I am Melissa, and I cannot wait to share my Italian trip with you. It was my first solo trip ever, and Italy is always a country that I have dreamed of visiting. Great place to find ancient ruins, mind-blowing food and stupendous art. If you are inquiring about “things to know travel Italy trip first,” or perhaps “traveling alone for the first time solo what is like in Italy”, this post is absolutely for you. Seizing the opportunity to catch more flights than feelings, I elected to post up in Italy alone for two weeks, hopping back and forth between Rome, Florence, Venice, and Sorrento a grand travel effort all motivated by bravado. I was so excited yet scared because I had no idea how to survive in a new country with no Italian speaking abilities. However, this trip not only showed me how to plan and be safe but also gave me an insight into the Italian culture, and now I am more than happy to share my experiences, mistakes, and tips with other first-time travelers, so they would feel ready to embark on their own Italian adventure.
Why I Chose Italy for My First Trip
Italy always seemed to me a perfect dream destination. I was tempted to visit the country that has its ancient history, delicious food, and marvelous art. I was sure that Italy, from Roman ruins to Renaissance paintings, would be a place to learn and grow. In June, I went there for two weeks, aiming for good weather and high spirits. Being alone, I wanted to have the liberty to move at my own pace, choose my own path, and challenge myself. I imagined breathtaking sights, but I was afraid of going places on my own without speaking the language. However, the prospect of discovering Italy on my own terms was very exciting.
Planning the Trip
Planning my first solo trip was quite enjoyable but also a bit intimidating. My goal was to visit the cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, and Sorrento, to indulge in a medley of history, art, canals, and coastal treasures. I found inexpensive fares using Google Flights and hostels, as well as a small hotel in Sorrento using Booking.com. Blogs like Nomadic Matt were my go-to for picking cities and budgeting wisely. I made train reservations through Trenitalia’s website, which became simple once I understood the train schedules.
There were also some difficult aspects, such as making a budget and understanding the travel rules. Although Italy does not require U.S. citizens to have a visa for short trips, I still verified the information on the U.S. State Department’s website. Budgeting was one of the challenging parts since Italy is an expensive destination; therefore, I decided to eat at local restaurants rather than tourist ones and set a daily limit for food and activities. It was cheaper to book trains ahead of time, but I faced the problem of overplanning. I realized that having some free time for unexpected events made the trip more fun.
My advice: use reliable tools like Skyscanner or Rome2Rio for transport and book accommodations early. A simple itinerary with flexibility is key for beginners.
First Impressions Upon Arrival
I arrived at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport on a bright morning, with a blend of emotions one was excitement, and the other was a bit of nervousness. It was quite crowded at the airport, but signs in English facilitated a smooth navigation to the Leonardo Express train, which goes to the city center. The journey of 30 minutes gave a sneak peek of green hills and the old buildings, which were the perfect accompaniment for the trip. I didn’t know Italian, but “ciao” and “grazie” were enough for me to communicate. The language barrier was not as difficult as I had expected. The majority of the locals in the tourist areas spoke some English.
I booked a hostel near the Colosseum through Hostelworld. The first time I saw the Colosseum was unbelievable, it was enormous and very old, just like a walk-through a history book. Rome was buzzing with the noise of honking scooters and the voices of the locals. I was amazed but also a little overwhelmed by the people. The hostel I stayed at was comfortable, and the staff were very nice and helpful. They gave me a map and some food recommendations.
City-by-City Breakdown
Rome
In Rome, I visited the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon. The sunlight coming in the Pantheon’s dome made me feel like I was in a dream. I also threw a coin into the Trevi Fountain so that I could come back at some time in the future. What I had not planned was coming across a quiet street with a small gelateria. My first taste of stracciatella gelato was like the food of the gods. One thing that was not planned was that. Eating near the Colosseum was really expensive. I found out that if I walk a few streets away, I can get better and cheaper food, like carbonara at a family-run spot that my hostel’s staff recommended.
