Advice for Independent but Safe Travel

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North Europeans love to chase good weather in the southern sun. Many choose package tours for their convenience and security. Here are our tips on what to consider when travelling independently without a tour operator.

A package tour bundles the essentials — usually transportation and accommodation — into one convenient deal. Often, it also includes extras like excursions and other services, so you’re essentially buying a ready-made travel experience.

Package tours tend to be group trips, typically with guides available at the destination. Plus, excursions and other add-ons are usually offered in the travel group's main language, making things easier. That’s why package tours remain popular for vacationers looking for a smooth, hassle-free trip.

Independent travel, on the other hand, means booking your flights, hotels, and other services separately, on your own terms. Even if you use the same travel agency, your trip may be independent if you book flights and accommodation through different providers. Unlike package tours, you might not find other travellers with the same nationality or guides at your destination.

Independent travel suits budget-wise, somewhat experienced travellers who want flexibility and choice.

By shopping around, you can often find a cheaper deal than a package tour offers. You pay only for what you want, without the extras you don’t need. Still, availing the best price requires time and effort — budget travel isn’t automatic when you go independent.

Choosing your own destination is one of the biggest perks. You’re not stuck picking from a travel agency’s lineup, but you can go anywhere you like. Hotels are yours to choose, provided they have availability and fit your budget. Independent travel is a smart pick if you want to explore off-the-beaten-path spots.

Independent travellers usually take scheduled flights. These tend to offer better comfort and service, especially on long-haul routes, compared to charter flights. Many major airlines include solid economy-class service these days.

Starting with your first independent trip close to home is often easiest. For example, hopping over to Tallinn via a self-booked ferry and hotel is a low-stress way to begin. The Kalev Spa Hotel near Tallinn’s old town offers affordable, quality accommodations.

Don’t let the added risks of independent travel put you off. With a bit of prep, these risks are easy to manage, making it a safe way to go. Just be sure to plan more thoroughly than you would for a package tour.

Finding the right flights and hotels is key when planning independently. Take your time to compare hotel prices, though be cautious when it comes to “best price guarantee” offers — they don’t always pan out easily. If you want to avoid headaches, a package tour might occasionally be the simpler choice.

Use price comparison tools like Skyscanner for flights. Multi-stop flights usually cost less but take longer. It boils down to whether you prefer saving money with a longer journey or paying more for a non-stop flight. Safety and service across European airlines are fairly even, so don’t shy away from lesser-known names, but a quick online check of a new airline’s reputation can’t hurt.

Don’t worry about layovers. Connecting flights typically involve walking between gates, with the airport crew transferring bags automatically. If you’re flying outside Schengen, expect passport control at the connection. If your flight lands late due to the airline’s fault and you miss your connection, they’ll book you on the next flight free of charge.

When it comes to hotels, you have a near-endless pool of options. A well-known hotel comparison site is a great place to start. Focus not only on price and quality but also on location and traveller reviews—a poorly rated hotel usually has solid reasons behind it.

Even as an independent traveller, you can join organised tours. Nearly every destination has local operators offering excellent excursions. The German platform GetYourGuide is a fantastic resource to find tours. You’ll often find more variety and better prices than through package operators. Plus, these tours tend to be truly international, with travellers from all over.

Check out our story from a Dubai desert safari.

Your first step on arrival is usually to get from the airport to your hotel. The cheapest option is often local public transport, typically quick and convenient if you research routes and timetables before you go.

If you want hassle-free comfort, pre-book an airport transfer so a taxi awaits you on arrival. This approach is convenient in destinations where transport options can be confusing. Alternatively, official airport taxis are available, but the price may be high.

Public transit is often the best way to explore the city. Most major cities offer day or weekly passes giving unlimited travel at a great value. You can often buy tickets with a mobile app from the local transit company.

The most flexible —but also most independent— choice is renting a car. Some places may have a more relaxed driving culture than in your home country. Still, it’s generally safe. We’ve put together a handy guide to renting a car abroad.

Staying connected is vital when travelling independently. Bring your phone loaded with a plan that suits your destination. Within the EU, roaming costs are low, so you don’t have to worry. Outside the EU, roaming charges can be huge.

In non-EU countries, buying an eSIM card is a smart way to keep data costs down. Use open Wi-Fi when available, and never book a hotel without free Wi-Fi included.

Even the best-planned independent trips can hit snags. Problems are rare but not impossible—being prepared is key.

Never travel without travel insurance, whether you’re booking a package or flying solo. Healthcare abroad can be shockingly expensive.

Before your trip, check if doctors in your destination cooperate with your insurance provider. If they do, you can visit an insurer-approved doctor and have the clinic bill your insurer directly. Otherwise, you’ll mostly have to pay upfront and submit a reimbursement claim later, usually online. Carry a credit card with a few thousand euros of credit to cover any unexpected medical expenses. In serious medical situations, bills can skyrocket.

Save your insurer’s SOS emergency number in your phone. Your insurer will help you find the right healthcare provider and guarantee payment, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.

If you’re an EU citizen travelling within the EU, always carry your European Health Insurance Card. It grants access to public healthcare at EU rates, but note that it’s no substitute for full travel insurance, which covers more and often provides better care.

Freedom comes with responsibility, and it’s not without its pitfalls.

When you travel independently, you’re on your own. No tour guide to turn to, and there may be language barriers. It’s smart to plan how you’d handle things like illness or theft.

If the airline cancels your flight more than two weeks before departure, ask the airline for alternative flights around the exact dates. Airlines usually accommodate these requests. If not, ask for a refund and book replacements yourself — though expect higher prices. Luckily, cancellations are relatively uncommon.

For cancellations less than two weeks before departure within the EU, you might also be entitled to monetary compensation — unless the cancellation was due to extraordinary events.

Hotel cancellations happen less often. Usually, hotels will offer comparable alternative accommodation nearby. If you booked through a booking site, they’ll usually help arrange alternatives. It pays to act fast if you get a cancellation notice.

Theft is more common abroad than at home. Avoid carrying all your cash and cards in one place. Distribute your valuables to minimise loss. Always report theft to the local police — that’s essential for insurance claims.

Losing your passport is trickier. Please report it to the local police immediately, then contact the nearest embassy, or, in urgent cases, another EU consulate to get a replacement.

If you get sick or hurt, see a doctor as soon as possible. Call your insurer’s SOS emergency line or go to a clinic in their network. Save these numbers in your phone before you travel.

A common worry for solo travellers is where to find assistance without a guide or familiar language speakers nearby.

For serious issues, contact your embassy's emergency number or your insurance provider’s SOS service. Save these contacts in your phone. For minor troubles, hotel reception is often the quickest help — and the more upscale the hotel, the better service you can expect.

Here’s a handy list to keep you on track for your independent adventure:

• Choose a destination that excites you.
• Take time to compare flight and hotel prices.
• Plan your airport transfers both at departure and arrival.
• Save contact info for your country’s embassy and your insurance company on your phone.
• Make sure your travel insurance is valid and bring your European Health Insurance Card.
• Carry enough cash and/or payment cards for your trip.
• Book activities ahead through platforms like GetYourGuide.
• Figure out your local transport options.
• Travel safely and keep in touch with people back home.

Planning your own trip is within reach for almost anyone. Compared to package tours, it takes more time and care upfront—but the payoff is nearly unlimited freedom in where to go and what to do.

Are you a seasoned independent traveller? Share your best tips in the comments below!

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This article was originally published in in Finnish and later translated into English with minor edits.