CZECH REPUBLIC SOLO TRAVEL
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! CZECHIA TRAVEL GUIDE 2024
PLAN AND BOOK YOUR CZECH REPUBLIC SOLO TRAVEL
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Vítejte v České republice!
Hi! I’m Gwen, and my passion is using my 28 years of solo global travel and sustainability knowledge and experience to help the solo over 50’s be and stay adventurous through solo travel with their eco-friendly, responsible travel foot forward. Here is my guide to traveling in Czech Republic from my solo travel in Czechia so you can book and realize your Czech Republic solo travel. What are you waiting for?
CZECH REPUBLIC: DID YOU KNOW?
About the Czech Republic
Czech Republic – also known as Czechia, the Czech Republic is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kutná Hora and the historic Centres of Český Krumlov, Telč, and Prague, its beautiful capital.
Czechia is also home to the original Budweiser beer and Pilsner beer (from Pilsen), curd cheese (“syrečky”), amazing architecture, more than 1200 wineries, has 2000 castles and chateaus (the most in Europe, including the most ancient – Prague Castle).
Let’s not forget Czechia also is also home to the oldest university in Central Europe, and Otto Wichterle (the inventor of soft contact lenses), Miloš Forman, Oskar Schindler, Sigmund Freud, Franz Kafka, and Martina Navratilova (my favorite tennis player).
Languages in Czechia
The official language of the Czech Republic is Czech (formerly known has Bohemian).
Czech Republic Culture
The Czech Republic, comprised of three provinces – Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia – is a land-locked country in central Europe surrounded by Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria.
The Czech Republic goes back over 1000 years. It has been the kingdom of Bohemia, part of the Habsburg monarchy, joined with the Slovaks as “Czechoslovaks” after WWI, was split between Germany and Hungary during WWII, was annexed by the Soviet Union until the fall of the Berlin Wall, then finally independent in 1993 and joined the European Union in 2004. In 2016 it adopted the informal name, Czechia.
Czechia still holds many medieval town centers, castles and chateaus, and has a rich history of writers, poets, scientists, and musicians.
Czechia has a democratically elected parliamentary in which the parliament elects the president.
The Czech’s are not very religious – almost 40% classify as atheist, slightly less than that as Roman Catholic, with the remaining as a mixture of Protestant or other.
Czechia is an advanced country with high educational status, several social classes, low unemployment rate, and smaller immigration population, although many expats reside in Czechia.
Czechs place high importance on family. They have smaller-size families (rarely more than two children) and extended family living is common.
Although some may consider Czechs as having a “rough exterior”, they are very friendly and hospitable.
Popular Activities in Czechia
The Czechs love to socialize with music, food and alcohol. This can be done at home or at restaurants, bars or clubs.
Traditional food is fulfilling, comfort-style food with meats and sauces served with potatoes or dumplings. Beer is the most popular alcohol, but spirits (including absinthe) and might fine wine are also consumed.
Czechs also like to partake in folk traditions and holidays, music performances and festivals.
Indoors they enjoy art, music, and museums. Outdoors they partake in sports such as cycling, kayaking and trekking in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
Best Wine and Beer Tours in Czech Republic
Find more Czech Republic wine tours, or wine classes, for your upcoming solo travel in Czechia.
CZECH REPUBLIC TRAVEL PLANNING
Czech Republic Currency
The Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK). Check throughout your travel planning phase on any exchange rate changes.
Tipping in Czech Republic
Traveling in a new country is easier when you know the country’s tipping etiquette in advance as each country has its own rules. That said, country rules and norms can shift, so here is an international tipping resource for over 70 countries to use as a general guideline that I have found is constantly updated.
What’s not on there is how to tip a concierge, beauty salons or spas, travel or tour guides, etc. For these extras, it is acceptable to tip 10% at minimum. Remember, tipping is for good service only.
Additionally, you should always tip in the local currency (if tipping in cash), and do not be offended if your tip is refused as it may not be the norm. I feel it’s always better to offer a tip for good service than not, unless I know it will be considered offensive, like in Japan.
Czech Republic Holidays
It’s a complete bummer to spend time and money on the holiday of a lifetime only to show up at a key attraction, or try to access travel or banking resources, only to find them closed due to a national or local holiday.
