safety/security in Italy

You will have no worries if you put everything you cannot afford to lose (trip-ending stuff if you lose it) in your money belt, worn under clothing.
This is Rick's constant advice.

It sounds like you are a savvy traveler so you know what precautions to take as a solo female traveler.

My mom traveled solo in Europe at the young age of 73 & she didn't have problems.

She also had a small roller suitcase but she did not carry a purse or backpack.

She traveled with a money belt, without a cell phone or a credit card! ( back in the day when everyone carried traveler checks)

You may enjoy reading this post: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/ladies-solo-travel

Have a wonderful trip!

Pickpockets are primarily interested in money or something valuable that can be sold quickly for cash - cameras, jewerly, etc. They do not want clothes or suitcase so no one is going to take your suitcase or backpack. Personally I would get down to the one rolling bag. The more luggage you have to handle adds to potential problems. Despite all the discussions about pickpockets, they are not that big a threat. Take some precautions and use commen sense and you will not have a problem.

We take the same precautions all over Europe, whether in Rome or another city, and the steps you already plan to take are adequate. Let it become second nature that you don't take your hand off your suitcase when you're in a train station, for instance, or you sandwich it by your feet if you need hands free to buy a train ticket or snack.

I sometimes use a small padlock (the kind that used to come with luggage) on my backpack. I keep the key in my pocket and a spare somewhere else, just in case I lose one. Of course it isn't foolproof but it does deter the opportunist. Then I don't worry and keep it on my back. If I have to put it down, I loop the strap around my leg. You may want to take a bike cable lock with you to secure your suitcase to the luggage rack when your on the train, for peace of mind.

I agree with the posting to try to limit yourself to just the suitcase. Then when you're on the train, you can place the suitcase overhead of your seat and now worry about it disappearing at the end of the train car.

You have all given me great suggestions and I appreciate every single one. I am very grateful for you all taking the time to respond and thank you all very much!!

I'm just a couple of years younger than you and I do it all the time exactly like you're doing it with neck wallet, etc., and Thanks to God -- never had an incident!!! You will be just fine. I'm just concerned that you're doing too many "one nighters."

Great suggestions for security. I would also be aware that the Milan train station has some theft issues,not to be concerned,just aware. There are numerous people who will offer to "help" with your luggage or in using the ticket machines. Do not be afraid to appear rude and refuse firmly all offers.

However,I agree that you have too many destinations with only one night. Have you researched how
much time you will spend in transit vs how much actual time in the location? Do not forgot the time required to get to hotel, check in/out, then get oriented to the location and figure out how to move around by foot or public transport to things you want to see.

Changing locations so many times may cause you to be distracted while traveling, I would suggest adding some nights or distributing your time before and after your tours.

My tour ends in rome and I have nine days to get to milan to get my flight home. I think this is my last trip to Europe so wanted to get as much in as possible. Wish I had more time but will be gone for 6-7 weeks. I will just have to be super cautious and alert.

You have all been generous with your suggestions and again it is much appreciated.

I would not wear a backpack in front -- it really makes you look like a fearful tourist and suggests to anyone that you are carrying money and valuables in the backpack. Backpacks are not secure and shouldn't be used for valuables. If you have a moneybelt well stowed or even if you use a cross body purse you are good on that. No one cares about your suitcase and a backpack in front will just encourage thieves as well as looking ridiculous. Use the small daypack for the water bottle and jacket and kleenex etc -- stow money and cards under your clothes and don't worry. Pickpockets work by stealth and thieves pick up things left carelessly lying about -- there is little chance of theft if you aren't a walking buffet.

As others have said, use a money belt, use Rick's travel advice. It's excellent. Ladies, if you carry a purse, I always use a cross body one, with the zipper part against my body. Watch out for scams where it appears that people are trying to distract you for any reason.

Money belt and neck wallet. Trim your luggage to one 20, 21, 22 inch wheeled carry-on bag. Pack a lot of light stuff like undies, socks, T-shirts, lightweight pants and tops, fabric dress shoes. You don't need the backpack.

Buy First Class reservations on trains. These cars have more space for people and luggage and service groups, families, and many people your age for that reason. Getting up and down train stairs is Not easy with luggage. You can manage only one small, lightweight bag at a time on those stairs.

Walk to your hotels with that one small, light wheeled carry-on bag. When I take my travel laptop I put it in my RS Euro Flight bag, and leave the bag in my room and also the laptop in the room locked in my luggage. Or, I just carry the laptop in its shoulder case and leave the Euro bag at home. Whatever is around your neck, Never remove it and put it on a seat while you manage your other bag. Keep it around your neck.

I put bus and train tickets in my small, light RS black shoulder travel pouch that I wear under an arm. If I take my iPhone, it's in that pouch. Or I put tickets in my tiny RS wallet that fits inside my hand, or in a deep, fitted pocket and leave the pouch in my room or at home.

The less you have on you, the better for you. You should have with you only what you can easily manage by yourself even at the end of a long day.

Sandra - can I ask why a wheeled suitcase instead of a backpack? I just assumed the backpack would be easier, but do you think the suitcase is safer? (I'm talking about my backpack with my clothes and such, not my daypack). thanks!

Based on the facts of this case -- worried about pickpockets, 71 years of age, under 5 feet, first time to Italy, train travel, walking to hotels, traveling solo -- one bag is enough, and a small light carry-on roller bag would be easier to manage than a backpack.

However, if the facts were different, and a traveler could easily manage a backpack, and it was the only bag, and met carry-on dimensions and weight, then a backpack may be fine to use.

We've all seen plenty of backpacks on our travels.

Sometimes I think the D Day landings took less planning than the pains gone to by some to be "safe", a non-target for thieves, decisions as to money belt or neck pouch, and the messenger bag vs backpack.