Going on My first Solo Trip to Italy . . .
May 2nd, 2006, 01:14 PM
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Going on My first Solo Trip to Italy . . .
and I'm so happy to have this board - I'm new and I've just been reading what you all have to say about your trips and I'm inspired to venture out on my own. I won't be going till March/April/May (haven't decided yet) of 2007 but at least I'll know I can just ask you all questions about things I don't know and advice on how exactly to go about planning this trip.
Again, I'm very glad to be here!
~Ahissa
Again, I'm very glad to be here!
~Ahissa
May 2nd, 2006, 01:30 PM
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Welcome Ahissa. 
You'll certainly find all kinds of info here when you're ready to start planning your trip. One word of caution...be careful of information overload and take this forum in small doses...otherwise you may become addicted like so many of us! 
You'll certainly find all kinds of info here when you're ready to start planning your trip. One word of caution...be careful of information overload and take this forum in small doses...otherwise you may become addicted like so many of us!
May 2nd, 2006, 02:33 PM
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I've traveled to Europe several times on my own, and always had a great time. I'm sure you will too.
I think the best way to start is to decide how long of a trip you will take. Once you know that, then you can get a better idea of how many places you can visit. I will warn you that one of the biggest mistakes (IMO) that travels make is to try to see too many places in too short a time. Better to see one area well then run around and hardly see anything of a lot of places.
Once you have an idea of your trip length, you then need to think about your budget. That will determine what kind of places you can book, how many cities you can travel between, etc.
Next, you'll need to decide on a country (or several if you're doing a long trip). Some newer English-speaking travelers like to stick to the UK, since they don't have to worry about language. France, Italy and Spain are all great for solo travlers and there are lots of great guide books that outline them. Of course there's so many countries it's hard to mention them all. I like to check a few out from my library just to read about new places. Once I decide on a location I'll buy some guides for there myself, since the library ones are often a few years old (plus I like to mark mine up, take them with me, etc.).
After you've got that far, people here can help you fine tune an itinerary if you tell us what you like to do, see & experience. Good luck!
I think the best way to start is to decide how long of a trip you will take. Once you know that, then you can get a better idea of how many places you can visit. I will warn you that one of the biggest mistakes (IMO) that travels make is to try to see too many places in too short a time. Better to see one area well then run around and hardly see anything of a lot of places.
Once you have an idea of your trip length, you then need to think about your budget. That will determine what kind of places you can book, how many cities you can travel between, etc.
Next, you'll need to decide on a country (or several if you're doing a long trip). Some newer English-speaking travelers like to stick to the UK, since they don't have to worry about language. France, Italy and Spain are all great for solo travlers and there are lots of great guide books that outline them. Of course there's so many countries it's hard to mention them all. I like to check a few out from my library just to read about new places. Once I decide on a location I'll buy some guides for there myself, since the library ones are often a few years old (plus I like to mark mine up, take them with me, etc.).
After you've got that far, people here can help you fine tune an itinerary if you tell us what you like to do, see & experience. Good luck!
May 2nd, 2006, 02:40 PM
#4
Welcome Ahissa.
Well you know you're traveling solo and going to Italy... that's a fine start. Next I'd say figure out how long your trip can be and how much money you can save up to spend on it.
I definitely advise you travel by train and public transportation (not rental car).
Well you know you're traveling solo and going to Italy... that's a fine start. Next I'd say figure out how long your trip can be and how much money you can save up to spend on it.
I definitely advise you travel by train and public transportation (not rental car).
May 2nd, 2006, 04:44 PM
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Thank you Cheryl, Alan and Suze
Well, I've been to Italy twice before (on my honeymoon and then 1st anniversary) but haven't been back since (4 years now). I've been trying to get some girlfriends to come along with me (I've been talking about it for years) and finally, after many many months of waiting, I just realized and decided that they don't want to go as badly as I do and that I just may as well pack up my bags and head out (my husband is awesome and is encouraging me to go and leave our daughter, ages 2 and 3, with him).
So, I'm going to save at least $3000 between now (May 2006) and then (May 2007) and have me a grand ol' time!
I really appreicate ALL the great advice you've posted - I need some guidance since I feel a bit lost doing this by myself and having just me to rely on.
