A solo trip to Italy - What the local guide program means to me

As a young Pakistani girl, with horrible memory and an awful sense of direction I found myself at a complete loss when I arrived in Italy, all alone, WITHOUT a sim. Yep, you read that right. I was a broke university student on an extremely limited budget, buying a sim from the airport was obviously not what I had in mind, gotta save every penny you know. I find my way to the bus stop, fortunately get off at the right station, but now what? Despite landing a minute away from my hostel I was absolutely lost. Alone on the streets of Rome with a huge suitcase and a heavy backpack, heart beating fast as I scream my lungs out at a potential thief, I cursed myself for making the worst decision ever! Finally found a shop to get a sim, and tadaa Google maps to the rescue! Couple hours later with every muscle in my body screaming in protest I finally make it to my room and die of exhaustion.

I spent the next 3 months glued to google maps, not only for survival but for fun too! I found nearby halal places to eat, explored Rome, Pisa, Florence, Perugia and Orvieto, and had the time of my life! The local guides program gave me the freedom and the confidence to wander and explore every place to my heart’s content.