Florence
A two-hour train ride took me to Florence, a smaller city that is packed with art. I stayed at a guesthouse that was found on Booking.com, and the owner, Anna, greeted me with cookies. The Uffizi Gallery was a great experience; seeing the Birth of Venus in person was unforgettable. I went up the Duomo’s tower, which was a hard climb of 463 steps, but the view of the red rooftops and the hills was definitely the best part. I got hooked on pistachio gelato at Gelateria La Carraia and also enjoyed my evening walks along the Arno River. Not booking Uffizi tickets in advance was a mistake, and I stood in line for hours.
Venice
Venice was enchantingly different, with water channels in place of roads. I came on a train and then used a boat bus to reach my accommodation. Navigating the labyrinth-like streets was certainly a part of the experience, but it resulted in finding an al fresco café in a quiet square. Though a gondola ride was an indulgence, floating along the canals was like a fantasy come true. St. Mark’s Square was packed, but the church’s gilded mosaics were magnificent. I knew I had to check restaurant prices before ordering, after I realized that I had actually paid too much for a coffee. The sunset by the Grand Canal was quiet and deeply etched in my memory.
Sorrento
Sorrento, on the Amalfi Coast, was my relaxing finale. I stayed at a family-run hotel with a sea view, booked through Booking.com. A day trip to Positano’s colorful cliffs was stunning, though the winding bus ride was nerve-wracking. In Sorrento, I visited a lemon grove and tried limoncello, a strong lemon drink. Eating margherita pizza by the sea was a daily treat. Watching the sunset from a cliff was my favorite moment, a perfect end to my trip.
Travel Wins and Missteps
Smart decisions included booking skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum, which saved hours, and getting an Italian SIM card for data. Google Maps and Google Translate were lifesavers for navigation and communication. A mistake was packing too many clothes didn’t need half of them. Next time, I’d bring fewer outfits and a portable charger for long days. I also wish I’d learned more Italian phrases to connect with locals better.
Cultural Experiences
The Italians were very friendly and hospitable. In Rome, a restaurant owner named Marco talked to me about his family while I ate. In Sorrento, locals introduced me to limoncello and also their love for lemons. Dining in Italy is very slow, and social meals would frequently continue for hours, which was very different from my rushed meals at home. I picked up the phrase “buon appetito” (enjoy your meal) and learned to give less tip, as it is not expected like in the U.S. The most unexpected thing was how much Italians give importance to conversation, even with strangers. A smile and a few words were appreciated very much.
Packing & Safety Lessons
I also packed light by carrying my clothes that are suitable for various occasions: running shoes, thin pants, a rain jacket, and a scarf for the times when the temperature dropped at night. I actually used only half of the shoes I brought with me—just the sneakers were enough for walking on the cobblestone streets. Italy was perfectly fine for a solo female traveler, however, I never got careless and kept my eyes open when there were a lot of people around, plus I always carried my passport and some cash in a money belt. The use of Google Translate and Citymapper enabled me to solve language and transportation issues. Offline maps came in handy as a backup whenever the Wi-Fi connection was unreliable.
My tip: carry a water bottle and a small notebook for jotting down directions or phrases.
Final Reflections
Italy was just so great for beginners. The cities were really walkable, public transport was punctual, and locals were absolutely lovely, especially if you made the effort to talk to them. I can’t recommend Italy enough for first-timers. Its history, culture, and beauty blend seamlessly. The solo travel experience definitely boosted my confidence and gave me a lot of freedom, although group tours could be perfect for those who need it. A tip from me: at least plan the big stuff, but allow time for unexpected things to happen, like discovering a new café or a peaceful sunset spot.
So, what’s the next trip I am planning? I am interested in Greece or Japan because they are like this trip in terms of history and charm, and they are my inspiration. If you are contemplating going to Italy, then just do it; you will be filled with great memories and a better understanding of who you are.