queue.

I’ve been to the Magic Kingdom After Hours event many times and have had nothing but an amazing experience.

You can easily ride every single attraction in the park and can even ride a few of them multiple times if you want!

I recommend considering an extra event like the parties or an After Hours event because they are special.

You either get a unique experience at the party or get to ride a million rides at the After Hours event.

They can save you a lot of time and leave you with amazing memories.

Yes. They can be expensive, but if you have the money to afford them, they are well worth the cost.

Especially as a solo traveller.

No matter what, you’re going to have to stand in some rides at Disney World. Even with Genie+ and Lightening Lanes, it is impossible not to spend at least a little bit of time in line waiting for rides.

It is during these times that being alone at Disney World starts to feel like you’re alone. You don’t have anybody to talk to, and the time seems to pass by painfully slow.

The best way you can combat the tedious line waiting is to pre-plan and have something to keep you entertained while you’re in line.

You can read a book (which is sometimes challenging in dark lines), listen to a podcast, play games on your phone, or explore the queue in the My Disney Experience app.

There are many ways to make the time in line go by faster, but you need to have a plan before your solo Disney trip starts!

Just be sure you’re being internet safe while in lines (and everywhere at Disney World). You’re connected to a public wifi network, and it is very easy for anybody to hack into your phone and steal your personal information (like you’re banking numbers).

You don’t want to deal with that headache while you’re on a magical Disney vacation. And you especially don’t want to deal with it when you’re alone at Disney World.

The best way to keep your online data safe and private is by installing a VPN on your phone. It essentially puts a forcefield around your phone that makes it impossible for hackers to get in.

A VPN makes using public wifi networks just as safe as your home internet where you’re the only person who knows the password.

It is a small but important thing to do when travelling. It is irresponsible to travel without a VPN protecting your devices.

Right now it may not seem important, but you’ll be cursing yourself if your data is stolen.

The truth about wifi at Disney World

Taking a solo trip to Disney World is one of the best travel experiences you can have. If you love Disney parks, then you’ll love going to Disney World alone.

Taking a solo trip to Disney World gives you complete flexibility and control over your trip. It is unlike any other Disney experience.

As long as you keep the tips in this article in mind when planning your Disney World vacation, you’re guaranteed to have the time of your life on your next solo trip to Disney World!

Just be sure to say hi to Mickey and Minnie for me!

PS- If you’re in Orlando for longer than a week, here are the best things to do in Orlando besides Disney! Because Orlando is just more than Disney! 😉

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on my affiliate link and purchase something (at no additional cost to you!), I may earn a small commission that helps me keep the blog running. Thank you so much for your support!

You will undoubtably be taking the Underground and other forms of public transportation when you’re in London. The Oyster card is a pre-paid card you can use to make travelling on London’s public transportation extremely simple.

There are a lot of advantages to getting an Oyster card and not really any disadvantages, so you should pick one up when you’re in London!

I’m going to give you all the information you need to make the most out of your Oyster card while in London. You’ll be using the Oyster card like a pro by the time you’re done reading this post!

There are two different types of Oyster cards:

• Standard Card
• Visitor Card

The standard card is what locals in London use when travelling on public transportation. You can get the standard Oyster card at any Underground station, at the airport, and at some newsstands throughout the city.

The visitor card is specifically designed for tourists. You have to order the card online in advance, and it will be delivered to you home, so you don’t have to worry about getting a card when you get to London.

The visitor Oyster card also has a few added perks like small discounts at tourist shops and restaurants. You can view a list of the perks here.

You should not choose to get the visitor card just because you get special offers because the offers aren’t that great. If you choose to get the visitor card, make sure you get it because it is convenient for you.

A £5 deposit is required whether you choose to get a standard card or a visitor card. You will pay the deposit online when ordering your card or at the booth when you purchase your card in London.

You get your deposit back when you return a standard Oyster card, but you do not get the deposit back with a visitor card. This is one of the major differences between the two types of Oyster cards.

You can return your standard Oyster card at any place where you can purchase a card. This includes Heathrow and Gatwick, so you can take the Underground to the airport and return your card there. It is a great system!

