Women of Color Traveling to Amalfi Coast and surroundings

I've not been that far south in Italy, but my daughter has and she loved going to Pompeii. I'm sure others will offer more help. As far as treatment or feeling uncomfortable for skin color, I think that is absent in Europe because every color possible is there. Europeans are much more open minded than the US. Have a great trip!

"One-third of the US population is non-white, <i>compared to less than 5 percent of people living in Europe.</i>" <br>(Rick Steves from the <i>People of Color</i> section of his book <i>Europe Through the Back Door 2009</i>). Here are other things Rick (he's white) has said about this: "Travelers of color and mixed-race couples tell me that their most common source of discomfort in Europe is staring. * * * * For many Europeans, you're just not what they're used to seeing." "Another frustration reported by travelers of color is racial profiling, particularly at border crossings or airport security." You may be able to find destination-specific reports at <a href="http://www.blacktravels.com/&quot;&gt;http://www.blacktravels.com/&lt;/a> Or check out the <i>Minority Travelers Forum</i> section on the Graffiti Wall on this site <a href="http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/graffiti15.html&quot;&gt;click to go there</a>

We were in Venice in 2006 and were fortunate to sit beside 2 women of color in a restaurant, that were from Britain. They were in their 30's and we had such a great time with them. I did not notice anyone else looking at them. Do not spend a lot of time worrying about this, be pleasant, smile, a few words of Italian goes a long way - hello(Buon Giorno) etc.
Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi are a must do. You can fly to Naples, train to Sorrento 2days(make this your base-. Take a ferry to Positano 1 day. Take another Ferry to Capri - 1 day. Read Rick Steves book on this area. Pompeii by train-Leave early in the morning 8- they have guides there- spend 3 -4 hours take train back to Naples then to Rome spend 2 days Fly out of Rome ( I presume you are talking about 7 days there and 2 days for travel there and back.
Regardless where you go in Italy- Have fun

Thank you all for sharing with me!

Evelyn - It is good to hear that your daughter enjoyed her time in Pompeii! Kent - Thanks for your help as well...As a matter of fact I posted my questions in Black Travels...Great Minds :-)

Shelley - thank you for your suggested plan. I should have clarified I will probably only have 5 days actually in Italy. I really appreciated your tips though. Did you find hotels as we went along while in the different areas you mentioned above? Also, how did you go about researching must dos in the areas?

Again thank you ALL so much for your willingness to help and offer advice! I am so grateful!

In Italy right now, Kimberly, there is a degree of racially charged xenophobia related to African immigrants...and the Berlusconi government, always, but especially since the worldwide economic downturn, has sent signals that have encouraged rather than discouraged this xenophobia. But while I lack the perspective (I'm male, white) needed to comment first-hand on your question, I'm thinking you and your friend will be just fine in such tourist-laden destinations like Amalfi, Pompeii, and Capri...and other popular sites. I don't think there's anything to fear here. You're from Miami, so take the same kind of precautions you'd follow in the big city here and trust your instincts. Have a great trip!

Good advice from Gio. This may be an time when it will be good to look like an American tourist. We all struggle with immigrant issues here in the US, and our borders have been more open for much longer than in Europe. If the xenophobia is directed at African immigrants, you should avoid looking like you are there to take jobs and resources. Maybe it's time to break out the white gym shoes, the zip off shorts, and the slogan t-shirts! Talk loudly about how much better things are in Miami, and you should be just fine. :D

We stayed in Positano on our last trip to Italy. We absolutely loved it. We took a day trip to Pompeii (we rented a private car) and a day trip by boat to Capri. It was amazing. We got to stop at several grottos along the way. We also caught a boat to visit other towns along the coast. The scenery is amazing. Have a great trip!

Hi Kimberly,

I can't really comment on the issue of racism - but always felt Italians were pretty much 'live and let live'. I'd be shocked if you were stared at or treated poorly.(I'd be really saddened if that were the case.)

I am a huge fan of the Amalfi coast and can't encourage you enough to visit. I would recommend staying in Priano vs Positano as Positano is PACKED with tourists and staying nearby allows you to jump in when you're in the mood, but enjoy some tranquility as well.

Ravello which sits above the coast is really quiet and also a wonderful place to stay - although some may say it's a little removed from the action of the coastline.

Amalfi is a bit bigger and has less of a beach-town feel so I don't normally stay there.

The entire coastline is dotted with wonderful towns so don't feel like you have to stay in one of the bigger, better known 'names'. Insist on a room with a water view - it's worth every penny.

Definitely go to Pompeii but I'd recommend going with a guide or on a tourbus b/c it's actually not the easiest place to find. I've gone once by car and once by train and found it slightly challenging each time (and I'm pretty good with directions). Take water - it's hot in the summer and much bigger than most people expect.

Have a great time! Enjoy the hospitality and the spectacular coastline - it's truly second to none.

Kimberly, I replied earlier about making sure you look like an American. I was only half joking. In 1987 I was in Scotland. We were in a pub when a young black (English) woman came in with some friends. She was the first woman I'd seen there who wasn't pale and freckled! Within just a few minutes she was attacked by another woman. Now, there seemed to have been some history there, as they were both mouthing off to each other, but the attacker was using terrible racial slurs. I'd seen bar fights before, but the racial aspect of this one still stands out.

Now, this was quite a while ago. I don't think you should be fearful, but certainly you should be aware. Your safety should be paramount, so if you sense you are not in a good situation, you should leave rather than try to tough it out. Good, friendly conversations will do a lot to open up minds. You should definitely go. Enjoy your much needed vacation.

Kimberly,, one note,, I find some nationalities do STARE at me more, and I am white,, but they will still stare if something interests them.. I do not think they are always being "rude" in the conventional sense..

So ,, its going to be a bit like life at home I guess, ignore those people and have a good time,,, I personally did not see an overt racism directed at any color of TOURISTS,, ( the color green is very attractive to most locals who make their livings off the tourist trade),, but, as noted, there IS a degree of racism in some places because of ongoing immigration issues and employment and use of resourses.

You will not encounter problems much as a tourist,, but if you were to apply for a job or a place to live it might be different ..

Go, and have fun..

That would be a difficult thing to determine, ie., wheather one was being treated rudely due to race.
A rude or indifferent italian is pretty much just a rude or indifferent italian. My wife and I, both white, have had plenty of experiences dealing with grumpy people working in the museums, train stations, and as desk clerks.

Good point Francis,, sometimes people are just rude and grumpy , and it has NOTHING to do with you, your skin color, anything you wear( white runners, LOL ), do or say..

I always tell people that maybe the rude waiter or grumpy metro worker just had a fight with their husband,, or found out their kid was on drugs or pregnant,, or they just found out their dog had to be put down.. people have many reasons for being mean or rude and one must be careful not to personalize it..

Thank you all for your tips, replies and suggestions. I must admit that it saddens me a little that I have to "look like an American" to possibly ward off any racial issues...but I do understand what you are saying. Again, I will keep all of your suggestions and advice in mind when my friend and I make our final decision. I am grateful to you all for taking the time to reply!