And of all the places to stay in Amafli, Villa Felice Relais is one of the best. This is easier if you have darker colouring, although sunglasses are helpful for hiding blue foreign eyes. Best Places in Europe to Travel Alone (for women travelers) Flights Cars, Forum & More Professionally organized Italy tours for solo travelers and Italy tours for everyone with impressive itineraries, nice fellow travelers, beautiful accommodations, comfy transfers & more. Of course I made sure I stayed in a great neighbourhood (Trastevere), safe and close to some great restaurants, I booked my tours in advance and I also did hours . You did the right thing, traveling on our Cinque Terre tour, and then adding an extension to go visit Rome and Florence on your own. Personally I feel a certain guilt if a crowded restaurant gives me a table for two, and I proceed to eat cheaply. Find out what crafts your destination is known forbe it glass in Venice, leather in Florence, or nativity scene figures in Naples. 35+ Best Places to Travel Alone in Europe: Solo Travel Guide Like anywhere in the world, there are some safety concerns associated with doing a solo trip to Italy. Youll still be going alone, cultivating fearlessness, growing as a person, but youll have a built-in set of new girlfriends waiting for you on the other side. should then head to the Accademia Gallery and soak up the immortal grandeur of Michelangelos most famous creation, the Statue of David. It took over three centuries to build this religious structure, (I mean, comeon, ye olde builders! Its also in a great location right near the port and is just a ten minute walk from the city centre. P.S. Women do go to work but seem to do everything else in company. Ill be brushing up on my Italian before I go to Florence in October, 2019! Keep in touch if you like, I also just came across this site and plan to check out the facebook groups they recommend. A statue of a pig that will voraciously eat all of your money also may, or may not, be included amongst these iconic, works of art! Hotel Columbia Palermo (Budget) Want to experience the fabled beauty of Sicily, but with the budget of a broke college kid? You can buy stuff you forgot once you arrive. I want to experience food and wine in Italy but would love to get some hiking in there thanks A, Hi Aleena, Just get your ticket and that will force you to figure it out! You want to have options, just in case. Forget About the Mafia. Italy is a large boot-shaped peninsula that juts out into the Mediterranean Sea. Blog . Nestled deep within the far north of the country: Lake Como is known for being one of Italys most scenic regions. The Best Cities to Travel Alone. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Second, it's safe. Everyone else, be sure to check if there are any requirements for you. They have a more limited selection on the digital library apps. - Advice for coping with attention So, if you only have three days, youre going to have to make some tough choices! Thats cheaper. Thats not to say that Bologna doesnt have anything else going for it because that would just be one, big fat lie. When you reminisce about your Italy trip, these may be the moments that carry the happiest memoriesand inspire you to return! Hop into the red train for a fairy tale adventure My favourite travel experience in Milan as a solo traveller is boarding the Bernina express. It was fabulous, all of it! If you are travelling solo in Italy you will probably meet with attention and possibly some annoyances. Yeah, nope. This Guide to Solo Female Travel in Italy has been created to help women have a safe and fun vacation. . First, it's easy to get there, whether you want to fly in or prefer taking the bus or the train. Checking in for your outbound flight is easy - it's only when you arrive alone in an unfamiliar destination that it all becomes real. GOOD TO KNOW: Never go with someone who approaches you offering a ride these are almost always unlicensed people trying to make a quick buck by gauging unsuspecting tourists. Make sure too that you alert your bank to the fact that youll be overseas, so that your cards arent blocked for suspicious charges. The five tiny villages that make up Cinque Terre were definitely not designed for mass tourism. aspetto mio fidanzato - I'm waiting for my boyfriend Throughout the rest of the day youre usually heading from one place to another, taking photos, taking in the sights. The enchanting shopping gallery of Vittorio Emanuele II is basically right next door. Yeah, clearly Pisa isnt the only place in Italy with a leaning tower). Hotel Santo Stefano (Mid-range) This well-appointed hotel has single rooms available for just $115 per night (Trust me, thats insanely reasonable for Venice). Its also just around the corner from St. Marks Square, making it super easy for you to get up early and grab those early-morning photographs of a stunningly quiet square! Occasionally I've wondered if I've been given a lesser table. How do you overcome this? Since Italians are such welcoming people, youll rarely find yourself feeling lonely. But Hotel La Villa Degli Argentieri makes it even better with super friendly staff and rooms that start at $120 per night. Venice has become a victim of its own success, which has led to a series of strict rules that are designed to regulate travelers and limit crowds. Whether you are a first-time solo traveler looking for that extra push to take their first