Is it safe for a 20 year old young woman to travel alone in Italy?

Italy is perfectly safe to travel to alone! I went on my own just this past year when I was nineteen. In some areas Italian men can be kind of.. forward(aka whistling, cat calls, etc, uuugh haha. but just ignore it and keep walking). If you are staying in hostels, you won't have a problem! I barely spent any time actually on my own when I travelled solo due to meeting so many people my age in hostels. Plus, most of them will have the same interests in what they want to see as you do. Don't worry! Italy is a beautiful place. The people there are friendly and are willing to try to help you in whatever way you can, even with the language barrier. You'll pick up a few often used phrases once you get there! Just do the usual: keep money not simply in one place and don't carry too much cash at a time, keep your bag close to your body(especially Venice!), and be aware of your surroundings. Don't let fear stop you from going, it will be the time of your life. Travelling on your own is even sometimes more enjoyable than being with some friends, as you are able to do what you want, when you want, and however fast you want to do it. If you suddenly decide to stay somewhere for an extra week, you can! Bring a little phrase book, mine helped me so much!!! If you have the time near the end of your trip, I highly recommend going to the island Ischia, just a ferry ride away from Naples. While there, stay at the ring hostel. It's close to buses, beaches and everything else. Ischia and the staff at The Ring Hostel are both incredible and so easy to meet people! Have fun! PS) everyone who is saying negative things about youth hostels are likely people who have never actually been to one. the majority of youth hostels are quite safe. if you really want, you can get a private room for a bit more money. you also often have the option of mixed gender rooms or girl-only rooms. many hostels have "cages" with a lock for your luggage and the average age range in those hostels are young 20's. sure, hostels might not be the most luxurious place, the beds might be uncomfortable and squeaky, the showers may be small and have to be shared with people, but who cares? wear flipflops in the showers, keep luggage locks on your bags, and sleep with your money belt in or under your pillow so nobody can steal the important stuff. although you likely know this since you've been to oz. Europe has some of the best hostel options for youth in the world due to so many travellers.

Yes it is completely safe, as long as you are cautious enough.. I stayed in Milan for 9 months when I was 21, and I even traveled around (Rome, Venice, etc), all alone and I found it perfectly fine.. Try not to stick to deserted places! And people can be a little too friendly, especially guys, but you have to turn them down gently and nicely! I even went alone for a concert once, and reached my apartment (which was at the North of Milan, and the concert was way way South) very safely.. Sometimes I would take a walk in the nights, and once a guy stopped his car and said stuff in Italian (I don't speak the language) and gestured to his car, like for me to get in, so I just ignored him and assumed he thought I was a hooker (I was dressed very decently though, jeans and a tee) so such stuff does happen, but you have to be careful! Once another (stranger) guy, begged me to go for coffee with him, and I politely said no cuz I was getting late, so he insisted that I let him at least walk me to the metro, which I did, and he asked for my no. - which I gave with one digit wrong! I have had the best and safest experiences but I do know of 2 friends who got mugged/pick-pocketed in Milan.. So it really depends on luck after all!

Hi Mowgli :-) I'm Italian and I think I can help you with this kind of questions and doubts giving you some tips. Italy is much safer than other many countries for a girl who travels alone, by the way, it depends on where you go and at what time. For example, I would not suggest you to walk alone and take the subway in Milan just in the middle of the night (it could be dangerous if you're alone) but usually you can travel with no dangers by train or by plane, don't worry at all! As for Venice, it is not dangerous as a city, here you could find many interesting information about monuments and museums to visit, restaurants, pubs, cafes, useful phone numbers, etc.: http://www.aboutvenice.org/. As for Florence, I studied there for 4 years (university) and I found it wonderful, and it's not dangerous, but you have to be careful in some districts of the city if you want to walk alone in the night. During day-time is a safe city. However, here u will find many info and tips: http://www.aboutflorence.com/ Siena is a very small and beautiful city and it's not dangerous! :) (http://www.aboutsiena.com/). As far as Rome is concerned, I suggest you to be careful in the night - like in the other cities ;) - when you're walking in the districts of Casilina, Spinaceto, San Lorenzo, San Vasilio, Laurentino 38. By the way, in the city center you will have no problems ;). More info: http://www.aboutroma.com/ As for Assisi, don't worry! :) I hope I gave u a hand! Have a nice trip!

Italy is much more safer than the countries you've already visited (don't listen the retarded user above who told you is dangerous, he is stuck in the mafia movies)...so yes....why shouldn't?Also rape rate in Italy is the lowest compared to north Europe (for example)...You've seen the movie taken and you think that life is based on movies?I like to watch csi Miami this don't means that Miami is a cràphole full of murders...

Yes, of course it is. Just take the precautions you would normally take in your own country. I really should see this film Taken and see what drosh Hollywood is peddling in it now ....

As you said you've travelled a lot, I'm not going to say you are inexperienced. i have been to some parts of italy that you intend on going to, and if you have a good grip on the language and watch your bags, you should be ok, but I do strongly recommend you find at least one other person to go with. Crime is pretty big in italy. Youth hostels may not be the best bet for a young woman by herself.

Be careful, please! You ever seen TAKEN???

I lived in Italy for a few years now, it's safe, and lots of places to see, it depends on what you would like to visit really, you have all options and north and south differ a lot culturally wise as well. My only advice, don't miss out the food! There's also a great ebook if you are interested: http://bit.ly/1bwuzkB

use common sense and you'll be fine