It isn’t a lot of money, but if you’re never planning on going back to London and using your Oyster card again, you are probably going to want to get your £5 back.

You can get any money you have left on your card back before you leave London. You can get your refund at any automated ticket machines or at any manned ticket booth.

The refund will only be in small bills and coins if you get your refund at a ticket machine. You should go to a ticket booth if you have a lot of money remaining on your card, so you don’t have a lot of pence that you can’t convert back to your home currency when you get back from London.

It is very simple to use your Oyster card. You simply tap it on the yellow card reader when you enter the metro station and tap it on the same yellow card reader when you leave.

You have to tap it both times so be sure to remember to tap out when you leave!

Your Oyster card automatically deducted the appropriate amount from your card based on how how far you have travelled.

You can easily top up your Oyster card at any station by using the ticket machine. The ticket machines accept cash, credit cards, and debit, so you can top it up with whatever method best suits you.

You choose how much you want to add to your card. You can choose between adding £5, £10, £15, £20, and £50.

I recommend topping up with a smaller amount, so you don’t have to worry about trying to get a refund when you leave. It is easy to top up multiple times if you need to. The process is very quick and takes less than five minutes.

The biggest advantage to the Oyster card is that you pay less per trip than you would if you purchased single tickets. A trip in zone one with a single ticket costs £4.90. The same trip costs just £2.40 with your Oyster.

That adds up to significant savings over the course of your trip. You will likely use the Underground at least twice a day, but you could easily use it more often depending where in London you are staying. If you’re in London for five days, you will save £25 per person! Most people use the Underground more than twice a day, so you can potentially save even more money!

It doesn’t make sense to spend extra money if you don’t have to so make sure you get an Oyster card!

The maximum fare you can pay per day with the Oyster card is capped at £7! This can lead to a lot of savings for people who use the Underground a lot in one day.

You don’t get to cap your fare if you purchase single tickets, so this is another great advantage of the Oyster card.

The card will automatically stop taking money from your card when you tap out when you have reached the cap. You still need to tap in and out of the station like normal even if you are capped for the day though!

The Oyster card is an essential accessory when you visit London. It saves you both time and money, so it is a no brainer!

You save time because you don’t have to stand in the queue to purchase a single ticket each time you take the Underground. There isn’t normally a line in the smaller stations, but there can be long queues at main statins like Victoria- especially during peak times.

The true advantage of the Oyster is how much money it saves you on your vacation. The savings add up quickly, and it is well worth it to get a card.

The biggest decision you will have to make is whether you want to get the standard Oyster or the visitor Oyster. They both have their advantages, so you will have to decide which one fits your needs.

I personally prefer the standard Oyster card because it gives me the ability to get a refund on my deposit if I ever choose to. I frequent London, so I always keep my Oyster rather than returning it for a refund.

You can’t go wrong with either version of the Oyster card. They will both save you time and money, which is the most important part!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on my affiliate link and purchase something (at no additional cost to you!), I may earn a small commission that helps me keep the blog running. Thank you so much for your support!

There are countless cities in Europe, but I bet only a dozen or so pop into your mind when you start dreaming about your next European vacation. The most popular cities in Europe are popular for a reason, but you should also consider visiting some underrated cities in Europe.

Especially the underrated cities in Europe on this list because they are set to explode with tourists once more people learn about them.

In fact, some of the cities on this list have already started to become up and coming destinations, so you better visit them quickly!

I’ve travelled extensively through Europe, but I haven’t visited everywhere. So, this list is based on the cities I’ve visited and think are underrated.

I haven’t made it to Georgia yet (sad face), but if I had, I’m sure a city from there would make a list.

What I’m trying to say is this is by no means a comprehensive list of underrated cities in Europe, but it should get you pointed in the right direction.

There are cities in Wester, Central, and Eastern Europe, so no matter where your European trip takes you, you should be able to stop into one of these underrated cities in Europe alone the way!

