Lone Female Traveller

If you, or anybody else, takes heed of the suggestions on this Helpline and listens to their internal voice when out and about, they should be safer than in most cities in the States. Off my head I can think of several areas in Austin which I would go to with more trepidation than most of the areas in the places you mention. Go, enjoy, lecture (make sure you have the right visa for work as a guest lecturer), have fun and return to your worrying husband. Hostels OK.

Violent crime is very rare in the cities you have listed. You will want to be aware of pickpockets but if you use everyday common sense you'll be fine. As for hostels, I don't stay in them. I would suggest getting a cheap hotel in the termini area of Rome. It will put you close to the sites, restaurants and public transport. You can find inexpensive areas to stay in while in Florence and in Venice. Donna

I have never felt at risk in any part of Italy, althogu I am usually accompanied. B&Bs offer a measrue of comfort and economy, IMHO. You connect with a local, someone knows if you are coming and going. In Venice, try http://www.aitagliapietra.com. Very good location, very reasonable price, and a great, caring host. In Rome we rent apartments, which is probably not a great option since you will probably value more connection as in a B&B, hotel or hostel. An option to check is http://www.the-beehive.com/. They have a well recommended hostel, independent rooms, and also link to Cross-Pollinate, a B&B search site. I would not stay in Herculaneum (Ercolano). I'd go further down the coast to Vico Equense or Sorrento, or take a day-trip from Rome. Ercolano will only take 2-3 hours to thoroughly tour. Wishing you a wonderful adventure!!!

Shannon, I went alone in my 20's to Italy as well as other destinations. You don't mention the month in which you are traveling, but I found that covering up and looking business- like was a help. I.e, wearing nicer clothes, a scarf, sunglasses, a jacket, and keeping a neutral facial expression ( ok i know someone thinks that's rude). The usual suggestions for any city apply: walk like you know where you are going, step inside a store to look at your map, observe others around you, wear a moneybelt or similar, etc, will work very well for you in Italy. Your own research , such as found in most guidebooks,will inform you as to the suitability of an area. Generally speaking yes, you are much safer, there is more petty or opportunistic crime than violent as in TX. However, you're probably a car based person and in Italy you'll be in public much more than usual- so new skills to learn, which you can do.
Do you have someone in Herculaneum who might suggest a suitable hotel?

The obvious question is why don't you reconsider your plans and try to talk your husband into going with you? Since you are an invited guest lecturer for a study abroad program, are any of your expenses being covered by the program (air ticket, lodging, transportation, or honorarium)? Since your husband is so apprehensive about your travelling alone, the best way to deal with that would be to have him along, if possible.

You can check out hostels at hostelworld.com. The only one I've stayed at is the Archi Rossi in Florence, which I highly recommend. They have single rooms - best to book directly with them.

I agree with Laurel. Don't stay in Ercolano over night, it is too close to Naples. A city with unemployment rate close to 50%. If you think a day trip from Rome is too far. I recommend go down to Sorrento and do a trip there or stop by on you way back. The other cities are no problem.

I've traveled in Italy solo for over half my life and have never felt endangered. An alternative to hostels is convents/monasteries - many have reasonable curfews, which your husband will appreciate.

Convents! We've stayed in them in both Rome and Venice. They are not convents in your traditional Sound of Music sense, though they are run by nuns. Basically the different religious orders have condo type dorm lodging that the sisters can stay in when they are not out in the field doing mission work. When they aren't occupied they rent the rooms out to earn money to support their works. So the money goes to a good cause. Very simple lodging, no tv, phone, but clean, safe and often in the very best locations. There is a curfew, like 11:30 and you need to be reasonably quiet, but do not need to be Catholic. We're staying in Rome right near St. Peters for about 90 Euros a double, for a single with shared bath you could probably do less. This will be our second time staying in condos in Rome. There are options in all three cities you mentioned and unless they are totally drugged or deranged, no Italian man is going to mess with a convent. Google Saint Sussanna, the American Catholic Church in Rome, then Coming to Rome and they'll provide a list.

Shannon Check with the study abroad program to see what they recommend. Usually they help their students find accommodations. Maybe they have an empty apartment for a couple of days. Or other suggestions. Just make sure to emphasize you are an Adult! Also convents or monasteries would be a good choice (and reassure your anxious husband!). Just google. Have a great time! No worries. Bobbie

I second the recommendations for hostels in Florence and Rome. I loved Archi Rossi in Florence and felt very safe - stayed in a private room in the "Annex". Also, had a great stay at the Beehive in Rome. Excellent location and great security. While I have not traveled solo in Italy - I have visited Ireland by myself. As previously suggested, take common sense precautions and enjoy!

I lived and worked in Italy a number of years ago. Some guys there can be particularly aggressive with hitting on you, but they are overall totally harmless. Worst I got was a pinch on the butt (he got my elbow in his face). It is best to dress more modest if you are "well-endowed" so leave the tank tops and short dresses at home (you can't wear them in the churches anyways). Hostels (especially if you read the reviews ahead of time) are great for meeting other solo female visitors. You should have no problem finding someone else to go have dinner with so you won't be out walking by yourself all the time in the evening. You could sign up on CouchSurfing.net - not necessarily to stay with someone, but a lot of members are local females who are open to meeting a visitor for a coffee and to show off their city and give you advice on getting around.

Ciao! I live in Rome, I'm a 33 yr old woman & I travel around the country & stay in hostels by myself. I have honestly never had any problems! Just act confident & good advice to wear some stylish clothes & try to blend in. Let me know if you want to hang out when you're in Roma & have fun!!
:)

Tell your husband to make you the priority and go to Italy fo the trip which will be the most fantastic trip of his life. Not a good situation for you.

Shannon,
Italian men are used to seeing beautiful women and they are used to seeing lots of tourists. Unless you're planning to travel to tiny out-of-the-way villages, no one will pay much attention to you. Don't worry.

I dont know where round rock is but I am sure there are some areas you stay away from. Just be aware and be smart. dont stay out late. stay near crowds. Ask your place of stay where not to go alone. You will be fine. Your husband may be jeolous cause he wont be there with you. But your safety will be fine and just email him every night so he knows you arer okay. Or skype