Solo Travel in Italy

Solo Travel In Italy


I usually post solo travel ‘deals’ on a separate blog but Solo Travel In Italy has some challenges so I decided to share on Home to Italy as well.

Italy may have more travelers than many other country in Europe.   After traveling to Italy for years and staying 4 to 6 weeks at a time, I fully understand why everyone loves Italy.

With all those ‘tourists’,  being a traveler has some challenges.   

I never thought it was ‘odd’ to travel solo.
I am solo but not sad.
I travel solo because I have no friends who would EVER travel in the style I do. 
And the one  perception I continue to receive is that only gay people travel solo.  What? 

During my 3 month sabbatical in Sorento, I became friends with two lovely much younger woman who I met at the local Internet café.      While having dinner early in our friendship they both agreed that ‘no Italian woman would travel solo'.    I was VERY surprised.   Apparently it may not have been socially unacceptable but solo travel was NOT something an Italian woman would do…..

There are endless benefits to solo travel but I want to cover a few of the ‘challenges’ solo travel in Italy may present:

1.  With the crowds of tourists in Italy it can be difficult to visit ‘tourist spots’ solo.   The endless lines of 'groups' often do not even see a solo.   It is interesting to watch.  Similar to a wave.  
Tour buses do not know what to do with a solo.  Other travelers do not want to sit with a solo person….
2.  Reaction of Italians that solo travel is ‘odd’.   In Italy the family has great importance.  It may not occur to Italians to go off by themselves and travel. 
3.  Economics:  Italy as other countries are in an economic situation.   A solo traveler may be perceived as wealthy.    On one trip I wanted to compare living costs in Italy with the USA and as I compared the salaries with the USA, I understood this misconception.   Housing is expensive in Italy and this may be another reason family members remain at ‘home’ until they marry.
4.  Travel in Italy during tourist season means crowds on buses and trains.
Solo travel means you have no one to ‘watch your bags’ while you use the WC or even go to an ATM.
One year, before ATM’s were on each corner, I could not enter the money exchange at the Rome termini because they used a revolving door and my bag would not fit in the door!
5.  You spend more time planning and organizing a solo trip, no one to share the work.
6.  For me dining is the hardest part of solo travel anywhere but the USA.  Here in the USA we have so many casual restaurants and my all time favorites, diners, that you are mostly unnoticed.  The disadvantage is you are unnoticed in some restaurants and service is ‘different’.  I understand the tip will be less than a couple, but I also don’t take up as much time at the table.

In Italy eating is VERY important.  Going to diner is the entertainment for the evening often taking hours.   I only remember seeing one other solo diner in a restaurant in Florence.  And they put us next to each other.   I have had waiters look at me with pity and surprise that I am sitting alone.    Why do people assume solo is sad?

While these may be some challenges to solo travel, some of the perks in Italy:
vendors in markets will often chat with you
you can stroll the town center without dragging a reluctant companion or child with you.
You can often observe without being noticed….take a peek into daily life.
And you can have gelato whenever you want!

Food in Italy a Good 4 letter word! Have you tried any of these?

A recent post on FB from Venere listed a number of restaurants and pubs in the Campania area of Italy
(south of Naples and all the way to Salerno+).   I was interested in this because I had lived in Sorrento Solo for 3 months while assessing if I could really live in Italy as an Italian.   Since I am Italian American I thought it would be no problema!  While there I was on a very tight budget since I still had to maintain a home in the USA and had NO income.  Sounds like my life now with out the view of the sea, view of the bella people and great food.     So I did not have the opportunity to eat in the wonderful places listed in their report.   Please see below.


However, to compare their opinion with that of my travel angel, Andrea, I asked him to rate the list.
Why is Andrea a travel angel?  see at the bottom of this post..*******


Venere's post from Face Book:

Venere Travel Blog > Restaurants & Food > Best Restaurants and Pubs in Campania



Best Restaurants and Pubs in Campania


Anita Choudhary Thursday, May 6th, 2010

One of Southern Italy’s most beautiful regions is Campania. It is the most densely populated area in Italy as well as being the second most populated region of the country. Throughout the region’s colorful history, it has been at the center of Western Civilization since the beginning. The capital city of Campania, as well as a very popular tourist destination is Naples but the entire region is rich in architecture, culture, and of course, Italian cuisine.


