My First Solo Trip to Amsterdam: Experiences, Mistakes, and Tips

In 2022, I took the leap and went on my very first solo trip, to Amsterdam, Netherlands! I had dreamed of trying solo travel for several years, and I finally made that dream a reality. And you know what? I did it! 🙌

I decided to try backpacking, even though I was only away for five days. My goal was to learn to pack light but smart. I traveled with a 22L Gregory backpack and a small bag, there wasn't room for many souvenirs, but for a short trip, it worked perfectly.

Staying at a Hostel and a Budget Hotel

I wanted to try a hostel, both to see what it was like and to meet new people. At the same time, I tested a budget hotel so I could compare.

Budget Hotel Tourist Inn (booked via booking.com) cost 548 NOK per night. I shared a room with three others; there were multiple showers and toilets in the hallway, and we had lockable cabinets with key cards. Breakfast was included, a definite plus.

Hostel Warmoes (booked via hostelworld.com) was centrally located. Here, up to 10 people shared a room, mixed genders. The beds had storage carts underneath where we had to use our own locks. The stairs up to the rooms were narrow and steep, almost like climbing a mountain! The price was around 2000 NOK for three nights.

Both experiences taught me something: hotels offer more privacy and security, while hostels offer community but require more flexibility.

Meeting New People

I was a bit nervous about finding my way, eating out alone, and meeting people. But I decided to give it a try. I ended up eating out by myself, and it went just fine.

Through the Hostelworld app, I met a travel buddy who joined me for a day trip to Efteling Amusement Park (two hours from Amsterdam). We tried roller coasters, haunted houses, and ate a ton of delicious food. 🎢🍰

I also met a girl through the Solo Female Travelers Facebook group. Together, we visited Body Worlds, an incredible and slightly unsettling exhibition of real human bodies and organs.

Sightseeing Alone

I also spent time exploring the city on my own. Amsterdam is famous for its desserts, and I tried pancakes, apple pie, and steak. I also joined a canal boat tour with an open roof, where the guide shared stories about the city's history and architecture.

What I Learned—and Tips for Your Solo Trip

This was an amazing trip, and I felt brave. But I also made a few mistakes and learned a lot from them:

• Book a bit earlier. I should have researched hotels/hostels in advance. Waiting can make it more expensive or less convenient.

• Check accessibility. The hostel had steep stairs and no elevator, which can be tough with heavy luggage or physical challenges.

• Dare to eat alone. It felt scary at first, but it's liberating once you do it.

• Use online communities. Apps and Facebook groups helped me meet new people, priceless on a solo trip.

• Pack light. I had enough space, but I could have managed with even less.

Summary

Amsterdam became my first solo adventure, and I came home with memories for life. I discovered that I can handle more than I thought, that it's possible to meet people along the way, and that dining alone can actually be quite enjoyable.

So my tip to you: Dare to try solo travel. You'll learn so much about yourself, from what goes right to what goes wrong. And the best part? You'll come home with memories you'll never forget.