Rome, Tuscany, Verona & Cinque Terre - traveling solo, any suggestions?
Mar 26th, 2011, 06:16 AM
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Rome, Tuscany, Verona & Cinque Terre - traveling solo, any suggestions?
There are so many places I want to see in Italy, that perhaps I need to scale back a bit on this trip. I am a 45 year old woman traveling alone for the first time in Italy. I am a bit anxious about traveling between destinations or I should say, about finding the most cost efficient travel. I believe if I can make this trip on my own, it will be the first of many to come.
Any suggestions on where to stay, what to do, restaurants to eat in, traveling tips and packing trips would be greatly appreciated.
Any suggestions on where to stay, what to do, restaurants to eat in, traveling tips and packing trips would be greatly appreciated.
Mar 26th, 2011, 06:37 AM
#2
Tuscany isn't easy without a car, but it depends on which part of Tuscany you plan to visit. Some places can be reached by bus, but schedules aren't always convenient.
How many days do you have and what's your budget for hotels?
How many days do you have and what's your budget for hotels?
Mar 26th, 2011, 06:41 AM
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Hello.
I've been traveling solo in Europe, the UK, and Kenya for the last 7 months, and except for one unhappy runin with a Parisian taxi driver - I have had no problems. In fact, it's been a LOT easier than I had expected. Granted, I have paid extra to have people meet me at airports and escort me to hotels several times to avoid any complications, but overall, I have been winging it on my own - except while in Kenya. I am thinking of heading to Italy in a few weeks and am looking for a travel partner if you are interested. You can mail me at worldsiteseeratgmaildotcom - replace at with the at sign and dot with a period.
I've been traveling solo in Europe, the UK, and Kenya for the last 7 months, and except for one unhappy runin with a Parisian taxi driver - I have had no problems. In fact, it's been a LOT easier than I had expected. Granted, I have paid extra to have people meet me at airports and escort me to hotels several times to avoid any complications, but overall, I have been winging it on my own - except while in Kenya. I am thinking of heading to Italy in a few weeks and am looking for a travel partner if you are interested. You can mail me at worldsiteseeratgmaildotcom - replace at with the at sign and dot with a period.
Mar 26th, 2011, 06:44 AM
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This posted before I finished. I have been traveling with my sister for the last month in France and we have been having sooooo much fun. But I have to figure out where to go next. I'm thinking Italy or Spain for the months of April and May. Then I'm off to the UK for awhile.
Mar 26th, 2011, 07:31 AM
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I'm traveling from July 10th to the 20th. I have no particular destinations in mind as of yet, but I'm open to suggestions. I thought of renting a car, but hadn't decided if that is an expense I want to incur or if I want to worry about road signs and directions.
I would like to stay as cheaply as possible. B&Bs, Budget hotels or even hostels would be fine. For this experience, I don't need the best hotel room, just a place to sleep and shower. A place which includes breakfast would be very nice though.
I would also be interested in finding a traveling partner, a woman of course.
I would like to stay as cheaply as possible. B&Bs, Budget hotels or even hostels would be fine. For this experience, I don't need the best hotel room, just a place to sleep and shower. A place which includes breakfast would be very nice though.
I would also be interested in finding a traveling partner, a woman of course.
Mar 26th, 2011, 07:43 AM
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Hi TT, if you use the "Search the Forums" box at the top you'll find LOTS of discussions about whether women should travel solo and how to do it.
As a woman, I travel solo all the time, I'll be heading on my 11th solo trip to Italy in June. Sometimes I connect with friends who are the same city at the same time (a lot of people pass through Rome) and a lot of my friends travel solo. You can meet people if wish by taking half-day walking or cooking tours.
Italy is very safe -- there are always problems with pickpockets, especially on public transport -- but that can happen anywhere.
I eat in restaurants, I stroll around cities at night, I've very rarely ever felt threatened. Sometimes men hit on me, but they're as easy to brush off in Italy as anywhere else. I see Italian women all the time being subjected to the wolf-whistles and men approaching them and they simply ignore the men and continue on their way. I follow that approach, ignore them, and they really don't persist for long.
I certainly wouldn't let the occasional annoying man keep me from doing what I want with my life!!!!
There are always a few things I do for my safety and to feel comfortable. I always stay in decent hotels in the centre of town, where there are lots of people out and about, lots of restaurants and things to do day or night. Hotels in the centre tend to be a bit more expensive, but when I once tried to cut costs and stay a bit further out (for example, in Rome out past the Colosseum) it really wasn't uncomfortable. Especially at night. I was never threatened, but I just didn't feel very comfortable or free walking at night from a restaurant through very quiet, deserted streets in office and residential areas.
