I spent 3 months solo-traveling around Europe. Here are 12 things that surprised me most.

Hannah Docter-LoebMar 6, 2024, 00:13 IST

I spent months solo traveling around Barcelona, and other European cities.Hannah Docter-Loeb

I spent three months traveling across Europe by myself while house-sitting.
I was surprised by how reliable public transportation was in many cities.

I spent three months traveling to different cities throughout Europe. Although I'd already been to some of the places I visited — London, Madrid, and Lisbon — most of my destinations were completely new to me.

Throughout the trip, there were a number of things that surprised me and others that took a bit of time to get used to.

TJ Maxx is TK Maxx in Europe.

The discount store has two names in different parts of the world.Hannah Docter-Loeb

European public transport is very good.

I only had to take a few cabs and ride shares while traveling.Hannah Docter-Loeb

In the UK, inexpensive meal deals seem to be a staple.

UK grocery stores are full of fun sandwiches.Hannah Docter-Loeb

Many European cities have plaques memorializing Holocaust victims.

Stumbling stones have been installed across Europe.Hannah Docter-Loeb

Dryers are a luxury.

I mostly had to air-dry my clothes while traveling.Hannah Docter-Loeb

Cigarettes have anti-smoking ads on them.

I found the juxtaposition of the ads on cigarettes surprising.Hannah Docter-Loeb

Morocco is super easy to get to from parts of Europe.

I was able to travel to Morocco from Europe.Hannah Docter-Loeb

Airbnbs can be a nice middle ground between hostels and hotels.

I stayed in a number of Airbnbs when I wasn't house-sitting.Hannah Docter-Loeb

Lots of European cities have stores that only sell American products.

I could get my fix of American junk food across the pond.Hannah Docter-Loeb

Many attractions have student discounts for those under 26.

I went to the National Tile Museum in Lisbon.Hannah Docter-Loeb

Tea was served to me in glasses more than mugs.

I drank a lot of tea in Morocco, too.Hannah Docter-Loeb

Recreational weed isn't legal in Amsterdam — or most of the European Union.

Amsterdam has a certain reputation, so I was shocked by the laws.Hannah Docter-Loeb

I booked a $5,910 balcony cabin for a 7-day Virgin Voyages cruise. The 225-square-foot room was big on luxury.

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