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Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Tuscan Region Safety

Saikiki

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Fall 2019
Hi Guys!

I posted a question the other day and received wonderful answers so I am hoping I can get the same here with this thread. Since I will be doing this alone what are the safety precautions I should be taking? Is it dangerous to go by yourself? Are you supposed to bring mase with you? Sorry if I'm overthinking this. Thanks!

Saira
 
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I walked the Via Francigena in 2015. As a man my experience and concerns may be a little different but I never felt uneasy or in danger at any time. I am not aware that anyone I met was carrying Mace and I doubt if that is a common thing to do. One incident did take place during my walk - two young German women walking together met an exhibitionist standing on the route in front of them and masturbating. A distressing experience for them. I do not think that is very common though. There is a very active Facebook group for the Via Francigena which has many members who have walked more recently and may be able to give better advice. You might want to join and ask there too. https://www.facebook.com/groups/19899007360/
 
I walked the Via Francigena in 2015. As a man my experience and concerns may be a little different but I never felt uneasy or in danger at any time. I am not aware that anyone I met was carrying Mace and I doubt if that is a common thing to do. One incident did take place during my walk - two young German women walking together met an exhibitionist standing on the route in front of them and masturbating. A distressing experience for them. I do not think that is very common though. There is a very active Facebook group for the Via Francigena which has many members who have walked more recently and may be able to give better advice. You might want to join and ask there too. https://www.facebook.com/groups/19899007360/
Thank you for letting me know. I don't mind doing it by myself but everyone keeps telling me that I shouldn't do it by myself at all. I know the trails are well-marked for the route them I'm talking - Lucca to Colle Val d'Elsa. I have also read about the GPS app that you can get just to make sure you stay on the trail...

People are then asking me, what I'm doing for food, bathroom, this and that etc, etc while during the hike itself. I'm the type of person that takes it day by day and if circumstances arise, then I deal with it then. I guess I'm partially annoyed and getting discouraged a bit by family members and friends...Ugghhh!!!!
 
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I done a lot of traveling by myself. Here is my mantra
In my opinion safety is all about attitude. I am aware of my surroundings. We all judge in a split second the persons we deal with. Trust yourself.

I observe my fellow pilgrims. I stay non committal. Is somebody overly friendly, what do they want? Not my business. Do I want this attention, if not I am clear and precise.


I stay calm and friendly. I have both the spiritual and physical strength to take care of myself.


If I see danger I act not react. I am not shy to ask for help. If I am honest I will not hurt somebody’s feeling.


A nonstop talker had adhered to myself on the walk. First I thought somebody needs to let of steam. Then after a couple of hours I thought ok this persons likes the sound of his voice. I always listen to what people are saying or not, but then I said to him: Forgive me but I need to mediate some more lets part ways.


Maybe it’s an age thing too, I don’t know.


If you have not done it jet. Learn how to handle yourself. That’s as much a preparation for your walk or more important like proper shoes, planning routes. All you have and all you need is you.


Not more not less.
 
People are then asking me, what I'm doing for food, bathroom, this and that etc, etc while during the hike itself. I'm the type of person that takes it day by day and if circumstances arise, then I deal with it then. I guess I'm partially annoyed and getting discouraged a bit by family members and friends...Ugghhh!!!!
People are projecting their fears and insecurities onto you. Don't let them.

I am pretty sure you are aware bad things can happen because... bad things can always happen.
Just use your common sense and be prepared in case you need to take action.
 
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Hi Guys!

I posted a question the other day and received wonderful answers so I am hoping I can get the same here with this thread. Since I will be doing this alone what are the safety precautions I should be taking? Is it dangerous to go by yourself? Are you supposed to bring mase with you? Sorry if I'm overthinking this. Thanks!