Therefore, a key activity to do in your early Czech Republic vacation planning stage is to know the local and national holidays in the Czech Republic.
CZECH REPUBLIC TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Travel Documents for Czechia
From the U.S., you will need a valid passport with an expiration date greater than 6 months from your return date to the U.S. It is advised to always check the U.S. State Department in advance of traveling to the Czech Republic for pertinent, up-to-date Czech Republic travel advisories and information. If you are not from the U.S., please check your government’s website.
At this time (October 2023), a travel visa is not required for U.S. citizens who travel in the Czech Republic 90 days or less and within a 180-day period. However, in mid-2025 it is expected that the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETAIS) will go into effect that is designed to strengthen European borders and streamline entry. At that time, a printed ETAIS visa waiver (the “ETAIS”) will be required to enter the Schengen Area for tourist, business or transit purposes of 90 days or less. You will be able to apply online for the ETAIS visa waiver, which will also require a fee (7 EUR). Requirements for an ETAIS are available now. Watch for ETAIS updates if you are planning to solo travel to the Czech Republic in 2025.
If you are not from the U.S., please check if your country is on the ETAIS list indicating whether you are required to obtain an ETAIS or a Schengen Visa.
Choose from Top Travel Document Holders
Vaccinations for Czechia
There are normally no vaccinations required for Czech Republic travel. The U.S. State Department provides up-to-date required vaccination information for traveling to Czech Republic. It is advised to always check for any Czech Republic travel restrictions and required vaccinations during your planning stage and again before you leave.
If you are not from the U.S., please check your government’s website.
CZECH REPUBLIC TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Electronics for Czechia
Want to use your 110V electronics while traveling around the Czech Republic? The Czech Republic’s voltage is 230V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. If you do not already have electronics (hair dryer, clippers, curling iron, etc.) made for the Czech Republic’s voltage, you will need to bring a voltage converter to use your electronics. Below are top-rated power converters for you to compare and buy.
Choose the Converter That’s Right For You
Most smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras and similar electronics don’t require a converter (double-check your device(s) before you leave home), but you will still need a plug adapter.
Traveling to the Czech Republic, Type C and E adapters will fit the Czech Republic’s electronic outlets. I recommend bringing at least one of each adapter type accepted. I do not recommend using those single adapters for 100+ countries. They have been known to break and/or cause a power short.
Be prepared before you visit the Czech Republic. Bring a solid, reliable, and grounded power adapter to safely charge your electronics in the Czech Republic. Below are top-rated U.S. (Type A and B) to Czech Republic power adapter options, from the only brand I travel with, for you to compare and buy.
Choose the Czech Republic Adapter That’s Right for You
Type C Adapters
Type E/F Adapters
If you are going to another country in addition to your trip to the Czech Republic, check this international travel adapter guide to make sure you’re prepared.
Cyber Security While Traveling
Having a virtual private network (VPN) service and portable WiFi is always a good idea to not just stay connected, but stay connected securely in your hotel and all public spaces, like airports, train stations, and restaurants.
- Portable WiFi Hotspot for Travel: Experience seamless connectivity with the Solis Lite, your pocket-friendly companion that offers secure and reliable mobile WiFi hotspot coverage in over 135...
- SIMO’s virtual, multi-carrier network, includes all the major carriers, so you can work, learn, or play from anywhere. Stay connected domestically or abroad with your personal Wi-Fi hotspot and...
- Built-in 4700 mAh Power Bank: Stay online all day with 16+ hours of battery life in your Solis Wi-Fi hotspot. Keep all your gadgets charged on-the-go.
- Perfect Case for SIMO Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot
- Featured Design: Strong compact light weight case, the round square design best matching the round shape of the Solis and making it easy to in and out of the case
- Assured Protection: Semi-hard carrying case protecting the device from shock, shake, scratch. PEVA materials with pressure or hit absorbing and water resistant. The round square design make it best to...
CITY GUIDES & ITINERARIES
Use my solo travel guides, itineraries, travel tips, day trip ideas, and recommended things to do in these top Czech Republic destinations, all from my travel in the Czech Republic, to plan your best Czech Republic solo travel.
The more I travel in the Czech Republic, the more that gets added to this Czech Republic Travel Guide. Keep checking back.
