Tips And Tricks for a Solo female traveler
A solo female traveler faces many encounters anywhere in the world and feels a little bit nervous about it, few questions might be popping into your head, Is Kashmir safe to travel for a solo female traveler? Can I travel to Kashmir Alone? What is the safest city to travel to for solo female travelers in Kashmir? Traveling solo as a woman can be an exciting and empowering experience nearly two-thirds of today’s travelers are women, but it’s also natural to have some concerns about safety and comfort. Fear not! With a little planning and preparation, you can set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable solo trip to Kashmir or anywhere in the world. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and tricks for solo female travelers to help you feel confident and prepared for your journey. From packing the right gear to staying safe and healthy, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler or a first-timer, these tips will help you make the most of your trip. So, let’s get started! Key Highlights: – Do your research Make copies of important documents Stay connected Be aware of the surroundings Stay healthy Meet new people Embrace solo travel Don’t be afraid to ask for help Pack Smart Have a backup plan Read, Watch & Save Prepare a schedule Do your research Credit: pexel.com Before you go to Kashmir or anywhere in the world Alone, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your destination and any potential safety concerns. Look into the local culture and customs, as well as any areas that might be off-limits or unsafe for solo female travelers in Kashmir. It can also be helpful to read reviews from other solo female travelers who have toured Kashmir or the place you want to visit recently or join online groups or forums to get their insights and advice. Make copies of important documents Credit: pexel.com It’s a good idea to make copies of your passport, insurance documents, and any other important papers and leave them with a trusted friend or family member. That way, if you lose your originals, you’ll have a backup. You can also keep electronic copies in a secure location, such as a password-protected file on your computer or a secure email account. Stay connected Credit: pexel.com It’s important to have a way to stay in touch with loved ones while you’re traveling alone in Kashmir, make sure you have a fully charged phone with an international calling plan, and consider bringing a portable charger or power bank to keep your phone charged on the go. It’s also a good idea to let a trusted friend or family member know your itinerary and check in with them regularly. Be aware of your surroundings Credit: pexel.com It’s always a good idea to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling solo. Trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation if something doesn’t feel right. Avoid walking alone at night and try to stick to well-lit, busy areas. It can also be helpful to carry a personal alarm or pepper spray for added security. Stay healthy Credit: pexel.com Solo travel can be exciting and exhausting, so taking care of yourself while you’re on the road is important. Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and don’t be afraid to take breaks when you need them. It’s also a good idea to research local health concerns and consider getting any necessary vaccinations before your trip. Meet new people Credit: pexel.com Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Join tours, or group activities, or simply talk with locals or other travelers. Not only will this help you feel less lonely, but it can also be a great way to learn about your destination and make new friends. Embrace solo travel Credit: pexel.com Finally, remember that traveling solo can be a great opportunity to challenge yourself and learn more about yourself. Embrace the independence and freedom that solo travel brings and make the most of your trip. Don’t be afraid to try new things and step outside your comfort zone – it’s all part of the adventure! Don’t be afraid to ask for help Credit: pexel.com if you need assistance or have any questions, don’t be shy to ask someone for help. You can also seek out resources like tourist information centers or embassy staff if you need advice or support on how to travel safely as a female solo traveler in Kashmir Pack smart Credit: pexel.com When packing for your trip, think about the items that will make your trip more comfortable and convenient. A money belt or hidden wallet can help keep your valuables safe, and a doorstop or portable alarm can give you some extra peace of mind when staying in unfamiliar places. It’s also a good idea to bring copies of important documents, such as your passport and insurance information. Have a backup plan Credit: pexel.com Let someone back home know your itinerary. It’s always a good idea to have a trusted friend or family member who knows your travel plans and can check in on you. Read, Watch & Save Credit: pexel.com Read some personal blogs and articles on solo female travelers who have recently visited Kashmir and watch out for their latest experience of Kashmir as a Solo traveler. This will boost your confidence with some real travels goal, and also give you a glimpse of package details & best places to visit Kashmir as a solo female traveler. Prepare a schedule Credit: pexel.com Bookmark or take screenshots of places near your hotel including monuments, local events, and the best place to visit nearest to your hotel as a solo female traveler in Kashmir, do not forget to leave a review back so that it will be helpful for a solo female traveler like you. With a little planning and preparation,
A solo motorcycle road trip to Leh and Ladakh – The Ultimate Travel Guide 2023