Saira
Hi again Saira,
I'm on the full VF (London to Rome) solo right now. I always walk with the same attitude;
'Whatever can happen to you on the trail, can happen to you at home'.
Your risk level does not increase because you're away, it remains the same...so face it the same way. It's the fear level which increases, not actual risk. In fact, something is more likely to happen at home because of routines, how often you go to places & the amount of time spent there. Apply your usual precautions, judgement & common sense. Without even being aware of it, your brain is constantly assessing risk...trust it.
Remember thousands of women have covered countless kilometres solo without incident. Step forward confidently & with faith; faith you'll be okay & faith that people are basically good.

My personal rules are few;
*always be in before dark
*choose accommodation carefully & book ahead
*never ignore gut feelings.

Of course there are no guarantees but there aren't at home either. You're concerned now which is natural but I'm willing to bet once you're out there on the trail, those fears will slip away...you'll have so many other things to focus on.
👣 🌏
 
Re. mace, be sure to check on the laws in the countries that you'll be visiting. European countries consider such sprays a weapon. In some countries, you need a license, others check the exact ingredients, etc. And you cannot take it on a plane.
 
Saw it happened in Rome maze went into the trash bin.
 
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Hi Guys!

I posted a question the other day and received wonderful answers so I am hoping I can get the same here with this thread. Since I will be doing this alone what are the safety precautions I should be taking? Is it dangerous to go by yourself? Are you supposed to bring mase with you? Sorry if I'm overthinking this. Thanks!

Saira
I walked Canterbury to Rome alone in 2016, as a woman who is probably past the age of molestation for sexual purposes! But the thought of being mugged or attacked didn't enter my head. Just take the normal precautions you would take anywhere, and don't walk listening to music through ear buds. I think once you are doing it you will forget your anxieties. Buon cammino!
 
Hi again Saira,
I'm on the full VF (London to Rome) solo right now. I always walk with the same attitude;
'Whatever can happen to you on the trail, can happen to you at home'.
Your risk level does not increase because you're away, it remains the same...so face it the same way. It's the fear level which increases, not actual risk. In fact, something is more likely to happen at home because of routines, how often you go to places & the amount of time spent there. Apply your usual precautions, judgement & common sense. Without even being aware of it, your brain is constantly assessing risk...trust it.
Remember thousands of women have covered countless kilometres solo without incident. Step forward confidently & with faith; faith you'll be okay & faith that people are basically good.

My personal rules are few;
*always be in before dark
*choose accommodation carefully & book ahead
*never ignore gut feelings.

Of course there are no guarantees but there aren't at home either. You're concerned now which is natural but I'm willing to bet once you're out there on the trail, those fears will slip away...you'll have so many other things to focus on.
👣🌏
My outlook exactly. It has served me well from NYC and other US cities to the Camino and European cities to Brazil and Northern India. “Trust in God but tie up your camel” is a “sort of” analogy. My friend on NYPD had a lot of sensible suggestions and ended with “it’s not fair to tempt people to a life of crime” and a little smile.
 
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:) The finest and most unexpected piece of name-dropping I've read in a very long time!:cool:
There’s a long tale there. I’ll save it to swap over a pint one day. But himself was one of the good guys where I was raised. It was his keepers that were nutters.
That said I think that quote should be pinned to the “Camino crime watch” pages.
 
Great advice above. I’m only posting to report that my wife and I did Siena to Rome last fall and saw nothing that I think would be a concern to you. We are an older couple, not a solo woman, but that was our experience. Best of luck to you on our walk.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Hi Guys!

I posted a question the other day and received wonderful answers so I am hoping I can get the same here with this thread. Since I will be doing this alone what are the safety precautions I should be taking? Is it dangerous to go by yourself? Are you supposed to bring mase with you? Sorry if I'm overthinking this. Thanks!

Saira
When are you going? I am leaving Lucca at the end of April. Also going solo.
 
Hi Guys!

I posted a question the other day and received wonderful answers so I am hoping I can get the same here with this thread. Since I will be doing this alone what are the safety precautions I should be taking? Is it dangerous to go by yourself? Are you supposed to bring mase with you? Sorry if I'm overthinking this. Thanks!

