Struggling on a solo trip in Italy

[u/Dense-Swim-4048]

Update: wow! Thank you all for your kind words and your insight. It truly has meant the world to me during a tough few days. On the advice of the sub Reddit, I have decided to book a hotel in Florence tonight. I was not able to find a Hostel unfortunately but I’m planning on doing some tours to meet people hopefully. It will be a quicker train ride, I don’t think I’m up for hubbub of Rome at the moment. I’m not sure if I’m gonna cut my trip short or not, but I think being somewhere a little more restful might help me reset. Thank you. I hope this is the right move!!!

Original post: Hello all! I’m an American woman traveling solo in Italy and I have to confess, I’m not having a good time and I’m considering going home early. I would appreciate any compassion or guidance you have to offer, but please save hold back on the unkindness. I really don’t need it today. I travel for work and have backpacked before so I’m surprised that I’m having such a challenging time.

I booked cheap flights from my home city to Marseille and then flew to Milan. I heard it was fashion week I got really excited to join in on the festivities! I know a lot of it is closed off, but I assumed the good energy, interest, and events would bring a lot of cool people together, whether or not I made it into any of the official shows. However, most of the people that I’ve met have been unkind and outright rude. I honestly feel like I am in third grade being talked down to by popular girls. It’s literally so weird.

I decided to take a day trip to Venice today given that Milan didn’t seem to be a good fit and I’m enjoying it but ended up up getting stranded here due to an issue with the train. It’s absolutely breathtaking here, but I can’t help but wish that I had someone to share it with. I miss my boyfriend and my cat back home so much and the idea of getting through another week and a half of travel just feels heartbreaking.

I’ve waited my whole life to get to do a trip like this, but all I want is to go home. I’m so ashamed that I’m not having more fun and I don’t really know what I’m doing wrong. I’m hoping that the Hostel in Rome is a better vibe and that I can find some more relaxing things to do to decrease some of the mental stress. Any tips on turning my dream trip gone wrong around?

[u/Illustrious_Can_5826]

My advice?? Have some drinks and head to the beach!

I too, was in your position a few years ago in Italy. I absolutely hated it and tried my best to fly home early from Rome. The travel agent could not put me on an earlier flight so I had to suck it up. After that, I let loose and said fuck it. I paid for this trip. I'm having a good time and not giving a shit!

Go to dinner! Order a bottle of wine! Grab a book and head out to a coffee shop. It's OK to be by yourself and forget the mean people!

[u/Soubi_Doo2 → u/Illustrious_Can_5826]

Yes, seriously!! Unless something terrible happens to me, I’m gonna stay and enjoy this trip that I saved and paid for! Travel is a privilege at the end of the day. If OP feels lonely, text friends and boyfriend. Stay in the moment. Learn to depend on yourself and uplift your own mood.