Travelling Alone

buffybabe

Good Morning all! I am leaving for a trip to Italy in a few weeks and I will be travelling alone. This is my first time travelling overseas by myself and have never been to Italy. I was wondering if anyone else had similar experiences, and could share some tips, places to go, places not to go etc. It would also be breat to hear from some folks who live there that could give me some insight as well. Thanks!:)

the_journeyman

Speaking at least a little bit of Italian will help greatly.

JM

WrenStory

Speaking at least a little bit of Italian will help greatly.

JM

This!

I travelled across Mexico alone once... what an experience. It was a shame I chose French instead of Spanish as my foreign language in high school & college. Lol. I took a Lonely Planet guidebook and a translation book. The translation book was very helpful

Also... what I learned is to relax. Relax, smile and be open to those around you... while wary, of course. People are MUCH kinder than you expect in situations like this. I was helped numerous times by strangers. I will never forget how some of the locals bailed me out of some situations.

denezy

I travel alone all the time! And I love it.

I definitely am a planner though and need to feel like I know where I am going in order to feel comfortable. When I am traveling with someone else I generally relax and let whatever happen, but alone I always feel like I need to be on a mission. Enjoy yourself. Do somethng you wouldn't otherwise. Take your time.

debi_f

I went to Italy a few years ago on my own, and WOW! There were very few people who spoke any English at all. Definitely come prepared with a phrase book and possibly a dictionary.

ws8996

I actually traveled alone to Italy the summer before my junior year of college. I lived in Rome in an apartment for 6 weeks. JM is right, you should know the common courtesy words. Know how to say hello, please, thank you, excuse me (most used phrase in Rome), "I would like" (when ordering food). I would say, the less Italian you know, the closer you should stay to the touristy spots. The workers around there will speak more English than the average Italian because they're used to tourism (their menus are also translated.)

As far as where to travel, Pompeii is amazing. You can get there by train and walk to the ruins which were like 15 euro when I was there. There's also a really nice restaurant about a quarter mile away from the train station that had a showcase of their food outside and it looked awesome and tasted better. Florence, Venice, Capri, etc. are also great places to go for the traditional tourism. Venice was a little too "Americanized" for me. There was a pizza called "Pizza Americana" which had hot dogs and french fries on it, pretty weird.

The food everywhere is great, try something different over there and the wine is cheaper than water with dinner generally. Try a Kebob shop when over there, it's not Italian food but they quickly became my go to food.

Drudoo

+1 to take your time. I moved to Barcelona following my college graduation and just enjoyed every day. Having a plan is good, but being alright with varying from that plan will make the trip better. Keep an eye on your things, especially purse and wallets, as most tourist destinations are ripe with pick-pockets. Don't be afraid to ask for help. More people speak english than you may suspect!

Have fun!

Jvsg14

A lot of Italians speak a little bit of english, but a translation dictionary or smartphone app would be helpful. I LOVE Italy. Florence is fabulous - Must tour the Duomo and take the time to climb to the top of bell tower - the views are amazing. Rialto Bridge and the Uffitzi (sp?) museum are musts as well. In Rome, Vatican City, the Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain. I was underwhelmed by the Colesseum but I know others like it. Only eat in small cafes to really enjoy the atmosphere. Run away from any American Restaurant, it spoils the trip. Pisa is really neat if you have a chance to get out there. Didn't love Pompeii - dirty and not tons to do. Venice is nice - St. Mark's Square is great and some of the glass-making shops have interesting demos. Venice is slightly harder to get around in if your Italian is limited, but you can't go to Venice without a Gondola trip. Enjoy!

RosscoBoscko

Travelled around the world for 5 1/2 months on my own about 10 years ago, although being male it's slightly different.