Saira
I always found Italy to be a safe place. However culturally Italians do not have much of a concept of personal space. I am from the UK and we normally leave a fair amount of space between us and a person we are talking too. Italians seem to think that you need to be very close to someone to speak to them. This can be off putting for people who come from a culture that respects personal space. This behaviour manifests itself in a number of ways and it is not unusal to see three Italians sharing the mirror in a bathroom. Rather a strange experience when you are washing your hands and are being crowded by a group of Italians combing, shaving, primping etc. The plus side of being in Italy is the excellent choice of food available.
 
Aha my friend Markus. Au contraire.
In Italy they do respect personal space. It’s only different. Depending on the social situation. The most polite Japanese do not mind to be slam packed in a metro. What’s polite in Germany maybe rude in Danemark.So many action may seem rude or less refined, but they are just different. It’s like languages, not everybody had an A in his mother tongue neighter.
So inform yourself what’s proper and what’s not in the country your are a guest of.
Let me quote out of my favorite movie French Kiss:
“... oh it was too charming for me I moved away.... did you know there are 378 official kind of cheeses 378 way to classify when it is basically a bacterial process......do you prefer one cheese to put on one cheeseburger to eat in one restaurant......all I am saying I like the cheese.”
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Hi again Saira,
I'm on the full VF (London to Rome) solo right now. I always walk with the same attitude;
'Whatever can happen to you on the trail, can happen to you at home'.
Your risk level does not increase because you're away, it remains the same...so face it the same way. It's the fear level which increases, not actual risk. In fact, something is more likely to happen at home because of routines, how often you go to places & the amount of time spent there. Apply your usual precautions, judgement & common sense. Without even being aware of it, your brain is constantly assessing risk...trust it.
Remember thousands of women have covered countless kilometres solo without incident. Step forward confidently & with faith; faith you'll be okay & faith that people are basically good.

My personal rules are few;
*always be in before dark
*choose accommodation carefully & book ahead
*never ignore gut feelings.

Of course there are no guarantees but there aren't at home either. You're concerned now which is natural but I'm willing to bet once you're out there on the trail, those fears will slip away...you'll have so many other things to focus on.
👣🌏
What's the VF? Sounds like something I'd like to do :)
 
What's the VF? Sounds like something I'd like to do :)
Hi Kelly Ann, VF is Via Francigena. From London I walked the Pligrims Way to Canterbury & am now tackling the full VF Canterbury to Rome; approx 2100km & 3 months walking. I recently posted my experiences to date; if you're interested to read it, you can search 'Via Francigena - northern France' or under 'Forums' go to 'Live from the Camino' & look for the same heading as above.
👣 🌏
 
Hi Kelly Ann, VF is Via Francigena. From London I walked the Pligrims Way to Canterbury & am now tackling the full VF Canterbury to Rome; approx 2100km & 3 months walking. I recently posted my experiences to date; if you're interested to read it, you can search 'Via Francigena - northern France' or under 'Forums' go to 'Live from the Camino' & look for the same heading as above.
👣🌏

Outstanding!. Good job !
 
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People are projecting their fears and insecurities onto you. Don't let them.

I am pretty sure you are aware bad things can happen because... bad things can always happen.
Just use your common sense and be prepared in case you need to take action.
Thank you for your encouraging words. I'm crying as I write this. I just had an argument with my brother and he was like "why would you want to travel by yourself to another country? What if something happens. I'm a man and I wouldn't do this." Now mind you, he's screaming at me when he was saying this. I started screaming back and told him that "Anything could happen to me. I could get in my car and forget my purse, have no id and get into a car accident and nobody knows who I am. Why everyone is telling me not to go. I don't understand why everyone is being so negative. It's like everyone thinks I'm incapable of doing this". I then walked into my room as started crying. I'm am completely 100% discouraged. I know I can do this.

