Any safety tips for a female college student traveling alone in Italy this summer?

Don't eat the yellow snow?

LOL Sheila

How about don't stand under trees during a thunder storm.

Wear a chasity belt!

Use common sense. Keep your belongings in an organized, closed fashion to avoid pickpocketing, etc.
Be aware of those around you and if you feel uncomforable go somewhere either more public, or at least more well illuminated (presumably at night).
Read others comments about the areas you will travel in and be aware of what areas are known to be unsavory at night (for example around Termini in Rome). Don't keep large sums of cash on you, or in the same pocket. Keep your travel identifications (passport etc.) on you instead of in a piece of luggage that could be lost or stolen. Don't get too intoxicated at nightspots, since you'll be alone without friends to look out for your best interests.

Just be sensible and you'll have a wonderful time!

I would really like to know what is "unsavory" about Termini "at night" when there are DRUG DEALS taking place on the Spanish Steps "at night"???? Is it because at the latter you are more than likely to be selling to someone staying at the Hassler or in the Inn at the Spanish Steps?

In terms of "safety" issues...I rather doubt you'll need any since I suspect if you are any kind of more than a social zero when you do travel you'll be doing so with a friend.

"Unsavory at Termini Station at night" is in general. Could be your hotel around Termini is fine like the Aberdeen for example. But there are other parts near to Termini that are not that great as far as I've read unless you know differently than everyone else here.
Drug dealing on the Spanish Steps I just learned from you.
Just have to be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are.

Gee...women who choose to travel alone are immediately labeled as "social zeroes" singletail? Nobody really asked for your opinion on whether or not to travel alone, but simply if doing so how to be safe. Although I generally travel with a friend or my husband, I certainly do not feel that it is necesary to mock those who perhaps enjoy travelling alone (maybe their friends can't afford the luxury of a summer of travel in Europe). Regardless of the circumstance...how rude were your remarks! I generally stay near the Spanish Steps at night and haven't had any troubles there. Bottom line is there can be people you'd rather avoid anywhere...just use your common sense and you'll be safe.

Seems many of you are busier mocking or criticizing, than you are taking the time to give someone some sincere advice.

I spent a lot of time on my own in Paris as a college student, and although I didn't have any truly scary experiences, I did have a couple of that in hindsight could have easily veered that way. I think most of us (girls in particular) are raised to be unfailingly polite, which can make it difficult to be rude or harsh when situations call for it. So I guess my safety advice would be to follow your intuition, and if a polite "no" doesn't do the trick, then don't be afraid to be perceived as rude. Half the fun of traveling alone is meeting new people along the way, but keep your "stranger danger" radar on, because not everyone you meet will have your best interests at heart. Carry a cell phone and have emergency numbers handy. Check in regularly with family/friends so that someone knows where you are, where you're going, etc... And most of all, don't let safety concerns interfere with having the time of your life! Bon voyage!!

In addition, Singletail, I, too, did find your comment about a woman traveling alone as offensive. I, too, plan to do just that later this year. And I do not consider myself a social zero for doing that. There were many reasons for my decision and none of it has to do with no one wanting to travel with me. I really do hope you don't have to travel alone or feel the need to or else you will have to eat your words.

While I don't feel as though your comments justify a reply, Singletail, let me clear something up for you. The Dean of the art school at my university has commissioned me to produce a series of photographs for our school that will be exhibited at an opening for the college next fall. The reason why I am traveling alone is because the art school is paying for my trip and seeing as how I am not nearly as rude as you are, I didn't feel it appropriate to ask them to also pay for a friend.
And if I had nothing better to do with my time than type unwarranted and rude comments on a website to people I didn't know, I'd seriously be questioning my own social situation.

Tpatricco, I agree with you about Singletail's stupid remarks, as well as the other obnoxious posters' comments. Seems that some people on this thread probably are social zeros, since they have nothing better to do on a weekend than post completely useless messages.

Traceann, the most common problem in Italy that women face is unwanted attention by men. I guess the other posters here are not attractive enough to warrant this attention, since all they mentioned were yellow snow and drug deals.

To prepare myself for my solo adventures, I thoroughly study a map of the town where I am going, and memorize locations of major landmarks and my hotel. Since I DO travel alone almost all the time, I try to walk confidently, carry a good sized purse (with a map, a copy of my passport, an ATM card, and a lightweight umbrella)with a long strap (so I can wear it across my body if I want to), and just quickly walk right past any men trying to make a pass at me. The few times I was nice, I was really sorry. The guys followed me ALL over town, and one even figured out which hotel I stayed at & showed up the next day! Don't be afraid to be loud & tell them off, if necessary. Of course, if you are really interested in one, be careful & don't be too quick to trust anyone. They might just be acting friendly, and could try to rip off your money, passport, or other items if you let down your guard.

Other than that, every major city around the world has drug dealers, pickpockets, muggers, etc. Just be cautious, in general. Give your parents copies of your itinerary, and have them keep your credit card & passport info,in case something gets lost or stolen. Have a GREAT time!!

I think it sounds like you'll be able to handle traveling alone quite nicely!

Traceann01,

Good for you! Great response to the twit who must be a social sub-zero!

Anyway, I think what everyone else applies, be aware of your surrounding and don't take crap from strangers or idiots...you've already demonstrated you can do that....have a great time!