I pay attention to my surroundings, I think about transportation routes and figure our what train routes I want to follow so I don't get lost (although it does still happen!)
I often rent a car for at least part of my trips in Italy now, so I can visit smaller hilltowns that aren't that easy to reach. Just as I do at home, I get a good map, keep the gas tank topped up so I won't be stranded somewhere, I don't go for the cheapest rent-a-wreck option.
And I carry a cell phone that works in Italy, which makes me feel a little more secure. Also a list of Italian emergency numbers (such as police or the Avis rental car help line when I have a car.)
All you need is a little planning, some assertiveness and faith that you can take charge of your own trip!!!
As a woman, I travel solo all the time, I'll be heading on my 11th solo trip to Italy in June. Sometimes I connect with friends who are the same city at the same time (a lot of people pass through Rome) and a lot of my friends travel solo. You can meet people if wish by taking half-day walking or cooking tours.
Italy is very safe -- there are always problems with pickpockets, especially on public transport -- but that can happen anywhere.
I eat in restaurants, I stroll around cities at night, I've very rarely ever felt threatened. Sometimes men hit on me, but they're as easy to brush off in Italy as anywhere else. I see Italian women all the time being subjected to the wolf-whistles and men approaching them and they simply ignore the men and continue on their way. I follow that approach, ignore them, and they really don't persist for long.
I certainly wouldn't let the occasional annoying man keep me from doing what I want with my life!!!!
There are always a few things I do for my safety and to feel comfortable. I always stay in decent hotels in the centre of town, where there are lots of people out and about, lots of restaurants and things to do day or night. Hotels in the centre tend to be a bit more expensive, but when I once tried to cut costs and stay a bit further out (for example, in Rome out past the Colosseum) it really wasn't uncomfortable. Especially at night. I was never threatened, but I just didn't feel very comfortable or free walking at night from a restaurant through very quiet, deserted streets in office and residential areas.
I pay attention to my surroundings, I think about transportation routes and figure our what train routes I want to follow so I don't get lost (although it does still happen!)
I often rent a car for at least part of my trips in Italy now, so I can visit smaller hilltowns that aren't that easy to reach. Just as I do at home, I get a good map, keep the gas tank topped up so I won't be stranded somewhere, I don't go for the cheapest rent-a-wreck option.
And I carry a cell phone that works in Italy, which makes me feel a little more secure. Also a list of Italian emergency numbers (such as police or the Avis rental car help line when I have a car.)
All you need is a little planning, some assertiveness and faith that you can take charge of your own trip!!!
Mar 26th, 2011, 08:24 AM
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I've been traveling to Europe about twice a year for the past decade, about four or five of those trips were solo. There are pros and cons to both public trans and renting cars but I've felt that when solo it's not a good idea to rent a car. For one thing, in a foreign place a navigator is very important and alone you obviously don't have one. No one to read the map, help to watch for signs, be there for moral support if you get lost, etc. Plus it's not cost effective for one person.
All the areas you mention can be done by public trans. For Tuscany, base yourself in Florence and do day trips to Siena, Lucca, etc. However, you only have ten days so I think you might want to scale back. Have three destinations of about 3 nights each with possible day trips. That's my minimum, otherwise you are spending your vacation in the bus/train station. I would do four days Rome, three or four days Florence with one day trip, and then either Cinque Terre or Verona. Unless you can spare a few extra days.
If you want hotel suggestions ,etc you can click on my name and it will bring up trip reports for all the areas you mention with hotel information, links to my photos, etc.
All the areas you mention can be done by public trans. For Tuscany, base yourself in Florence and do day trips to Siena, Lucca, etc. However, you only have ten days so I think you might want to scale back. Have three destinations of about 3 nights each with possible day trips. That's my minimum, otherwise you are spending your vacation in the bus/train station. I would do four days Rome, three or four days Florence with one day trip, and then either Cinque Terre or Verona. Unless you can spare a few extra days.
If you want hotel suggestions ,etc you can click on my name and it will bring up trip reports for all the areas you mention with hotel information, links to my photos, etc.
Mar 26th, 2011, 09:15 AM
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For me, Venice is the best place to start if you haven't been. Get acclimated. No cars. Wander around, dont' take organized tours until you've done exploring on yur own Most people speak English and you can take train when you want to leave. There are many affordable, nice places. I've been there a dozen times and recommended to many solo travelers....ALL have loved it. Seina is also great.