Several years ago I was very depressed and I just needed to get away from everyone just to be in a positive state of mind. I took a road trip for two weeks. I started in New Jersey where I live and drove down to Georgia, staying in a different town every night. I was crying that first week because I felt so alone but by the time I was in Georgia, I felt so free. I would do that trip a million times over without a doubt. I met awesome people along the way. I feel if I can do that in a depressed state of mind, then I could do this in a positive state of mind. I wish one of you guys would be sitting next to me right now.

I am sooooo discouraged. But at the same time, I feel like this is giving me more strength than ever to do this trip. Im probably going to get the same answers as you guys have already mentioned, but I guess I just need to vent.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
Thank you for your encouraging words. I'm crying as I write this. I just had an argument with my brother and he was like "why would you want to travel by yourself to another country? What if something happens. I'm a man and I wouldn't do this." Now mind you, he's screaming at me when he was saying this. I started screaming back and told him that "Anything could happen to me. I could get in my car and forget my purse, have no id and get into a car accident and nobody knows who I am. Why everyone is telling me not to go. I don't understand why everyone is being so negative. It's like everyone thinks I'm incapable of doing this". I then walked into my room as started crying. I'm am completely 100% discouraged. I know I can do this.

Several years ago I was very depressed and I just needed to get away from everyone just to be in a positive state of mind. I took a road trip for two weeks. I started in New Jersey where I live and drove down to Georgia, staying in a different town every night. I was crying that first week because I felt so alone but by the time I was in Georgia, I felt so free. I would do that trip a million times over without a doubt. I met awesome people along the way. I feel if I can do that in a depressed state of mind, then I could do this in a positive state of mind. I wish one of you guys would be sitting next to me right now.

I am sooooo discouraged. But at the same time, I feel like this is giving me more strength than ever to do this trip. Im probably going to get the same answers as you guys have already mentioned, but I guess I just need to vent.
Vent away...
Just remember the only one stopping you from doing something is you...no-one else has that power unless you give it to them.
Book your flights & then it's a done deal, you're committed. Those around you need to respect your decision & support you. Seems their objections (which may be well-intentioned) are based on fear rather than knowledge &/or experience...both of which members of this Forum have by the bucketload.
👣🌏
 
Last edited:
Thank you for your encouraging words. I'm crying as I write this. I just had an argument with my brother and he was like "why would you want to travel by yourself to another country? What if something happens. I'm a man and I wouldn't do this." Now mind you, he's screaming at me when he was saying this. I started screaming back and told him that "Anything could happen to me. I could get in my car and forget my purse, have no id and get into a car accident and nobody knows who I am. Why everyone is telling me not to go. I don't understand why everyone is being so negative. It's like everyone thinks I'm incapable of doing this". I then walked into my room as started crying. I'm am completely 100% discouraged. I know I can do this.

Several years ago I was very depressed and I just needed to get away from everyone just to be in a positive state of mind. I took a road trip for two weeks. I started in New Jersey where I live and drove down to Georgia, staying in a different town every night. I was crying that first week because I felt so alone but by the time I was in Georgia, I felt so free. I would do that trip a million times over without a doubt. I met awesome people along the way. I feel if I can do that in a depressed state of mind, then I could do this in a positive state of mind. I wish one of you guys would be sitting next to me right now.

I am sooooo discouraged. But at the same time, I feel like this is giving me more strength than ever to do this trip. Im probably going to get the same answers as you guys have already mentioned, but I guess I just need to vent.
"I'm a man and I wouldn't do this".
Well, that is his problem right? LOL
Someone should warn him that he is not the official measurement to anything.

My father and my brother wouldnt do half of the things I do but that does not prevent me from doing what I want.

It must be really discouraging to not have the support of your family and I am so sorry you have to deal with it.

On a positive note, you are clearly a strong woman and it doesn't look like any of this negativity is going to get in your way.
Maybe you should just not share more of your plans with your family. If they don't know about it they can not rain in your parade 😜

There is a FB group for women called Camigas. If you are not a member you should join. I really like to read about other women just doing whatever they want ;)
 

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