Solo female traveler to Italy

Solo female traveler to Italy

Have you ever wanted to travel to some exotic location and got a few friends to agree to the trip a year before the travel date? Then finally, it is time to make the booking, and no one can go? What do you do?

Well, that is what happened to me. I told everyone more than a year ahead of time. Everyone was dropping like flies when it was time to book. I wasn’t able to book as I was confused and unsure of what to do. I was confused.

I started reading about the experiences of other solo female travellers I was intrigued. The more stories I read, the more the idea appealed to me. Eventually, I decided to start travelling solo.

I started researching a lot of locations that are safe for solo female travellers. I chose my destination – I wanted to go to Rome, Florence and Venice. 

The first point was researching the VISA process, getting all the cost and information on the visa process. I googled safe neighbourhoods to stay in Rome. I ended up staying in a suburban area that was south of central Rome. 

To be granted the VISA, I had to have accommodation and return flights booked before my appointment with the embassy. 

Table for establishing the means of subsistence required for admission to Italy

You can get this is from here.

If you want to have a look at VISA requirements or whether you require a VISA you can check out the link.

The Hotel I stayed in was safe and quiet, it wasn’t as close as I would have liked it to be, but it met all my expectations in other respects. I was able to book a shuttle to and from the airport with them. They had a shuttle service to central ROME a couple of times a day.

In true female fashion, I missed it the first time I decided to google another way to get the Rome other than a cab. I found out I was a mere 5-minute walk from the bus stop, and I could use my bank card to pay for it ( it had the tap option). I did manage to buy a 7-day ticket once I got to the subway. It meant that I was mobile and could go wherever I wanted to without hassle.

I had a list of over 50 sights and attractions I wanted to see – always over-ambitious. I had GetYourGuide app and could book attractions I wanted to see. You can book some at the entrance or through other providers.

Highlights in Rome:

• Vatican City incl Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Square, St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum 
• The Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• Colosseum
• Roman Forum
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Spanish steps
• Villa Borghese
• Capitoline Museum

A few days later, I decided to take a trip to Florence and Venice. I researched the different train options I ended up using Omio to book the train because of the reviews. The train ride was amazing! 

Highlights in Venice:

• Gondolo ride
• Rialto Bridge
• Grand Canel
• St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Campanile and St Mark’s Square
• Jewish ghetto
• Bridge of sighs

Highlights in Florence:

• Leonardo da Vinci Museum
• Duomo
• Day trip to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa

I went back to Rome after my mini-break. When I was back in Rome, I booked a full day trip to Naples and Pompei.

I also spent a few days shopping in each of the locations I was in and ate so much gelato! The wet weather did not deter me from my new found obsession with the treat. I advise that you try gelato and try a few different options as they don’t taste the same.

I walked around, took the bus, the train and even a cab. I was never uncomfortable at any time. I never really went into unsafe places, I will admit. I will mention that when I got lost, it was difficult to get directions as most people didn’t speak English. I was always able to get help eventually.

I would recommend going to Italy as long as you follow the basic guidelines to staying safe. The most important thing is to trust your instincts. I never felt unsafe at any time during my stay in Rome. There were instances where guys would flirt, but it was never in an aggressive manner.

It is possible to be safe in these areas you will meet people- some even travelling alone like you.