And please tell my your favourite underrated cities in Europe in the comments! I’d love to hear them, and the community would love to hear them as well. 🙂

10 overrated cities in Europe (& where to go instead)

Table of Contents

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• 1. Tallinn, Estonia
• 2. Timișoara, Romania
• 3. Kaunas, Lithuania
• 4. Brighton, England
• 5. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• 6. Sofia, Bulgaria
• 7. Zagreb, Croatia
• 8. Lviv, Ukraine
• 9. Dundee, Scotland
• 10. Wrocław, Poland
• A Friendly Reminder About Internet Safety While Travelling
• Conclusion

I’m going to start with what I think is the most underrated capital city in Europe.

Granted it is more popular now than it was when I visited for the first time in 2017, but it still isn’t on most people’s radar.

Tallinn has everything you could ever want in a European city.

It has one of the most gorgeous old cities in Europe, lots of fun things to do outside the old city (which most people ignore), and is super affordable.

You can visit Tallinn as a day trip from Helsinki, Finland, but I recommend spending at least two or three days to get a full sense of the city and what it has to offer.

If there is a performance during your time in Tallinn, I highly recommend you go to the City Theatre for a play or ballet performance.

Tickets are very affordable, and the inside of the building in spectacular.

You’ll likely fall in love with Estonia on your visit to Tallinn and may want to explore more of the country. If that’s the case, I highly recommend you visit Tartu.

It is actually my favourite city in Estonia!

• Wander around Kadriorg Park

Currency	Euros
Best Time to Visit	May-September
Days Needed	2-3

Now it is time to move on to what I think is the most underrated city in Europe (in my own personal opinion).

I adore Timișoara and find myself dreaming of going back more than any other Romanian city.

Romania as a whole is widely underrated and a country I recommend to all my friends and family. But even within Romania, Timișoara doesn’t get as much love as it deserves.

Not only is it stunningly beautiful, calming, and idyllic, but it also has a very interesting history and is where communism started to fall in Romania.

There are other cities in Romania with important communism histories as well, but Timișoara’s is extra interesting. You’ll understand it more once you get there and start learning about the history.

Timișoara is one of the most vibrant cities I’ve visited. The sights and colours are intoxicating, and if you’re anything like me, you want to spend all your time walking around or sitting at a café soaking up the atmosphere.

Be sure to bring your camera and lots of extra batteries!

Plus the food in Timișoara (and all of Romania) is to die for. Pack your stretchy pants because you’ll be eating a lot!

• Tour the Communist Consumer Museum

Currency	Romanian Leu
Best Time to Visit	March-June
Days Needed	2-3

Raise your hand if you’ve heard of Kaunas before. Ah, yes, I’m not surprised most of you haven’t!

I guess that’s why it made the list of top underrated cities in Europe!

I honestly hadn’t heard of Kaunas until a few days before I arrived in the city. I was backpacking through the Balkans and wanted to see more of Lithuania than just Vilnius.

A short Google search later, and I found myself booking a hostel in Kaunas, and it was one of the best hidden gems I visited on that entire three-month trip.

Kaunas is located in central Lithuania and is only 1.5 hours away from Vilnius by bus.

It is a fairly quiet town, but there is still lots to see and do.

There is one long promenade in the old part of town where most tourists flock to. It is full of life, and is a must-do for anybody visiting the city.

But it isn’t the only thing to do in Kaunas.

A lot of tourists miss the heart and soul of Kaunas because they stick to the old part of town and don’t venture out to the more local areas.

There is a ton of great artwork painted on the buildings around town. Even just wandering around aimlessly for a few hours will result in you finding more than one piece of artwork to snap a picture of.

You can (and should) also explore the historical part of Kaunas by visiting the old castle and fortress.

And, of course, there are a few churches you can wander through and marvel at.

However, I must admit my favourite part of Kaunas was the Devil’s Museum. It is a museum dedicated to just collecting artwork, sculptures, and trinkets that depict the devil.

When I was there, it boasted that it was the only devil museum in the world. I visited in 2017, so I’m not sure if it is still the only devil museum in the world, but it was certainly the first.

I know this is an odd thing to recommend to you, but it was honestly so much fun. The museum is multiple stories tall, and it is just so wonderfully odd that you can’t not visit.

I would 100% go again the next time I’m in Kaunas.

