I'll be in Italy 4 wks. For 2 wks I'll be traveling with a friend to Cinque Terre, Siena, and Sorrento. Then I'm on my own. Would it be advisable to return to one of these areas or select 1 or 2 others. How about Sicily (Taormina)? Also interested in inexpensive rooms,pensione,family stay,etc. I will be traveling by train/bus and flying home from Rome.I'm nervous about being alone, so your suggestions are most welcomed.

It's been almost 20 years since I was in Italy -- some of it alone. Found some problems with the men. But then I was young. Why don't you try wearing a wedding ring -- I've heard that helps. Watch yourself in crowds. On a bus some man got WAAAY to close for my comfort. Rome made me a little nervous, but if you're careful you should be okay. Don't wear fancy clothes and jewelry. Don't make yourself a target. The train stations can be a bit seedy. I remember swinging an umbrella to keep the men away. They just laughed, but it did the trick.

I'll be traveling to Italy alone myself this fall. For some reason I'm not really concerned about it. (Maybe it's because I've "matured".

Had one problem with a gypsy child. You need to be careful of pickpockets. Keep reading the bulletin boards -- you'll see lots of advice about the scams.

Hope this helped and didn't scare you too much. Think of this as an adventure, and be prepared. Italy is wonderful! And don't miss Venice. Have a great time!

There was a similar thread on this topic in March. You might want to check the archives. I know, this was a concern of mine before I went to Rome with my husband. I felt safer in Rome than in many places in the U.S.

I spent a couple of weeks in Italy with a friend of mine a little while ago (also a woman), and to be blunt---you'll probably need a high tolerance level. Even when you're expecting it, the comments, pinches etc. can start to wear on you...so if you happen to meet up with some friendly fellow travelers, by all means hang out with them. Especially if they're male. As you'll see, if a young woman is with a man (or even a five-year-old boy), the catcalls magically cease. Worst case scenario, walk alongside a priest (this is a handy trick in Rome). Smaller places like Siena tend to be less of a pain in this arena (besides being fantastic places period). And even though you'll get some unwanted attention, everything else about Italy will more than make up for it!

If you're going to be in Tuscany you've got to see Florence. Three of every four people I polled said it was their favorite city in Italy. Have fun!

Three years ago my husband, 17 year old son and I were in Europe. They stayed two weeks, I stayed alone an additional two weeks, with several more days alone in Paris. I never felt afraid. I had a car, and travelled from Paris to Germany to visit with relatives, then returned to Paris to fly home. I think the basic precautions of a woman travelling alone apply to Italy, too. 20 years ago, a friend and I went to Italy (two girls of about 18!). We had to keep a sharp eye out for purse snatchers and pick-pockets in Naples, but otherwise we felt safe. Again, we took basic precautions: don't go out alone at night, look like you know where you are going, if asking for directions, try and find a woman, or police, or nun or priest, if someone is getting too familiar, try acting as if you are waiting for someone to join you, etc. Enjoy, and don't let your fears spoil a fantastic adventure!

I'd love to hear how your trip goes. I've actually been to Cinque Terre back in 1988 with my dad. We stayed in Monterossa at a place called La Spiaggia. It is relatively inexpensive and across the street from the beach. The owner is a real character named Andreas Poggi. If you happen to stay there, tell him "Mr. Sherman says hello". Also, my fiancee and I are going to be honeymooning in Sorrento and Sicily in October. I'd love to get your take on Sorrento and Taormina if you wind up going. The literature I read about both is sure making me anxious. Best of luck when you get to Rome. I can't say I'm a huge fan but you've gotta go once. I'm sure you found everyone else's tips helpful.

Judith, I am sure you will love Italy, it has a magic about it. Be warned the men will harrass you wether you are alone or with other females. IF you are not Italian you are fair game. The men are not rude just very persistant. When I asked on guy why they loved tourists so much and I persisted for an answer he said because the Italian women were kept under lock and key and generally we were fair game , no doubt I guess falling for their charm. All the same precautions must be taken where ever you are. In Italy the men are generally harmless mostly wanting to practice their english and ever hopeful that they may EVEN get lucky. I don't think that they understand NO! Have a great time