Mother (30), Daughter (10) Safe in Rome?

I have never felt unsafe in Rome. Just like London or NYC, you need to take some basic precautions. Don't carry any more money than you need for the day. Use a money belt. The Termini area is fine and there are a lot of budget accommodations which will help considering the dollar is very weak right now.

There are always people coming and going on the streets of Rome. The last thing a crook wants is witnesses! If you stay near Termini you will have easy access via bus or metro to anywhere you don't want to walk. Taxis are fairly inexpensive in Rome, as long as you make sure you take an official taxi.

I don't know if an escorted tour would be any safer. I always think those group tours stand out at the sights, which could make them an easier target for the pickpockets. An escorted tour will cost more and you will be on someone else's timetable. That could be difficult with a child that may grow tired quickly of some of the sights.

I agree with Sam. We have travel extensively with our sons since they were about 10 or so. Never felt unsafe anywhere with some reasonable precautions. You will be fine in Rome. Keep in mind that a 10 year will have a different attention span and interests from yours.

Absolutely you'll be safe. There are pickpockets of course but if you take some basic precautions you'll be fine. The only real issue in Rome, which is one everyone faces, is not getting run over by a Vespa (motorcycle). Remember that streets are very narrow in Rome and so you always need to be aware of the traffic.

I always travel alone as it is usually a couple of days vacation after a few days work and have never felt unsafe in Rome. As others have suggested just be sensible and keep your wits about you. I personally don't stay in the termini area as I just feel a little uneasy around there. Nothing concrete, just an uneasy feeling. I'm sure others will disagree with me though. I really wouldn't worry. As regards to the tour as the above has said you are locked into someone else's agenda but then you will see all the major sites.

You are at least as safe in Rome as you would be almost anyplace in the US. The worst time for any person to be about is in early morn- 2AM or so. As you are talking early eve, we doubt there would be much happening.Thieves are looking to sneak your cash away and criminals in general look for deserted and isolated places

Enjoy Rome and don't worry - you'll be fine! We were a bit concerned too but we walked simply everywhere and felt absolutely safe. Just take all of the normal precautions one takes in large cities (don't flash money or wear expensive jewelry, use a money belt or similar, etc.), and with a young daughter along, you're not likely to be out in the wee, dark hours of the morning anyway. Don't take the Metro for safety reasons - do it only if you have to get somewhere quicker than on foot. Rome is a very walkable city and you'll really experience it more on foot than by transport. Have a great time!!!!

The bottom line is that a youngish Mother and daughter will face unique challenges while traveling to Rome or anywhere abroad for that matter. Only Shak can evaluate her own personal comfort zone. It's sounds so nice for all of us to assure her of how "safe" they felt while in Rome. In reality anything can happen anywhere if you do not take the necessary precautions.

SamSn is right, the last thing a bad guy wants is witnesses. But I have also witnessed bad things happen where people will walk on by and pretend that they didn't see so that they do not become involved. I have seen this at home and abroad.

I personally would worry more about traveling with a young daughter than I would worry about myself travelling alone. Your young daughter's safety is something you must consider at all times. A tour might be worth at least looking into.

My son (12) and I traveled throughout Italy for three weeks staying in Rome for several days. We had a very positive experience and you can too. Travel abroad much like you would here. If something does not feel like a good idea then avoid it. I always use public transportation throughout the day and early evening but not usually after about 9:00 pm. Walking is fine for most cities and you can ask your hotel if there are areas to avoid. A lovely family run hotel near the train station is Hotel Ocenia, Via Firenze 38, Rome. It is family owned, includes breakfast, english spk. and the street is quiet even in the middle of the city.
Buona Fortuna!!

I regularly take groups of teenagers to Rome (I'm a latin teacher) and have always felt comfortable with them there. They (ages 11-16) feel safe as well--the only real threat is the crazy driving! Termini is safe but as a somewhat paranoid female who has traveled alone as well as a group leader I have always felt better away from main train stations (as in all cities). I usually stay in Trastevere or in the Vatican area. This isn't in your hotel list, but I usually try to stay at "monastery" hotels--hotels run by the church or affiliated groups. They are very spartan--no adornments, etc. but have been consistantly clean and cheap. I have stayed with a group at Casa La Salle (a bit out of the way but on the metro line) and just stayed at Casa Maria alla Fornaci (200 m from the Vatican). The latter cost 98 euro a night during Holy Week for a double w/ bkfst and has a 24 hour monitered desk and you have to be buzzed into the buidling, so it's very safe.