How dangerous will it be for a young American female traveling alone?

Question

I'm imagining Rome being safer than New York, but its still a big city. What are the best ways to keep safe....I mean, I've got the common sense thing down pat I think but any advice is needed and greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Answer 1

combine the answers of tmills883 and Jack Kerouac, add to that, don't make eye contact with someone whose attention you do not want...you'll be fine!...have fun, but not too much fun.

Answer 2

it is safe as long as you don't walk alone in the night...but why travel alone ??..is so boring

I don't think you will be alone in Itally,there are a lot of handsome men out there

Have a nice trip

Answer 3

rome is jsut a dirtier new york with a lot more ruins....be careful---1st scam Ive heard of...---when at airport only get in a MARKED taxi...not someone that offers you a ride around town for x*x lira (or euros now)...or at least get that price quoted in advance ...better to just get in a marked taxi...not a fly by night....

Answer 4

Well, I've never been to Rome, but it seems to me you definatley wouldnt want to go wandering around at night alone and stay in crowded areas or at least where there are other people around. Maybe look to see if they have a guide. Most major cities if you call can tell you how to go about getting a guide.

Answer 5

Try to fit in. Don't carry but a change or two of clothes to Italy. The first day you get there go buy some clothes (look as Italian as possible)  and get your hair done in a local beauty salon. If you are suspect of the people around you, keep your mouth shut. Pretend to be a mute if you have to. An American accent is like painting a bulls eye on your forehead in most countries. Good luck and stay safe.

Answer 6

just keep your eyes open and dont talk to any strangers, even the sweet children here are thiefs!

Answer 7

Just use the common sense!

Answer 8

i'm italian, my country is quite safe, but be careful, there are soooooooooouh much pickpockets ! Try to be really careful with your money ;)

Answer 9

hi im from, im a girl and never had any problem. tourist are all over the places, so u'll be safe. rome is a safe city, just beware of pickpockets on the subway.

Answer 10

i did entire italy this summer alone, rome included. someone with a common sense will be able to keep himself out of trouble, the italians aren't any better of worse than in other south european states. I found them very kind, helpfully, generous and hospitable. But do yourself a favour, and learn some italian before you leave. you'll see , it'll open you many doors....

Answer 11

make sure u get id in all that stuff..and carry something useful around..and if it doesn't feel right it must not be right

Answer 12

It is never safe for a woman to travel alone especially if she is naive about the places she wishes to visit.  The best thing is to find a companion who is traveling or see if u can be hooked up with some locals through ur church or ur consulate that help protect our young traveling women.  Good Luck and have fun.

Answer 13

she is a danger.

Answer 14

Besides the obvious, keep a close eye on the pickpockets. Leave non-essential valuables in a secure area. Divide money into different locations (some in your pocket, some in your purse.

Try not to call attention that you are a tourist. (No I love NY shirts or dangling cameras from your neck).

In big cities like Rome, ALWAYS travel with a friend, and avoid chatting up seedy looking characters,

Answer 15

If you can, get a purse you can hang across your shoulders, and keep it in front of you, not hanging under your arm, this puts off purse snatchers. If you take a tour remain with the group, that also helps. And if you wander off on your own....don't go to any place that seems isolated. In the evenings stay on well lighted streets....And as you say, common sense is your best ally.

Another thing, never hang your purse over a chair at a street restaurant (we've all done it!), that's another way to get it snatched (and watch your mobile phone if you take one with you, if left on a table, it might "dissapear")..

Most of the answers given here are good advice...

And for more info,.go to the public Tourist Information Offices, you have them in the main train station and airports also. The concierge at your hotel will also prove helpful if you have any questions to ask...

Rome is defintely a beautiful place to visit...I hope you enjoy it!

Answer 16

Americans are very naive, and unworldly. Try not to appear too American , there are pickpockets. use you money pouch on the inside of your clothes. You can pick the Americans by wearing their money pages pouches on the out side of thei clothes. pickpockets love Americans. Obviously there are muggings and rapes but your assessment is correct it is safer than new york. stay to the tourist areas. If you do go outside the tour its areas you probably will be safe, I went through a lot of poor areas way way off tourist paths and it was all sort of family , unthreating people. Other than the pick pockets between the railway station and bus station in Rome , i had no problem. the Gypsy women with bit of card board in tehir hands surrounding you

ARE pickpockets and are trying to steal your money. Push through them or grab their cardboard.

America is the gun capital of the world , no where else has as many guns , so unless your in a war zone, the rest of the world is safer. Nor is the drug problem as bad as in the USA.

For accommodation in Venice and Rome I used the touts at the station, I thought it would be all dodgy and got the very very best deals I had in nine weeks in Europe. What ever the first offer is just look disgusted and say you are not American , that saves about 25%. The best guide book is lonely planet

Answer 17

Hi Danni,,,,

I have seen you asking a lot of questions on here,,, personally if you were my sister or girlfriend,,,, going alone is Not a good idea for a woman.... You do what you want, but i think you need someone to go along with you....

be careful and good luck,,,,,,,,

Answer 18

You can use the common sense all around the world.

I'm Italian, I live in the North, near Venice. I love to travel alone. Last year I came to New York. I love it!!!!