trip or a seasoned solo traveler Um, amazing! Its very unlikely that youll find even a trace of them during your solo trip to Italy. Best Solo Trips For Women In Italy - GAFFL But remember that most Italians live in tightly-knit communities where the domestic sphere is ruled over by the mamma. visit Murano, Burano, and Torcello by Vaporetto. If you are dressed expensively, carry smart shopping bags and tip generously then you are obviously not an Eastern European prostitute or a heavy-drinking penniless foreign student. By the way, I am 60 in August! Thankfully though, the rooms themselves, which start at $150 per night, are a little less busy, allowing you to get a much needed, restful nights sleep. Travelling anywhere, with anyone or alone, can present problems as well as rewards. Going on a solo trip means it's just about you. Merci pour ce partage. 1. Pompeii is the site of one of historys most tragic events. Some guys may be a bit flirty in manner, but its generally slightly tongue in cheek and self-effacing and nothing disrespectful. Tell yourself and those in your world youll be gone the day before and the day after whatever it says on your plane ticket. You wont have to worry about anything too bad since violent crimes and muggings are both relatively uncommon throughout Italy. If youve ever seen a calendar or screen saver that features a photo of Italy, then youve probably seen Cinque Terre. While there are some active, organized crime syndicates in various parts of Italy (most notably Sicily, Calabria, and Naples), I can almost guarantee that you wont have any issues with them. Take a first baby step by joining a tour, like the ones we offer. self-sufficient and independent you actually are. Show stopping trip through the colorful UNESCO-listed cliffside villages and famous grottos of the Amalfi Coast. Any kind of violence against women, from groping upwards, is a crime and is never seen as acceptable. You could fly into Florence, Venice, or Rome then go from there. So, if you found this post even a tidbit helpful (And I pray to the Gods and the stars in the heavens above that you do), then pin this post now and read it again later! Hostel of the Sun (Budget) The Hostel of the Sun is a local legend in Naples, which is why pretty much everyone has heard of it! If you don't want to accept the compliment, just ignore it. Orsa Maggiore Hostel for Women Only (budget) If youre a solo female traveler, then finding a hostel where you actually feel comfortable staying can be a bit tricky. Best Places to Travel in Italy as a solo female traveler: These are the best travel destinations in Italy for solo travelers. Are you interested in travelling to Italy with us on a day trip? The only MAJOR headache that you might experience are with the tickets themselves! Since then, Ive traveled to over 70 countries and have knocked some big adventures off my bucket list. Popular travel and lifestyle blog featuring travel tips, fashion, food and photography from around the world. Here's the perfect one-week Italy itinerary to help you maximize your time and see the highlights of this beautiful country! This is a big one for a lot of people. Florence especially stuck with me, until finally this year I decided to get back out there. I've often found myself in little shoe-boxes just off a flight of stairs, or dealing with a bathroom smaller than a wardrobe. Hiking along the dramatic cliffs and exploring the pastel fishing villages that dot the coastline. ho un ragazzo / fidanzato - I have a boyfriend This is the place where I share all my solo travel mishaps, I mean tips; travel hacks that will make you laugh, cry, and hopefully travel more successfully as a solo female! Always use common sense when judging a particular situation. Generator Venice (Budget) In a city as fancy as Venice, finding a budget hotel room can prove rather difficult. The Adriatic Sea lies to the east and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west. Asking a simple question can lead to long conversations and tips about local sights. HOME; ABOUT; I can't speak from personal experience, but I've heard stories of harassment on overnight trains, and I would choose to travel on regular daytime services rather than in sleeping compartments. 2. Many others stayed behind, resulting in a monumental number of deaths as residents were buried by copious amounts of ash and rock from the erupting volcano. In that way, your whole journey is planned. These cookies do not store any personal information. Italys other renowned destination for foodies is Bologna, which is famous for an insane number of Italian foodstuffs like Mortadella ham, Parma ham, balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, and tortellini. Of course it's always a good idea to be careful locking your door. Naples has its own set of historic charms, some of which can be found in places like Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Museo di Capodimonte, and Cappella Sansevero chapel. St. Peters Cathedral, and the Vatican, at least for all my history-loving homies out there! They are somewhat expensive to buy. Now thats what I call a central location! - have you got a light Whats a nice person like you doing in a place like this? It should also be illegal to leave Rome without sampling carbonara, a divine, local specialty that is best sampled at Da Danilo restaurant in the Esquillino neighborhood. Just stand out by the poolside terrace and youll get a stunning view of the sea, and the town of Taormina below! I spent three months in Tokyo (in my thirties) all by myself (I was, at that time, a professional singer with a booking in a high rise hotel jazz club). Hi Im wanting a female travel buddy to see all of Italy with I love anything Italian . In my case, this makes it less likely that I leave packing until the last minute and spares those around me from dealing with my Im-going-to-Italy-tomorrow-obsessed self. I think I still have some chops. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I've been groped on a bus in Rome, along with my friends, and had a skinhead stick his hand between my legs on a street by my house - a totally unlikely and out-of-the-blue act which left me too shocked to react. Hotel Pulitzer (mid-range) This is the perfect place to stay if you want to start writing the next great, American novel (geddit?). Port hopping along the lakeside - Grab your camera, get yourself a day pass for the ferry or explore a few lakeside villages a day. Seriously, how cool is that? Some Italian cities are a bit safer in the evening than others. in Italy , and many travel around. I even enjoy solo time while traveling with my husband or girlfriendsin fact, I insist on it! History lovers of even the smallest measure should head straight for the famous Duomo, one of Italys biggest attractions, and gawk at the exquisite decor that adorns the entire exterior of the building. Reserve tickets for your return journey as well. But any initial doubts are fleeting. So glad you stopped by and super happy to meet you. Im gonna share all of my expert tips on how to plan a trip to Italy solo with you, so that you can quickly, put all of those nightmare inducing scenes from Taken out of your mind. You should always make sure that your valuables are securely stored within the deepest, darkest recesses of your backpack, making them rather difficult for pickpockets to find and access (If youre super concerned, you can always get a lock for your bag or purchase an anti-theft backpack, like the one shown on this list of best carry on bags for women). By Veronika of Travel Geekery. A voyage along the canals is a must, as is the Basilica di San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale, and the Gallerie DellAccademia. 10 Day Itinerary for French Polynesia. In the vast majority of cases, theyre just being friendly and showing their appreciation. You can visit Naples from there too very easily. GOOD TO KNOW: You can look up all the train schedules on trenitalia.com, and all the driving times on Via Michelin or Google Maps. Solo Travel Italy: What You Need to Know About Public Transportation! And if you extra time on your hands, you can always check out some of these amazing day trips from Milan after spending 24 hours in Milan. While you're wandering the streets, stop by the Trevi Fountain and toss in a coinlegend . Vuoi un passaggio? Say you have an abscessed tooth. If youd rather not experience a very LIVE version of Pompeii, then you can always head to the sun-kissed city of Syracuse instead. The Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel The Blonde Abroad Florence is a cosmopolitan place that welcomes every kind of solo traveller, including LGBTQ people. Theres really no better way to walk off all those calories than with a quiet, post-dinner walk. Not only does this hotel sit directly opposite of the entrance to the ruins, but the rooms here are truly something to behold. Here any attention Walking home at night, I have only once been disconcerted and that was by some drunken British men who were shouting loudly. Best Area To Stay in Italy Best Accommodation For a Solo Italy Trip Yoga Retreats in Italy Transport For Solo Traveling Italy Italy Solo Travel Itinerary Best Italy Travel Books What To Pack For Italy Best Time To Travel To Italy Travel Insurance For Italy Italy Airports Travelling Onwards Conscious Travel in Italy - Dress, - Meet people and create a bond Quite an amazing experience - all thanks to GAFFL!, "I accidentally scrolled across GAFFL and I'm so pleased I did. Youll struggle to find a more impressive museum, and certainly struggle to find one with artwork that is THIS beautiful! I think the best ways to demonstrate your respectability, if you fear that your solitary status and foreign or ethnic-minority appearance may arouse unworthy prejudice are: Rome Solo Travel: How To Have A Fun Time Traveling Rome Alone A ride from the main train station in Florence to the airport, for example, costs a flat fee of 20 euro during the day (plus 1 euro per additional bag). Because theres not a corner of this hotel that isnt covered in interesting decor! