Hi Everyone, <BR> <BR>I am leaving for Rome on Tuesday, I will be staying for a week. I am 31 years old and I have never been to Europe before. I am extremely nerous about travelling alone, I have always been an independent person, but I am worried. I'm scared! <BR> <BR>I know there are people on this post who have travelled alone before, and I would love to hear from you. I guess I am looking for some support and encouragement. I have even consider cancelling my trip because of this fear, BTW I also have a fear of flying. <BR> <BR>I know I will be ok once I get there, I have heard nothing but wonderful things about Rome, and my desire to travel is too strong to allow my fears to get the better of me. <BR> <BR>Thank in advance for your responses and support. <BR> <BR>Sam : )

Hi Sam, <BR> <BR>You go girl! You're going to have a great time. I'm a 33-year-old female and I travel alone frequently, and I can tell you from experience it's great. Traveling with friends and family is also wonderful in a different way, but as a solo traveler, you'll have the freedom to do what you want, when you want. It's a great way to discover new places! <BR> <BR>I've traveled alone in England, Scotland and the Caribbean; my trips to mainland Europe have been with friends but this January I'll be going to Rome and then to Tunisia on my own. I can't wait! <BR> <BR>Some specific advice: bring a journal. Make a point of taking it with you on your daily wanderings and scribble notes when you sit down in cafes. Don't wait until you're back in your hotel at night to write in it--I always find myself too tired and I can't remember things! <BR> <BR>Try to meet local people. Learn enough Italian to at least do the "politeness phrases," and then introduce yourself, ask questions about their restaurant or their neighborhood or their vegetable stand. Ask people what their favorite place in Rome is. Assume they're going to be friendly and they will be. <BR> <BR>Take reasonable precautions, but don't wrap yourself in such a protective cocoon of security that you don't experience the city. There's a lot of good advice on this forum about using money belts and taking care of one's valuables in a reasonable way; try a search on "money belt" or "crime." Rome's a big city and like any big city, it has crime, but frankly, I think the tourists who are *more* likely to be targeted by pickpockets and thieves are the ones most easily identified as tourists--those traveling in groups and otherwise sticking out. It's funny, I don't think I look particularly "local" to any of the places I've visited, but when I'm traveling alone or just away from fellow travelers and walking around by myself, I invariably get asked directions by tourists and spoken to as if I live there by locals--maybe people tend to assume that you must not be a tourist if you're alone. <BR> <BR>I can't give you "Rome-specific" advice since I haven't been there yet myself, but I can tell you from experience that if you go with an open mind, an open heart, and a spirit of adventure, you will have a wonderful time...and on the plane home you'll be trying to figure out how soon you can go on your next trip. Actually, beware--this solo travel thing is an addiction!

Hi Sam, please don't cancel, lots of us have felt the same way before the trip but after a day or so you will wonder why you worried. <BR> <BR>For the flight, try to keep yourself occupied so you're not thinking about being scared. Write a letter, read a book, play cards on your drop-down table. <BR> <BR>Before you leave, have a half day tour booked for Rome for the first day, I'm sure a travel agent could give you a few to choose from. That way you will have something to look forward to, you will be able to get your bearings of the city, and there will be other people on the tour, maybe some of them would want to meet up the next day to see something different with you. <BR> <BR>If you have a plan for each day, you will feel more comfortable, and if you keep if flexible, you can always change your mind as you go along. <BR> <BR>You will probably get ogled and leered at by the Italian men, they can't help themselves. Just ignore them (unless you're interested!) <BR> <BR>Also be aware the main train station area has a reputation of being a bit rough. <BR> <BR>The Vatican and its museums are definitely worth a visit, you can get there easily by train, or do a tour, again its a way to meet others. <BR>Hope you have a brilliant time. Kay

Hi there Sam: You're going to have a great time so please try to stop worrying (hard I know). <BR> <BR>I've just (last week) returned from a long and mainly solo trip through Europe which included a week in Rome. Of all the places I visited Rome was the friendliest and, once you come to terms with the traffic, very easy to get around. A half day city tour is a good idea as it helps you get your bearings. Another easy day (meaning you move with the crowd and don't have to think of maps/getting lost etc) would be the Vatican Museum and Vatican. After your first day of finding your way around and actually getting to see a place you've always read about you'll be in seasoned travellor mode with few worries. I'm sure you're going to have a wonderful time. Wish I was going too. Have fun!

Buon viaggio, Sam! Looking forward to your trip report when you return. Be sure to post it for us. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Thansks for your support! I am really looking forward to this trip and adventure. I will post my experience when I return. <BR> <BR> <BR>Thanks again. <BR> <BR>Sam : )

Hi, You may not get this before you leave but I've been travelling alone for several years and love it. Been to Rome 3 times and would recommend you ask your hotel to arrange a local tour for you for the first day if possible so you can get your geography straight before you strike out on your own. Keep one thing as your focal point (Spanish Steps, some large piazza, etc) and walk from there keeping your focal point in range. Watch your purse (money belt was suggested and I agree) and concentrate on having fun! I'm leaving Wednesday for 5 days in Germany. Will be my first time doing trains in Germany and I'm nervouse too. If I can do subways in NYC I can do anything! Good luck!

Hi Sam - <BR> <BR>I'm going alone for a week in January. I posted below and got some good responses ("Rome Alone"). I've also heard there are several Irish bars where it is easy to find other English speakers. <BR> <BR>Please share any info when you return!

I just did Europe on my own for the first time this year and it was the best vacation I ever had. I took a book for sitting with my coffee/wine and also a journal to write in. Most people will think you are a local since you are running around on your own and you shouldn't have any problem. I will be going alone again this year! Have a great time.