Solo travel may not be for everyone but it is a great alternative if you want to travel and cannot find someone to travel with you. Here are some tips for solo travel in Italy. Choose your destinations in Italy, select your travel dates and make your own itinerary, keeping in mind that train travel and bus travel will be your primary mode of transportation. Car rental is too expensive for a solo traveler in most instances.
- Stop in at the tourist office of each of your travel locations and obtain a map, which is usually free, and then you will have a guide to getting around on foot. Larger cities like Rome and Milan have efficient subway systems which are reasonably priced, and these are an efficient method for getting around the city, besides walking.
- Learn the language prior to traveling to Italy, and then you can engage in casual conversations while waiting for trains. It is also a good way to immerse yourself into the culture and this alone will enhance your travel experience immensely.
- Take a city hop-on hop-off bus which will allow you to explore the city at your leisure and be a welcome relief to your feet after walking. Many cities in Italy offer these travel bus tours, which are informative as well.
- Ask directions frequently from the locals. Italians are eager to help you and as a solo traveler, you will have the opportunity to have some conversation as well as practice your Italian.
- Inquire at your hotel if there are any excursions and join one that interests you. You can then sightsee in a small group and meet other people at the same time.
- Stay at convents, monasteries or college dorms which have open rooms for travelers. Monasterystays.com is a website that books these types of accommodations in advance. They are always in safe locations and offer private bathrooms, usually the buildings themselves are historic architectural edifices. The simple yet clean rooms are perfect for solo travelers as they are single rooms at lower prices than most hotels.
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in train stations and in large cities. Do not share information with strangers as to your “solo” status. Be safe.
- Eat at any of the hundreds of outdoor trattorias where you have the opportunity to people watch. Since you are not sharing the meal with someone and have a conversation, this provides a chance to live the dolce vita and take in all the sights around you while you enjoy a delicious Italian meal and a glass of wine.