Like, I didn't know I should just stick to trains while there. I had (maybe even still have) every intention of renting a car. My reasoning is that I plan to fly into Rome and drive to Siena (need a car for Siena), then Lucca, Florence and back down to Rome. I don't want to feel like I'm at the mercy of the B&B I'm staying with to come pick me up at the station - this way, I'm more independent.
Also, I hope to stay for a week (fly out of GA on a Friday evening, get there Saturday morning and return the following Sunday) - I've been looking into and inquiring about B&B's to stay at but i still have a year to plan all this.
Anyway, thank you all for your geat advice and I hope to get more from you all as the trip gets closer.
~Ahissa
Well, I've been to Italy twice before (on my honeymoon and then 1st anniversary) but haven't been back since (4 years now). I've been trying to get some girlfriends to come along with me (I've been talking about it for years) and finally, after many many months of waiting, I just realized and decided that they don't want to go as badly as I do and that I just may as well pack up my bags and head out (my husband is awesome and is encouraging me to go and leave our daughter, ages 2 and 3, with him).
So, I'm going to save at least $3000 between now (May 2006) and then (May 2007) and have me a grand ol' time!
I really appreicate ALL the great advice you've posted - I need some guidance since I feel a bit lost doing this by myself and having just me to rely on.
Like, I didn't know I should just stick to trains while there. I had (maybe even still have) every intention of renting a car. My reasoning is that I plan to fly into Rome and drive to Siena (need a car for Siena), then Lucca, Florence and back down to Rome. I don't want to feel like I'm at the mercy of the B&B I'm staying with to come pick me up at the station - this way, I'm more independent.
Also, I hope to stay for a week (fly out of GA on a Friday evening, get there Saturday morning and return the following Sunday) - I've been looking into and inquiring about B&B's to stay at but i still have a year to plan all this.
Anyway, thank you all for your geat advice and I hope to get more from you all as the trip gets closer.
~Ahissa
May 2nd, 2006, 05:32 PM
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Tip #1 from all fodorites is usually this: fly into and out of two different cities, so you don't have to waste time by backtracking. If you fly into Rome, fly out of Florence or another city. It will maximize your vacation time.
Personally, if traveling on my own I wouldn't rent a car. I'd prefer the convenience of trains.
Personally, if traveling on my own I wouldn't rent a car. I'd prefer the convenience of trains.
May 2nd, 2006, 05:40 PM
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Thanks Maureen! I thought about flying in/out of two different cities but didn't think that would work . . . until now! That's great advice and I'll DEFINITELY look into that when the time comes. But about the car, do you really think it's a bad idea? I would feel lost/stuck if I couldn't just get up and go.
Thanks!
~Ahissa
Thanks!
~Ahissa
May 2nd, 2006, 06:05 PM
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I traveled alone for many years before making good friends in Europe all throughout Europe and met lots of other lone travelers both male and female. All of them did very well on their own despite having done very little research beforehand in some cases. You will surely do fine. To make it just a little bit easier I would be very glad to answer any questions of which I have genuine knowledge and if I can't help there are lots of others here that surely can.
Happy planning and happier European travels. God did some of his very best work in Europe.
Larry J
Happy planning and happier European travels. God did some of his very best work in Europe.
Larry J
May 2nd, 2006, 06:35 PM
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Hi, Ahissa.
I enjoy driving in Italy, but I have to say I've never tried it without a navigator -- meaning, another passenger watching the map for me. I'm confident I could do it, but I know it would mean spending a good deal of time studying a map before heading onto the road to my destination.
The reason I bring this up is because Italian roads seldom display their numbers (like we would as "Hwy 15" and directional signage tends not to say "east" or "west" but to give you the names of a number of small towns, one of which is to the east, the other to the west, the others to the north and south -- and unless someone else is looking at a map or you memorized it, it's hard to know which town to go towards in order to keep heading ultimately to, say, Lucca. You can, of course, just stick to the autostrade, which is very well marked with north, south, east, west and arrows pointing "this way Lucca." But that sort of defeats the point of having a car, which is to explore the countryside.
I think you can do it if you get a good Michelin map of Tuscany and familiarize yourself with the routes you'll most likely be taking, and the names of towns, and get a general sense of where everything is. That way, if you find yourself seeing a sign that says "Massa Marittima" you'll get the feeling you might have made a wrong turn, and pull off the road to check your map.
