I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Italy either at the beginning of April or the beginning of May. I can fly to Rome on points, stay there a week and then go on to Florence for another week and then to several of the hilltowns of the area for a week each. I will have a one way ticket so who knows. I am 60, retired and divorced but I am fit, thin, active and attractive and I'm tired of looking for the ideal travel partner so will go it alone like I did in my 20's. I have been to Italy 4 times, last time 4 years ago to hike in Cinque Terre but it has been a while since I was in Tuscany.
I would like to find places to stay that are open to single people, provide breakfast and offer extra hospitality and ideas of how to spend my time... my own version of the "Eat, Pray, Love" story... well at least the first one. Any advice on where to stay, what to do and not to do etc. would be appreciated. Thanks Carol
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32320 posts
Carol, To begin with, what are you considering for a "length of time in Italy"? Be sure not to exceed the 90-day limit of the Schengen Accord. Most of the budget Hotels listed in the Guidebooks are "open to single people" and these also provide breakfasts. However, two things to note: 1) If a double is used for single use, the cost is a bit higher. I've found that not all Hotels have "single rooms" so they can only offer a double at a slightly higher price. 2) Standard single rooms are often somewhat small and "spartan". For me that's not a problem as I'm only in the room to sleep and shower. I'm not sure what to suggest about "extra hospitality and ideas about how to spend my time". The staff at most Hotels will readily provide advice on local attractions. On the question of "where to stay, what to do and not to do, etc.", I'd suggest that you pick up a copy of the Italy 2012 Guidebook as there's LOTS of information there that will answer those questions. It's also available as an E-book, although not sure if the 2012 E-version is available yet. You should be able to find the print version at local bookstores, or order online from this website. It's difficult to offer specific comments on lodgings without having some idea which towns you plan to visit. One thought that occurred to me after reading your post is that you might try at least one Hostel. There's often lots happening with the crowd there, and others will have good advice about touring, good restaurants, etc. I vaguely remember watching Eat, Pray, Love on the flight to Europe last year, but can't remember too much about it so not sure how to relate that to your questions. Good luck with your planning!
Posted by
OP
Vancouver, BC, Canada
4 posts
Ken, Thanks for your advice. I know nothing about the Schengen Accord but will look it up. I did not plan to stay over 90 days anyway. 60 to 70 days at the most but Vancouver is beautiful in the sumer, so I want to be here. A friend also suggested the Hostel thing and I will consider it. I will definitely take Rick's books with me. They are the best resource I know.
Thanks again. Carol
Posted by
Toledo
653 posts
Carol, I'm about your age and have been going solo for many years (since my 20s, actually). It's true that single rooms are spartan (sometimes converted from other uses), so if you plan to stay a week or more at one place, I would read the reviews on booking.com or venere.com. I also look for rooms with views, but since these are few for single rooms, I try to find places with rooftop terraces when possible, or a garden area. There are more and more women traveling alone in Italy, and I met many on my own travels. It's nice to change the solo pace with an afternoon with a new friend once in a while. Restaurant staff are no longer shocked when you ask for a table for one. As for extra personal touches, B&Bs are probably better than large hotels in that regard. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
A one-way ticket is much more expensive than a return-ticket. At worst case scenario, you pay the hefty fees and reschedule the return at will. Officially, a return ticket is compulsory for immigration purposes, as they are for Europeans visiting US or Canada as well. Any place will host singles. The only question is about the fares. I travel single a lot (I'm 30 y.o.), and I found out the average "ratio" of single/double occupancy prices for countryside hotels is usually around 1.4-1.6 (you pay 100 for a couple, 70-80 for a single, for instance) Booking.com is the best, most decriptive reservation website in regard of single/double rooms, giving precise information about whether is the same room or a smaller room.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8299 posts
If you've got that much time, don't worry about the Schengen Accord. Work your way north, and spend some time in Austria and Bavaria. The Alpine experience is so different, but so close to Northern Italy. I've always been extremely comfortable around Innsbruck and Salzburg, and absolutely adore Vienna.
We're all jealous that you've got the time and resources to take such a long trip. There again, I'm ready for the less expensive U.S. after 3 weeks or so. There's just so much wine and food to eat--and Europeans spend so much $ eating out.