Traveling solo in France and italy
Jul 30th, 2012, 11:51 PM
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Traveling solo in France and italy
Hi! I am 29 year old female, thinking of going to Paris, (Milan-maybe) Venice, Florence and Rome for about 3 weeks in october. Although I've traveled alone last year in Australia, I am still not 100% convinced that I can pull this one off- mainly because of the Language and I heard its Easy to get lost in Italy. Is it safe to walk around at night? Any advice/ suggestions???
Jul 31st, 2012, 01:21 AM
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I certainly travelled alone in my lates 20s, in France & Italy and also to the West Indies. From school I knew enough French to get by, but initially knew no Italian - just relied on a phrasebook - although I had a much better time after I started learning it.
Not sure what you mean by 'easy to get lost in Italy' which seems a bit of a sweeping statement - do you mean in big cities? driving in the countryside? using the train? It miht help if we know what sort of place you live now - e.g. is it a big city or what? How would you be travelling between cities - plane/train/?
Venice is *extremely* safe - it's where I live now, and I'd happily walk alone anywhere in Venice 'proper' or the other islands at any time of night. The only crime is the usual pickpocketing you might get in very touristy areas in any big city, but even that is less than in most big cities IME. Plus the illegal vendors of fake designer bags etc, but they wouldn't harm you unless they knock you over running away from the police!
Florence is also pretty safe, especially in the central areas you are likely to be in.
Paris, Milan & Rome are much bigger, busier cities with all the dangers such cities always have - traffic, theft, etc - but no unsafe areas where you are likely to go as a tourist (the area of any main railway station is usually worth avoiding at night, though). Choose the location of your accommodation carefully and you'll be fine.
And try to learn a bit of each language - at least the most common phrases like please, thank you, how to ask for a coffee or a beer, etc - before you go. Maybe make it easier for yourself by sticking just to 1 country? But the central areas of all these cities have plenty of hotels, restaurants, cafes etc geared up to dealing with monoglot English speakers.
Not sure what you mean by 'easy to get lost in Italy' which seems a bit of a sweeping statement - do you mean in big cities? driving in the countryside? using the train? It miht help if we know what sort of place you live now - e.g. is it a big city or what? How would you be travelling between cities - plane/train/?
Venice is *extremely* safe - it's where I live now, and I'd happily walk alone anywhere in Venice 'proper' or the other islands at any time of night. The only crime is the usual pickpocketing you might get in very touristy areas in any big city, but even that is less than in most big cities IME. Plus the illegal vendors of fake designer bags etc, but they wouldn't harm you unless they knock you over running away from the police!
Florence is also pretty safe, especially in the central areas you are likely to be in.
Paris, Milan & Rome are much bigger, busier cities with all the dangers such cities always have - traffic, theft, etc - but no unsafe areas where you are likely to go as a tourist (the area of any main railway station is usually worth avoiding at night, though). Choose the location of your accommodation carefully and you'll be fine.
And try to learn a bit of each language - at least the most common phrases like please, thank you, how to ask for a coffee or a beer, etc - before you go. Maybe make it easier for yourself by sticking just to 1 country? But the central areas of all these cities have plenty of hotels, restaurants, cafes etc geared up to dealing with monoglot English speakers.
Jul 31st, 2012, 02:19 AM
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I am from Australia, and I think that Europe is easier than Australia. Sure, there is the language issue, and as Caroline says, you'll have a happier time if you have the usual courtesy phrases, but that is not a big deal.
Things that make Europe easy are the short distances, and the generally good train systems - much better than Australia. Train ticketing systems are pretty simple - in Italy, there are ticket vending machines that "speak" English, so it is not too hard.
In terms of safety, you need to be aware, but not alarmed. Serious crime is no more common in Europe than anywhere else, but there is a certain amount of pick-pocketing, and you need to be a bit careful.
Getting lost. Everyone gets lost in Venice - but you are on an island, so can't get seriously lost. In other cities, a map is handy. It's not that hard - probably no more difficult than in your home town.
My daughter (23 years old) just spent a while in Europe. Berlin, Amsterdam, Milan, Venice and a bunch of other places. She had no big problems. Her camera was stolen in a night club, she lost a phone (but she's lost a whole shop worth f phones), but otherwise no big problems.
