BootsnAll Travel Community

I just graduated from college in December. I am working as substitute teacher until I figure out what I am going to really do. I want to travel to Italy but am nervous about going on my own. Any advice about who to contact about goign with a young adult group, volunteer group, or any one else that might be of help for a group trip? I am looking to travel in late April, early May for 2+ weeks. THANKS

I was in a similar situation after graduation, wanting to hurry up and get out there. So, I did it. I bought a ticket, crossed my fingers, went alone, and had an AMAZING time. I had a friend to visit in Paris, so I stayed with her for a week and we travelled to Ireland together. Do you know anyone you can visit in Italy? Or have a friend in Europe who might like to meet up with you in Italy?

But I travelled to London and Rome by myself. I was very nervous, but I started off flying to London, where they spoke English (and it was a MUCH cheaper ticket than to Rome). I used Ryan Air and Easy Jet, the low-cost European airlines to get around (often cheaper than the train).

When I stayed at hostels, especially in Italy, I met a warm, interesting group of travellers from around the world. I always had people to hang out and roam the town with if I wanted to, and if I wanted time to myself, I could have that too.

It was really an eye-opening experience. I know you're nervous about going off by yourself, but it's definitely something you can do. Italy is a pretty easy country to travel by yourself- you can usually find someone who speaks some English, trains are easy to figure out, etc.


Oh, and I've heard good things about www.busabout.com.

Your profile shows you've done some travelling already, so it's not that huge a step to jump into solo travel. There are lots of ways to meet people, but you don't have to get locked into a group trip itinerary.

What are your specific concerns about travelling by yourself?

My advice: Jump, and your net will appear.

Thankyou, busabout.com looks very promising, if for nothing else, ideas.

I don't know anyone that is currently in Italy, or Europe for that matter. I would love it if I did I think it would make things a lil easier.

I think I'm nervous more about just being out there on my own. Getting from place to place and where to stay. I am the type of person that needs more of a set plan rather than the firgure out as I go type. I think if I can set a day by day place with places to stay before I go I will be fine.

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Originally posted by lost-after-graduation:
I am the type of person that needs more of a set plan rather than the firgure out as I go type. I think if I can set a day by day place with places to stay before I go I will be fine.

You can reserve hostel beds online in advance, there's www.hostelworld.com, www.hostels.com, and of course the BnA hostel links.

Italy's a pretty easy place to get around. You can reserve train and plane tickets online. You can even print out public transit maps, just so you can really know where you're going.

When you go to Rome, you might want to try and see the Pope! I was fortunate enough to see him in January. He has a public audience every Wednesday at 10 a.m., which is kind of cool to see the Pope even if you're not Catholic. You can get tickets through the Bishop's Office for US Visitors to the Vatican. Just email them, tell them what date you'd like them, and they'll hold them for you- just pick them up the day before.

quote:

Originally posted by Keppie:
My advice: Jump, and your net will appear.

Absolutely. I went for a one-year solo RTW after graduation. It was scary, but it made me a much more confident and brave individual.

I left for an ESL gig after my undergrad degree. It was a simultaneous scratch and an itch type 'o thing, but something that has helped define me.

I can't speak to any adult groups, but will say that the international travelers scene readily embraces most folk. Go for it.