Traveling solo through Europe can be a liberating experience. While trains and buses are great, sometimes renting a car is the best way to see remote villages, coastal drives, or scenic countryside. If you're used to driving in North America, though, there are some important differences to be aware of before you hit the road in Europe.

There’s something magical about traveling alone. When you’re on your own, every experience feels more vivid, every challenge turns into an adventure, and every interaction with a stranger becomes a meaningful connection. As a woman traveling solo in my fifties, I’ve collected a treasure trove of moments that have shaped the way I see the world—and myself.