Did my post kill this thread? Hopefully sdonald will return (it's only been 24 hours since the last post), and continue the dialogue. Doesn't seem like a coherent and solid plan (or even one generalized set of guidelines for advising the travelers) has emerged yet.

Rex: Maybe he decided it would be better for a 21 or 22 year old to do her own planning.

Our daughter just returned and she is 32! She had never travelled on vacation out of country either (except for Mexico). I don't think she got the importance of preplanning and prebooking! It can get pretty expensive if you miss a connection. We did help her when she got in a bind financially and otherwise so helping out to make sure family have a safe, clean place to stay is really a good thing in order to save cell phone and text time..really! I would also talk to the girls about people that might approach them in Rome and "hang around" etc. Also reminding them to be aware that groups of vendors jump on the trains at times at stops and try to make a sale. Our daughter finally paid one 10 Euros to go away. I know it seems overprotective (guess the Italian/American mom is surfacing!). Once you determine your areas I can post the hotels that were inexpensive and safe if you wish.