Have a think about what you want to see in Paris, Milan, Venice, Florence & Rome, and you'll get lots of good advice here.
Things that make Europe easy are the short distances, and the generally good train systems - much better than Australia. Train ticketing systems are pretty simple - in Italy, there are ticket vending machines that "speak" English, so it is not too hard.
In terms of safety, you need to be aware, but not alarmed. Serious crime is no more common in Europe than anywhere else, but there is a certain amount of pick-pocketing, and you need to be a bit careful.
Getting lost. Everyone gets lost in Venice - but you are on an island, so can't get seriously lost. In other cities, a map is handy. It's not that hard - probably no more difficult than in your home town.
My daughter (23 years old) just spent a while in Europe. Berlin, Amsterdam, Milan, Venice and a bunch of other places. She had no big problems. Her camera was stolen in a night club, she lost a phone (but she's lost a whole shop worth f phones), but otherwise no big problems.
Have a think about what you want to see in Paris, Milan, Venice, Florence & Rome, and you'll get lots of good advice here.
Jul 31st, 2012, 02:32 AM
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<< I heard its Easy to get lost in Italy >>
If you have no sense of direction you will get lost anywhere on the planet. If you can find your way around at home you will be able to navigate Italy. I'm not sure why people are frightened of getting lost. I've been lost many times in many countries, including my home country, and yet I'm back at home as I write this.
English is the second language for Europeans dealing with tourists so you won't have a problem with the language.
Four major cities are more than enough for 3 weeks. I would leave Milan for another trip to northern Italy.
If you have no sense of direction you will get lost anywhere on the planet. If you can find your way around at home you will be able to navigate Italy. I'm not sure why people are frightened of getting lost. I've been lost many times in many countries, including my home country, and yet I'm back at home as I write this.
English is the second language for Europeans dealing with tourists so you won't have a problem with the language.
Four major cities are more than enough for 3 weeks. I would leave Milan for another trip to northern Italy.
Jul 31st, 2012, 06:20 AM
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Hi m,
Lucky you.
Except for London, it should be easy for you to understand and be understood in the major cities of Europe.
>Any advice/ suggestions???<
Only the usual warnings about being aware of your surroundings and not waving large amounts of money around.
I feel safer wandering around Paris and Rome than Washington, DC.
Have you planned your itinerary and accommodations yet?
I would fly into Venice, train to Florence, then Rome and fly )or take the overnight train) to Paris before going home.
Enjoy your planning,
Lucky you.
Except for London, it should be easy for you to understand and be understood in the major cities of Europe.
>Any advice/ suggestions???<
Only the usual warnings about being aware of your surroundings and not waving large amounts of money around.
I feel safer wandering around Paris and Rome than Washington, DC.
Have you planned your itinerary and accommodations yet?
I would fly into Venice, train to Florence, then Rome and fly )or take the overnight train) to Paris before going home.
Enjoy your planning,
Jul 31st, 2012, 06:58 AM
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There's nothing special about Italy that makes it easier to get lost in compared to anywhere else. If you don't have maps and navigation skills, you'll get lost anywhere. At the age of 29, you should be able to pull off traveling alone just about anywhere - my daughter did parts of Italy solo at the age of 18. Learn as much Italian as you can ahead of time, at least the basics, and you'll be fine. It's not a difficult language. Don't worry about safety issues; just take the normal precautions, especially in crowded areas of large cities. Protect your valuables and don't get distracted. I live in Washington, DC, and am far more concerned about safety issues here than I ever am in Italy.
Enjoy your trip!
Enjoy your trip!
Jul 31st, 2012, 07:29 AM
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Hello mimi 102. Just be conscious of your surroundings and whatever you're carrying. As many here will tell you, you are more likely to feel safe until the plane lands back in the US. I frequently travel alone and have been lost just as frequently. The only time I was scared was in Nassau, Bahamas, when I was given bad directions. Ended up in a dusty village where a very nice drunk told me and my friend we didn't want to be there and gave us directions out. But Europe is pretty safe. All big cities have their share of crime and tourists are targets. Think of yourself as a native, walk with purpose, and if approached, ignore them. (Unless they are hapless Americans wanting help.) Get good city maps. I recommend the Michael Middleditch guides which cover even the alleyways(mine are a few years old, so I don't know if they still make them).
