Advice please on safety for woman traveling alone - 7 days in Rome

I think you will be fine. It depends on your age and confidence level, but I felt quite safe in Rome.

Rome is like any big city- there are lots of people, and you should try to look like you know where you are going and walk with purpose. Don't carry valuables in your purse (use a moneybelt!) and be aware of your surroundings. Don't be afraid- there are tons of tourists around, so if you need to get out your map (especially at night), just go to a well lighted area, preferably surrounded by other tourists or in an area where the police are visible. Also, there were many police in Rome (more than in any other city we visited), which made us feel very safe. With the exception of one crazy guy on the metro, we never came into contact with anyone who seemed even remotely crazy or dangerous- in general it felt safer than any big US city I've visited. We never even came into contact with anyone who was trying to pickpocket us or others. The people around tourist sites who are trying to sell trinkets or tours can be annoying (especially around the Coleseum) but they didn't seem dangerous at all.

If you're nervous, you might consider hooking up with another traveler- this board or the Graffiti Wall board for travel companions are good places to look for travel companions. Also the Lonely Planet Boards are good for that.

Good luck- you'll be fine. You'll have a lot of fun.

Hi Katherine, I traveled twice in 2007 to Italy on my own. The usual precautions are necessary (awareness of your surroundings, close hold to your valuables, common sense, etc). I had a wonderful time both trips. I met so many people - wonderful hotel employees, natives and tourists, shared tables, stories, etc.

If you would like, since we live in the same city, PM me and I can tell you more.

I think you will fine in Rome. Exercise the same precautions you would take in any city. Be aware of your surroundings at all time and always have money for a taxi if you don't feel comfortable taking public transportation. Do not take any more money than you need with you when you sightsee each day.

Katherine, go with confidence and have a great time. As everyone else has said, be aware as you would in any big city. My plans were to go alone this time but I invited someone along at the last minute. I would feel perfectly comfortable making the trip by myself. I'll be in Rome in early November and will be staying at the Hotel Italia for the third time. It's on a side street right off the Via Nazionale and is next to the Ministry of the Interior. It's within walking distance of the Coliseum and has several nice restaurants within walking distance.I went to the Irish pub last time(and Rick's right - more Italians there than most other restaurants!).So tell your son you'll be okay and enjoy your trip.

Teena, I agree - I too stayed at Hotel Italia (twice) last year. Great location, wonderful, helpful employees.

I spent three weeks in Rome travelling with my husband, but went out by myself a number of times and never felt threatened. TRAVEL LIGHT! The more stuff you take the more problems you may create for yourself. Use a money belt or neck pouch that you can keep under a shirt or sweater.

Use extra caution on the busses (particularly the 64) and the Metro.

An added caveat since you'll be alone, keep some paperwork on you with the address and phone of your local lodging and an emergency contact back home just in case.

You should be fine. Most of the theft is petty theft (pickpockets). You won't really run into crime like you can in the good ol USA. Tell your son not to worry and keep contact with him by phone.

My son is 37 years old and still worries about me a lot, apparently. I know I will have the greatest trip. Thank you all so much for your responses.

I don't think you'll have a problem...We met a nice young Australian girl in the laundramat in Florence..she was backpacking across Europe alone...we actually ran into her again on the street in Rome!!! She was having a blast all by herself...she met a few girls in the hostels and would share a meal with them...but she was committed to doing it all solo...so I figure if an eighteen year old girl can do it...you'll be just fine.

I just was in Rome this summer all by myself. I am 31. I had no problems at all. I was actually adopted by some other tourists at times. I stayed in a hotel by Termini and it worked out wonderfully. I think all buses end at Termini eventually so I never had to worry about getting lost.

I did use my Pac-safe bag. It looks a little touristy but I felt safe with my belongings.

Rome is very active at night. So you can walk around at night and do RS night walk and feel safe.

Just trust your instincts and you will be fine.

Katherine,

I think you will find Rome to be very safe. I walked around early in the morning, late at night, got lost many times and people were nice and I felt safe. I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't use common sense, but I didn't have any problems.

Also, the most visited sites were very well patrolled by uniformed officers (Rome has a zillion police-type outfits, i don't know why. The biggest problem I found were scams and thieves. I put nasty notes in my pockets and used my money belt. And I said no a lot. No to the "one more drink" no to the photo with the gladiator, no i won't watch your bag, etc.

I think you will be fine. Rome is an amzaing city.

I did a 2 month solo trip this summer and never felt uncomfortable alone. Was in Rome alone a few years ago for nearly a week - I just made sure that by the time it was dark - which is late - that I was either in the neighborhood of my hotel or in a populated area near a Most evenings, I enjoyed a couple of local cafes near the hotel, and got to know the regulars, which provided me with some company. Just don't find yourself on a dark street corner looking at your map, or wander around looking confused and you'll be fine! Remember the phrase "Dove Tah-xi?"

You will be fine! I also stayed right off of Via Nazionale, on Via Firenze (Rick actually has a section is his book for that street) and never felt uncomfortable or unsafe. The Eternal City is amazing and you will have an amazing time.

Happy and safe travels!

Katherine, I travel solo for up to five weeks at a time. Rome or anywhere - I feel safe all day and even at night, walking on my own. I rarely use a money belt (sometimes when travelling from A to B), prefering to leave passport, most money and cards back at the accommodation. Relax and enjoy your trip.