But, if devils aren’t your thing, there is still plenty to keep you occupied while you’re in Kaunas.

• Tour the Ninth Fort of Kaunas Fortress

Currency	Euros
Best Time to Visit	May-September
Days Needed	1-2

Brighton is one of the most underrated cities in Europe for sure. It is popular with people in the UK, but I’ve never met anybody else in my personal life who has visited Brighton.

Even though it is only 1.5 hours away from London by train!

Brighton couldn’t be more different than London, and it gives you a completely new peak inside what England has to offer.

The city is super laid back, and you get out of the hustle and bustle of London for a while.

The weather is delightful, the food is outstanding, and you can walk to pretty much any tourist attraction you want to visit.

And they have world class tourist attractions!

The whole city is a breath of fresh air compared to London.

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely adore London, but it is nice to get outside the capital city and explore a different part of England.

You can visit Brighton as a day trip from London, but I personally recommend spending at least two days there.

There is plenty to see, do, and eat. You don’t want to be rushed or feel like you’re missing out on what Brighton has to offer.

Just be sure you try out the food! There are plenty of fresh seafood restaurants along the seafront, but my personal favourite is going to The Lanes to eat.

The Lanes is an old section of the city where narrow streets twist and turn. You walk around and get lost in the streets.

There are plenty of small spots, cafés, but, more importantly, the best restaurants in the city. You can eat at pretty much any restaurant and be guaranteed a good meal!

41 things to do along the Brighton seafront

• Get an unbeatable view of Brighton at the British Airways i360 Viewing Tower

• Explore the iconic Brighton Palace Pier

Currency	Pound Sterling
Best Time to Visit	June-September
Days Needed	1-3

Sarajevo was a travel experience unlike any other. You immerse yourself in the history and tragedy of the Bosnian Muslims during the Bosnian War, and you can’t help but be emotional during your entire trip to Sarajevo.

It is without a doubt one of the most underrated cities in Europe. There is so much modern history that everybody should experience in the city, and you should definitely add it to your bucket list.

Not only does Sarajevo teach you a lot about the Bosnian War and what people went through, but it also teaches you a lot about resilience.

The city is vibrant and full of life. If you weren’t aware of the city’s past, you would think it was like any other city in the region.

One of my favourite things to do is stand outside around noon to listen to the church bells and the Adhan (the sound that notifies Muslims it is time to start praying) sounding off at the same time.

It is the perfect representation of what the city of Sarajevo has become.

The city is welcoming to everybody and anybody.

Not only does Sarajevo have an interesting (and tragic) modern history, but you can also stand on the bridge where the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated and where WWI began.

There are certainly still some issue with corruption, which is the big reason why BiH hasn’t been allowed in the EU yet, but it is slowly but surely getting better.

In a few years, I’m sure Sarajevo will not longer be one of the most underrated cities in Europe and tourists will be flocking to it.

• Visit Gallery 11/07/95 and learn about the tragedy of Srebrenica

• Walk along the 1984 Winter Olympics bobsleigh track 

• Wander through the Old Bazaar

Currency	Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark
Best Time to Visit	May-June and Early September
Days Needed	3-4 (if you want to make a day trip to Mostar)

There is so much to see and do in Sofia. It is an unassuming capital city, but it is definitely one of the most underrated cities in Europe.

It has an interesting mix of modern culture and history. You want see street artwork right next to old ruins.

The city is truly unbeatable, and if you’re lucky enough to be in Sofia during a holiday, you’ll experience the history and culture of Bulgaria that locals still take seriously.

No trip to Sofia is complete without taking a day trip to Rila Monastery.

It is the largest and most well known Orthodox Church in Bulgaria, and you can even crawl inside a cave where the St. Ivan of Rila spent 20 years of his life praying in solitude.

It is an experience you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world!

To top it all off, the food in Sofia is incredible! I doubt you could find a bad meal in the whole city even if you were trying to.

• Tour Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 

• Visit the Museum of Socialist Art

Currency	Bulgarian Lev
Best Time to Visit	April-May or September-October
Days Needed	2-4

Croatia is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, but people tend to focus on the coastal towns and completely ignore Zagreb.