Having said that was a liberating experience and you definately learn to open up more to meet new people. Would say as tips make sure you don't put yourself in any situation where you feel awkward or uneasy, but be willing to engage other travellers in conversation, you'll likely meet some amazing people, and can have great experiences.

sofielein

CLOTHES SHOPPING A MUST!

dsjohndrow

Whenever I travel alone, I try to learn about the culture and the language. On one trip to Brazil, my interpreter never showed up. I met a guy that was sort of bilingual and learned a lot! If you have some language, you'll always feel a little more in control of things, the locals seem to warm up faster, and tell you more of what you really need to know.

Have fun, they have great food, lots of historical places to go. However long you stay, it won't be long enough!

buffybabe

Thank you so much for all of the great advice! I really appreciate it. I have bought an Italian dictionary that I have begun to study some, just so I know some things...

Laces_0ut

only thing i'd add is to make sure this guy knows you are there. just in case...

buffybabe

only thing i'd add is to make sure this guy knows you are there. just in case...

My dad has already threatened to volunterr hahaha

Witchmoo

Check out a website called memrise.com I use it for learning French and it's fantastic for building up vocab, some courses are geared to phrases rather than just words. They do loads of languages on there including Italian. It might help get you some basics before you go.

Enjoy!

ubermensch13

I spent 6 months back packing through Europe after graduate school, travelled alone, besides spending time with people I met on the way. Here are some tips for Italy:

1. Get Rick Steeves book on Italy, best travel guide ever.
2. Don't take the night train to southern Italy.
3. Get a money belt, don't carry a purse in Rome.
4. Venice, get lost, find a place to eat as far from St. Mark's square possible.
5. Florence is wonderful, visit the museum's, but get your tickets before hand so you can skip the extremely long lines!
6. The more southern you go in Italy, the more aggressive the men get with women travelling alone, not in a dangerous way I think, but I've seen the occasional cat call.
7. Most people speak some english, but a few phrases in Italian are helpful.
8. If the restaurant has english as its first language, skip it.
9. Dont' be afraid to go off the beaten track!

RunIntheMud

Thank you so much for all of the great advice! I really appreciate it. I have bought an Italian dictionary that I have begun to study some, just so I know some things...

Barnes and Noble has a "Learn Italian CD pack" for $10 in the bargain rack. Other than that, I have nothing to add but jealousy to this post. Enjoy!!

gotogirl81

I don't have any advice for you but wish I was going! It's a goal of mine to go there before I turn 40.
I also wish my friend was on here, she travels alone often, she went to Iceland last year by herself and had the time of her life. Her pictures were amazing. So with that said I'm sure you will, but take a ton of pics for memories and have a great time!!

Erica_theRedhead

I went to France on my own in September and learning just basic language skills is a must. Pleasantries, directions, travel, etc can get you most of the way. Knowing these skills also allows you to talk with locals, which I adore doing.

Also, research the areas that your visiting, and metro maps. People may try to take advantage of you, and I know Italy is notorious for pick pockets so be aware all of the time! Always know where you are and how to get home. Make copies of your passport, in case it gets stolen or lost, and keep your money and credit cards in multiple locations. A purse that zips shut and stays close on your body may be beneficial as well.

And most of all, have fun!! Try to venture out of the tourist-y places if you can. I love going to local hot spots and chatting up a stranger. So many stories.

sunnyside1213

I always put my passport, credit cards, and money in a bag around my neck under my clothes. I know seasoned travelers who have been the victim of pickpockets. I loved Florence and Rome was nice. Venice, not so much. Enjoy.

BrotherBill913

I spent 6 months back packing through Europe after graduate school, travelled alone, besides spending time with people I met on the way. Here are some tips for Italy:

1. Get Rick Steeves book on Italy, best travel guide ever.
2. Don't take the night train to southern Italy.
3. Get a money belt, don't carry a purse in Rome.
4. Venice, get lost, find a place to eat as far from St. Mark's square possible.
5. Florence is wonderful, visit the museum's, but get your tickets before hand so you can skip the extremely long lines!
6. The more southern you go in Italy, the more aggressive the men get with women travelling alone, not in a dangerous way I think, but I've seen the occasional cat call.
7. Most people speak some english, but a few phrases in Italian are helpful.
8. If the restaurant has english as its first language, skip it.
9. Dont' be afraid to go off the beaten track!

