Traveling alone in Italy at age 18

Yes, it's safe. Just use the normal precautions you would at home..

Donna

any reason the trains around your home town - wherever that might be - would be unsafe? Or an airplane?

Similar maybe for the high speed train for the few hours from Venice to Rome. Assigned seating, no compartments, toilets built for one, bar car with an attendant. If you are safe at home you should feel safe on that train.

I think it's a very good question to have asked. When traveling alone in an unfamiliar country it's best to ask people who have been there before. I traveled alone in Europe when I was 20 and it was not always a safe experience. From what I have heard, that train trip should be fine. Of course, you have to use the usual cautions you would when traveling anywhere. Have a good trip!

Thank you everyone!

I can't even fathom the dangers an 18 year old could encounter on a Frecciarossa or Frecciargento. Even pickpockets don't patron those trains being too expensive.

Based on the Italian newspapers I read daily, the biggest risk for young females traveling to Italy is actually making friends with the wrong guys (often not even Italian and sometimes tourists themselves) at a disco, or at a bar or in the streets and become victims of sexual assault, nearly always under the influence of alcohol. It's not common, but it happens. Exercise caution especially with alcohol. Just because the drinking age in Italy is lower than in America, doesn't mean one should indulge excessively.

Your personal safety should not be an issue, but if someone's bothering you, don't be too polite to say something about it or to enlist help from anyone nearby. Please do read Rick's tips for traveling solo(two articles) and anti-theft tips.