Alea Richmond

I'm going to Europe for the first time in October. I'll be on a land/cruise vacation.We have free time...a few hours in Milan, then an entire day in Rome. What can I do that is safe to do alone? I don't want to just sit at the hotel because I'm such a wimp. <BR>We will dock in Portofino from 7-11 a.m. Will only have 3 productive hours there...8-10 a.m. When do shops open? Anyone know a breakfast restaurant that will give me the "Portofino Experience?" <BR>I've always dreamed of visiting Monaco. We will dock in Cannes. Should I take the full-day Monaco tour.....and miss Cannes altogether, or take a 1/2 day tour of Monaco and spend the remainder of the day in Cannes? We arrive in Cannes at 8:00 p.m and leave at 5:00 p.m. the next day. <BR>Safety question: I've heard there are no dead bolts/safety locks on hotel room doors. If you were a female alone in hotel rooms in Milan,Venice,Florence, Rome and Barcelona, would you invest in a portable door alarm to alert when someone is trying to get in, or am I worrying needlessly? <BR>Thanks everyone for your advice

Surlok

Alea, <BR> <BR>Portofino is very small, in two hours or less you'll be able to see nearly everything there. I'm guessing that the shops will open when the ship anchors. They can't stay away from your business.;-) <BR> <BR>Instead of having breakfast in Portofino, do it on the ship, and then enjoy a capuccino, or an expresso, or a glass of wine at one of the bars or cafes there ( there are not that many..). <BR> <BR>Monaco is easily doable from Cannes, by train, bus, or the ship's tour. It's up to you to choose what suits you better. Cannes isn't that interesting, IMHO, so, a couple of hours upon the ships's arrival there in the evening will be enough. If you want to see Monaco, I'd do the full day tour, or spend at least most part of the time there. <BR> <BR>I've stayed alone in hotel rooms in Rome, Milan and Barcelona, and I never feared for my safety to the point of thinking of portable door alarms, for God sake! Unless you're staying at very unsafe places, which I think is not the case. Ask for advise, or make a search here on this board about nice hotels in safe neighborhoods, and enjoy your stay. <BR> <BR>Surlok

kate

Actually, I think you are worrying needlessly. Most crime against tourists is theft of personal belongings - opportunist pickpockets rather than muggers. <BR> <BR>Violent crime is still very rare. I presume you are from America (sorry if you're not) and I'm sure you think nothing of wondering around the shops at home. You should feel just as safe in Europe. What do you think the european women do? I wouldn't think twice about it, although I live in a big city and feel very unfazed by wandering around on my own.

Alea Richmond

Thanks to Surlok, for all the information and thanks to you and Kate for your input about safety. You've convinced me I'm overreacting. Yes, I'm an American. I have read that violent crime isn't the norm in Europe like it is in the U.S. Women here don't worry about being pickpocketed, they're concerned about rape. We're used to it and take the proper precautions. I guess I'm just taking my American fears along with me. And, no, I'm not implying that the U. S. is unsafe for travelers or anyone else. I have never been robbed, mugged, or anything else and personally know few who have. <BR> <BR>I'd still like to hear from someone about how to spend about 3 hours in Milan. Just found out I'll be staying at the Golden Tulip Executive Hotel. Also, still would like to hear about my free day in Rome. Saw on the Rome website something about a hop-on, hop-off tour. Anyone know anything about that? A half-day tour is included with my trip, so I'll want to go to places that tour missed. Thanks! <BR>

Betsy

Traveling alone doesn't need to equate with being lonely or even being alone. You will very likely meet up with others along the way, especially if you're on a cruise ship, but you've got to be open to it. That said, it sounds like you'll have limited time in Rome and it also sounds like you might be more comfortable with some kind of tour, which for only one day is an efficient way to go. E-mail your hotel to see what they have to offer. A hop on hop off tour is great cause you aren't held to specific times. And Alea, Don't be afraid to get out at night! Rome is an incredible city at night. Eat at the Piazza Navone or the Campo Fiore or in Trestevere. There'll be lots of people around. Bring a book to read, (not a guide book) if you need it but you may not! Taxis are cheap in Rome.