Motorcycling trips are a unique way to enjoy a solo motorcycle road trip on the best bike to Leh and Ladakh and get into the hinterlands—to interact with locals, wave at the mighty mountains and raging rivers from up close, and get a much more organic taste of the terrain that you are coming into contact with. A motorbike also allows you to alter plans, take detours, and better engage with the world around you. Do you know that motorcycles are extremely fuel-efficient? Although we all know that bikes are more fuel-efficient than cars or trucks, an average budget-segment bike can travel 300 to 400 kilometers on a single tank. Every biker, regardless of gender, wishes to go on an adventurous Leh-Ladakh bike trip at least once in their life. While they fantasize about a faultless journey, the reality is fraught with flaws. Recognizing that bikers are bound to encounter a few obstacles on a rugged landscape like that of Leh and Ladakh, we’ve made every effort to compile all of the information in this blog that will assist them in overcoming any such difficulties along the way. Table of Content About the Ladakh road trip The best month to travel to Ladakh Best routes of Leh Ladakh by road Best Bike for Leh Ladakh Road Trip Things to carry during Ladakh Bike Trip Where to stay during a bike trip to Leh Ladakh Duration of a Ladakh Road Trip Bike trip cost for Led Ladakh Trip About the Ladakh road trip Credit: unsplash.com Leh Ladakh Road Trips are at the top of the list of the most sought-after road trips in India. Instead of flying directly into Leh from Delhi, Srinagar, Hyderabad, Chennai, or anywhere else in India, people prefer a road trip on a bike, which is full of adventures and all the unexpected obstacles you will face, as well as all the lessons you will learn from them. This wisdom is priceless because it is part of your story. The best month to travel to Ladakh. Credit: unsplash.com Highways generally open from early May to late October; sometimes the opening of highways depends on weather and road conditions, and it is always advised to travel as early as possible to avoid the late-month rush, road damage, and mountain passes that come with these adventurous roads. The months allow bikers to enjoy the best of Ladakh; most bikers like to start the New Year with this crazy bike journey because Ladakh offers incredible panoramas that can be cherished all year. Best routes of Leh Ladakh by road Credit: unsplash.com Whether you start in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa, or anywhere else in India, you will see beautiful villages, war memorials, Himalayan valleys, Gurudwaras, monasteries, and more, on your trip from Srinagar to Leh. This is a comprehensive trip that will introduce you to many facets of Ladakh. You will visit spectacular locations on this exciting Leh road trip. Fill your eyes with the sights, sounds, and essence of Ladakh, whether it’s the green fields of Sonamargh or the quaint and happy villages on the banks of the Sindh River. This 434-kilometer journey allows you to appreciate the true majesty of our beautiful Mother Nature’s wonderful creations. BEST ROUTE MAP – 400 KM Srinagar – Sonmarg – Drass – Kargil – Mulbek – Lamayaru – Saspol – Leh Best Bike for Leh Ladakh Road Trip Credit: unsplash.com There is no perfect bike for Ladakh; every bike is best on its own. Talking about first things first, every biker must give his or her overall focus to their first love, which is their bike. So whenever you’re choosing a bike for any journey, make sure you opt for suitability more than popularity. Consider it one of the most important aspects of your Led Ladakh trip; any bike that is at least 150 cc or above is good to go. Some of the most popular 2023 bikes for Leh-Ladakh road trips are: Yamaha’s R15 v4—a stylish bike with a SOHC FI engine displacement of 155 CC—comes with a dozen flagship features like VVA, Slipper Clutch, Traction Control, Upside-Down Front Forks, Dual Channel ABS, Projector Head Light, Big Fuel Tank, and Bluetooth connectivity. Baja Pulsar RS200 & Dominar: A rigid bike from Indian manufacturer Bajaj offers great features at a very affordable cost, like a 200CC engine, DTS-I technology, dual projector headlights, dual channel ABS, and 13-liter tanks. Royal Enfield: A powerful bike with an engine of either 350 CC or 500 CC is enough to be a lifesaver on road trips. KTM Duke: Being a featherweight bike, it can be useful on roadways like those in Ladakh with a new engine version of Fight It out 390. And the Duke 250 from KTM can be an excellent option for a bike trip to Ladakh. Things to carry during Ladakh Bike Trip Credit: pexels.com What you will pack for a bike trip will certainly be your own choice, but there are certain things to keep in mind while you pack your bag for the Leh-Ladakh trip. Going on a bike trip is like hard-core backpacking through the roughest of mountains. It is an adventure trip to Ladakh, which requires light packing while still carrying all the basic requirements. While packing your belongings, keep the following trip preparations for a solo bike ride to Leh Ladakh in mind. Choose a waterproof, strong, and sturdy carry bag. Utilize the space. Wrap your sunscreen, toothbrush, and other essentials inside a towel. Valid photo identity proofs, including your driver’s license, are also required. Carry sweatshirts, tees, jeans, shorts, shirts, tracks, innerwear, socks, a towel, and other clothing that you may feel is necessary. Ripping gears are required. Carry a Swiss army knife for self-defense because riding a bike automatically raises the risk level. Where to stay during a bike trip to Leh Ladakh Credit: pexels.com You can find multiple hotels and guesthouses in Srinagar and Leh too,
Travel Tips to Remember on Your Solo Trip in India
