Attending the Olympics had never really been on my immediate travel radar — until a quick ticket search in January changed everything. Within days, I went from casually browsing to boarding a flight to Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Affordable event tickets, a surprisingly inexpensive flight, and a conveniently located hotel made the decision easy. What I thought would be a simple three-day getaway quickly turned into an unforgettable experience filled with world-class competition, international camaraderie, and my first taste of Olympic excitement in person.

I recently had the opportunity to meet up with some friends in Paris. I gotta confess—I don’t love Paris the way some people do. I like it just fine, but I sometimes feel it’s a bit overrated compared to other lovely cities in Europe. I’d been to Paris twice before, and I wasn’t sure what I’d find to do that wouldn’t just be a repeat of previous visits. But I was pleasantly surprised.

Prague surprised me in the best ways. It’s a city where centuries sit comfortably side by side: Gothic spires, Baroque palaces, and Rococo façades, all mixed with Cubist experiments and unapologetic Communist-era concrete.

If you’ve ever scrolled through travel blogs or flipped through a guidebook, you’ve probably noticed how many “rules” there are about how to travel. What to see, when to go, what to pack, how to act. After years of exploring Europe, I’ve learned that the best trips often happen when I ignore some of that advice and do what feels right for me.

Here are a few so-called “rules” I’ve happily broken—and why you might want to, too.

Food experiences are more than just a way to eat well—they’re a gateway into a culture, a chance to meet people, and a confidence-boosting activity for any solo traveler. On your next European adventure, leave room in your itinerary (and your stomach!) for a cooking class or food tour.

72 hours in Venice is plenty of time to see and do everything you want. Learn how to get around on the vaporetto, what to eat, and where to stay.

Planning a European solo trip can feel overwhelming when it comes to finances. How much will it cost? How can you make your budget stretch further without sacrificing comfort or safety? Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can plan a trip that’s memorable and financially manageable.

Traveling solo doesn’t mean you’re closed off from others—it means you have the freedom to choose your interactions. When you put yourself out there and talk to people, you might find yourself with a new friend to share a meal or explore a new city.