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I went on a massive tour of Europe in 2014, and Italy was by far my favorite stop. Domus Annae B&B (Budget) Located a mere 750 yards from the ancient ruins of Pompeii, this cozy little apartment house is the perfect place for you to relax after a long day of exploring (You budding Indiana Jones, you!). Or you can join one of the many small-group tours to Italy, where youll be traveling on your own but in the company of kindred spirits. We have a great list for restaurants in Florence you should check out. Solo Tours, Travel & Holidays - Intrepid Travel We_Bologna (Budget) Who doesnt love a good underscore? Okay, apart from the quirky name, this hostel also offers its guests an incredible location, right near the central train station, and supreme flexibility! I mean, this is the most exclusive region in Italy and as a result, high accommodation costs ensue. That will surely be a part of your trip for the memory books. Almost without exception, theyre incredibly overpriced, especially for a part of the world that has notoriously wonderful public transportation systems. The evening passeggiata means that streets are safe and lively until late at night. Find and book hotels in Italy. Another great way to learn languages is with Pimsleur. Although it is safe to travel solo as a woman Canada's panoramic views, lush greenery, and emerald lakes also make it one of the best destinations to take a solo trip for women. Solo Travel Tours Abroad For Single Travellers - Explore Cant wait to go back soon! - would you like a lift? Plugs are different in Italy compared to the United States, UK, or Canada. Amalfi is a bit more stately and dignified, though still imbued with an ethereal, small-town charm that always has the crowds coming back for more (People also MAY or may not come back for the towns beautiful selection of regional ceramics). If you're not interested, just make it obvious. Exploring Venice is a must, but Id encourage you to venture into the wider area. For fun or out of necessity, female solo travel is a growing trend , in a world where traveling without company has finally become a clear concept. how to see the best of Venice in JUST one day! There have been some unpleasant encounters, although no worse than I've experienced in the UK. You can always stop by The Archaeological Museum, which houses many, original finds from Pompeii, removed here to guarantee their proper preservation, as well as some rather racy items that can be found in the Secret Cabinet. You will automatically be seen as unusual and attractive. Sightseeing in Lake Como Top Must-Sees For Solos . Once, in the ruins of Ostica Antica, I heard a little girl telling her father to 'look at that lady, sola, sola' (alone, alone). Solo travel in Italy for women: advice and experience In this article - Solo travel - Safety - Hotels - Restaurants and bars - Problems with men - My experiences - Advice for coping with attention - Dress - Meet people and create a bond - Should I do it? Also Paestum is half an hour from Salerno as is Pompei. So yeah: Contrary to what Hollywood might have you think, you definitely won't be confronted by the Mafia as they, "make you an offer you can't refuse". How can you not fall in love with a place like this? Particularly in more 'backward' areas - provincial villages, the south and So there you have it ladies, and possibly a few gents, my ridiculously long guide on the best way to travel Italy solo. Its fantastic Article. Talk about a win-win! Kidding and welcome to my snazzy little blog. The bus is also an experience! Gaze upon the masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery, or the equally impressive architectural grandeur of the Ponte Vecchio and the stunning Duomo. There's not much you can do about blonde hair, as Italian women rarely wear hats or headscarves. Heading to Italy all alone and we all thrived. The Blonde Abroad Solo Female Travel Blog After all that culture, be sure to get yourself to Gelateria della Musica, where you can stand in awe of the sheer number of flavors that are available to you! One of the highlights of our Italy adventure was s. Daddy appreciation post These boys are so l. Follow on Instagram. I was resistant to this for many years, with visions of traipsing behind a screaming person hoisting an umbrella. You can meet people so easily and in a trustful way. Whole volumes could be written about Italian men, but for solo travellers the most important fact is that they are usually harmless. Do try and take a day trip out to Burano island, to see the charming, brightly-painted houses there. In this article I'll describe my own experiences as a resident and frequent traveller in Italy, and I'll attempt to give practical advice and suggestions. If you get harassment rather than flirting, shout out a loud Vai via!(Go away!). And what a fun game we play!" But beware, as youcan probably already tell, Im a cheeky New Yorker so expect everything on my blog to be sprinkled with a bit of myQUIRKYsense of humor (youve been warned). Youll encounter a beautiful maze of scenic passageways and tiny bridges that will take you over some of the most breathtaking canals in all of Venice. Have a four-legged truffle hunter guide you through the forests of the countryside for an unforgettable experience. Visitors from countries like the UK should forget the unpleasant culture at home, where comments from workmen and drivers are offensive and responded to with rudeness. When is the Best Time of Year for a Solo Trip to Italy? Solo Travel Cinque Terre: Tips for Visiting Italy's Stunning Villages xx. Waiters are sometimes perplexed and concerned at my solo status. About . . Venice, Naples, and Bologna are all served by an ample number of shuttle buses that will quickly take you to and from the airport. Venture inside, and be duly impressed by the copious amounts of gold and gorgeous, painted murals that youll find everywhere! Easily one of the most picturesque destinations in the world, the Amalfi Coast is another epic experience. Required fields are marked *. The Perfect One Week Italy Itinerary Wander Her Way Id also get up super early (like the crack of dawn early) and visit