Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of taking a week in November (over the Thanksgiving holiday) to go
to Rome since I missed by chance this spring/summer...the rates will probably be good and since I'm travelling alone I'd probably stay at a convent (Dominus Fratinus or Santa Brigida) and that will also bring the cost of the trip down.

The reason for the post is that I'm looking for some encouragement! I'm a little nervous because a)I'm not sure if this is a good time of year to go (and relately, what the temps are like - basically, anything above 60 is comfortable for me, and b)because this is not peak season, will I feel "lonely" (looking for inspiration from other solo travellers to the Eternal City. I've been there before, in May 2002 with a friend, so this time I am just looking to relax, walk around the various outer neighborhoods I didnt spend too much time in last year, eat well, and take an excursion or two from my hotel.

So I guess my questions are these: will I feel lonely? How are solo diners treated in the city? Is it worth taking an excursion (from the hotel) to Tuscany, at this time of year? I know its not the best season but is it still interesting to see in November.

Thanks in advance!
Tonia

I'm not sure anyone can answeer your "Will I feel lonely?" question. My experience as a solo diner in Italy has been very positive.

Tonia, I commend you for wanting to go and for doing it alone.

By all means, go. You will likely find that since you are dining alone, you may get even more attention as a guest. The Italians can be very warm and friendly. When you are greeted in a restaurant, it's almost as if they are inviting you into their home. You won't have any crowds and you should have a good deal of choices because of that. Everything will obviously be open during 'our' Thanksgiving.

Rome is fairly easy to navigate and you've been there, so it will be easy and fun. You can see all of the things that you either missed or didn't spend enough time on during your first trip. Your trip will be unforgettable for all of the right reasons.

We were there in October and it was 80F every day. I think that you could possibly see temps in the 60's.

Have a great trip.

Thanks for your replies...I know that Italy is a very family, couples, and children oriented culture (I am Italian-American) so I was curious as to what other solo diner's experiences where like. Staying at a convent also strikes me as an interesting way to go and a way to meet other solo travellers, so I'm warming up to this idea...

Grazie
Tonia

Hi
If it helps, my first trip to Rome was on my home. I was incredibly busy, didn't get to see everything on my list, but I had a fabulous time.
Only one top restaurant (Vecchia Roma) refused to give me a reservation because I was a single (first time that's happened to me anywhere) but everywhere else I was well treated, even pampered.
On that trip I started chatting with people at breakfast and we ended up having dinner together one night.

I can't speak to Tuscany in late Nov, but I'd encourage you to take a day or two for Florence if you haven't been.

that should read "on my own"

I traveled to rome alone this past april with no problems being lonely; this way I did what I wanted to do without having to consider someone else. I enjoyed dinner at family type eateries where everyone sits at a long table. Most people enjoy meeting and talking to solo people from different parts of the u. s. a.

Hi Tonia. As Intrepid said, I'm not sure anyone can answeer your "Will I feel lonely?" question.

What I think we *can* reasonably say is that your loneliness, or lack thereof, is likely not going to be affected by the fact that it won't be peak season because there are still going to be plenty of tourists in November, as well as all the Romans.

Hi tonia,

Oh do go. Bring a small leather bound book, with gilt edged pages for when you go to a restaurant.

When a gentleman says, "Buona Sera, signorigna" you can either read your book or set it down and smile.

Ira -Classy suggestion! I usually take a tour book to read, but I've noticed that usually when I'm dining alone on travel, (I'm female) I'm seated next to other occupied tables as opposed to a corner. More often or not, some converation will start up whether it's comparing tours or where you are from. Anyway, people watching in restaurants is always fun, especially if you find ones with mostly locals. I love going at my own pace when traveling alone. I think there are also 1-day walking tours you can sign up for - nice way of being with others, but still doing your own thing. I'm not sure if the convent idea would make me feel a little isolated though. We stayed at the Vatican convent, and they were definitely sparse but cheap!

Good for you Tonianyc!
My first 4 trips were in company, and my last three were on my own! I love it. Sure, sometimes, I'd like to be sharing with someone an impression, but the Italians are, as has often been said, very warm and welcoming.
I agree with the diary idea, and also a stack of reading material. But often I was drawn into conversation. Some of this depends on you, also. If you smile at folks, rather than hide, you will be talked to!
I've gone in November, and I have to say it was pretty darn cold! We were in Umbria, which, because of its elevation, is colder though. Pack for 50's and either side of them though. Everytime I've gone to Italy, someone local explains that it's "unseasonably" something! Warm, wet, cold, beautiful! And you know what? I never cared.
Have a wonderful time, and look for an internet cafe and log on and tell us how much fun you're having a sola!

Absolutely go by yourself! It is a great time of year -- cooler weather but not cold, fewer crowds, etc. You will have Rome to yourself! Enjoy your sojourn and tell us about it when you are back! Buon viaggio!

How do you go about finding info on staying in the convents? What's it like?
Is it in the middle of the city? Any unofficial rules? It sounds so interesting.

Thanks everyone (I was away for a few days so havent been able to check all responses until now). I am working on fares and accomodations, and its so interesting, how I may be able to do a week in Rome for about $1,200. (plus spending money). I am on a tight budget so this is important (I just need to stomach the whole November thing, as I've been spoiled in the past and visited Italy in balmy May!). For the poster who inquired about convent stays, you can do a search on this forum for tons of options, but I received a personal recommendation on the Casa Santa Brigida and from communicating with the nuns as I am doing my research, they seem very sweet and friendly. Here is the email: [email protected]

Happy travels everyone,
Tonia