I know I sound like a big baby and I need some convincing. Me and my husband went to Italy for the first time last year. Fell in love with the country of course. The people, culture, history, language and the FOOD!! I'm now going to Scandinavia and since I'm going there, I'm thinking about "stopping by Italy" for three days on my way there. I just can't get myself to go to Scandinavia without a visit to Italy!! It's too close......BUT I haven't traveled without my husband for a long time and he can't go. I'm usually good at doing things on my own and enjoy being on my own. But now I suddenly started worrying about "missing planes, thieves, losing my luggage, making mistakes and having to regret that I went my myself. Please convince me that I CAN do this on my own!!!

Although I haven't been there for a complete trip on my own, I've had a couple trips where I'd spend a few days with family/friends, then several on my own, etc. I had a great time on my 'alone' days. Travel was easy, people were very friendly, and I met far more strangers (both locals and other tourists). Even waiters were more talkative when they saw me dining as a single. I wouldn't pass up the chance to go.

well, you probably can do this on your own, some people can and some people can't.

Be brave and give it a try.

I've done it and fared well.

Of course you can! Specially if you want to go back to the same places you visited on your last trip. If that is the case, I don't see why it should be scary to go on your own. You already know the place.

If I were you, I'd do it. Have an excellent trip both in Scandinavia and in Italy!

I think by yourself would be fine. Have you ever thought about going with a group. My husband and I don't usually like group vacations, but it is nice to have someone to share your experiences with. How about a girl friend that might want to go with you and split expenses. As far as thieves, wear a money purse that you can wear inside your clothes. Put any valuables in the hotel safe and carry identification inside the money pouch.

I have.
Venice,Florence, and Rome in 2003.
I had a wonderful time. Never had any problems associated with women traveling alone. I just used common sense. I do feel very safe in Italy.
I feel a sense of "home" there.

I wrote some people can and some people can't because I know the personalities of the people I am thinking of, they could no more travel by themselves as fly to the moon, so to speak.

If you think you can you will be able to and have fun doing it.

I don't know whether you can--it depends entirely upon you. I've gone to Italy more times solo than with others, and it's always worked out fine. (Actually, the only time I was robbed there was when I was travelling with two Italian friends, so there you go...). But I have to admit that there are places in the world where I'd feel incompentent to travel solo--Pakistan or Yemen, for example--even though I know people who've done it successfully. Still, really three days in Italy shouldn't be a problem unless you let your worries get the better of you.

I went to Italy for two weeks on my own leaving my partner behind. I did get lonely at times, but my feeling about this is that it's healthy to experience that from time to time. Three days is hardly anything, so you should be fine.

There's something unique about being on your own. You answer to no one. You don't mind sitting in front of a church waiting for it to open with a good book and your thoughts. I actually am about to leave for 10 days in England on my own. Yes, there's a bit of trepidation, but I'm going to have a blast. Go for it!

OK, you've convinced me! Now I just have to find a plane ticket!!! But you have described everything I already felt. I DO feel at home in Rome. I just can't wait to get there! I love being by myself and just sit and read a book. I'm at a time in my life where I'm thinking a lot about life and I feel the need to be by myself, and what better place for it?? THANKS for all you support!

Schnookies - Every trip to Paris & London I have traveled solo. Next April/May I wil be going to Rome, Florence, Venice and Paris by myself. If I can do it I'm sure you can as well.

schnookies -- I've made 7 or 8 trips to Italy solo, the last one in October 2005 for 3 weeks. Going solo allows for lots more interaction (if you want) and gives so much more freedom to sit in a cafe all day or spend 3 hours window shopping or wandering. I'm 59, female, and have never missed having a travelling companion. Go for it!

I have travelled all over the world alone and Italy is my favorite country.

Plan and reserach well, learn some of the language, study a city map and metro map a bit ahead of time so you get the lay of the land, stay in a hotel not near the train station and ENJOY!

I did three weeks solo two summers ago, most of it in Italy. It was wonderful - so wonderful I can't wait to travel solo again (people keep wanting to come with me on my trips). This summer I'm going to Portugal for two weeks with my husband, but then I'm going to Scandinavia alone for the last 8 days. There is a wonderful thread here called "I vant to be alone" - it's quite old but if you search you might find it. Lots of good advice and encouragement. Do it!

I just got back from 10 days on my own in Tuscany.

I missed my husband and the children very much, but I had no problems getting by. I speak very little Italian (Just the first part of "learn in your car Italian&quot. All the people that work with tourists, and most of the people who don't, speak at least some English. Enought to understand "where is...?" and point you with hand gestures.

I suspect that a taxi driver charged me a little more than he should have, but since the total amount was 8 Euros I didn't lose much.

I did avoid being out on the streets on my own at night (I'm not sure there was real danger, I just wasn't comfortable).

I took more than one credit card and kept them in separate places, one in the hotel safe when I could.

If you don't do crazy things there shouldn't be a problem.

Rachel,
www.dream-vacation-in-tuscany.com

I have never traveled to europe alone but in Sept I go to France. The first week I will have a friend with me but then she has to go home so I will stay on in Paris alone for a week. Am I nervous about this...heck yes I am but I am not going to let that stop me from enjoying one of the most beautiful cities in europe. Besides I have been to Paris before with my hubby so it's not like it is totally unfamiliar to me.

It sounds like you are going to places you have been before in Italy so I don't think you should have any problems and like it has been already stated here, just use some common sense regarding your own personal security and you will be fine and have a really great experience and probably some very fun stories to tell us all here when you get back.

Go !! Enjoy !!! You only live once !

I feel so much better reading about your experiences!! What would I do without this board....?! Thank you all!
You'll read more questions from me though....

I went to Italy solo for 10 days. I'd highly recommend Rome (I know, who wouldn't!) for a solo trip. There's just so much to do---three days will go by too fast.
The only time I felt unsafe was in Naples---but I had not done my research and I was staying very close to the train station in a less than desirable area. I'm sure others have positive things to say.
But really---Rome---still daydreaming about it those five days three years later.. Even if you're not a writer, I'd suggest picking up a small notebook to keep notes in-- I needed my notebooks when I felt the urge to share all the news ideas I was picking up. Of course, you'll probably randomly start talking to people by the end.. never a bad thing to have a friend in another country....good luck!

The only thing I've said to myself after traveling somewhere alone is, "Why didn't I do that SOONER!"

I love going it alone...especially in a foreign country.

To quote the The Goddess Nike, "JUST DO IT."

Jules

I've been to Italy a half dozen times alone. Each time was awesome,it's a great country, easy to meet people. I had a trip report from this past Feb. on solo travel,I'll see if I can locate the link. GO GO GO and have fun.