Rome Alone! More women are travelling alone at Christmas to exotic locations from Havana to Rome

An increasing number of women are considering travelling abroad to escape the stress of a traditional family Christmas. A leading travel expert reveals convents and monasteries provide the perfect location for a secure stay in locations from Italy to Cuba.

ROME, Italy, 2024-Dec-05 — /Travel PR News/ — Christmas can be a very stressful time for women as they attempt to mediate between family members and organise endless lists. It’s no wonder that a leading travel expert says an increasing number are planning to take a solo trip abroad.

Lily Smith, a leading tourism expert from Monasteries.com, says: ‘Our research shows solo women travellers now outnumber solo male travellers by 67% to 37%, while 27% of British women say they are considering a holiday alone. But while a winter vacation to somewhere warmer or a little more exotic is undeniably attractive, 88% of females feel somewhat threatened travelling alone.

‘For many women, the atmosphere and security of a convent, abbey or monastery is perfect at Christmas time. Accommodation is available in locations as fascinating as Rome and even Havana!

‘Naturally, safety is an important consideration for many solo travellers or, for that matter, for groups of women travelling together. Across the range of holiday accommodation, 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 delighted to discover that they are able to stay in monasteries and convents across Europe and beyond. There’s no doubt that monasteries, convents and abbeys make a great getaway for women (as indeed, they do for men and families). They are often more welcoming, encompassing and friendly than an anonymous hotel. Often, the only significant 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 attractive.

‘For example, the Caribbean island of Cuba might not be the first location to spring to mind for women wishing to travel alone at Christmas (it has been a communist country since Castro’s 1959 revolution). However, 58.9% of Cubans are Christian and Christmas was officially reinstated as a public holiday in 1998. The main celebration happens on Christmas Eve, known as “Nochebuena”, when families gather for a traditional feast featuring roast pork, rice and beans.

‘The Convento de Santa Brigida, in the heart of bustling Old Havana, is a lovely convent guest house within walking distance of the beach and most of the capital’s tourist attractions. With newly updated guest rooms, it’s managed by the Sisters of Santa Brígida. They speak English and welcome all travellers and pilgrims for holidays and overnight stays. Rooms are available from a very affordable £40.99 a night, including bed and breakfast, throughout December and January.

‘Alternatively, travellers can rediscover the message of Christmas in Rome, where the Vatican holds 21 days of celebrations. Attractions include the famous Nativity scene in St Peter’s Square, markets, carols and Masses. St Peter’s Basilica and St Peter’s Square are open throughout Christmas and visitors can even attend the Christmas Mass at the Vatican during this time.

‘Casa Margherita Teresa, managed by the Convittrici del Bambin Gesù, is both secure and affordable. It’s away from the centre of Rome and caters to a diverse range of guests, including families and solo travellers. It offers single, double, triple and quadruple rooms, all of which come equipped with private bathrooms. One benefit is that the Casa offers full board for those who want to feel a part of the community and share in its meals over the holidays. There’s also a chapel on the premises for guests who are looking for a spiritual Christmas break. Rooms are available from just £57.30 a night this December, with full board costing from £94.70.

‘Moving to the centre of Rome, Domus Australia is located in Via Cernaia within the walls of the old city of Rome and is a five-minute walk from Porta Pia. It’s just a ten-minute walk from Termini Station (Rome’s main train station), making it a convenient starting point for exploring Rome and Vatican City. Domus Australia was established by the Catholic Church in Australia so that pilgrims travelling to Rome would have a place to stay during their visit. However, you don’t need to be Australian, or even religious, to be welcome there. Ensuite rooms are available from £156 a night in December.

‘It’s true that accommodation in monasteries can mean missing out on some of the more extravagant hotel luxuries, although all provide comfortable sleeping quarters, with most now offering ensuite facilities. While there may not be a TV in every room, this adds to the peaceful ambience, away from the demands of a commercial Christmas.

‘For an increasing number of women travellers, explaining the security and ease of monasteries, convents and abbeys is like preaching to the choir. 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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