Throughout the region, there is definitely no lack of great pubs and restaurants to explore and enjoy while visiting Campania. Whether it is the allure of active nightlife over a few rounds of beer or wine, or if you want a romantic dinner for two to cap off your evening out, Campania has something for every taste. The following is a list of our choices for the best pubs and restaurants to enjoy while you are visiting this region of Southern Italy.
Bar del Carmine Di Collela E Fattorusso
Located right in the center of the city of Sorrento, this is one of the more popular pubs in the Amalfi Coast and the entire region. Many visitors rave about the relaxing atmosphere and that it is the best place to kick back and just watch the world fly by.


Bar Birecto
Considered to be the best traditional café and pub in the town of Atrani, it is one of the most popular meeting places in the town and is always a hub of activity.


Tramp’s Pub
Rated as the best combination pub and restaurant in the city of Salerno, Tramp’s is always a busy place. You’ll want to consider making reservations well ahead of when you want to eat or endure a lengthy wait if you show up during peak dining hours.

Jolly Blu


Another great combination pub and restaurant located in the city of Sant’Agnello it is definitely one of the city’s most popular dining and drinking destinations as well as a must-see stop on your itinerary.


Da Giovanni’s
A multi-use type of restaurant located in Avellino, Da Giovanni’s has something for every one including families with children or having a business meeting. Additionally, the facility features outdoor seating to enhance your meal or you can take advantage of their take-out buffet. Italian cuisine is the primary aspect of the menu, but you can also enjoy American, fish and chips, Mediterranean, and Mexican.


Patchwork


Another great restaurant for families with children located in the city of Salerno and features a wide array of cuisines including American barbeque and Middle Eastern cuisine. The restaurant operates on a buffet format and provides the diner with outdoor seating to make your dining experience that much more enjoyable.


Photo of Atrani, in the Amalfi Coast, by Allerina & Glen MacLarty.









Andrea, who works in travel had the following opinions.


restaurants, here are my TOP choices  as per Andrea:  


In Amalfi, try La Caravella and Da Gemma.


In Conca dei Marini, Ciccio cielo mare e terra.


In Positano: Le tre sorelle, in front of the beach, and La Tagliata located in the highest part of the village.


In Praiano La Brace


In Salerno Tramp's Pub

The most famous (and VERY expensive) restaurant in the area is probably Don


Alfonso, in Sant'Agata (between Positano and Sorrento).      Did he say "Don"?


PUBs


yes Birecto in Atrani, and del Carmine in Sorrento are indeed nice.


in Salerno, in via roma, you will find about 50 pubs next each to other. Salerno, during the week end, is famous for its movida (night life along its many pubs)








I promised you an explaination about Andrea.   The additonal information on Salerno is on part 2,
see you there

ice cream the next food group!

once again, Dream Of Italy, (subscribe to their news letter) has captured a part of Vita Italia that we do not have here.  read and dream.   This is something any Solo Traveler can do!   Go now, Go Home To Itlay!!!

Dream of Italy Travel Newsletter: A Reason to Fly to Italy: The Florence Gelato FestivalDream of Italy Travel Newsletter's Notes.


A Reason to Fly to Italy: The Florence Gelato FestivalShare. Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 8:55am

Florence, what some consider the mecca for gelato lovers, will host the Florence Gelato Festival from May 28th through the 31st. Gelato (to call it ice cream is to not do it justice) is practically a staple food in Italy and especially in Florence. The festival expected to draw 300,000 visitors to the city for the weekend event.

Piazzas and squares all over the city will turn into outdoor gelato markets where the public can line up to sample the rich, creamy ice cream served in biodegradable, earth-friendly cups. The Gelato Festival will also incorporate gelato-making demonstrations and games for children.

Visitors can also attend meetings and seminars in Piazza Santissima Annunziata to learn about the history and consumption of gelato in Florence, starting with the man who invented gelato – Bernardo Buontalenti, a 16th-century Florentine architect, painter, and food enthusiast – and continuing to present-day gelato artisans. These workshops will also educate participants about the range of techniques used in the production of gelato.
The festival aims not only to provide visitors with delicious ice cream, but also to educate foreigners about the quality and importance of gelato as an indispensable Italian product. Besides its large contribution to the Italian and global economy – gelato has increased in sales and production during the current recession – the unique ice cream is also recommended by some Italian doctors for the reported “happy effects” it produces in consumers. -- Elaine Murphy