the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps since no people here = infinitely BETTER photo ops! I would also suggest leaving most of your valuables inside the safe, back at your hotel and carrying only the cash and credit cards that you need for the day. GOOD TO KNOW: If youre an over-researcher, dont follow a complicated itinerary. It's unusual to bare as much flesh as foreigners do: Italian women may wear transparent tops with strategic cut-aways, but they don't usually wear vest-tops or shorts (unless shorts are very 'in'). Its a tiny town, but worth visiting for the exquisite, highly photogenic ,views from Villa Rufolo alone. - Hotels - are you single / married / spoken for? We spent 14 days of straight exploring, hiking, eating and drinking. Well, you can have all of this, and more, at the Hotel Centrale! Not ready to go it completely alone, but dont want to wait around forever for your friends schedules to perfectly line up with yours? I just got back from my first solo trip to Barcelona and now Im hooked. Always carry yourself confidently, use Updated: February 2023 Over the years, I've featured dozens of travel tips and destination guides on solo travel for women, but I wanted to put together a comprehensive female travel resource for everyone. 1. WHAT TO EXPECT. And while winter prices are accordingly, quite low: Some cities make for better winter destinations than others, so prepare accordingly when planning your Italy solo travel itinerary (If you can, avoid Venice in the winter since its prone to flooding. We're so glad youre curious aboutour Italy intel. But even 48 hours is enough to at least see something and to whet your appetite for a return visit. Sharing is caring: One Week Italy Itinerary Do you only have enough time for one week in Italy? But in the meantime, travellers need to deal with the state of things now, which entails awareness of local beliefs. Im interested in it all, but I don want to invest all my time in just one thing, one place or one activity. Ask if you can join them! And of course it's not advisable to go into details of your movements or your lack of travelling-companions. Ask too where the parking area for cabs is. You can also try your hand at cooking and enjoy some of their fantastic, cooking classes during the day! Youll be able to withdraw cash from ATMs while youre there, but its a good idea to keep a stash of cash on you at all times in case a machine is broken or someone doesnt accept cards. Which is why you could easily plan a beautiful 5 days in northwest Sicilyand discover exactly what to eat in Palermo along the way. That time alone in Rome, with all its struggles and unexpected discoveries, helped shape me into the woman I am today. Italian town centres usually contain more residential housing than UK cities, so there are lights, bustle and people within earshot. Its only as uncomfortable as you make it in your own head. Marriage tips aside, heres what youll need to know to manage solo female travel in Italy. The location is also great too since this hotel is situated in the lovely neighborhood of Chiaia, one of Naples nicest areas. We'll head out on beautiful seaside walks, dine in cliff top restaurants, enjoy garden wine tastings, lemon farm tours (and limoncello), winery visits and a private boat tour of the coast and grottos with a chance to swim. First of all, why wouldnt you? Once you create that itinerary and pick up that heavy backpack just by yourself, you realize how (Fabulous Archaeological Museum)That is what i did, preferring not to stay in a busy city as I would not be really going out in the evening alone. The only times this has felt like a serious, practical problem is when walking along those unpleasant roads on the edge of urban areas which tend to be frequented by prostitutes. If you fall into this category, you can become seriously overwhelmed by all there is to do, see, be, have. So while youll generally be safe in most city centers and touristed areas, there are a few neighborhoods, in certain cities that are best avoided after sundown. awesome! On a less offensive level, I have had some pleasant conversations with polite, chance-met locals, and have been asked out, or for my phone number, several times in a charming and non-threatening way. Pinkie promise! The Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel. And yes, most attempts at buying a ticket directly from the driver are futile and will result in you being directed to the nearest tobacconist, as you cry salty tears and watch the bus sail off into the distance without you. Thank you Merci pour ce partage Beautiful article, Thank you! Plus, all of the fully soundproofed rooms here, which start at $200 per night, will help you to get a well-deserved, full nights rest before youre up and at em again in the morning! This region has some of the best food in the country (which is saying a lot!). Which is a MUST if you actually want to visit the statue of David without being mobbed by a crowd of selfie-stick wielding tourists! Hotel Souvenir (Mid-range) Guys, Hotel Souvenir is a thin slice of heaven that sits smack dab in the middle of Cinque Terre. Sadly, this is the most common scenario in which youll become the victim of crime! If you have any questions, feel free to get . Because either a spa bath or hydromassage shower await you and will take care of any aches and pains that you may have acquired while lifting all those uber-heavy designer bags.