A desire to recreate a photo taken of her beloved late mum outside St Peter’s Basilica in Rome is what inspired Claire Lee to go on a solo trip to Italian capital – a trip she describes as empowering, sensational and emotional.
Claire (45), a single mum to two primary school age children, who lives in Knutsford in the north-west of England, works in marketing for confectionary company Swizzels, which keeps her very busy and which she describes as “super fun”.
Claire said: “My mum went to Rome 26 years ago and took a photo outside St Peter’s Basilica. Since she passed away 16 years ago, I’ve wanted to recreate that moment. The picture of her at St Peter’s just shows how happy she was. It was one of the trips she had always dreamed of doing.
“When I think of her having that photo taken by my dad, on their 25th wedding anniversary, it just makes me smile knowing how happy she was being stood there. Recreating this was, indescribable!
“Doing it on my own felt even more special, as it was MY moment and I felt like I could enjoy it exactly how I wanted to. Plus, I know it sounds silly, but I felt her there with me. I guess I also wanted to prove to myself that I could do this on my own. I don’t need anyone else to achieve my dreams.”
Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, ABTA found a year-on-year rise in solo travellers, with 16% of people saying they went on holiday by themselves in 12 months, compared to 11% in the previous year.
There are numerous benefits of travelling alone, including increased independence, growing your own confidence and personal self-discovery. Actress Helen Mirren is quoted as having said the following: “One of the great gifts of growing older is to discover the exquisite art of being alone. What used to be an uncomfortable silence, is now a luxury. My best company is myself, with a coffee, a good movie and the freedom to be, because solitude is not absence, it is fullness and peace of mind.”
But does solo travel get lonely and can travelling alone as a female feel unsafe. We asked Claire, who rates Mexico and now Rome as two of her favourite travel destinations, about her first solo trip. This is what she said:
I’m sociable, strong willed and recently started embracing solo adventures to start ticking things off my very long bucket list, as let’s be honest, I’m not getting any younger.
I don’t travel as much as I’d like to, but I’m working on changing that. I always try to do a summer holiday with the children, then a cheeky few nights in Spain with the girls. This year, I’ve promised myself to take more time out for me and travel more regularly, whether it’s with friends, family, or solo when possible.
I’d done a few work trips solo and once flew as far as Cape Verde alone, but this was my first personal solo adventure. It definitely won’t be the last. I’ve already started planning my next.
The connection with my mum was the biggest reason for going to Rome, but also because it’s such a vibrant and walkable city that’s easy to explore alone. I knew I wouldn’t feel out of place or bored for a second. I knew there would be lots to do and I could keep myself busy if I ever felt alone, which I never did.
Due to the passing of the Pope, the Sistine Chapel was closed, so I need to go back to visit that. I’d also love to go to Florence and Pisa… then eventually Milan. The list goes on. I can’t wait to start planning.
I did a little research before I went, but as I booked it just six days before I travelled, there wasn’t too much time to plan or overthink it. I made a rough itinerary of what I wanted to visit and used AI to help me work out travel times, as I walked everywhere. I had a packed itinerary and booked the Colosseum for two hours after I landed and the Vatican for the following day.
I learned a few basics, like ‘grazie and ‘ciao’, and had a translation app on my Apple Watch just in case, but I didn’t need it, as everyone in my hotel and restaurants spoke to me in perfect English.
I went on an early May weekend, arriving at midday on a Friday and came back on a Sunday. The weather was perfect as it was cooler in the mornings and evenings, and warm during the day.
As this was my first solo trip, I considered going for longer but was unsure if I’d hate it or end up crying into my pillow. However, I absolutely loved it and could have stayed much longer – at least two more nights.
I flew from Manchester at 7am and landed in Rome at 11am local time. To avoid the hassle of taxis or trains when travelling alone, I arranged a transfer to meet me at the airport. It was all booked through Jet2 and was completely hassle free.
I chose a central, safe hotel and planned walkable routes. The rooftop pool, bar and view of the Colosseum also swayed my choice.
I stayed at the Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo (classic single room £308 per night at time of publishing). If I felt like spending time alone, I could relax by the pool. I was honestly the perfect spot for a solo traveller. The rooms were clean and contemporary, though mine was on the smaller side and I doubt two people would have been given that room. The staff were amazing and couldn’t have done more for me. In the evening, they made me feel very welcome and kept the wine flowing while chatting way.
48 hours in Rome
Here’s my itinerary:
Day One: I landed, went straight to the hotel and dropped my bags. Just 30 minutes later, me and my trusty selfie stick were off on foot to the Colosseum, which was only a 10-minute walk away. I had a guided tour with fast entry and access to the Roman Forum, which was stunning! I booked through Get Your Guide for £42 and it lasted over three hours.
After that, I was tired from travel and spent the evening soaking in the view of the Colosseum from the rooftop bar.