You won't get lost any more often than the rest of us. You just won't have someone else to blame, and that may be a blessing! ;-)
I enjoy driving in Italy, but I have to say I've never tried it without a navigator -- meaning, another passenger watching the map for me. I'm confident I could do it, but I know it would mean spending a good deal of time studying a map before heading onto the road to my destination.
The reason I bring this up is because Italian roads seldom display their numbers (like we would as "Hwy 15" and directional signage tends not to say "east" or "west" but to give you the names of a number of small towns, one of which is to the east, the other to the west, the others to the north and south -- and unless someone else is looking at a map or you memorized it, it's hard to know which town to go towards in order to keep heading ultimately to, say, Lucca. You can, of course, just stick to the autostrade, which is very well marked with north, south, east, west and arrows pointing "this way Lucca." But that sort of defeats the point of having a car, which is to explore the countryside.
I think you can do it if you get a good Michelin map of Tuscany and familiarize yourself with the routes you'll most likely be taking, and the names of towns, and get a general sense of where everything is. That way, if you find yourself seeing a sign that says "Massa Marittima" you'll get the feeling you might have made a wrong turn, and pull off the road to check your map.
You won't get lost any more often than the rest of us. You just won't have someone else to blame, and that may be a blessing! ;-)
May 2nd, 2006, 08:58 PM
#10
Spend a few days in Rome, one of the most amazing cities on earth. Train to Florence and take day trips by train/bus to Lucca and Siena. Although you could look for a flight home from Florence, most likely you'll have to go from Florence to either Milan or Rome to get home. This might be more expensive than just taking the train back to Rome, but check out your options.
Although a rented car provides some freedom, it's also a burden when it comes to finding parking and trying to be both pilot and navigator in a foreign country. Also, considering your budget, a car rental with the necessary insurance coverage, expensive fuel and parking fees may be just too dear. Besides, Italy has a wonderful public transportation system of trains, buses and ferries.
Although a rented car provides some freedom, it's also a burden when it comes to finding parking and trying to be both pilot and navigator in a foreign country. Also, considering your budget, a car rental with the necessary insurance coverage, expensive fuel and parking fees may be just too dear. Besides, Italy has a wonderful public transportation system of trains, buses and ferries.
May 3rd, 2006, 07:14 AM
#11
The thing about train vs car (in my opinion) is remembering you plan it that way from the start. I would never feel stuck, because traveling solo I wouldn't choose a B&B way out in the countryside as my place to stay, for example.
Driving alone in a foreign country gives me a migraine just thinking about it (I have never even tried). While walking to the train station is a breeze.
Fly into Rome, out of Venice, or the other way around works nicely for many people.
Remember... pack light! That's the single drawback of solo trips, nobody to watch of help with your suitcase. Pack light (oops I already said that).
What a nice husband you have BTW.
Driving alone in a foreign country gives me a migraine just thinking about it (I have never even tried). While walking to the train station is a breeze.
Fly into Rome, out of Venice, or the other way around works nicely for many people.
Remember... pack light! That's the single drawback of solo trips, nobody to watch of help with your suitcase. Pack light (oops I already said that).
What a nice husband you have BTW.
May 3rd, 2006, 10:04 AM
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You are smart to plan so far in advance and think it through. This forum will give you lots of good info. for planning.
Deciding on air travel is probably your first challenge. I think flying in or out of Rome is easiest, because there are a number of flights, and usually better fares. But, I'd still leave from another city, like Florence, Milan, etc. You wouldn't fly from Florence to Rome, though, as someone thought. From Florence you go to Frankfurt or Munich, most often, to return to the States-- same as you do from Rome and other cities. So you don't waste time on a plane flight you don't need. And nowadays an 'open jaw' ticket isn't really any more expensive than a simple round-trip fare.
First, if I were you, I'd figure out the plane travel. Then you can alot days to cities to create a working itinerary, research things to do, find hotels, and decide on transportation modes. The few times I've been in Europe, I was really glad I did NOT have a car to deal with in the cities. They were not cities built around autos, remember. You can walk faster than the traffic most days! And driving can be crazy, certainly not relaxing. I think you'd feel more free to just walk down the block and take a train or bus wherever and whenever. Take a look at some of the railsites to see how extensive the rail system is in Italy, how inexpensive, and how frequently trains run. It might convince you. Nessundorma makes a very good point about the challenge of driving in a foreign country without a navigator. Not a pretty picture!
