Solo traveling has been such a craze lately, and I have always wanted to experience traveling on my own in my 20s. AND I AM HAPPY TO SAY, I DID IT! I am gonna go straight to the point, where I will directly answer all the questions that I've been asked and hopefully I get to finally answer all of them in this post.

Q&A

Q: Why did you choose Budapest & Austria to do your solo travel?

A: To be honest I've travelled a lot this two years. And in this two years, I've covered almost all of the European countries that is on my bucket list. Budapest & Austria were never in my bucket list until I found out these compact places seem really good to do solo traveling. Other places that I wanted to go are either too risky or less suitable for one person to go because lots of group activities need to be done to fully enjoy the trip.

Q: Who took all your photos for you?

A: Most of my photos were taken by tourists! If you noticed, it's my first time being in this places and I spend most of my time at the main tourist attractions. There were SOOOO many (asian) tourists that are willing to help me take photos. Of course, those photos need to be done in preferably just one shot. So my advice on this would be, just take a picture of your back - artsy yet simple. Easy for you, easier for the person who take your pictures too! I brought a tripod with me thinking that I might use it all the time during this trip, but I only used it three times so far. If you're planning to take pictures in less crowded place, tripod would be a great tool.

Q: Did you make any new people who are solo traveling as well?

A: Typically, people who decide to travel on their own stay in hostels so that they can meet new people to go around with. Sadly I did not go with that plan. For safety purpose, I've ruled out the idea of staying in hostels but I did meet new people in the coffee shops, on the train and even at the park where everyone was sunbathing.

Q: Is there any main disadvantages during this solo trip?

A: You can't possibly take naps during train rides because you have to always keep an eye on your belongings. Always, all the time. And the next would be it gets kinda awkward to eat in a really busy restaurant, where everyone comes with a companion or family. But oh wells, I guess it doesn't matter anymore now, does it?

Q: What advices would you give to someone who's planning to do solo travel?

A:  

1. Choose where you wanna do solo travel wisely. Truth to be told, not every place on earth is suitable for solo travel. If you pick the right & convenient places, you'll come back feeling more self-rewarding than ever. If you pick the wrong places, I guess it will only be a nightmare because really, all you have is yourself during this time.

2. Avoid strolling around the city until late night. As much as I wanted to, I avoided as much as  possible. Some places can be really dodgy and exceptionally quiet at night, totally opposite of what they are like in daylight. If you have to go back to your accommodation late at night, make sure you are extra alert, check if there's anyone following you on your way back!!

3. Always keep your belongings with you. And also make sure to always keep track of your itinerary if you're going to more than one place so you won't miss any rides, or flights. 

4. Just embrace your alone time however you want to - by the nature, by the coffee shop, by the metro station.. wherever. Read a book, do people-watching, day dream, take plenty of pictures, anything at all that fills your soul. After all, I feel it's really really healthy to be able to spend some time alone, everyone needs to know how to be alone and not be defined by anything else.

BUDAPEST 

@ the Parliament building. 

And... finally I am able to visit this super beautiful and elegant cafe - Café New York. I've been seeing photos of it on the internet and I am absolutely in love with this kinda architecture. It is also known as the World's most beautiful café, topping the rest on the chart!! 

The exterior of Café New York.

The interior (I)

The interior (II)

The interior (III)

Hopped on to the public bus and it took me all the way to the Buda Castle. Walked quite a number of steps up, and I was sweating like crazy, who knew summer weather came to Budapest this early!

The view from mid-journey up to Buda Castle.

Felt like I was in Rome for a moment.

The Fishermen's Bastion, where everyone can get the best paranoma view of Budapest, is just a few minutes walk away from the Buda Castle. I love how Budapest is such a compact city, that everywhere is reachable within minutes - with public transport or even walking. 

Fishermen's Bastion.

From where I stand.

Such breathtaking view! Looking right at the Parliament building.

Supermarket Flowers.

I love how the sun sets so late in this season, managed to get my coffee fix before the sun went down. 

Here at the super cozy Espresso Embassy.

The Budapest Opera House.

People look so much more cheerful when it's sunny! 

Really good Panna Cotta.

St. Stephen's Basilica. 

Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

Budapest is so pretty in the morning, and even prettier at night. These two pictures of the city lights aren't in the best quality because it was taken by my phone. Kinda regret taking the night bus tour because there wasn't any stop - I am pretty sure better pictures can be taken if you're walking around through the city at night.

Next post on Hallstat & Poland!! Be back soon.

x.