Alea Richmond

Thanks everyone. Betsy, you're right about the alone vs. lonely, etc. I always travel alone in the U.S....this will be a new, and I hope interesting, experience for me being with so many people since I tend to be a loner. <BR>I chose a large table on my cruise ship so that I'd meet as many people as possible, because I know that will be some of the best memories (or worst!) That is one of the things I look forward to. <BR>Glad to know I don't have to fear going out at night. I never do the book thing. I don't have any problem at all sitting in a restaurant alone, but I think it will be more fun if I hook up with others. Sometimes the ambiance isn't nearly as nice when you're alone. <BR>On a cruise forum I'm reading, I've found out that my cruise line has optional tours for the free day, as well as Rome at Night and various dinner tours. When I e-mailed the line, they told me no other tours/escursions were offered, but they obviously are. I'm getting such useful information from everyone on the forums. <BR>Good idea to e-mail the hotels...hadn't thought of that. I appreciate all the good advice! <BR> <BR>Alea

Julie

Are you going with a group and then have time on your own? I spazzed about it when I did that in Rome and Florence and really the only scary part was when the gypsy's tried to pickpocket me. But, you know what? That was the WORST thing and it happened I didn't die and now that it happened I doubt if it will ever happen again. I felt safe in the hotels. If you go for a walk just bring the name of the hotel with you so if you get turned around you can ask someone directions. People are so friendly in Italy. If you relax, talk to people, (there are a ton of americans and other europeans always travelling ) and walk with purpose toward your desto I think you will be ok. I liked to pick a block or two and check out every shop. The museums are great too. Have fun! I went to Monaco too and that place is key. Very clean and wealthy. You don't have to worry about anything other than how much money you would need to live there. It is awesome and gorgeous. I would pick one or the other so you can at least try and see it in more detail, not rushed. <BR>I never thought about the portable door alarm. Do you have one in your home? Most of the people that run the hotels want their guests to feel safe so you probably will be ok.

julie

Also, only one day in Rome? YIKES! I would hang out near the Spanish Steps. There is an awesome women's glove shop right at the bottom the steps. You take this winding wooden staircase up and all the beautiful gloves and scarves you could want are there. The Spanish Steps is THEE place to meet and greet in Rome. ONe day is not enough time to see the Vatican Museum although such a sight is absolutely unbelievable. The Pieta alone was worth the visit not to mention the Sistine Chapel... ahhh so much to see so little time...

diane

Dear Alea, <BR>I met a woman through Fodor's whoo just returned from a trip to Europe alone. She had a wonderful time. She said her best tip was to book a guide. She said that she had the person to herself. They got her up and going early and she had experiences she never would have had without him. Personally I think Europe is safer than the US. I think you should relax and the only place I would worry is in the train stations. ' Portofino is wonderful And Milan has great shopping. Rome is so hectic and not my favorite place. But go to the Vatican and hope to get into the Sistine chapel. Don't try to do it all, you will just be frustrated. <BR>The Spanish Steps and Trevi fountain are tremendously over rated in my book. They were on my must do list when I went. My big tip for Rome is take taxi's everywhere.. it saves time, patience and will help you do the most easily. Shops open at 9 most everywhere or sometimes 10. They all close about 1 for 2 hours. This is when you eat lunch and soak up the atmosphere. <BR>I think you should rent a car and drive out of Monaco. Cannes is dissappointing if you have ever been to a good beach. There are beautiful places really close to that area that are really spectacular. If you are definite about Monaco, really experience it. Go to the Casino, perhaps get a massage, or at least a pedicure etc.. in some of the hotels there... My daughter and I drove all around there last summer. It was easy. I 'll bet you meet someone on the cruise who would love to have some freedom away from all the tourists. <BR>Good luck.

Diane

Sorry I forgot ...when in Rome go to Columbus Hotel near the Vatican for lunch. It has the most beautiful room. 'We just happened upon this by sheer exhaustion. It was such a wonderful experience. <BR>When we got home... the room was in a magazine as one of the most beautiful places...you haven't been. I hope you go! Also when in Italy... if you eat at many casual places... it is the custom for people to join you or vice versa at their table. Many nice conversations start this way. Relax, Italy is so very friendly.. you will not want to leave. Please e mail me when you get back! Or before if you like.