Prague
Best Things to Do in Prague
Best Vltava River Cruises in Prague
Best Day Trips from Prague
HOW TO BOOK CZECH REPUBLIC TRAVEL
It’s important to book the top three travel necessities early: flights, accommodations and ground transportation.
No travel Czech Republic guide would be complete without the booking tools below. These, along with fun Czech Republic things to do and ecotourism ideas, will allow you to realize your solo trip to the Czech Republic.
Cheap Flights to Czechia
With the ever-growing demand for airline tickets to the Czech Republic, flights book quicker these days. Find cheap flights to the Czech Republic now.
Don’t Wait to Book Your Flight to the Czech Republic
Places to Stay in Czechia
Second in importance to buying airline tickets to the Czech Republic is finding the best place to stay in the Czech Republic for your solo travel to Czechia. Develop your Czech Republic travel itinerary now and find the best accommodations in the Czech Republic to knock one more item off your Czech Republic travel planning list.
Find the Best Solo Travel Accommodations in Czech Republic
Getting Around Czechia
The Czech Republic has Bolt, Uber, Carpoolworld, and other possible regional ridesharing services and apps (research in advance if they are in your destination area).
There are also taxis, of course, and you can easily find a rental car if that better suits your Czech Republic solo travel itinerary.
Find the Best Deals on Czech Republic Rental Cars
The Czech Republic also part of Europe’s incredible bus and train network, so getting around and booking transportation is easy.
Things to Do in Czechia
Here are some more of the top things to do in the Czech Republic to book for your solo Czech Republic trip.
Best Czech Republic Food Tours & Activities
CZECH REPUBLIC ECO-TRAVEL IDEAS
There are ways to reduce your eco and carbon footprint through air travel, accommodations, tours, and activities in the Czech Republic. To help avoid greenwashing businesses, here are some eco-friendly or sustainable travel (also called responsible travel) tips and resources, you can use to book your travel.
Air Travel Tips
Skyscanner provides a ‘Greener flights’ filter highlighting flights that emit less CO2.
Purchase carbon offsets through your airline or through a third party, like MyClimate.org, Carbonfund.org, or terrapass. Carbon offsetting allows you to buy a certificate to reduce carbon emissions, a major contributor to climate change, which in turn contribute community projects across countries to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Ground Transportation
The best eco-friendly forms of ground transportation in the Czech Republic are public transportation, walking, or renting a bicycle or electric scooter. They are also apt to cost less than other ground transportation.
Explore Czech Republic Bike and Electric Scooter Rentals
Try to avoid renting a car in the Czech Republic by using the amazingly convenient and inexpensive buses and/or trains.
When booking a rideshare in Czechia, select the Bolt Green or Uber Green options instead of a traditional rideshare, or use Carpoolworld, to support the use of electric cars and carpooling for cleaner transportation in Czechia.
Bolt and Lime also have electric scooters to rent in the Czech Republic for faster and cleaner commuting. Search Bolt and Lime for select city availability.
Accommodation Tips
Look for accommodations with the following self and third-party assessed certifications when you book:
Green Globe – Green Globe certifies hotels, resorts, conference centers, transportation, attractions, tour operators, and other tourism businesses globally on sustainable operations and management. Look for the Czech Republic and other European Green Global members.
Green Key Global is an internationally recognized environmental certification for the lodging and meetings industries, including hotels and hostels, campsites and holiday parks, restaurants and attractions in 65 countries. Search for Green Key awarded sites.
Living Building Challenge – if you want to stay in a true, sustainable building, find one certified by the Living Building Challenge. LBC’s certification directory shows all project types globally. Hopefully they will put in a filter soon to allow searching by hotels or hospitality type.
LEED Certified – the USGBC’s LEED Certified label on buildings, like many of the Marriott’s hotels, are those that have verifiably employed multiple and varying green building strategies to improve human and environmental health. Search the LEED directory for Czech Republic certifications.
Green Lodging Program – Audubon International has an environmental stewardship certification through third-party verification. Search its certified members directory.
GSTC Certified – the Global Sustainable Tourism Council provides global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, as well as international accreditation for sustainable tourism Certification Bodies. Booking sites that offer GSTC certified sustainable are bookdifferent, EcoHotels, and Transat.
