traveling solo to Italy...am I nuts?

[shallowloagoon]

I want to travel solo to Italy this summer. I am a 26 year old female, and I have been to Europe before, but never alone, and never to Italy.

Im traveling solo because noone I know can afford to travel to Italy with me, so I am traveling by myself. I am afraid of sticking out like a sore thumb and being taken advantage of as a tourist.

How safe would it be for me? Any travel suggestions?

[Ruby]

Female traveling solo? of course you're not nuts, just independent!

I've been to Italy to places like Rome and Venice and overall, Italy seemed quite safe because of all the tourists, and I doubt any one person would stick out. We walked many dark streets after midnight, and never felt threatened.

Pickpockets are the real issue in touristy areas and in Italy is a growing problem so do have to look out for petty thieves!

Violent crime is less of a concern in Italy as a whole, then again I haven't been to all parts to verify this. Having said all that, I feel Italy is a very safe, just take reasonable precautions as you'd do normally.

[Madbrock]

I have never traveled to Italy, but am planning to so for my 40th late 2011. I will be traveling on my own also. I have traveled to many places around the world on my own, and my only suggestion is to have your wits about you - it appears it is the travelers who leave their brains at home who get into trouble.

Go and have lots of fun, and the best thing I have found about traveling on my own is never having to do something you don't want to - It is all about you !!!

[holread]

Originally Posted by shallowloagoon

I want to travel solo to Italy this summer. I am a 26 year old female, and I have been to Europe before, but never alone, and never to Italy.

Im traveling solo because noone I know can afford to travel to Italy with me, so I am traveling by myself. I am afraid of sticking out like a sore thumb and being taken advantage of as a tourist.

How safe would it be for me? Any travel suggestions?

Oh yes! Go! I've done both; traveled with people and alone and both have their advantages. Being with people is nice because you always have someone to hang with, but being alone is also great, because you can do whatever you want to do - go see the stuff you want etc.
I went to Paris (when I was 27) totally alone (Im female) and spent three weeks in Paris and in London. Remember that 80% of Europe is traveling all the time, so you cant help but meet people. I stayed in youth hostels and every night I had a crowd of at least ten or twenty people around my age or younger to hang out with. You'll meet people from all over the world and its super easy to make friends because most of the people you'll meet will be traveling alone as well. Dont be worried, just do it!
And Italy is wonderful. The people there are so friendly and amazing. They will take you by the hand and help you find whatever you need to find, even if you dont speak any Italian! As for safety, just use common sense. Dont wander down dark alleys at night or get too drunk and go off with strange guys or stuff like that. Keep your money and passport safe.
As for places to go, I loved Verona and Florence. I've heard that Bologna is a really fun University town, too. And my best friend loves Venice. I think that most of Italy is just gorgeous and fun and you will have a great time! Dont even think twice about going alone! Once you are there, you'll see how easy it is.