A Solo Journey Through France and Italy

After a three-year delay due to the pandemic, my long-awaited solo trip to France and Italy finally commenced in 2023. With a month at my disposal, I embarked on a journey of exploration, discovery and personal growth.

France served as my entry point, beginning in Paris. The city buzzed with energy as preparations for the upcoming Olympics were underway. In Nice, the excitement of the Iron Man competition was palpable, with athletes and spectators creating a vibrant atmosphere. From there, I journeyed by train to Milan, marking the official start of my Italian exploration.

Throughout both countries, I meticulously planned a mix of guided tours, independent activities and free time. Venturing beyond major cities, I explored picturesque towns and embarked on captivating day trips into the countryside. The unexpected beauty of sunflower fields lining the French train tracks left a lasting impression. While I indulged in quintessential experiences like castle exploration, wine tastings and an authentic Italian cooking class, I also ventured off the beaten path. Creating my own perfume, cycling through a charming town and enjoying a solo gondola ride (a rarity, according to the gondoliers) were unique experiences that enriched my trip.

The extensive walking I did — easily a marathon's distance each day — allowed me to truly immerse myself in the essence of each location. A stroke of luck landed me backstage at a concert at Verona's Arena, where I witnessed the excitement of musicians interacting with their fans. Finding joy in the enthusiasm of the fans was a heartwarming moment.

While every moment of this trip was cherished, the sheer volume of tourists in certain areas was overwhelming. Venice, in particular, felt very cramped. Too many visitors and not enough room. Surprisingly, along my journey, I encountered more fellow Floridians participating in the same activities as me than anyone else! Despite Florida's tourist influx, it paled in comparison to what I witnessed in France and Italy, even during the supposed "off-season."

Planning a multi-week adventure

If you have the opportunity to embark on a three-week to month-long adventure, I highly recommend it! This extended timeframe allows for in-depth exploration, surpassing what a typical week-long vacation can offer. Visiting diverse regions within a country provides valuable insights, potentially revealing hidden gems you'd like to revisit in the future.

• Train travel: Trains offer a convenient way to navigate both France and Italy. However, if you're unfamiliar with train travel or navigating stations in a foreign language, some preparation is key. French trains primarily operate in French, while Italian trains offer multilingual support. Downloading the SNCF Connect (France) and Trenitalia (Italy) apps proved invaluable for planning and navigating my journeys. Booking train tickets in advance for a pre-planned itinerary streamlines the process and reduces travel day stress.

• Footwear: Comfortable shoes are essential, as you'll likely be doing a significant amount of walking, often on cobblestones.

• Staying safe: Scammers are unfortunately a reality in tourist destinations. Be wary of street vendors selling merchandise directly on the ground and train station individuals offering unsolicited assistance with luggage. Remain generally alert to your surroundings. Obvious tourists are prime targets, so exercising caution is crucial.

• Tours: While private tours offer a superior experience, they can be more expensive. For budget-conscious travelers, a compromise can be made. Opt for large-group tours venturing into less tourist-dense areas like the countryside. Reserve private tours for heavily crowded locations like the Louvre or the Vatican. The personalized attention and in-depth knowledge provided by private guides in these settings make the splurge worthwhile.

• Packing for a long trip: Month-long trips necessitate strategic packing. Resist the urge to overpack! Plan outfits for two weeks and factor in laundry midway through your trip. I traveled with just a check-in bag and a backpack, maximizing space by packing versatile clothing that could be easily mixed and matched. Limiting myself to two pairs of shoes further streamlined my luggage.

• Budgeting for an extended adventure: Accommodation variety helped me stay within budget. Boutique hotels formed the bulk of my stays, with a few splurges on high-end hotels. For shorter stays, I opted for more budget-friendly options, allowing me to allocate more funds for high-end hotels during longer stops.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our France and Italy page.