I love Zagreb and was blown away by the city.

When I visited Croatia in 2015, every single blog I read about where to go in the country said don’t bother visiting Zagreb. It is boring and not worth visiting.

Well, there was one specific thing I really wanted to do in Zagreb, so I ignored the advice of all the blogs I read and spent three days in Zagreb.

Let this be a reminder that you shouldn’t take what bloggers say (even me) as the absolute word of truth. We’re all just sharing our own opinions. Do lots of research and make the travel decisions that suit you best!

Zagreb is colourful, full of life, yet homey and small at the same time.

You can walk pretty much anywhere in the city within half an hour and be treated to beautiful sights along the way.

One of the most popular things to do in Zagreb is take a day trip to visit Plitvice Lake. It is a gorgeous lake, but I prefer Krka National Park.

Krka National Park is located just outside the small town of Šibenik and is a short bus ride from Zadar, which is where I recommend staying if you want to visit Krka National Park.

In any event, Plitvice Lake is well worth visiting, but you should spend a few days exploring the city as well.

You’ll be thankful you did. I know you’ll fall in love with Zagreb!

What I wish I knew before backpacking Europe alone

• Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships (Seriously! It is phenomenal!)

• Spend an afternoon exploring Mirogoj Cemetery

• Wander around Upper Town and take a million photos

Currency	Croatian Kuna
Best Time to Visit	April-September
Days Needed	2-4

Lviv is a city I wasn’t planning on visiting but used it as a transfer point from Ukraine to Poland.

Unfortunately, I was only in the city for a day and a half, but it was long enough for me to fall in love with it!

I was debating whether I should include Lviv or Odessa on my list of underrated cities in Europe, but Lviv won out by a hair because I think there is more to do there.

But, if you’re in Ukraine, you can’t go wrong with visiting Odessa as well.

Lviv is by far the brightest and most vibrant city I visited in Ukraine. It feels like a small town but is actually quite a large city.

Even as a tourist, when you walk around the centre of Lviv, you can’t help but feel comfortable and at home.

But be sure to get outside the centre of the city and explore everything else the city has to offer!

And please, please, please come with an empty stomach.

As I’m sure you can guess, the food in Lviv (and everywhere in Ukraine) is outstanding. You’ll want to eat and eat and eat until you’ve made yourself sick and can’t stuff another bite into your mouth.

Yes. I’m speaking from experience.

A lot of people don’t think to visit Ukraine while they’re in Europe. Whether it is misinformation that Ukraine is unsafe or they don’t realize how much the country has to offer.

Either way, you’re missing out on a lot of amazing sights and experiences if you don’t visit Ukraine.

Kyiv is outstanding, but you should also visit Lviv while you’re there.

• Climb city hall for the best views of the city

• Visit the Armenian Cathedral

• People watch at Rynok Square

Currency	Ukrainian Hryvnia
Best Time to Visit	May-September
Days Needed	1-3

Dundee is overlooked and is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. Not many people know about it, but it is the perfect addition to any Eastern Scotland road trip.

It is in an ideal location and the best city to spend a few days between the lowlands (a.k.a. Edinburgh or Glasgow) and the highlands.

I mean technically Dundee is part of the highlands, but it isn’t too north and isn’t what people picture when they think of the highlands.

Dundee is the perfect mixture of a modern town with deep historical roots.

I’ll admit that the only reason I planned to spend a few days in Dundee the first time I was in Scotland was because I wanted to visit the RRS Discovery.

Anybody else weirdly interested in Shackleton’s expeditions or is it just me?!

But, I’m so glad I planned three days in the city as a way to break up the driving and moving from hotel to hotel every day or two.

The city is so much more than just the RRS Discovery, and I wasn’t bored for a moment the three days I spend in Dundee.

The city is young and hip, which I didn’t expect. It has a great vibe, wonderful pubs and restaurants, and tourist attractions that suit anybody’s interests.

If you’re planning a road trip in the eastern part of Scotland, Dundee is a must on your itinerary.

