Gap travel in Italy

Buses and trains are both safe. Budget tour is not necessary.

There is some risk during any travel, however Italy is an extremely safe country.

Public transport is easy,cheap and pretty safe....millions of people use it every day in Italy.

There is no 'hop on,hop off'..there are rail passes but they aren't worth it.

All they need to do is buy a ticket on the spot (for slower regional trains) OR..if they know exact dates and times,they can save a bit of money by buying tickets in advance (only for faster trains).

I agree with the above. I do however have a couple of questions as well.

You mention au pairing. If your daughter is not a citizen of an EU country she will need a visa for this. Has or is this being arranged? I ask because it is not uncommon for people to not realize this is necessary and for those hiring an au pair to ignore it. The au pair is then an illegal worker.

Second, while I understand an anxious mum posting, it should be your daughter who is posting if she is interested in this information. She has to take care of herself once you go home mum. She should start taking responsibility for her plans now. No offense intended.

A while a go a mum posted here about her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend being on the road and their bank cards not working in an ATM. Mum was posting in a panic to find an answer to their dilemna for them. What that tells us is that the 'kids' just phoned home and gave the problem to mum to fix for them. What were they learning when mum said, 'I'll find the answer' instead of saying to them, 'so what are you going to do about your problem?'

Kick her out of the nest mum. ;-)

most of her safety is in her hands. Bloodstream empty of alcohol, ears free of headphones and eyes not glued to a phone will make a lot of difference, same as anywhere.

Another who is wondering why YOU are the one doing the planning. You won't be there to hold her hand every step of the way - she needs to learn for herself how to find out this sort of information.

Is there any reason you're particularly worried about her, other than 'first time out of the nest' syndrome?

Mum - take a deep breath and let her go. If she was at all worried she'd be posting here.

If it's any consolation to you though, when you start travelling you'll find you have to report in every time you move from place to place, or she'll be worrying if mum is ok. :>))

hi, as others have said just relax. with basic common sense precautions she will be very safe. there is no need for organised tours, bus and trains are fine and safe.

you can get rail passes but for short, limited journeys they arent worth it. she can easily just get a ticket there and then at the stations so if she wants to hop of, just get a ticket to that destination then a new one sonewhere else as and when she needs it.

just relax and let her have her independence. she will be better off for it.