Embarking on a solo adventure as a female traveller can be both exhilarating and daunting: you get to experience the highest of freedom with your schedule, you call all the shots, and can make changes to your itinerary without having to negotiate them or to take anyone else’s needs into account. For once, you don’t have to make room: you are free to take up space however you please and pursue your own enjoyment. You get to pick all the restaurants, activities, accommodation. It can be a meditative experience. Want to get up at dawn and start exploring? Amazing! Want to sleep in and have breakfast in bed at lunch time? You are free to do so! However, as we all know, it does come with its challenges. I won’t make any bones about it: we don’t always feel safe, as women, when we travel alone. We have to be acutely aware of our surroundings and do our research before picking a destination, accommodation, even a route back to our hotel. Moreover, things can get lonely. Now, are we to let any of this discourage us from pursuing the joy of a solo trip to Italy? Absolutely not. As someone who knows this Country well and loves it deeply, I’ve put together 10 essential tips to ensure a safe, delightful, and unforgettable journey through Italy's captivating landscapes and cities. So, tie up those wandering laces and dive into this treasure trove of advice that touches upon safety, making friends, and choosing accommodation. Buon viaggio!

1. Safety first: the subtle art of not getting paranoid, without being reckless

Alright fellow adventurers, let's take a moment to consider the important subject of safety. When it comes to preparing for your Italian escapade, it’s vital to roll up your sleeves and conduct a little research. A carefully conducted Google dive will guide you as to which neighborhoods to give a miss when selecting your destination, especially if you're planning to saunter about alone at night. Italy is a relatively safe country for solo travellers, but there are neighborhoods you are better off not walking through after dark - and therefore make less-than-ideal location for a hotel or a B&B.

Now, I don't want to burst your bubble, but let's get real about big cities. The bustling streets of Rome or Milan may be heaving with culture and exhilarating energy, but they often pack some less desirable corners, especially as the sun takes its bow for the night. In these moments, it's wise to play it safe, not look overly like a touristic rainbow fish, and avoid remote, scarcely populated or poorly-lit areas, particularly when exploring solo.

Remember, it's important to keep a balance – no need to buy into fear, yet it's crucial to have a heads up about the realistic risks. Here's a secret weapon: locals! They are your invaluable treasure trove of info. Don't hesitate to ask them for advice, or pop into online forums (better yet, forum that are dedicated specifically to female solo travellers!) to get a sense of what the city or region you are visiting is like.

2. Making friends: the gateway to an enriching social experience

Travelling alone but not feeling alone is an art, and it revolves around the ability to form a warm connection with new people, while keeping a healthy distance and yet being able to appreciate new experiences. As a solo traveller, you may ask, "How do I create a social buzz around me without having a travel partner?" Well, let me let you in on a secret - shared hobbies and interests can be your magic carpet to making friends in Italy! Whether you're an art enthusiast bewitched every fresco, a gastronomic adventurer eager to devour regional specialities, or an adrenaline junkie always on the lookout for thrilling excursions, there are people out there who share the same thirst for exploration and discovery! And what's better than bonding over something you're passionate about? The internet, once again, is your friend. Lots of friendly communities and forum boards are available, where solo travellers like yourself meet, discuss, and even plan outings. You don’t even need to limit yourself to tourist-focused groups: chances are, even if you post in English on a mostly Italian group or forum, someone will reply and be happy to share tips or plan outings.

Remember, these hobby-specific communities often have a controlled environment that tends to lay the foundation for an enriching and secure social interaction, so you can feel at ease while sharing your love for pasta making, renaissance art, or vintage wine tasting with fellow keen enthusiasts!

3. Choosing accommodation (obvious and less obvious choices)

Now, it should come as no surprise that, if you happen to be travelling to Puglia, I warmly recommend you stay at The Aia! Incidentally, we can help with pretty much everything you need as a solo traveller: this is a female-owned business that naturally draws a vibrant, multilingual community, and you are welcome to stay for a glass of wine after dinner and meet our friends. We will also be delighted to provide tips on what to see, which excursions to book and where to eat. Having said that, I recognize that we might not be the handiest option if you are travelling to other regions, so here go a few tips that might help you choose your next accommodation anywhere else in the Country.

In Italy you are likely to feel at home pretty much wherever you go. Its welcoming ambiance and gentle, warm people, make it really easy to feel at ease and well looked-after. However, ideally, your accommodation should be chosen with care and based on considerations beyond the likability of the staff and owners. Despite the urge to venture off the beaten path, for instance, as a female solo traveller I tend to prefer accommodations that are centrally located and well-connected. This is not only a smart choice in terms of practicality (because it will make it easier and cheaper to get back after a night or a day out), but also in terms of safety, as you are less likely to have to endure long bus or taxi rides late at night.

A detailed research about the place, its reviews, its vicinity to the local transport and its safety record should be conducted before decidin on one. Not making a hasty decision when it comes to accommodation might make the difference between a delightful stay or a disappointing experience.

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