Tips for Solo Female Travel in Italy

It is not easy being a solo female traveler, especially in India. There are many cultural and societal issues attached to it which I don’t want to get into. So I know there are many women who would find this post on “Tips for Solo Female Travel in Italy” necessary and befitting. I hope this post gives a much needed push to women to be comfortable traveling alone! 

A little backstory-  my first solo trip in Italy was not only my first solo trip outside of my country but also MY VERY FIRST solo trip! I learnt many things on the road that I wanted to pass on as a handy list of tips. What also worked in my favori was having an open minded and supportive family. I most often faced the concern of “safety” more than the concern of “approval”.

My family stood like a backbone, supporting me for my solo trips to Italy. So before you say it was easy for me, I will agree, it was. But here’s how I help you….You never know sometimes all one needs is a push. By that I don’t mean going against your family’s wishes but standing up for what you want and what you believe in. If traveling solo is what you want, do not overthink. Just dive in! But YOU need to be convinced yourself first! Once that is figured, prepare your family for it, read my tips on enjoying solo travel and keep yourself safe! 😉 Remember it’s not always Instagram pictures and coffee in the sunshine but there are many ups and downs with travel, so be brave and embrace it!

Tips for Solo Female Travel in Italy

Around me, there are women who travel alone, who want to travel alone and many women who admire others for doing it. When I first thought of traveling to Italy alone, I was nervous and excited. I remember that feeling so well because I really wanted to do it. I had set my heart and mind on it and had a lot of support from family and friends. After reading a lot of blogs ofother women who had been traveled solo for years, I took my first plunge in 2015! So here are my 2 cents -10 Important tips for solo female travel in Italy (or anywhere else!).

1. Stay Vigilant Around Train Stations:

First things first is You. Then your belongings! Keep yourself together because one look away from your bag might turn to be very expensive or dangerous to you. If there is anywhere I have felt unsafe in Italy it has been those small town train stations where there is no soul in sight but that one stranger eyeing your bag.

2. Say Hello to Morning/Afternoon flights:

Take flight that lands in morning or afternoon because when you are in a foreign land (where you also don’t speak the local language) you should be reaching your accommodation at a reasonable time and preferably before it’s too dark.

3. Never have all Cash and Card in One Place:

I know you have read this countless times before but this is 100% true. Please don’t make this mistake! Spread your cash and cards in different pouches, bags, inside socks, packets etc. Don’t carry it all with you either!

4. Try a Group Tour:

Feeling lonely and in the need for company?? Book a cooking class or dine in a local’s home like I did. It not only helps in making more friends but also drives away that loneliness!

Me in Trastevere, Rome

Pizza Making Class in Rome

5. Know the Cost of a Taxi:

Stuck somewhere?? Do your research from home. If possible take a taxi from outside the airport/train stations. But please make sure you research online beforehand because people can rip you off!I highly recommend downloading the Trenit App on your phone to check cost of train in Italy.

6. Save Numbers of your Country’s Embassy:

Keep numbers of your country’s Embassy handy. I have the number of the Indian Embassy in Rome saved in my phone. In case of an emergency, this is not only useful but also calms you down to see your people in a foreign land. Also, make sure you have copies of your Passport and Visa with you (just in case).

Strike a Conversation with locals

7. Strike Conversations with Locals but Be Aware:

Even if it is just a Grazie (Thank you) or a Buongiorno (Good Morning) you will be surprised how friendly locals are in Italy. They can really go out of the way to help you and obviously knowing Italian helps. Trust me, there is so much kindness in the world, and Italy reminds me that every single time. If you feel there is catcalling or over friendliness on the street, just politely say, no grazie (no, thank you) and walk away swiftly!

8. Keep in Touch with Family:

I know solo travel gets lonely at times, especially early evenings (for me) so stay in touch with family and friends. Let them know where you are, send a picture of yourself, they are waiting to hear from you!

9. Look Confident:

Give the impression that you know things. This helps to avoid people to come near you in the first place.

Common sense and gut have been my strongest suits when traveling alone!

• • 

    Look Confident

Lastly….

10. Enjoy Eating Alone:

Do you think dining alone is awkward?? I do too! I have felt nervous and judged about eating alone but I sort of winged it over the years. Want to know how?? By being comfortable in my skin. Yes, I simply carried a book and a pair of headphones when dining alone. Never in Italy have I felt that I should be treated differently because I am alone. Of course the occasional stare happens in ANY country, but because I was alone, I ended up chatting with a lot of people!

Remember it’s baby steps to everything! You can’t be a pro at traveling alone after one trip. So give yourself time to get accustomed to it. Research research research. Read a lot of blogs before going anywhere. Talk to people who’ve done it. Drop a comment on this post to tell me how I can help:)

Are you ready??

Conclusion:

While writing this post, I saw myself featured on Texas Mom In Torino’s Blog where she says “I don’t know anyone who is as brave as you are to travel solo“. I am deeply touched and flattered because I never thought I could be featured in a blog post concerning solo female travel.For those of you out there looking for that one ray of hope and inspiration, start NOW. 

Traveling alone in Italy has been the most exhilarating experiences of my life! I can’t wait to do it again! Happy Traveling Ladies!!

Further Reading:

• Amalfi Must Do: Pasticceria Sal De Riso
• How to visit the Amalfi Coast from Salerno
• Basilica di Superga with the moon- una meraviglia
• The view from Vomero Hill, Naples
• Circumvesuviana train- easy way to explore Gulf Of Naples

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A post shared by Ishita Sood (@italophilia)