Have fun planning your dream trip. Do your research on this forum, and ask several specific questions. It will be a big help.
Deciding on air travel is probably your first challenge. I think flying in or out of Rome is easiest, because there are a number of flights, and usually better fares. But, I'd still leave from another city, like Florence, Milan, etc. You wouldn't fly from Florence to Rome, though, as someone thought. From Florence you go to Frankfurt or Munich, most often, to return to the States-- same as you do from Rome and other cities. So you don't waste time on a plane flight you don't need. And nowadays an 'open jaw' ticket isn't really any more expensive than a simple round-trip fare.
First, if I were you, I'd figure out the plane travel. Then you can alot days to cities to create a working itinerary, research things to do, find hotels, and decide on transportation modes. The few times I've been in Europe, I was really glad I did NOT have a car to deal with in the cities. They were not cities built around autos, remember. You can walk faster than the traffic most days! And driving can be crazy, certainly not relaxing. I think you'd feel more free to just walk down the block and take a train or bus wherever and whenever. Take a look at some of the railsites to see how extensive the rail system is in Italy, how inexpensive, and how frequently trains run. It might convince you. Nessundorma makes a very good point about the challenge of driving in a foreign country without a navigator. Not a pretty picture!
Have fun planning your dream trip. Do your research on this forum, and ask several specific questions. It will be a big help.
May 3rd, 2006, 12:16 PM
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You guys are all sooooo awesome! Truly, you are making me think of things that I really didn't consider before and this is good for me - I need lots of good advice before I can make a final decision. Thank you all so very much
Ok, so 1) check out the rail system in Italy and then figure out if I should stay at a hotel/B&B close by. Got it, but I really want to stay in the country without the mess of the city (except in Rome but by the time I get to Rome I'll have returned the car anyway). But, I do agree about driving in Italy - it gives me hives just thinking about the last two times I was there with my husband and the drama it was to just drive around Siena! Ok, I'll definitely take into consideration being without a car. To be honest, I'm taking this trip alone because I want to say 'yes' to lots of things that life throws at me so maybe I'll say 'yes' to this, too. Who knows, I may actually LOVE being without a car!
2) Fly into Rome and out of Florence or Milan. Check. That makes perfect sense - I'm glad you all posted it. Thanks!
Thank you all for posting little tidbits that will all add up to making my first solo trip a success!
~Ahissa
Ok, so 1) check out the rail system in Italy and then figure out if I should stay at a hotel/B&B close by. Got it, but I really want to stay in the country without the mess of the city (except in Rome but by the time I get to Rome I'll have returned the car anyway). But, I do agree about driving in Italy - it gives me hives just thinking about the last two times I was there with my husband and the drama it was to just drive around Siena! Ok, I'll definitely take into consideration being without a car. To be honest, I'm taking this trip alone because I want to say 'yes' to lots of things that life throws at me so maybe I'll say 'yes' to this, too. Who knows, I may actually LOVE being without a car!
2) Fly into Rome and out of Florence or Milan. Check. That makes perfect sense - I'm glad you all posted it. Thanks!
Thank you all for posting little tidbits that will all add up to making my first solo trip a success!
~Ahissa
May 3rd, 2006, 12:21 PM
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I think for a March/April/May trip, there is no need to absolutely rule out a car in advance, even as a solo traveller. I would not arrange an itinerary on the premise that it's "too difficult" to drive alone in Italy, and therefore you should be staying in places only accessible by public transportation.
First, figure out where you want to go, what you want to see and what you want to do in Italy. It may be that everything you want can be done as easily or even more easily with public transportation.
But in some places it is really limiting not to have a car. If you really want to see them, you just need to think about how to manage a trip where you are the solo driver. It means allowing more time for getting lost, basically. It's not dangerous to get lost in Italy. Just time consuming. And frustrating.
But while many people would surely not enjoy renting a car for their first trip to Italy solo, you might prefer to rent one, even after you've been told all the downsides.
I will only add that I would never rent a car to tour cities or travel between cities. I only rent a car if I am going to be staying in the countryside and visiting rural locations. I would also not rent a car for seaside locations, with a few exceptions.
ciao!
