A 36-Day European Odyssey: Quitting My Job, Finding Myself, and a Practical Transport Guide

Meta Description: Solo travel Europe on a budget? Read my 36-day journey through 9 countries, 13 cities. Includes DIY visa tips, transport hacks, and essential apps. Save money, travel smarter.

Prologue: When Life Needs an "Escape"

Have you ever had that moment—standing by the office window, staring at the gray sky outside, and suddenly feeling like you've had enough?

It's not that you're tired of the work itself. You're tired of the life that's been mapped out for you since childhood. We were taught to be obedient, to work hard, to be "the child every parent wants." And we did it: we studied hard, got into good universities, landed decent jobs. But then what?

I decided to hit the pause button.

I quit my job, applied for visas, bought a plane ticket, and flew to Paris. When the plane touched down, I looked out at the unfamiliar land, and a strange calm washed over me—I finally belonged to myself.

Thirty-six days. Alone. Drifting aimlessly across Europe. This isn't some inspirational post about "just go for it." It's the real story of an ordinary girl—the mistakes she made, the money she saved, and most importantly, how to move around Europe efficiently and affordably.

Solo Travel Europe Route: 9 Countries, 13 Cities

The final route I took:

Paris → Rome → London → Amsterdam → Cologne → Prague → Český Krumlov → Hallstatt → Salzburg (transfer) → Venice → Florence → Nice → Paris

Countries visited:

France → Italy → United Kingdom → Netherlands → Germany → Czech Republic → Austria → Italy → France

This route might look random, but it follows a geographic logic. North to Amsterdam, south to Rome, east to Prague, and finally back to Paris to fly home. If you're planning something similar, think along these lines: avoid backtracking, but create a "loop." For example, start and end in Paris—that way you can buy a round-trip international ticket, which is usually cheaper than an open-jaw fare.

[Link: How to Plan a Budget-Friendly European Loop Itinerary]

DIY Schengen Visa Guide: Save Money, Apply Yourself

Schengen Visa (Issued by France)

I applied entirely online myself. Cost: 694 RMB (about $95 USD). Visa issued in two weeks.

My document checklist:

  • Original passport
  • Recent color photo on white background (within 6 months)
  • Short-stay Schengen visa application form (original)
  • Round-trip flight itinerary (I used an unpaid booking, not an actual ticket)
  • Employer's letter (handwritten translation was fine)
  • Copy of business license (with company seal)
  • Copy of household registration booklet (no translation needed)
  • English travel itinerary (handwritten was acceptable)
  • Hotel bookings (optional—I ended up not submitting any)
  • Bank statements (important: no large, sudden deposits right before printing)
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)

Key tip: You don't need an agent for a Schengen visa. If your documents are complete and genuine, applying yourself is perfectly doable. The money you save on agency fees is enough for a nice meal in Paris.

UK Visa (Surprise: I Got a Two-Year Multiple-Entry Visa!)

Same story—applied on my own. Cost: £93. No need for a Taobao agent.

Document checklist:

  • Original passport and copy of the first page (photo copying at the visa center is expensive; prepare copies in advance)
  • Application form
  • Bank statements
  • Employment certificate in Chinese and English
  • Salary certificate in Chinese and English

⚠️ Important reminder: UK visa processing can take up to 14 working days! I got my passport back on the very day of my departure—I almost missed my flight. Leave plenty of time; don't cut it close.

[Link: UK Visa Application Tips for Chinese Travelers]

Essential Travel Apps for Europe: Don't Leave Home Without These

The Core Three

1. Google Maps

Before you leave, download offline maps of your destinations and mark all the attractions, accommodations, and train/bus stations. I bought a local SIM card in Europe, but the signal was so bad it was infuriating—Paris was especially terrible. I survived thanks to the maps I'd downloaded and the metro routes I'd memorized.

2. Booking.com

Traveling alone, hostels are the most economical choice. Hostels in Europe are generally decent, averaging around 200 RMB ($28 USD) per night. Interestingly, I met elderly couples traveling together and families with kids in hostels—they're no longer just for young backpackers.

3. GoEuro (now Omio)

A lifesaver for checking European trains, buses, and flights. Just enter the English names of your departure and destination cities, and it shows you all transport options with direct booking links. Note: Some cross-border train tickets need to be printed. For bus tickets, showing a QR code is enough.

Advanced Recommendations

FlixBus

Highly recommended! The top choice for long-distance buses in Europe. Buying FlixBus tickets through GoEuro sometimes requires jumping to another page and re-entering info, so it's better to just download the official FlixBus app. After purchase, board with a QR code. Even if the bus is delayed, the app updates the delay time in real time.

⚠️ Note: A city may have multiple bus stops. Before buying a ticket, check which stop is most convenient for your accommodation.

Vueling

A Spanish low-cost airline. I flew with them from Paris to Rome. It was my first time on a budget airline, so I worried about luggage and paid for checked baggage. Turns out my 20-inch carry-on weighed 11 kg, and nobody even weighed it. I just scanned my electronic boarding pass and went through security.

