88% of women feel ‘somewhat threatened’ travelling alone in the UK and Europe. However, a leading travel expert says solo female travellers can feel safe visiting Rome for this autumn’s Jubilee events and Christmas – especially if they develop the abbey habit.

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - October 2nd, 2025 - Rome is Europe’s second most visited city and one that women can feel particularly safe visiting alone, particularly if they stay in one of the many welcoming monastery and convent-owned guest houses in the city, says a leading travel expert.

Johanna Jernberg a leading travel expert from the specialist accommodation finder Monastaries.com says: ‘Solo women travellers outnumber solo male travellers by 67% to 37%. That’s despite the fact that 88% of females feel somewhat threatened travelling alone, whether in the UK or Europe. Rome features high on many women’s bucket list destinations. Last year, 30 million people flocked to the city and that figure is likely to have doubled for the 2025 Jubilee celebrations. Many of those visiting this year will be solo women, whether for the Jubilee events, to savour the atmosphere of autumn in the Eternal City or to take part in Pope Leo XIV’s first Christmas Mass.

‘Women are increasingly setting off on their own adventures, with 27% of British women saying they are considering a holiday alone. 81% of solo female travellers are over 45 years old. Rome is ranked as ‘High’ on The Economist’s Safe Cities Index for personal security, in 23rd place. That’s above many other popular tourist destination cities such as Dubai, New York, San Francisco and Rio de Janeiro.

‘Naturally, safety is an important consideration for many solo travellers or, for that matter, for groups of maturer women travelling together. While 37% of women feel safer in a holiday property rental and 35% in a large hotel, according to recent research from the women’s travel resource JourneyWoman, that still leaves many women who don’t feel secure in traditional holiday accommodation.

‘For that reason, many women are surprised but delighted to discover they are able to stay in monasteries, convents and guest houses run by religious orders across Rome.

‘Often, the only major restriction might be a curfew, which is typically between 10pm and midnight. For many solo female travellers, however, the safety this offers may actually prove an attraction.

‘For example, La Casa Il Rosario. Belonging to the Dominican Sisters of Charity, this centrally situated guesthouse comes equipped with plenty of amenities – including heating and air conditioning – and is bookable for a minimum of two nights and a maximum of 10 days. It still has limited availability for November from £111.20 per night for a single ensuite room with bed & breakfast included.

To find out more about staying in Rome on a budget and making the most of the city’s year-round attractions, see the full online guide at  https://www.monasteries.com/en-GB/city/rome/home/

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