• Learn about Arctic expeditions on the RRS Discovery

• Visit The McManus Art Museum

• Tour Glamis Castle (a short drive or bus ride outside Dundee)

Currency	Pound Sterling
Best Time to Visit	May-August
Days Needed	2-4

Just like Lviv, I used Wrocław as a transfer point. I was in northern Poland and had to get to Prauge.

I didn’t want to go all the way from the north of Poland to Prague and decided to find somewhere to stop along the way, and that place was Wrocław.

For a city I didn’t think much of when I booked my stay, it ended up blowing me away.

It is such a unique city.

Wrocław has the same architecture as the rest of Poland, but it quirky.

There are over 400 statues of gnomes all over the city. Most of the are small, but a few of them are larger.

The gnomes started popping up around the city in the 1980s as a satirical and funny protest against communism.

Since them, gnomes have been popping up all over the city, and many of them are wearing unique and silly costumes or props.

It is weirdly addicting to spend hours wandering through the twisting streets of Wrocław trying to find as many gnomes as possible.

I have pictures of dozens of different gnomes, and it makes me giggle every time I go through my photos from my trip to Wrocław.

In addition to gnomes, Wrocław has what is known as the Cathedral Island. It is the oldest part of the city that is home to a number of different cathedrals and churches. The island is accessible by three different bridges and is surrounded by water.

Other than the gnomes, Cathedral Island is the most unique part of Wrocław. You’ll be hard pressed to find anything like it anywhere else in Europe.

Be sure to check out Hala Targowa when you’re in Wrocław. It is the best place to find fresh food, unique gifts, and cheap treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.

• Visit the The Royal Palace and the Historical Museum of Wrocław

Currency	Polish Złoty
Best Time to Visit	March-May
Days Needed	2-4

You rely extensively on public wifi when you travel. Unless you have your own pocket wifi, you’ll 100% be relying on free wifi.

Public wifi is great because it allows you to connect to the internet without spending any money, but it comes with its risks.

Public wifi is just that. It is public, so anybody can connect to it.

And before you tell me that your hotel wifi has a passcode, it is still considered public wifi because anybody can access the passcode!

With so many people using public wifi, it puts you, your devices, and your privacy at risk.

All it takes is one person with bad intentions, and your European vacation is ruined because someone stole your banking information.

You do not want to have to go through the hassel of canceling debit and credit cards while you’re abroad.

It takes a lot of the fun out of your trip, and it leaves you in the difficult situation of trying to fund the rest of your trip without your normal cards.

I’ve had a few banking issues while abroad, and I can tell you that it is a major headache to deal with. I haven’t had my information stolen, but I can only imagine how much worse that would make it!

The only way you can protect your online data and information when using a public wifi network is installing a VPN on your devices.

A VPN essentially puts a forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for anybody else to access your information.

A VPN makes using public wifi just as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the passcode.

As you can imagine, I’ve used a lot of different VPN providers during my years of travel. Honestly, I hated all of them and cancelled my subscription after the first year.

VPNs are notorious for slowing your phone down, and I would often find myself putting my privacy at risk by not using my VPN just because my internet access was so slow.

That all changed when I discovered NordVPN.

I’ve been using them since 2018 and have no plans of ever switching to a different VPN provider.

The reason I love them so much (and why I recommend them to my fellow travel lovers) is because they are the fastest VPN on the market.

You can’t notice a change in your internet speed when you’re using your NordVPN, which is basically unheard of in any other VPN.

One subscription protects up to six devices, so you can protect all your devices (and possibly the devices of a friend or family member) for one low, low price.

Seriously! The cost of a two-year subscription is less per month than the cost of a single latte.

It is a tiny price to pay to protect your online data and have peace of mind when travelling.

My philosophy is that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online data and privacy.

Are you inspired to check out any of the underrated cities in Europe on this list?!

Again, this isn’t an extensive list. There are countless other cities and towns in Europe that are underrated.

I wanted to add cities to this list that had a little something for everybody and were easy to get to.

Use it as inspiration for your next trip. Even if you don’t visit any of the cities on this list, find a hidden gem in the part of Europe you’re travelling to and take the time to visit that city.

You’ll never be disappointed that you stepped off the normal tourist trail and experienced something that most tourists don’t get to!