Another way to find an establishments implementing eco-friendly or sustainable practices, certified or not, is through Booking.com in which you’ll need to find and review each establishment’s ‘Sustainable Initiatives’ within the booking process. Starting 2022, however, you’ll be able to filter searches for accommodations with the Travel Sustainable badge.
Find Your Travel Sustainable Stay in Czechia
Eco-Friendly Things To Do
The Czech Republic has ecotourism ideas available to explore for your next vacation.
Search Green Global and Green Key awarded members for eco-friendly activity providers in the Czech Republic. Some may also have the GSTC Certified logo.
Top Eco-Friendly Czech Republic Things to Do
Eco-Travel Products
There are more ways to do your part for the planet in your responsible travel, like bringing sustainable and eco-friendly products to protect the Czech Republic’s environment.
There are more ways to do your part for the planet in your responsible travel. Read my 10 Easy Eco-Travel Tips and view my suggested Eco Travel Resources to learn more.
CZECH REPUBLIC TRAVEL SAFETY
Before You Go
Always consult your government’s Czech Republic travel advisory for your Czech Republic travel destination in the beginning travel planning phase and up to your departure date.
Buy Czech Republic travel insurance and international medical insurance for your solo travel to Czech Republic to protect yourself and cover for emergencies.
Safety in Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has been voted the 7th safest country to live per the 2019 Global Peace Index. It is also considered a safe place to visit. Street crime is unlikely. Beyond any possible theft or pickpocketing, which could happen in most tourist places to be honest, there is nothing I can recall from the Czech Republic making it more of a “safety concern” than traveling in my own home country, so my standard tips for female and solo travelers are:
- always carry photo ID with you; if you don’t want your passport on you at all times, at least carry a copy of it.
- always be “street wise”.
- always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you feel the need to imbibe or feel the need to “let loose” – you’re on vacation so have fun!
- never leave your food or drink unattended.
- keep your belongs on your person, or at least in your view in close proximity, at all times.
- be open to meeting and talking with new people – that is where a lot of the travel experience lies – but be careful on how you divulge personal information.
- research places in advance, if possible, so you know what to expect (i.e., “have a familiar view” – I like to Google the street view of new addresses I’m going to first).
- if something, someone or someplace makes you feel uncomfortable, go with your gut – leave.
Czechia Covid Travel Tips
CZECH REPUBLIC BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS
Best Time to Visit Czechia
Like other countries in Europe, Czechia’s high, tourist season, and most expensive time, is the summer (late June to August). Crowds are not as heavy in the Spring (April to early June) and Fall (September and October), and prices in these months are lower than the summer season.
The least expensive time to go to Czechia would be November to March. For overall best weather and prices, try booking well in advance for Spring or Autumn but keep in mind the Spring weather can still be cold (mid 30’s to mid 50’s F) so, plan on wearing layers at minimum.
Budget Accommodations
Staying in hostels could save you a lot of money on accommodations in the Czech Republic, especially if you stay in a dorm-style room. Save more money by booking well in advance.
Many Czech Republic hostels also offer private rooms, which I choose from time to time. Private rooms in hostels could possibly be cheaper than hotels in the Czech Republic – it depends on where you stay and how far in advance you reserve.
Don’t overlook exploring hostels in the Czech Republic if you’re on a budget.
Reserve Your Czech Republic Hostel
Best Time to Book Travel
Ready to book your solo travel to the Czech Republic? The sooner you book your reservations, the more you’re likely to save money and get the best flight, accommodation, and rental car choices and deals.
Don’t miss out and find the best Czech Republic flight deals. The best time to book travel is now. Bundling flight, hotel and/or transportation reservations may even save you more money on your trip to the Czech Republic.
Do You Know What Czechia Flights and Hotels Cost? Check to See
PERSONAL STORY
From all of the wonderful things I had heard about Prague, it had been on my bucket list since the 1990’s. However, no matter how much I tried to get it into my Europe trips, it always got cut.
I finally got to Prague in 2021, and it was worth the wait. Prague basically missed the destruction from World War II that other European cities endured. The architecture is what I had hoped, not to mention the people, food and wine. I look forward to having more time to explore the rest of Czechia. I hope it doesn’t take me as long the next time around.