Halle Bailey’s ‘Tuscany’ Inspires Solo Italian Travel

Watching Halle Bailey light up the screen as Anna in the new rom-com “You, Me & Tuscany” brought back a flood of memories for me. It instantly transported me back to my own solo adventure through Italy a few years ago. While rom-coms often paint a picture of scripted romance, the film truly captures the essence of what solo travel in Italy can feel like, especially for Black women.

Italy: The Perfect Solo Escape for Black Women

Italy consistently ranks as one of Europe’s safest destinations, making it an ideal choice for solo female travelers. Beyond safety, Italy offers a unique communal vibe that makes you feel welcome, even when navigating new languages and customs. Much like my own upbringing, food is central to Italian culture, creating a sense of familiarity and comfort. The country rewards spontaneity, allowing you to wander through ancient streets, explore world-class museums, or savor incredible meals at your own pace.

Whether you choose to travel by air, train, or bus, getting around Italy is generally quite easy. While Ubers are primarily available in major cities, it’s wise to arrange transportation in advance when visiting smaller towns or rural areas. This blend of accessibility and cultural richness makes Italy a dream destination for those seeking an empowering solo journey.

Rome: Embracing the Eternal City’s Charm

Rome, the Eternal City, is a place where history breathes alongside vibrant modern life. To truly experience it, I recommend a loose itinerary focused on early morning visits to iconic sites like the Colosseum and Vatican City before the crowds arrive. Beyond the major landmarks, Rome offers incredible dining, lively nightlife, and luxury shopping, especially around the Spanish Steps.

Staying in the Centro Storico (historic center) or the popular Trastevere neighborhood provides easy walking access to attractions like the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Locally guided tours are invaluable for understanding the city’s rich history, but don’t forget to leave room for spontaneous discoveries – like stumbling upon a hidden alleyway in Trastevere after a delicious cacio e pepe.

Florence: Art, Pasta, and a Slower Pace

Florence offers a more relaxed pace compared to Rome, serving as the capital of the Tuscan region. Here, iconic art comes to life, from Michelangelo’s David to Brunelleschi’s Dome at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. I found myself lingering over a local cheese and wine board at Piazza della Signoria before immersing myself in the Gucci Garden Gallery and the historic Uffizi Gallery.

A personal highlight was taking a pasta-making class – a long-held dream. Learning to make fresh fettuccine and layer lasagna with homemade béchamel connected me to Italian cuisine in a profound way. Sharing that meal with newfound friends felt like finding a sense of home, reinforcing the traveler’s adage that home can be found in many places.

Tuscany: Finding ‘Main Character Energy’ in Pienza

A day trip to the charming Tuscan town of Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offered a peaceful contrast to the bustling cities. My guided tour felt like a blend of sightseeing and a personal photoshoot, complete with opportunities to taste incredibly fresh olive oil and Pecorino cheese. Pienza, with its beautifully preserved Renaissance architecture, felt like stepping into a romance novel.

The simpler pace of life in Pienza allowed for moments of reflection and the thrill of capturing the perfect photo. Seeing the landscape through a local’s eyes deepened my connection to the place, leaving me with memories worthy of “main-character status.” While I didn’t find romance in a vineyard like Anna in the movie, I discovered a renewed sense of softness and curiosity within myself.