Mar 26th, 2011, 10:29 AM
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Traveling teacher, I agree with Isabel about choosing Florence as a base for day trips in Tuscany; also, the airport in Pisa is so much easier to navigate than the larger ones. Delta has had non-stop flights there during the time you are going.
For safety, in addition to what others have written, beware of staying in low budget B&Bs without a reception desk open 24/7.
"Vai via!!!", pronounced Vye veeya, means go away and, said emphatically, that phrase will discourage the more persistent flirts from following you.
In Florence, I stay at Hotel Annalena opposite the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. In Rome, I stay at Hotel Arenula, near Campo de' Fiore. Both have ample breakfasts included in their rates and are in attractive neighborhoods with good dining choices. Both require a one-flight walk upstairs, so I use a very light nylon rolling carry-on by Le Sak that can convert into a back pack. I make a packing list; it saves time and if you bring it along, you probably won't leave anything behind when you return.
I recommend a cross body shoulder bag, rather than a simple handbag or shoulder bag, so you can have your wallet comfortably and safely at hand. You won't be apt to put it down or have it dangling behind you.
Buon viaggio!
For safety, in addition to what others have written, beware of staying in low budget B&Bs without a reception desk open 24/7.
"Vai via!!!", pronounced Vye veeya, means go away and, said emphatically, that phrase will discourage the more persistent flirts from following you.
In Florence, I stay at Hotel Annalena opposite the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. In Rome, I stay at Hotel Arenula, near Campo de' Fiore. Both have ample breakfasts included in their rates and are in attractive neighborhoods with good dining choices. Both require a one-flight walk upstairs, so I use a very light nylon rolling carry-on by Le Sak that can convert into a back pack. I make a packing list; it saves time and if you bring it along, you probably won't leave anything behind when you return.
I recommend a cross body shoulder bag, rather than a simple handbag or shoulder bag, so you can have your wallet comfortably and safely at hand. You won't be apt to put it down or have it dangling behind you.
Buon viaggio!
Mar 26th, 2011, 10:38 AM
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Sorry, Traveling_ teacher, the carry-on is by Le Sportsac, not Le Sak. It's the 19 inch wheeled backpack on their website. It retails for $130, but it was on sale for 20% less when I bought it at their NYC store.
Mar 26th, 2011, 12:03 PM
#13
>>>I'm traveling from July 10th to the 20th<<<
That's not enough time for all the places you listed. Does that include your travel time or do you have 10 hotel nights in Italy? You need to narrow your choices down to 3-4 places. If you don't state an actual budget per night in $ or €, then we can't suggest places to stay. I've stayed in several convents, but they can be as cheap as 20-30€ per night or as high as 300€.
As for renting a car, it's expensive for one person and you do need to be familiar with Italian road signs. You can visit a few hill towns on bus lines and major cities/towns are usually on train lines.
That's not enough time for all the places you listed. Does that include your travel time or do you have 10 hotel nights in Italy? You need to narrow your choices down to 3-4 places. If you don't state an actual budget per night in $ or €, then we can't suggest places to stay. I've stayed in several convents, but they can be as cheap as 20-30€ per night or as high as 300€.
As for renting a car, it's expensive for one person and you do need to be familiar with Italian road signs. You can visit a few hill towns on bus lines and major cities/towns are usually on train lines.
Mar 26th, 2011, 12:44 PM
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A couple of quick thoughts on low-budget accommodations:
-- there is a women's only hostel in Rome, Foresteria Orsa Maggiore, that gets pretty good reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ome_Lazio.html
-- Italy also has many convents that offer cheap guest accommodations -- see a partial list here: http://www.santasusanna.org/comingToRome/convents.html
If this option is appealing, you can do some more research online; the quality and curfew times vary, but many travelers report good experiences.
One potentially nice thing about both of these options is the increased possibility of meeting other solo travelers with whom you might enjoy an occasional outing.
Good luck, I'm sure you'll have a great time!
-- there is a women's only hostel in Rome, Foresteria Orsa Maggiore, that gets pretty good reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ome_Lazio.html
-- Italy also has many convents that offer cheap guest accommodations -- see a partial list here: http://www.santasusanna.org/comingToRome/convents.html
If this option is appealing, you can do some more research online; the quality and curfew times vary, but many travelers report good experiences.
