I am making my first trip to Italy and will be going by myself. I am a 29 year old female and flying into Rome, will be staying in Rome for 4 nights then going on to Sorrento for 4 nights, flying out of Naples. I am apprehensive as I usually travel with my husband, but he wasn't able to make this trip and I just couldn't cancel it. I guess I am asking what to look for/avoid. Also, worried about the trains from Rome to Naples, then the circumvesuviana train to Sorrento...
If anyone could give me tips on these issues I would appreciate it!
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
I loved being in Italy myself. Doing it again this fall. I can't think of much to look for/avoid except that you will always meet people to talk to in restaurants and trains and hotels. I found Europe in general and Italy in particular very accommodating as a solo female traveler in her 20s. Use your common sense just as you would if your husband was going to be with you, keep your hand on your purse and your money/credit cards/ATM cards separated and mostly in your money belt, and don't be alarmed if Italian men approach you, I had no problems after telling them no. Maybe people have specific advice about Naples and Sorrento but I found Rome perfectly lovely on my own and felt perfectly safe wandering the streets of the historical center by myself even after dark (til about 10pm). Have a great time and enjoy it!
Posted by
Laguna Beach, CA, USA
272 posts
Colleen -
Just sent you a PM but it didn't appear to go! I will just post here and PM me if you want.
I too am heading solo to Italy this summer. Perhaps our dates may cross? I will be in Sorrento - see Amalfi coast, Pompeii, maybe Naples -- on Aug 27 or 28. The plan is too stay there for a few days then head over to chill out on the island of Ischia for a few days and probably visit Capri too. I need to leave Italy by Sept 4 or 5 to head to Madrid.
I have done Italy solo before. About 3 years ago was in Florence for 4 days and Rome for 5 days. Just use normal caution, stick to more heavily trafficked areas. I assume you will be hitting major sites anyways and there will be lots of other travelers. In Rome I met a Swedish woman (who also lived in Hawaii) while we were both admiring Trevi Ftn. and sure enough, we realized our paths were going to cross a week later in Nice!
I think traveling solo is a great experience and this will be my third Euro trip doing such. I have traveled with friends before too and either way is fine but all the hesitations and concerns you may have about going solo are probably not necessary and I think you will have a great time! PM me if you want to talk further!
Posted by
San Francisco, CA, USA
125 posts
We just got back from an April trip to Sorrento.
4 Days is just right for the area. We spent one day in Pompei, Capri, Amalfi Coast via the Sita bus, and a day just hanging out.
As for the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento, we did not encounter any problems. Found the ride easy from Termini to Naples, then the walk to the Circumvesuviana (after getting off the train in Naples head left and follow the signs ), purchase tix at the ticket windows, and down to the train platform.
There is a direct bus to Sorrento from Tiburtina station in Rome 1 to 2 times a day ( 6am 3Pm ) as well as a return to Rome from Sorrento.(6am & 5 pm) We wanted to take the Bus back to Tiburtina at 5pm, but there was no 5pm to Rome M-Th, only F-S-Su
Price is right, 16 E. It takes about 4 hours.