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European Destinations Perfect for First-Time Solo Travelers
Trivia: What animal can hold their breath the longest underwater?
RetireHub
May 08, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Thursday newsletter is here!
Today, we’re sharing fun tips on European destinations perfect for first-time solo travelers, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
Top Deals From Around The Web
We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!
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What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Charlotte Zang & Alex J. Knudsen In Lost Grove, the fog hides more than secrets. When Sarah Elizabeth's body washes ashore, Sergeant Seth Wolfe pulls at the town’s loose threads—only to find something dark staring back. Meanwhile, a group of teens hunts for a missing boy tied to a sinister institute. The deeper they dig, the hungrier the town gets. And it's been starving for years. |
European Destinations Perfect for First-Time Solo Travelers
Traveling solo for the first time can be both exhilarating and a little intimidating, especially when navigating a new continent. Fortunately, Europe offers a wealth of destinations that are not only safe and welcoming, but also easy to explore independently. Whether you're seeking rich culture, natural beauty, or a mix of both, here are five European destinations perfect for first-time solo travelers.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Known for its friendly locals and exceptional public transportation, Amsterdam is an ideal city for solo adventurers. English is widely spoken, making communication easy, and the compact city center is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. With world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, peaceful canals, and cozy cafes, there’s plenty to enjoy at your own pace.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon combines affordability with charm. This vibrant coastal city is known for its colorful streets, historic trams, and stunning viewpoints, or “miradouros.” It’s easy to meet fellow travelers in local hostels or join small group tours to nearby gems like Sintra or Cascais. The Portuguese are famously warm and welcoming, adding to the sense of safety and comfort.
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
For travelers seeking a clean, organized, and modern solo experience, Copenhagen is hard to beat. This Danish capital is easy to navigate, with a strong emphasis on biking, and many locals speak perfect English. Solo travelers can enjoy the city’s Scandinavian design, cozy hygge culture, and culinary delights—from street food to Michelin-starred dining.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
Steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, Edinburgh offers a magical solo travel experience. The city is compact and walkable, with highlights including Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the Royal Mile. Solo travelers will find the locals friendly and the atmosphere welcoming, especially in traditional pubs and lively cultural events.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is often described as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, and it’s also budget-friendly—perfect for a solo traveler looking to stretch their funds. The city’s historic charm, fairytale architecture, and walkable Old Town make it easy to explore alone. Join a walking tour or take in a classical concert for a culturally rich experience.
Whether you're seeking solitude, adventure, or connection, these European cities offer a safe and memorable way to begin your solo travel journey.
Which European city would you choose for your first solo adventure? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: Have you ever attended a museum night event?
Museum nights are having a moment! 🎨🕯️ Nearly half of our readers had never heard of them—but are now intrigued and ready to explore. For others, these after-hours art events are already a hit, offering a unique blend of culture, music, and ambiance. While some still prefer the calm of a quiet daytime visit, it’s clear that curiosity is growing. Whether you're sipping wine under gallery lights or soaking up history at your own pace, museum lovers are keeping things inspired and interesting! 🖼️🍷✨
TOP COMMENTS
“I always enjoy time spent in Museums. I started experiencing them as a Brownie in 1957. I was six. I still enjoy them.”
“On a similar, but different, note, our local zoo has adult only evening events. Great fun, good food, interesting people (did you know that they have foster parents for chimpanzees?), and a behind the scenes look of the Zoo! And even though I love going to the Zoo with my kids and now grandkids, the adult only events are great fun, less crowded and less noisy.”
“I’ve never ever heard of such an event in the Grand Rapids area before it would be wonderful to experience the museum this way”
Senior Living News
Finding Peace Through Acceptance After Loss
In her insightful piece, Teresa Beshwate explores how embracing acceptance can alleviate the emotional exhaustion that often follows significant life changes. By acknowledging reality without resistance, individuals can free up mental energy and begin the healing process. Beshwate emphasizes that acceptance doesn't mean approval but rather recognizing what is, allowing for personal growth and resilience.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Mansplain
Meaning: Originated by Rebecca Solnit in her essay, “Men Explain Things to Me,” mansplaining is when a man matter-of-factly explains something to a woman in a condescending and patronizing tone, as though he is educating her on a matter she knows nothing about (even though she does… and probably, more).
In a sentence: "She mentioned liking astronomy, and he immediately mansplained the phases of the moon—without realizing she has a degree in astrophysics."
Good News of the Day
European Beaches See Significant Drop in Litter
European beaches have seen between a 30-45% decrease in marine macro litter between 2015 and 2021, thanks to various initiatives like the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The Baltic Sea showed the most improvement, with a 45% reduction, and single-use plastics have also declined by 20% across EU coastlines. Although progress has been made, litter levels still exceed the EU's environmental threshold, indicating more work is needed. These improvements reflect the positive impact of coordinated action on environmental issues.
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RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
Which element is known as the "king of chemicals" due to its ability to bond with many other elements? |
What animal can hold their breath the longest underwater? |
Which famous inventor is credited with inventing the first practical telephone? |
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