Packed with 47 UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites and plenty of adventures, Italy is the dream destination for many tourists and travelers alike. However, the country is not always about cozy Vespa rides and romantic gondola rides. It has a lot more to offer. If you are a solo traveler bitten by the travel bug, Italy is fun yet so much comforting. It is one of the most quintessential destinations in the world that will leave you awestruck with its striking aura. Wander around the country that is brimming with hidden gems and let your heart drift into oblivion.
The joys of solo travels are many. Not only you get to interact with interesting people, but you also have the complete freedom and flexibility to plan your days and pace. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn, put on a pair of big sunglass and embark on an Italian adventure. There are several incredible cities that are crammed with unexpected surprises for solo travel; you only need to know where to go.
If you are plotting an Italian escape on your own, here is our definitive guide to exploring this alluring country and other practical information that would help you during the trip.
Safety
Italy is pretty safe and a wonderful destination to travel solo. But, it never hurts to revisit some general safety advice especially when you are non-native.
Most of the Italian towns and cities have an old world charm with meandering alleys. Hence there are chances of getting lost or confused. Make sure to have a digital map on your smartphone so that you can easily locate a place by your own without the need of asking anyone.
Schedule your arrival time in broad daylight so that you do not have to look for the hotel address in the dark. Try to learn the route to and from your hotel so that you can walk in the evening with confidence. The streets in major cities like Rome, Florence and Venice are bustling with people until well after midnight.
Watch Out
Pickpockets are an annoying reality throughout Italy. Be careful with your handbag and make sure to hold it tight. Men riding a motorbike or a scooter can grab the bag and scoot away faster than you could imagine. Keep your valuables close and stash them in different places. Make sure to carry your passport, memory cards and other important travel documents in a money belt or keep them locked up in the hotel safe when you are wandering to nearby areas. You can also make copies of your passport, identification and credit cards. If you are really organized, mail yourself a scanned copy of the documents that can be easily accessed in case of an emergency.
A cross-shoulder bag with a sturdy strap will keep your valuables safe when you are traveling by train or walking around. Try to keep your bag on the lap and never put it on the back of the chair or wherever it is not visible. You can even secure your iPhone with a leash, which can keep it safe from pickpockets and prevent it from being dropped into a Venetian canal.
Kindly note, travel insurance is recommended that will cover all the medical expenses, travel delays, cancellations as well as theft and loss (if you face any).
Register with the U.S. Embassy
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a smart service that is offered by the U.S Government free of charge to all the U.S nationals traveling to a foreign land. You can record all the information about the trip so that the Consular officers can assist you whenever in need. They have a Facebook page to keep you up to date about urgent news such as strikes, demonstrations and other helpful information that can be of use to a solo traveler. A number of English speaking medical facilities are available in Rome and other major cities in Italy. This link has the address and contact details of such institutions that might be of great help during the trip.
Pack Light
The greatest hurdle to packing for an Italian vacation is to fit everything in one single suitcase. Hope you do not want to spend your holiday lugging a heavy bag up and down the stairs, bridges, and streets. Thus, make sure to carry a suitcase with good wheels. Pack a few chic, comfortable outfits and you will be free to spend your luxurious time alone while sipping cappuccinos in pretty piazzas. In case you really need something, you can always buy it over there.
Exploring Alone
The heart of the Roman Empire boasts countless attractions that inspire like no other. The captivating assortment of cultural treasures mostly art and architecture depict the charm of this region. The ancient ruins, museums and art galleries can be explored on your own and take you a step closer to Italian history. You can mingle with the crowd and linger at your favorite masterpiece for as long as you want.
To get the most out of your Italian vacation, book an English speaking day tour or activity. A guided tour can make ancient ruins come alive and teleport you to the bygone era. If you are passionate about culinary art, a cooking class or a market tour can give you a deep insight into the Italian food culture and way of life.
Accommodation
There are myriad of accommodation options available in Italy. You will find apartments, hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that cater to every budget. Look around for a hotel with communal breakfast tables and evening gatherings. And if you are looking for a more intimate setting, try to book family-run guesthouses. They are cozy and much more personal when compared to a larger chain.
Kindly note, Italy is a great solo traveling destination as there are rarely single supplements charged for hotel rooms.
After Dark
One of the most challenging things that solo travelers face is to eat alone especially the evening meal. Worry not! There are a couple of strategies you can use to make this a bit easier. Load up your iPad or Kindle and indulge in reading at the table. You can also catch up on your old New Yorkers or the latest literary releases in the company of a glass of Italian wine and a home cooked plate of pasta.
Plan to have your main meal at lunch when more people are dining solo.
Go to the theater or a concert instead. Grab a cold flute of Prosecco and a small plate of appetizer at the theater bar and spend the dinner hour listening to the work of Verdi or Vivaldi.
Are you a solo traveler planning to explore Italy? Let us know, we would be happy to hear from you!
Priscila Siano is the Marketing Director of Tour Italy Now, an online tour operator specializing in Italy travel. She's a respected expert on making dream Italy vacations a reality for clients.
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