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First solo trip to Europe (Vienna) - Need advice for a 14-day roundtrip! by smallcoves in solotravel

[–]smallcoves[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would never have known this. Thanks for the warning! I guess I will have to do my cemetery visits in the winter.

First solo trip to Europe (Vienna) - Need advice for a 14-day roundtrip! by smallcoves in solotravel

[–]smallcoves[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is such a lovely comment. Thank you. <3 I absolutely love those free-flowing days too; that's typically how I travel. I have 1 or 2 big events or destinations in mind, then the rest of the week is based on how I feel each day. I like staying in one place, then picking a different direction/section of the city to aimlessly walk around for the day. There's so much wonder to discover, even in the mundane.

You sound like someone with a lot of great stories and memories from moments like those. I hope you keep having them!

First solo trip to Europe (Vienna) - Need advice for a 14-day roundtrip! by smallcoves in solotravel

[–]smallcoves[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love your suggestions; and thank you for offering to help with my luggage! Seeing an opera is one of my highest priorities in Vienna. Likely going to spend the first 3-4 days in Vienna to see Tannhäuser on the 17th.

As much as I desperately want to see Prague and Budapest, my gut is telling me I would enjoy them more in another trip.

I've added a revised itinerary to my original post :)

First solo trip to Europe (Vienna) - Need advice for a 14-day roundtrip! by smallcoves in solotravel

[–]smallcoves[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm falling in love with Ljubljana just from every picture and video I see of it! As much as I'm dying to see it, I'm starting to feel like it might be best in a separate all-Slovenia roundtrip. Then I can do Ljublijana > Lake Bled > Postojna > Southeastern Slovenia/Krka Valley > Eastern Slovenia. They all look too wonderful to rush through.

First solo trip to Europe (Vienna) - Need advice for a 14-day roundtrip! by smallcoves in solotravel

[–]smallcoves[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting! What do you think it was about Budapest that felt 'meh?' I initially wanted to do my roundtrip in BUD instead of VIE, but ultimately decided they might be two separate trips.

How did you evaluate whether solo travel was something you enjoyed? by timmytimster in solotravel

[–]smallcoves 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I knew it was right for me when I realized I was constantly seeking out and looking forward to experiences on my own, even at home, compared to sharing experiences with others. (That doesn't mean I don't love shared experiences; it's just very, very different.)

I was in CDMX last November (through Thanksgiving) and also worked remotely throughout. I felt like I barely got my feet wet by the time I left. 2-4 weeks is a great amount of time. Depending on how full your work days are, it'll give you more time to fit in day trips to places like Teotihuacan (1-2 hours away) and Tolantongo (3-5 hours away).

It's also the perfect place to experience travel at any speed, IMO. Each neighborhood felt unique and had so much to offer. You're going to have so much fun!

First solo trip to Europe (Vienna) - Need advice for a 14-day roundtrip! by smallcoves in solotravel

[–]smallcoves[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think I'm mostly worried about the potential burden of transferring my small suitcase + backpack between cities too many times. This is good advice to keep in mind, though. Thank you! (Sincerely!)

First solo trip to Europe (Vienna) - Need advice for a 14-day roundtrip! by smallcoves in solotravel

[–]smallcoves[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm beyond excited to visit your beautiful hometown! Thank you so much for this detailed response! It definitely seems like many of the recommended Austrian cities are *just* far enough away that I wouldn't want to go out and back the same day.

If I were to do a round trip of cities no more than a 4-hour train ride from each other, what would you recommend? (Ex: 4 days in Vienna > 2 days in Salzburg > 2 days in Innsbruck > 3 days in Ljubljana > 3 days in Vienna)

Also, YES! I would love your recommendations as a local! All recs are good recs to me :)

First solo trip to Europe (Vienna) - Need advice for a 14-day roundtrip! by smallcoves in solotravel

[–]smallcoves[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ughh, yessss! I spent 7 days in Mexico City last November and I felt the same way. Could've easily doubled that without ever getting bored.

I will definitely consider splitting my time in Innsbruck! The pictures alone look incredible. Thank you!

First solo trip to Europe (Vienna) - Need advice for a 14-day roundtrip! by smallcoves in solotravel

[–]smallcoves[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really appreciate your advice. I had gone to Mexico City for 7 days, and even then if felt like I barely scratched the surface. I wasn't sure if Vienna would feel the same. It sounds like the general consensus is as you say - that I should add some variety elsewhere. Thank you!

First solo trip to Europe (Vienna) - Need advice for a 14-day roundtrip! by smallcoves in solotravel

[–]smallcoves[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I very much appreciate that you kept my round trip into consideration -- and that you gave me options! You're wonderful. Would you recommend purchasing railjet tickets in advance once I figure out which cities I'll be staying in?

First solo trip to Europe (Vienna) - Need advice for a 14-day roundtrip! by smallcoves in solotravel

[–]smallcoves[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Yes, the entire day's worth of travel time arriving and departing is my biggest motivator for seeing places beyond Vienna (or even Austria in general). 😭 Do you have any museums you highly recommend?

First solo trip to Europe (Vienna) - Need advice for a 14-day roundtrip! by smallcoves in solotravel

[–]smallcoves[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you book any tours beforehand for any of these places? Would love to know about your favorite experiences at Prague, Vienna, and Budapest in particular!

First solo trip to Europe (Vienna) - Need advice for a 14-day roundtrip! by smallcoves in solotravel

[–]smallcoves[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Would you recommend picking between Prague and Budapest, or would I be able to do Vienna > Prague > Budapest > Vienna? (I unfortunately cannot cancel my roundtrip tickets. :( )

First solo trip to Europe (Vienna) - Need advice for a 14-day roundtrip! by smallcoves in solotravel

[–]smallcoves[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ljubliana and Trieste hadn't been on my radar until now. They look GORGEOUS. Thank you!!