Italy

If you’re over 50 and travelling solo, why Italy?

Italy is more than a 2 week family summer holiday in Tuscany, or a romantic weekend break in Rome or Venice. Not that there isn’t a time and a place for either, but this blog isn’t it I’m afraid. My guides cover the places better geared up for solo travel to Italy for independent people over 50 who want to go somewhere different, who maybe prefer food and wine (“wine, again? Actually not sure why anyone is surprised at this point”) over instagram selfies, and who like their trips sprinkled with a bit of culture and history. Personally I’ll take boojie good hotels and a decent aperitivo, and being left alone with a Negroni, over a group tour with a forest of selfie sticks.

How practical is Italy for a solo independent traveller aged over 50?

• Getting around: Italy’s rail network (Frecciarossa in all its variants and colours, as well as Italo) connects most  cities quickly and cheaply, even in premier class, so you can chill, skip the car, and save money all at the same time.
• When to visit: The best months are April to June and September to October, since July and August are hot and crowded.
• Ok to go solo: Eating alone is a common sight in Italian restaurants, the aperitivo culture is perfect for people who like to just sit quietly and people-watch, and most cities are very walkable (or have easy-to navigate public transport/taxi hailing options).
• Budget: I tend to budget €175-350 per day including accommodation, depending on how lux I’m feeling, or how many negroni sbagliatos I intend to neck each day (“yeah, I think everyone knows the answer to that particular variable by now”).

How safe is Italy for an independent solo traveller aged over 50?

I’ve never felt any concerns travelling alone in Italy, although I always err on the side of caution when in the busier or more touristy areas in cities. Mostly because crowds and tourists attract petty crime, particularly pickpockets. If you’re on a beach and want to go for a swim, often the family sitting next to you will keep an eye on your belongings for a few minutes if asked. And as anywhere, never leave valuables on display in a parked car – even if you’re on holiday. Some years ago, people would whisper words of caution about travelling around the far southern or in Sicily on your own, particularly regarding car thefts or muggings. Nowadays I think this has quietened down, but it’s worth double checking and making appropriate choices if this is something that might cause anxiety while you’re meant to be enjoying your trip.