First, figure out where you want to go, what you want to see and what you want to do in Italy. It may be that everything you want can be done as easily or even more easily with public transportation.
But in some places it is really limiting not to have a car. If you really want to see them, you just need to think about how to manage a trip where you are the solo driver. It means allowing more time for getting lost, basically. It's not dangerous to get lost in Italy. Just time consuming. And frustrating.
But while many people would surely not enjoy renting a car for their first trip to Italy solo, you might prefer to rent one, even after you've been told all the downsides.
I will only add that I would never rent a car to tour cities or travel between cities. I only rent a car if I am going to be staying in the countryside and visiting rural locations. I would also not rent a car for seaside locations, with a few exceptions.
ciao!
May 3rd, 2006, 01:22 PM
#16
<<but I really want to stay in the country without the mess of the city>>
See that's why we can all only toss out our different options. For me when I travel solo I prefer to be in cities, in a central or historical district. I wouldn't like being "stuck" out in the country all by myself no matter how I got there -LOL.
That said, you might really have a ball renting a car and driving the countryside, especially since you mentioned you have been to Italy a couple times before.
See that's why we can all only toss out our different options. For me when I travel solo I prefer to be in cities, in a central or historical district. I wouldn't like being "stuck" out in the country all by myself no matter how I got there -LOL.
That said, you might really have a ball renting a car and driving the countryside, especially since you mentioned you have been to Italy a couple times before.
May 3rd, 2006, 01:34 PM
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Exactly Suze! I've been to Rome a couple of times and have NO intention of driving in that zoo - a beautiful zoo, but a zoo nonetheless! I only need the car so that I can drive up to Siena and stay about 15 minutes away from the historical center and then be able to drive to Lucca (there's a chocolate cake I had there in 2002 and it's haunted my dreams ever since - so, I gotta go to LUCCA!) and San Gimignano - I know I need a car for those places so I think I'm just going to go ahead and plan to rent one. But, just for my trip in Tuscany not the big cities. But, now that you mention it, maybe seeing and staying in the big cities might actually be a good thing. Hmm, I'll have to consider that! I'm from NYC and the idea of seeing another city kinda drives me nuts - but who knows, maybe that's where this trip will take me. Thanks Suze!
~Ahissa
~Ahissa
May 3rd, 2006, 01:40 PM
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I've been to Italy solo 4 or 5 times. (My upcoming trip with my boyfriend will be my first with a travel partner!)
I've driven alone in France a couple of times, but never wanted to try it, (or pay for it) in Italy.
You mention wanting to visit Rome Siena, Lucca, and Florence. I have traveled between all of these cities by train or bus, and it was really quite simple. Schedules offered me enough choice that I didn't feel terribly restricted.
Just so you know!
I've driven alone in France a couple of times, but never wanted to try it, (or pay for it) in Italy.
You mention wanting to visit Rome Siena, Lucca, and Florence. I have traveled between all of these cities by train or bus, and it was really quite simple. Schedules offered me enough choice that I didn't feel terribly restricted.
Just so you know!
May 3rd, 2006, 01:43 PM
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Hi Ahissa,
I've driven on 3 out of 4 trips. Once in France completely solo when I had never even been there before. This was in the Loire Valley and I basically did just fine.
The other two trips, both to Italy. Once with a navigator and once solo. No problems at all. Driving in the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside is very easy and fun.
However, I wouldn't dream of driving or trying to park in the major cities. Why bother, why pay. Trains are definitely the way to go for the cities.
Happy planning!
I've driven on 3 out of 4 trips. Once in France completely solo when I had never even been there before. This was in the Loire Valley and I basically did just fine.
The other two trips, both to Italy. Once with a navigator and once solo. No problems at all. Driving in the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside is very easy and fun.
However, I wouldn't dream of driving or trying to park in the major cities. Why bother, why pay. Trains are definitely the way to go for the cities.
Happy planning!
May 3rd, 2006, 07:26 PM
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Suze, just to clarify, I was referring to Jean's statement:
"Although you could look for a flight home from Florence, most likely you'll have to go from Florence to either Milan or Rome to get home. This might be more expensive than just taking the train back to Rome, but check out your options."
"Although you could look for a flight home from Florence, most likely you'll have to go from Florence to either Milan or Rome to get home. This might be more expensive than just taking the train back to Rome, but check out your options."