Ryanair

Europe's largest low-cost airline. Same story—I paid for baggage and checked in online, then walked straight through security with my carry-on. But I met a girl on the road who told me that checking in at the airport costs £50. So always check in online in advance.

Citymapper

In London, I noticed locals using this app. Its advantage is showing the exact timing for each leg of your journey—if you miss a connection at a transfer station, it immediately tells you when the next one arrives. Use it when Google Maps isn't cutting it.

TripAdvisor

The international version of Dianping (China's Yelp). Essential for finding good food.

[Link: Best Apps for Solo Travelers in Europe]

European Transport Guide: Cross-Border and City Travel Costs

Cross-Border Travel (In Order)

  1. Paris → Rome (Flight): Vueling. Metro from central Paris to the airport: about €10. Rome's airport is close to the city—buses run from outside the terminal. Round-trip: €10; one-way: €7.

  2. Rome → London (Flight): Ryanair. Airport bus: €11 to Baker Street, then metro to your accommodation. Multiple bus companies operate from the airport.

  3. London → Amsterdam (Flight): Amsterdam's airport is super close to the city center—15 minutes to Central Station by train, €5.

  4. Amsterdam → Prague: Flights were too expensive, so I took FlixBus to Cologne as a transfer point. The bus was delayed. While in Cologne, I checked GoEuro and found a flight to Prague for just over 300 RMB ($42 USD). I booked it immediately. Lesson learned: Don't panic when delays happen—check flight prices anytime; sometimes they're cheaper than buses.

  5. Prague → Český Krumlov: FlixBus online ticket: 37 RMB ($5 USD). At the station, the window only accepts cash, no cards.

  6. Český Krumlov → Hallstatt: Shuttle bus: 800 CZK ($35 USD). You can book online or buy tickets at local shops.

  7. Hallstatt → Venice: This leg was tricky—multiple transfers required. Plan well in advance.

  8. Venice → Florence: Train: 160 RMB ($22 USD). I didn't have internet at the time, so I couldn't buy a FlixBus ticket in advance—the bus would have been 40 RMB ($5.50 USD) cheaper. Lesson: Buy transport tickets in advance whenever possible.

  9. Florence → Nice (Night Bus): 6 hours, 170 RMB ($24 USD) per person.

  10. Nice → Paris (Night Bus): Transfer in Marseille, 15 hours, 485 RMB ($67 USD) per person.

City Transport

  • Paris: Most attractions are within zones 1–2. Single ticket: €1.90; a pack of 10: about €15.
  • London: You must get an Oyster Card. Single bus ride: £1.

[Link: Budget Travel Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Europe]

Budget Travel Europe: How I Saved Money Without Sacrificing Experience

Hostel Hacks

  • Average cost: 200 RMB ($28 USD) per night
  • Look for hostels with free breakfast and free Wi-Fi
  • Book on Booking.com for free cancellation options

Food Savings

  • Buy groceries from local supermarkets for breakfast and snacks
  • Eat at markets for lunch (cheaper than restaurants)
  • Take advantage of hostel kitchen facilities

Transport Savings

  • Book FlixBus tickets in advance for the best prices
  • Use night buses to save on accommodation costs
  • Compare flight prices on GoEuro before booking

FAQ: Solo Travel Europe on a Budget

1. How much does a 36-day solo trip to Europe cost?

Based on my experience, budget approximately 30,000–40,000 RMB ($4,200–$5,600 USD) including flights, accommodation, food, and transport. Costs vary depending on your travel style and destinations.

2. Is it safe to travel alone in Europe as a female?

Yes, but take precautions. Stay in well-reviewed hostels, avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep copies of your passport and visa. I felt safe throughout my journey.

3. Do I need a visa for multiple European countries?

Yes, you need a Schengen visa for most European countries (France, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria) and a separate UK visa. Apply for the Schengen visa from the country where you'll spend the most time.

4. What's the best way to get around Europe on a budget?

FlixBus is the most affordable option for long-distance travel. For shorter distances, trains are convenient. Low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Vueling are great for connecting major cities. Book in advance for the best prices.

5. How do I handle language barriers in Europe?

English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Download Google Translate offline for emergencies. Learn a few basic phrases in local languages—it goes a long way.

[Link: Essential Packing List for a 36-Day European Trip]

Your European Adventure Awaits

Quitting my job and traveling solo through Europe for 36 days was the best decision I ever made. It wasn't always easy—I made mistakes, got lost, and faced delays. But every challenge taught me something valuable.

You don't need to be rich or fluent in multiple languages to travel Europe on a budget. You just need courage, a good plan, and the right tools.

Ready to start your own European odyssey? Download the essential apps I mentioned, apply for your visas early, and book your first FlixBus ticket. Your adventure is waiting.

Share this guide with a friend who needs a travel inspiration boost. And if you have questions, drop them in the comments—I'd love to help you plan your trip.

Safe travels, and remember: the best journey is the one you take for yourself.

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