Read Line # 3.. This is sooooooo very true over there. They have ppl who will take it off of you w/o you even knowing, literally. Huge issue over there right now. And others are less skillful, they use the old smash and grab tactic. Be safe, have fun!!!

Frankie3333

I traveled all over Southeast Asia by myself. Some rules that I made for myself were:
1. never accept a drink bought by a stranger
2. keep alcoholic beverages to a minimum (you are girl that is alone)
3. never tell anyone that you are traveling alone. I would lie and make up elaborate stories. i had so much fun with this
4. never invite anyone back to your hotel room
5. never tell anyone you meet where you are staying
6. Always lock the door where you are staying
7. I tried to let my parents or someone close to me know where I was (i have to admit sometimes i just wanted to be off the grid)


Ok, it sounds like I didn't have fun at all but I had a blast. When I was in Thailand, I would do an excursion almost every day and meet amazing people. In Bali, I went to a detox spa and did yoga twice a day while juicing and was 10 feet from the ocean. I didn't spend a lot of time drinking at bars so I was able to get up with the sun and take a morning walk on the beach (woo-hoo for no hangover)!

Be careful, eat amazing food, explore everything, and trust your gut!!!

pastryari

I'm DYING to go to Italy and I've had the opportunity twice now, still do really, but I can't bring myself to travel to a foreign country alone.

Bravo to you for being brave and don't get TAKEN!

harleydall76

Lots of good advice here! I have nothing to add other than enjoy!

Natihilator

I traveled alone in Italy two summers ago, by train. I went all over, looks like everyone covered the basics so if you have any specific questions feel free to ask or PM me!

and you MUST MUST MUST Visit Cinque Terre, even if it's only a daytrip.

Bucky83

I travelled alone to Europe and UK and I never had a problem.

But that's because I probably looked 'paranoid' and no one gave me a problem.

I absolutely loved Italy, I travelled there for 6 weeks all up and the only thing I would say is if you go to Naples, be very careful where you go. I thought it was a bit of a creepy town, but that's only because I was told bad things about it.

I loved everything about Italy. I guess the only thing I would say (and just reiterating everyone else) is watch your belongings like a hawk and have your passport under your shirt.

SlickFootAnna

I traveled alone for over a month, throughout Europe, when I was 22.

I went to Italy, Portugal, Spain and France. I really didn't have any issues in Spain since I speak Spanish fluently but I don't know any French or Italian so I resorted to English and most of the time and I found that I was able to communicate with people (most people knew some English) for the most part.
Take the same precautions you would at home. Go prepared. Do you research. Study train maps/schedules and how you plan on getting around. Make sure to always carry your passport with you and make sure to keep copies of your documents in your luggage in case you lose your purse.

Since I was alone, I never went out after dark. As the sun was setting I always made my way back to the hotel to avoid any potential problems.

I also scheduled a lot of tours in Portugal and was able to see most of the country accompanied by groups, same for France.
In Spain a vehicle was rented and I covered 80% of the country.

Traveling alone has it's benefits.

AmericanExpat

I moved to Europe last year by myself for work and travel on my own frequently.

A few pieces of advice... tours are excellent, I always set up tours using viator or city discovery before I go somewhere, but I would also recommend leaving a bit of time to explore the city on your own as this is the best way to really experience the culture.

It is very helpful to know a few key phrases in the language where you are visiting, but in reality i have lived here for almost a year and still only know English.. .yes i know typical American I am learning French, but I am still not comfortable really conversing with someone.

Be smart, and aware of your surroundings. I have very rarely felt unsafe when I have visited places and I have been to Prague, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Switzerland, Paris all on my own. Plan ahead, be aware and I also agree when on my own I head back to the hotel pretty early and don't stay out on my own much when its dark.

Most of all have a WONDERFUL time.. Italy is a beautiful country and the food is amazing.. enjoy the experience!