About me: I (26F) am planning to take my second solo trip in early-mid October! I have 7-8 days of vacation time to use. I love nature, art, museums, fashion. I am pescetarian so slightly limited on cuisine, but that being said I love trying new foods. I don’t have a strict budget but I am very thrifty and mindful about spending in general. I am definitely planning to stay in a hostel. In fact, a super social hostel enviroment is very high on my list of priorities. I love exploring the city with people I have met traveling, so a social hostel is essential. I like “party” hostels as well. Bonus points for destinations that have flights from NYC that fall on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
For my trip, I would like to go somewhere in Europe and I have already done/have future plans for the following cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, London, Prague, Budapest, Vienna. Right now, after doing some research and thinking, I am considering travel to France (Paris) or Portugal (Porto/Lisbon).
I have always wanted to go to Paris. I love film and art and fashion, the city is the epicenter of many things I love. But it feels like a desitnation that may be better suited for travel with a friend or my partner. I am sure there would be plenty for me to do on my own, but I think I would potentially meet less people in my travels.
I am attracted to Portugal because it seems very backpacker friendly and safe for women. I think the social aspect of Portugal would be better aligned with my goals for this trip. Porto and Lisbon are both cities I have been interested in visiting but were not ever super high on my list of priorities.
For the record I do not know any French or Portuguese (but of course will put in the time to learn some phrases before my trip).
I would love some help with the following questions:
Are there any social/party hostels in Paris? I have gotten a few suggestions but I get the vibe it is not the best destination for social travelers. I feel like if I were to go I would spend a lot of time traversing the city on my own.
Is Paris a better trip to do with a group or with my partner?
What was your experience solo traveling in Paris?
What was your experience solo traveling in Portugal?
Do you think visitng Portugal would align with my interests?
Do you have any social/party hostel recs for portugal?
Are there any other destinations I should consider?
I am still in the early stages of planning so if anyone can think of European cities they have been to that are nice to visit in October and check off things on my list PLEASE let me know! Thank you in advance!
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