x

I am "not very young" and never married and will be traveling to Italy solo. I have been told that Italians (male and female) will think I'm some kind of weirdo, for lack of a better phrase. Can anyone share honest opinions or experience? I am not the type to lie, but will I make it easier on myself if I say I'm divorced?

solo female

I've only been to Venice (twice) female, solo, 48, american, arriving via train. I never noticed any problem or that people cared one way or the other. Besides unless you speak fluent Italian, your current marital status probably won't come up ;-)

xx

Your not a wierdo - I'll be traveling alone to Greece.

Alice Twain

I am itlian, I am thirtyone and I am single. My mom is Itlaian, she is 51 and she is single. Italy has longtime left behind the Fifties, when an unmarried woman was to be pitied. Nowadays, in particular in the cities, but also in the villages, in particular in the north but also in the south, a single woman, a woman with a fianc&egrave; she doesn't live with or who lives with a partner whom she is not married too is a common sight.<BR>Only some very old aunts keep asking me when I am going to finally find a good husband, all the other people do not care about how I want to live my life.

???

Really, you sound like you are going to Saudi-Arabia. Travelling as a single woman in Italy is no different than travelling as a single woman in Germany, France, Sweden, USA...<BR><BR>Why would your marital status come into discussion???<BR><BR>I am not a single woman, but I have travelled solo all over Europe, South East Asia and northern Africa. And nobody, no place has asked my marital status. God, that is not their business!

natalie

I didn't realise that God asked if it was their business.

donnasola

In response to the first question, I am a middle aged, single female, I have traveled solo extensively in Europe, and yes, it will be easier if you lie, but it is more interesting if you present yourself honestly. I spent 2 weeks in a small town in Southern Italy, was honest about my single status, and got several comments, since their culture, although it has progressed beyond the fifies, still can't easily accept the fact of a happy, single female. But by the end of my stay, I had made many friends. People will talk, at least in the south. Try to learn some Italian, and be open to the discussions you can have.There is much more to Italy than this concern! I loved talking to a beautiful 14 year old girl who dreamed of becoming a lawyer, while her father was intent on marrying her off at 17. You are NOT a wierdo, just an example of a more independent lifestyle, try to enjoy the attention rather than fighting it!!! Italians are very generous and warmhearted, enjoy your adventure!! Buon viaggio!

me

I remember reading a year or two ago that Italy is one of the few "Western" countries with declining marriage (and birth) rates. This article stated that it was women who were rejecting the traditional roles of wife and mother and choosing to remain single. You'll be fine.

Holly

Nobody's going to care about your marital status. But be prepared to be hit on by waiters half your age.

Peter_S_Aus

Jess, sweetheart, you are advertising on a topic that is about eleven years old ...

Dukey1

Funny...do waiters actually hit on ugly people?