which is dangerous by yourself?

[Pami1968]

I am sailing solo on the Carnival Dream in the Fall. I have been doing my legwork and plan to be as prepared for all of the ports as best I can, barring unforeseen incidents, which of course, always happen.

 

My question is, are there any of these ports that you have visited that you would recommend a single female NOT explore on their own? Keep in mind, I'm pretty fearless, and won't speak the language, but will have mastered key words in the native languages, I hope.

 

Barcelona

Dubrovnik

Livorno (planning a trip to Florence via train)

Venice

Monaco

Naples (planning either to take a hydrofoil to Capri, or a train to Pompeii)

 

Thanks, in advance.

[Kroosin]

I've been to all those ports and never felt uncomfortable at any but Naples and I'm not sure even then whether I was afraid for good reason or just because people warned me in advance. Unless you are seeking solitude I would recommend you go to your roll call and see if there are other Do-It-Yourself people who might want to travel together in these ports.

Kathleen

[GSPLover]

I am sailing solo on the Carnival Dream in the Fall. I have been doing my legwork and plan to be as prepared for all of the ports as best I can, barring unforeseen incidents, which of course, always happen.

 

My question is, are there any of these ports that you have visited that you would recommend a single female NOT explore on their own? Keep in mind, I'm pretty fearless, and won't speak the language, but will have mastered key words in the native languages, I hope.

 

Barcelona

Dubrovnik

Livorno (planning a trip to Florence via train)

Venice

Monaco

Naples (planning either to take a hydrofoil to Capri, or a train to Pompeii)

 

Thanks, in advance.

 

Based upon recent experience (last two yeras), I would say you will have absolutely no problem with Livorno (Florence), Venice, and Naples. For other ports I would have to dig into my archives but I see no problem areas. Just observe common sense and be aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine. I'd send my daughter to any of these ports.

[cruisemom42]

Barcelona is also fine. I've been there twice for several days each time on my own. I did get pickpocketed, but it was a flat-out case of stealth; I never even knew it happened. Certainly I never felt unsafe there.

[Hlitner]

None of those ports are dangerous when compared to most places in the US. But, you should always take some precautions to protect yourself from purse snatchers/pick pockets which are too darn common throughout tourist areas in Europe.

 

Hank

[rdsqrl]

I've been traveling alone in Europe for years and years and I've either been to or know quite a bit about all the places on your list, and didn't/wouldn't have the slightest hesitation in any of them. Just exercise the same caution you would in any comparably-sized city in the U.S. and you'll be fine. Have a great time.

[bardstowntraveller]

I am sailing solo on the Carnival Dream in the Fall. I have been doing my legwork and plan to be as prepared for all of the ports as best I can, barring unforeseen incidents, which of course, always happen.

 

My question is, are there any of these ports that you have visited that you would recommend a single female NOT explore on their own? Keep in mind, I'm pretty fearless, and won't speak the language, but will have mastered key words in the native languages, I hope.

 

Barcelona

Dubrovnik

Livorno (planning a trip to Florence via train)

Venice

Monaco

Naples (planning either to take a hydrofoil to Capri, or a train to Pompeii)

 

Thanks, in advance.

I have been to all of these cities and would not feel uncomfortable travelling alone in any except Naples. Venice and Dubrovnik are great cities to just wander around. Make sure you walk the wall in Dubrovnik and get off the main canal in Venice. In Barcelona, you might want to book a double decker Hop off and on bus. This will allow you to see a lot of the great architecture in a short period. In Naples, I'd reco that you book a tour to Pompeii and the National Archeological Museum. A good guide will enhance your Pompeii experience. Monaco is short on sites but long on beauty and ambiance. Florence is jam packed with art so you should narrow down what you want to see. It is a very walkable city.

[BurBunny]

I, too, travel solo and see nothing worrisome on your itinerary. Naples isn't so much a concern solo as it is a concern in general - just plan something out of town such as Pompeii, Sorrento/Amalfi Coast or Capri, and you'll be just fine.

 

I actually feel very safe in Spain and Italy in general as the "machismo" factor comes into play, and as long as the men aren't trying to pick me up, they're usually quite helpful and protective. One taxi driver at the port in Naples absolutely refused to let me cross the street and walk to the ATM on my own - he left his cab, escorted me there and back, and refused a tip - just wanted a peck on the cheek. (And I'm not a 20-something model look-alike.)

 

Latin men can be a woman's best friend if you're smart about it.

[zonkiethegreat]

Hmmm..you are a female on your own. I have been to all these places and then some, and not by myself, but with a good friend of mine.

 

I would say to be cautious in Barcelona the most. It is very safe, and you won't feel unsafe, but just stay away from the obvious dark alleys at night and you are perfectly fine.

 

I LOVED Barcelona, it is one of my favorite cities, don't worry too much, just stay near crowds, and don't be out alone at night too much.

 

Just use common sense thats all.

[AmoMondo]

I nearly always travel solo and would not hesitate in saying that you'd be safe in all these ports. the only hassle I've had in any of them was in Naples and that was only with the taxi drivers in the port who were somewhat persistent and determined to convince me that they were just as cheap and quicker than using the train (I wanted a taxi to Stazione Garibaldi so I could do Pompeii and Sorrento by train). I just kept smiling, by being firm with them in bothe Italian and English that I was getting the train. Once i got outside the port entrance, managed to persuade a driver that it was the station or no fare at all, so he took me to the station.

 

Don't draw a lot of attention to yourself by wearing expensive jewelrey or flashing cash about and just act with some caution the same as you would in any city anywhee and you'll be absolutely fine. learining a bit of the local language goes a long way to getting people onside if you do need any help with directions or anything else. If you are trying to get a grasp of a language quickly, I'd recommend the Michel Thomas series. No books, no memorising grammar, just listen to CDs a couple of times and you'd be amazed at how quickly you'll pick up the structure and pronunciation of the language. Once you have that it is easy to use a dictionary or phrase book for the words you don't know.