Ok fodorites--I am thinking about the lakes region and I see as I have been advised that a car is the better mode of transportation-- <BR>what are your thoughts on driving solo about northern italy?--now, I traveled to Rome and Florence--it is obvious to me that while one must keep their eyes open, the issue of crime and potential violence is not the same as it is here in the US (sad, but true)--I found these cities very 'single female traveler friendly' and felt for the most part safer than I would in certain sections of NYC--I have been advised by fellow travelers, the car travel might be a bit more risky for a single female--can you offer any insight on this? As always your combined wisdom is greatly appreciated. <BR> <BR>cheryl

Driving solo is a wonderful experience. The drive becomes an important part of the trip, and my most memorable solo driving experiences were in the more mountainous, the better. <BR> <BR>The issue of traveling female solo seems to be almost a separate issue, if I read your letter correctly. If you were my own wife or daughter, I'd say, yes, rent a car. <BR> <BR>There are other safety/common sense issues you need to think about. But in general, I think if you'd feel comfortable driving/traveling solo in New England or the Carolinas or the Dakotas, (not that the culture of northern Italy ressembles any of those) you'll have no problems. <BR> <BR>Final tip. you could potentially save a little bit of money by using Nice as your base city - - the flight might be cheaper, abd the car rental will probably be cheaper as well. In no time at all, you can be in the Italian Piemonte, and from there wander across to the lakes region. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip! <BR> <BR>Rex

Cheryl... <BR> If you can tolerate driving in those 2 cities.. the rest of Italy will be a breeze ! <BR> If you're looking to save some money and expand the beauty of your drive...You may want to consider flying into Zurich and driving down through the Alps into the lake region (3 hrs give or take)... <BR> The airline tix would be about the same, but your car insurance would probably be covered by your credit card company if you rent and return the car in Switzerland.... Italy usually is not covered by most credit card companies. You should doublecheck before you leave..as this could save you hundreds of dollars... plus the drive is spectacular.. <BR>

Cheryl, <BR> I've driven around Lombardi and Piemonte a couple times and have not thought it dangerous. Other than the generally more aggressive flirtation by Italian men towards women, especially American women, I imagine that you won't have a problem as long as you are as cautious as you would be driving solo anywhere in the US. <BR>By the way, if you are in the market to buy clothes, especially wools and cashmere, the lakes region is world-class. You'll pay 25-40% of what you'd pay in the US for designer schtuff.

I think it sounds great. The only idea that just occurred to me is the following. During my last trip, I found it difficult to make calls to the US - for a variety of reasons. A number of other Americans I met on the trip recommended renting an Omnipoint cell phone before leaving the states - and it works in Italy. I haven't tried this myself yet - but I think if I were driving alone I might want a cell phone with me (as in the states...) <BR> <BR>Have a great trip - it sounds wonderful...

WOW! great news, advice and shopping info--thanks all--I will check out the swiss and french connections as well as the info on the cell phone--mille grazie! cheryl

Driving solo! I'm thinking of doing the exact same thing in 1 year...with my 2 dogs! I am a girl from Canada, and having travelled through Italy, and Sicily before by train, I can't wait to try it driving. I'd love to hear all about the trip so I can better plan my own. Have fun!