Learn phrases in advance that you might need to use, esp "can you help me" and "do you speak English." Getting answers in a foreign language can be difficult to decipher, but if you know the words for left, right, and numbers (e.g., two blocks, turn left) you might be able to figure it out.
Paris and Rome are pretty safe within the areas tourists frequent. I've been out at night in both - along with lots of other people so it's not like walking alone down a dark street. Please don't let the anxiety prevent you from traveling - as you conquer that fear, you will feel incredibly powerful; it will be evident in your demeanor and you will be left alone. But also allow yourself to be approachable - esp by those guys (or girls as the case may be) who will want to make your acquaintance. That can create some great memories. Have a wonderful trip.
Learn phrases in advance that you might need to use, esp "can you help me" and "do you speak English." Getting answers in a foreign language can be difficult to decipher, but if you know the words for left, right, and numbers (e.g., two blocks, turn left) you might be able to figure it out.
Paris and Rome are pretty safe within the areas tourists frequent. I've been out at night in both - along with lots of other people so it's not like walking alone down a dark street. Please don't let the anxiety prevent you from traveling - as you conquer that fear, you will feel incredibly powerful; it will be evident in your demeanor and you will be left alone. But also allow yourself to be approachable - esp by those guys (or girls as the case may be) who will want to make your acquaintance. That can create some great memories. Have a wonderful trip.
Jul 31st, 2012, 12:03 PM
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Thank you all for the advices. I am planning my itinerary right now, and hopefully make reservations early next week. Here is the draft:
Oct 3- Arrive in paris
Oct 3-8 Paris
(Oct 7 day trip to Mont Saint Michel)
Oct 8 train to Milan
Oct 8-10 Milan
Oct 10- train to venice
Oct 11-13 Venice
Oct 13 train to florence
Oct 13- 16- Florence
Oct. 16 train to Rome
Oct 16-20 Rome
Is this doable? I know it seems pretty tight, but I would be staying in a hotel close to where the attractions are- so that would save me some traveling time. Has anyone gone to Mont saint Michel by train and bus?? I saw pictures of it, and it just took my breath away! I've came across some day tours to the monastery but they are a bit expensive.
In Italy, I will be staying 3 nights average per city, are there a lot to see in Milan? or should i just skip it and spend more time in Venice, or a day trip to Pisa?
Oct 3- Arrive in paris
Oct 3-8 Paris
(Oct 7 day trip to Mont Saint Michel)
Oct 8 train to Milan
Oct 8-10 Milan
Oct 10- train to venice
Oct 11-13 Venice
Oct 13 train to florence
Oct 13- 16- Florence
Oct. 16 train to Rome
Oct 16-20 Rome
Is this doable? I know it seems pretty tight, but I would be staying in a hotel close to where the attractions are- so that would save me some traveling time. Has anyone gone to Mont saint Michel by train and bus?? I saw pictures of it, and it just took my breath away! I've came across some day tours to the monastery but they are a bit expensive.
In Italy, I will be staying 3 nights average per city, are there a lot to see in Milan? or should i just skip it and spend more time in Venice, or a day trip to Pisa?
Jul 31st, 2012, 12:50 PM
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I would also skip Milan. s for how many days in each city, it depends on how much is there that interests you. For example, in Florence, the really big draw is the art, in the Uffizi, the Pitti Palace, the Bargello, etc. If you are an art lover, then you might want more time in Florence. If not, 2 or 3 days is enough.
On the other hand, Rome is jammed with art and antiquity. A List of what you might want to see would help you determine how long to stay.
Look at your Italy guidebook and make a list for each city, and allocate your days accordingly. Either Fodors or Rick Steves can give you the info you need to draw up a list.
Don't worry about safety. You are probably safer there than in a US city. I don't know where the getting lost part comes from, except that people get lost in Venice a lot, but note that they usually find it a fun experience.
In all those cities, there are many English-speakers. We have often been helped by someone who saw us staring at a map and offered to give us directions -- in english.
On the other hand, Rome is jammed with art and antiquity. A List of what you might want to see would help you determine how long to stay.
Look at your Italy guidebook and make a list for each city, and allocate your days accordingly. Either Fodors or Rick Steves can give you the info you need to draw up a list.
Don't worry about safety. You are probably safer there than in a US city. I don't know where the getting lost part comes from, except that people get lost in Venice a lot, but note that they usually find it a fun experience.