One potentially nice thing about both of these options is the increased possibility of meeting other solo travelers with whom you might enjoy an occasional outing.
Good luck, I'm sure you'll have a great time!
Mar 27th, 2011, 05:04 AM
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KY Bourbon: I would like to keep it at $100 US or less for hotels/lodging. Thanks for the tip on bus and train lines.
Moon girl: thanks for the websites, I'll definitely check them out.
Poetess: thanks for the suggestions in both Florence and Rome. I looked them up and they both sound very nice. I also appreciate the other helpful tips on packing. I hadn't decided what I was taking on this trip, but knew I wanted it to be light.
Tiamo: Thanks for the advise on Venice. Perhaps that would be a great place to begin my journey. I had thought to wait on Venice, but am now reconsidering that choice. Would you offer some suggestions on places to stay and eat?
Isabel: Your pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing them. I was concerned in the beginning, that I needed to narrow my choices for this trip. I will definitely cut some destinations out of my trip. I would like to see the Cinque Terre. Would you have any suggestions on places to stay and in which of the 5 towns you preferred staying in. I know I can take the train into the Cinque Terre. How many days do you suggest for this part of the trip?
Sacc: I not only need to convince myself about traveling solo, but my husband as well. It would be one thing if I had friends to meet up with, but there are none at this point. I will be wrapping up a 10 day visit to London with a friend, however, she has to fly back to the US at the point. My original plans were to meet up with another friend in the Netherlands, but that fell through. So, I find myself with a choice to either change my flight and come home early, or make the most of the 10 days I originally planned to stay in Europe. Thank you for the encouragement and tips on solo travel. I will check out the forums for more information.
Moon girl: thanks for the websites, I'll definitely check them out.
Poetess: thanks for the suggestions in both Florence and Rome. I looked them up and they both sound very nice. I also appreciate the other helpful tips on packing. I hadn't decided what I was taking on this trip, but knew I wanted it to be light.
Tiamo: Thanks for the advise on Venice. Perhaps that would be a great place to begin my journey. I had thought to wait on Venice, but am now reconsidering that choice. Would you offer some suggestions on places to stay and eat?
Isabel: Your pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing them. I was concerned in the beginning, that I needed to narrow my choices for this trip. I will definitely cut some destinations out of my trip. I would like to see the Cinque Terre. Would you have any suggestions on places to stay and in which of the 5 towns you preferred staying in. I know I can take the train into the Cinque Terre. How many days do you suggest for this part of the trip?
Sacc: I not only need to convince myself about traveling solo, but my husband as well. It would be one thing if I had friends to meet up with, but there are none at this point. I will be wrapping up a 10 day visit to London with a friend, however, she has to fly back to the US at the point. My original plans were to meet up with another friend in the Netherlands, but that fell through. So, I find myself with a choice to either change my flight and come home early, or make the most of the 10 days I originally planned to stay in Europe. Thank you for the encouragement and tips on solo travel. I will check out the forums for more information.
Mar 27th, 2011, 10:06 AM
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"So, I find myself with a choice to either change my flight and come home early, or make the most of the 10 days I originally planned to stay in Europe."
Oh my goodness, take the latter option by all means! It is only 10 days. Women travel by themselves safely in Italy all of the time. There are pros and cons to solo travel, just like there are pros and cons to traveling with a spouse or a friend. I predict you will in fact enjoy yourself very much. Worst case scenario: you don't enjoy yourself, but you will have at least tried it and confirmed that you don't like solo traveling -- i.e., you will have checked it off of your list of things to try. Either way, I think this is really worthwhile, particularly when you are already spending the money on a trans-atlantic airline ticket. Here is another interesting website to explore if you need further inspiration and encouragement about solo travel as a woman: http://www.journeywoman.com/traveltales/solotravel2.htm
Good luck!
Oh my goodness, take the latter option by all means! It is only 10 days. Women travel by themselves safely in Italy all of the time. There are pros and cons to solo travel, just like there are pros and cons to traveling with a spouse or a friend. I predict you will in fact enjoy yourself very much. Worst case scenario: you don't enjoy yourself, but you will have at least tried it and confirmed that you don't like solo traveling -- i.e., you will have checked it off of your list of things to try. Either way, I think this is really worthwhile, particularly when you are already spending the money on a trans-atlantic airline ticket. Here is another interesting website to explore if you need further inspiration and encouragement about solo travel as a woman: http://www.journeywoman.com/traveltales/solotravel2.htm
Good luck!