Day Two: I had an early breakfast, then set off at 7:30am to the Trevi Fountain. I’d been told to go early before it got busy. It was about a 30 minute walk and I passed so many amazing places I couldn’t even name. Suddenly, I turned into a little alley and there it was! Breathtaking! I brought a £1 coin for each of my family and friends and made a wish for them all.
Next, I walked to St Peter’s to recreate my mum’s photo. Along the way, I stumbled across the Pantheon, which is another stunning building. There was a fountain outside where I filled up my bottle with fresh water. I stopped for a coffee with a view of the Pantheon, then set off again, roaming around Rome.
Another magical moment: I came across a lady playing the violin on a cobbled street. As I walked by, she started playing ‘Time to Say Goodbye’, a song that’s deeply connected to my mum. I won’t lie, I had a tear in my eye. Then I turned around and there was St Peter’s! It felt magical.
It was busy but eventually I made it to the spot I had wanted to visit for 16 years. I set up my tripod and took my time capturing the moment where my mum had stood. It was amazing! My heart was filled with joy, sadness, pride and strength. I stayed for over an hour and I didn’t want to leave.
Afterwards, I had a classic Italian lunch and a glass of Pinot on a little side street where I could still see St Peter’s.
Later, I wandered some more before my guided Vatican tour, which cost about £75. It included the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, which unfortunately was closed, and St Peter’s Basilica.
The tour was incredible and fast-paced, but worthwhile. Going into St Peter’s during 5pm mass was breath-taking. It was full, with a TV crew and cardinals, I assume due to the death of the Pope. This was just three days before the new Pope was elected, so Pope Leo might’ve even been there. How cool is that?
I walked back, which was a long but scenic walk, had dinner near to the Colosseum (spaghetti carbonara and Pinot…. when in Rome!), then finished the night with rooftop drinks. It was the perfect day.
Day Three: I had breakfast, packed and headed home. I needed serious self-control at the airport as the shops were better than Harvey Nics, with Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Prada, to name a few!
The highlight of my trip was definitely recreating the photo at St Peter’s, which was magical and a moment I keep replaying in my head. I won’t forget it in a hurry. Going inside St Peter’s was equally emotional, especially hearing the choir. Just perfect!
Is solo travel as a female safe?
I don’t think I gave family and friends enough time to worry about me and any concerns they had, I’d already thought about and reassured them.
My main concern was theft as that’s what I’d read most about. So, I left expensive jewellery at home, wore my Apple Watch for navigation, took a decent sized backpack and added little locks, to make sure no one could sneak into it.
That said, no one even got close to me as I never stood still! I also didn’t want to get fobbed off by taxis, so I walked everywhere to take away any stress. I never once felt unsafe, scared or alone. It felt no different to being in a busy city like London or Manchester. I had my wits about me, as I would anywhere.
The purpose of the trip was to do it all on my own, so I was happy not to chat to other people. That said, lots of lovely people wanted to chat and most thought I was American! I can only guess it’s because my accent doesn’t make me seem as I I’m from either Coronation Street or Eastenders!
Benefits of solo travel
My trip reminded me how strong I really am. It also showed me how important it is to step away from the daily rat race and remember to live in the moment. We work hard for a reason: to live, not just to work, right?
It also made me realise that the world is actually quite small. Just a few hours after leaving Manchester, I was roaming around Rome. As long as you have your health, time and a bit of money, you can do what you want. Don’t let ifs, buts, maybes, or “I’ll do it later” put you off. Just do it now!
I spent most of my time taking in the atmosphere, people watching and just enjoyed being in my own space in a beautiful city. I didn’t feel lonely or out of place. Later in the evenings, I chatted on the phone to friends, so I never felt alone. It was perfect!
Must-haves to take with you on a solo trip
The selfie stick with tripod was an absolute must! Plus, make sure you bring a portable charger. I had one, but it ran out quite quickly, so I bought another which as my phone was being drained for maps and all those pics!
It goes without saying that you also need comfy shoes and a bag that can be locked. If you go to the Colosseum, you’ll need photo ID and at St Peter’s, knees and shoulders need to be covered. I took a light dress in my bag and threw it over when I went inside, it did the job perfectly.
So where next? I’m planning a hike up Snowdon in Wales in a few weeks. It’s only an hour away from home, so not really a trip! Then I’ve got Ibiza booked in June with the girls (wish us luck!). After that, I’ve booked a more relaxed private villa for me and my children in Mijas, Spain, in August. I’m a very lucky lady!
Any final words of advice?
If you’re on the fence about travelling solo just go. It doesn’t have to be far or expensive. Start with one night, if you like. You’ll come back with a new perspective, a sense of pride and stories no one else can write for you.
Having space made me appreciate my own company in a new way. Maybe I’d feel differently on a quiet beach holiday. There’s only one way to find out!
Interested in reading more about short trips to Italian cities? Read about a gourmet weekend in Italy’s culinary capital, Bologna, here.
Liked what you just read? Please subscribe to The Sun Lounger for more travel news, reviews and interviews.
You can follow The Sun Lounger on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/thesunlounger/
https://www.facebook.com/thesunlounger