In all those cities, there are many English-speakers. We have often been helped by someone who saw us staring at a map and offered to give us directions -- in english.
Jul 31st, 2012, 01:08 PM
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I visited Mont St. Michel about 20 years ago while I was in high school. We spent the night at a hotel on the island. It was beautiful! Make sure you go all the way to the top.
If you go to Milan I might cut out 1 night. Things to see would be Pinacoteca di Brera (art museum), Castello Sforzesco, the Duomo (and the roof), Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II, La Scala, The Last Supper at Santa Maria della Grazie.
I've walked all over European cities by myself (as female in my 20s-30s), even when not traveling alone, and never had a problem or felt frightened. I did take French and Italian in college though and make it a practice to learn the rudiments of the language of any country I visit. I even got the offer of a free gondola ride while exploring in Venice, although I didn't accept.
If you go to Milan I might cut out 1 night. Things to see would be Pinacoteca di Brera (art museum), Castello Sforzesco, the Duomo (and the roof), Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II, La Scala, The Last Supper at Santa Maria della Grazie.
I've walked all over European cities by myself (as female in my 20s-30s), even when not traveling alone, and never had a problem or felt frightened. I did take French and Italian in college though and make it a practice to learn the rudiments of the language of any country I visit. I even got the offer of a free gondola ride while exploring in Venice, although I didn't accept.
Jul 31st, 2012, 03:53 PM
#13
I would skip Milan and add the time to Paris or Venice. I'd also skip the day trip from Paris. Besides that it looks OK to me. Nothing unusual or hard about what you are doing. I only speak English and had no issues in Paris or Venice. They are used to tourists both places.
Jul 31st, 2012, 04:12 PM
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Just my opinion , but I would skip Milan as well. Maybe add an extra day to Florence and carry out a day trip/tour to the Tuscan countryside, or extra time in Rome and include a tour to Pompeii or the Isle of Capri for example.
example of tour
http://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Cap...511-2390GRET14
example of tour
http://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Cap...511-2390GRET14
Jul 31st, 2012, 04:39 PM
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I've been to all of those places as a solo female traveler and with no more than a few basic phrases in French and Italian - no problems. Take appropriate precautions (pay attention to your surroundings, etc.) and enjoy every special moment!
Jul 31st, 2012, 06:23 PM
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Another vote to skip Milan. The Duomo is really incredible if you happen to pass through, but personally I'd rather add that time to the rest of your cities. And please, please fly to Venice - it'll be so much shorter! You'll get plenty of train time in Italy.
It *is* easy to get lost in Rome and Venice, I think. The layout of the streets is less "organized" than cities like Paris or Milan, with lots of little campos and piazzas everywhere, and streets change names frequently. But that doesn't mean you should have any hesitation about going! As a tourist, you almost certainly won't be in any area that would be unsafe, and you'll get wherever you're going.
As far as Mont St Michel, you really only have 3.5 days in Paris with your current plan, and there is a LOT to do there. If you decide to omit Milan, and are set on Mont St Michel, maybe do a one- or two-night trip to Normandy and include MSM? I did a day trip to Bayeux to take a guided tour of the D-Day landing beaches back in March, and would love to see more of Normandy. Plus that would give you some "country" time in addition to all the cities.
If you have a lot of flexibility on your dates, the daylight would last longer in May or June, giving you more time to explore before it gets dark. That may or may not make a difference to you.
It *is* easy to get lost in Rome and Venice, I think. The layout of the streets is less "organized" than cities like Paris or Milan, with lots of little campos and piazzas everywhere, and streets change names frequently. But that doesn't mean you should have any hesitation about going! As a tourist, you almost certainly won't be in any area that would be unsafe, and you'll get wherever you're going.
As far as Mont St Michel, you really only have 3.5 days in Paris with your current plan, and there is a LOT to do there. If you decide to omit Milan, and are set on Mont St Michel, maybe do a one- or two-night trip to Normandy and include MSM? I did a day trip to Bayeux to take a guided tour of the D-Day landing beaches back in March, and would love to see more of Normandy. Plus that would give you some "country" time in addition to all the cities.
If you have a lot of flexibility on your dates, the daylight would last longer in May or June, giving you more time to explore before it gets dark. That may or may not make a difference to you.
