Advice For Women Traveling Alone Especially In Italy
Women becoming victims to predatory men while traveling abroad is not a rare event and young women need to be particularly careful. It has always outraged me how some men view women as prey and after reading a recent report concerning a tour guide predator that was targeting young women traveling alone who joined his tours, I remembered a time in Italy back in 1965.
I was fresh out of school and “seeing” Europe before my military service was to begin. Europe was an amazing place for young peole an there were places where they congradated. There were Brit punk rockers, American students, all sorts of young Italians, Swedes, French, Germans and more that seemed to attract each other. There was music and new friendships and conversations that flowed around those groups using several different language translations (English wasn’t the universal language it is today). American rock and roll music a the universal bond and everyone knew the words to current hit songs. There was a sort of fluid dynamic involving young travelers visiting places in Italy or just traveling around at that time and it was so easy to make friends.
One group of six or seven of us connected in Florence and after a few days it was decided we’d catch a train as a group to Rome. The group at that time was made up of four guys that included me, a Brit, a Canadian, an Algerian, three girls; one from Sweden another from Wales and an American). The girls had already developed a plan and were staying in convents. I was amazed at how little it cost being about US$3.00 a night. One of the girls, Beth (Her Welsh name was Bethan) was the one in charge and she was booking into convents. In Rome they were staying over near the Vatican. They would disappear early each evening because there was a strict curfew of 9 pm. (the mdoors were locked). She said at the convent they had a bed, a shower and a light breakfast each morning all for only about $3.00. Some teased Beth that she should get a discount because she obviously didn’t take advantage of the showers as often as she should. The organization that she used at that time was something called “The Society For The Protection Of Young Women Traveling In Europe”. After that Summer a few of us kept in touch off and on for a number of years. I was even invited to Beth’s weding four years later…
Today Those Convents Are Still Great Options
Just like Beth and her friends in Rome back in 1965, women today who are traveling alone in Europe can still safely and affordably stay at Catholic convents, monasteries, and registered community-run safe guest houses.
Where to Find Catholic Accommodations
Monastery Stays: “Listing over 350 monasteries and convent guest houses, thousands of rooms most of 3 to 4 star accommodations in Rome, Florence, Venice and many other parts of Italy” – Link here> https://www.monasterystays.com/.
Another option is Monasteries.com – Link here> https://www.monasteries.com/ which lists various spiritual retreats and guesthouses across Europe like Hostatgeria Monestir Sant Benet de Montserrat*.
Adveniat Paris: Located in France, Adveniat Paris is “run by a Catholic Assumptionist community” offering affordable shared and private rooms in the center of Paris.
St. Anthony’s Guest House (Assisi): Run by the Franciscan Sisters, this guesthouse sits “within the city walls on a prime spot overlooking the Basilica of Santa Chiara” in Italy.
Convent Stays in Rome: Many convents near Vatican City and central Rome accept travelers, though options are also listed through St. Patrick’s Catholic American Parish in Rome
Important Rules You Should Understand
Curfews: Most convents enforce a strict nightly curfew (often around 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM).
Religious Requirements: You generally do not need to be Catholic or participate in religious services, but respectful behavior is expected.
Booking: Space is limited, so you must reserve rooms well in advance. Emailing or faxing is often preferred over calling, as staff may have limited English proficiency.
••The Hostatgeria del Monestir de Sant Benet de Montserrat is a peaceful guesthouse run by a community of Benedictine nuns located in the natural park of the Montserrat .The rooms are modest, clean, and designed for quiet reflection.
Meals: Homemade, healthy meals are prepared and served on-site.
Amenities: Includes free Wi-Fi, common sitting rooms, and access to a private garden and woodland walking paths.
Children: Stays are generally not tailored for infants, though families are welcome if they take responsibility for maintaining the quiet environment.
Spiritual & Daily Life
Prayer: Guests are welcome to join the Benedictine community for prayer and chanting in the monastery church.
Location & Contact Address: Ctra. de Monistrol a Montserrat Km 10, 08199 Marganell, Barcelona, Spain.
Getting there: It is roughly a one-hour drive from Barcelona. Advance booking is strictly required. Booking & Info: You can request reservations or view updates directly through the official Monestir de Sant Benet de Montserrat website or their Hostatgeria Reservation Portal.
Summer in Paradise Bay, Antarctica. The bay is located on the piece of the continent that sticks out from the eastern corner. A favorite destination for Antarctic cruise itineraries…
Click below to visit these popular travel sections from The Intentional Travelers…
Our Tag Cloud
#InstaAdventure #intend2travel #intent2travel #photography #Travellpics #travelphotos #travelpics adventure advice advisor africa Alaska Argentina Asia australia Caribbean cruise cruise life Cruise port Cruise ports Cruising Europe Florida France Hawaii Hiking Images intentional Ireland italy itineraries Photo Gallery photographs photos port of call ports of call Rome South America The intentional Traveler travel Traveling travelling travel photographs travel pictures wildlife
