What 15 days in Europe actually cost me as a solo female traveller.
From flights and accommodation to trains and food, here’s exactly how much I spent exploring Europe solo. Was it expensive? Yes. Was it worth it? Every single cent. 🥹
For context, my flight from SG to LDN (round-trip) is with Singapore Airlines. My flight from SG to Cologne (one-way) is with Eurowings.
P.S the long champ bag is not included in the shopping costs HAHA it was for my sister who paid me — just in the photo for aesthetic purposes 😂 my shopping that is not in the photo mainly costs of food & magnets!
Traveling solo through Europe for 15 days was an incredible experience that taught me a lot about budgeting and exploring independently. I visited multiple cities including London, Edinburgh, Brussels, Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Dortmund, which meant balancing between different transport options and accommodation types. One big tip I learned is to understand how to optimize transport costs. For example, using local metro services like London's TfL tube system helped me get around efficiently, while booking round-trip flights and regional trains in advance saved a lot of money. Keep an eye out for connections such as London to Cologne or Cologne to Brussels that can be booked cheaply if done early. Accommodation varied from hotels around London to a&o Hostels in Cologne. Booking a garden view hotel in London for a long stay gave me comfort but was pricier, so if you want to save, mixing hostels and hotels might work better. Booking platforms and flexible cancellation policies were key for solo travel peace of mind. Food and drinks can add up quickly, and I appreciated having occasional cheat meals to indulge while still keeping an eye on daily expenses. Sampling local treats, such as those from M&S or specialized cookie brands, made the journey sweeter without breaking the budget. Activities like attending a Premier League football match or doing the stadium skywalk gave unique cultural experiences but were planned as priorities to get the most personal value out of them. Overall, managing a budget close to SGD 4,500 (covering all flights, accommodations, transport, food, activities, and even shopping) was challenging but completely worth it for the memories and growth solo travel brings. If you’re planning your own European trip, carefully track your spending, prioritize must-do experiences, and remain flexible with travel dates to find the best deals. Solo travel is not just about the destinations—it’s about discovering new confidence and freedom on your own terms.
2 adidas pairs and a spurs shirt for way under $180 is a STEAL