Source: Real travels The idea of traveling alone for the first time in life is both thrilling and terrifying. It is a completely different experience that is both eye-opening and unique in its own way. It offers one an opportunity for self-reflection and growth with the joy of boundless freedom looming on for the first time. It can also feel daunting, especially if you’ve never traveled alone before. As you travel the length and breadth of the country of India, you are greeted by diverse nuances of cuisines, faiths, arts, crafts, music, nature, lands, tribes, history, adventure sports, and countless other encounters. India has a mesmerizing combination of both the old and the new. The tips and tricks on this list are broad and thus, it will help you when you’re traveling alone for the first time in India no matter where you go or how long you travel. Pack lightly Packing light can seem like a huge challenge. If you’re the kind of person who’s always at the receiving end of being the one dragging your luggage, then you must reconsider that on your trip to India. The narrow but long stretches of roads in India aren’t very kind to huge and heavy luggage and while traveling alone, if your baggage becomes too heavy to carry, assistance in any form will be extremely limited. Pack your travel documents, cash & cards carefully Theft is a serious issue that has always plagued tourists in India so it is always advisable to keep your belongings as secure as possible at all times. You must always safeguard your travel documents, cards, and cash and this should be an important aspect of your packing. Never pack or store all of your cash and credit cards in the same bag. Split cash and cards and keep them in separate compartments of your bag and backups separately. Also, make copies of all your important documents lest you fall prey to theft or pickpocketing, and keep the business card of your hotel in your bag or wallet. Safety first and foremost Learn about your particular destination and its safe surroundings where you can avail yourself of assistance. Check and know if there are any areas you should avoid. Learn the safest routes to take and the best forms of public transportation. Understanding more about the area you’re visiting can help you choose lodgings with good safety ratings. When solo traveling in India, always be wary about going out by yourself at night, depending on where you are. Research your destination Every part of India has something to offer to anyone willing to visit but, picking the right destination can make all the difference, with some places more suited to solo travel than others. Make sure to be well-versed and acquainted with your destination before you venture out on your solo trip to any part of India. Do the required research, search through the internet, read blogs, find out people who have been to the place before, and talk to them. Getting enough information about the place beforehand is an absolute must. Shared or communal housing While on a solo trip in India, choosing a hostel or homestay where you are surrounded by people will likely increase your chances of meeting more like-minded people or fellow solo travelers. Not only this but staying in a hostel can also open you up to many interesting opportunities that one may miss while going solo. Also, it is considerably and comparatively safer than being in a hotel room all alone and having no one to socialize with. Dress a Little More Reservedly As with traveling anywhere in India where cultural customs are valued and honored, it is important to research and find out what the local dressing standards of the region are, and adhere to them. Indians can be quite reserved in this regard and dressing in provocative clothing can be seen as disrespectful to their beliefs and culture. In India’s case, modesty is of utmost importance, and for the women, keeping their shoulders and knees covered is a sign of respect to the elders. Take a scarf or a shawl when you’re in India since you are expected to cover up at religious sites and temples. Talk to the locals An unforgettable and unique solo travel experience in India would be getting to meet and observe the local community in all the different parts of India. Locals in all the corners of India love it when tourists make effort to learn the language hence you will get to experience the love and hospitality of Indians and you might not feel so alone as you make friends along the way. Choose public transport While you solo travel in India, make sure to use public transportation or shared taxis for commuting from one place to another. It will give you two advantages: first, let go of the fear of hiring a rental taxi and go alone to wander the place. Second, it’s much easier to meet people if you use public transportation or a shared taxi. It is not only safe and pocket-friendly but also gives you more opportunities to meet new people. Don’t be offended by Stares or Questions It is very normal to get curious stares when you’re traveling around in a new country since you naturally happen to look very different from the locals. Don’t let these curious stares scare you and hinder your experience in India. In a few instances, some locals might even approach you and ask for a photo with you. If the situation makes you uncomfortable or you are not a picture person, you can politely decline and walk away. The curiosity may even be in the form of inquiries and Indians do this by way of asking a multitude of questions, some of them can be quite personal. A piece of advice would be that you do not get offended, as these are
Unexplored things to do in Kashmir!
The amusing moments from the Manali Trip in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, the king of romance Shah Rukh Khan dancing on Jiya Re in Jab Tak Hai Jaan, the best friends trio reuniting in 3 Idiots, or Siddharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt shooting Ishq Wala Love in SOTY. All of these epic scenes are shot in none other than the beautiful valleys of Kashmir. Kashmir is popularly known as the “Heaven on Earth” for its jaw-dropping scenery. Every year thousands of tourists are enticed by the beauty of Kashmir. To live in Kashmir is truly a heavenly experience. Read out this blog to find out about some of the unique experiences in Ladakh. Pari Mahal, Kashmir beautifully captured by Yaser Nabi Mir, credits: Unsplash 1. A night in Houseboat You may have experienced boating in the lake, but what about spending a night in a lake with serenity? The Dal Lake is famous not only for its mesmerizing beauty but the houseboat experience. Whether you are going with your family, friends, or soulmate, you will absolutely love this experience. You can rent a houseboat on the spot but preferably book them in advance as it gets really busy during peak time. They come with a variety of options including facilities like WiFi, meals, location, etc. You can enjoy the view of Dal Lake from the comfort of your bedroom. Cost: Rs. 3500-4500, for 2 adults, including meal Facilities: WiFi, meals, tours, common room areas. Spend a night in houseboats in Kashmir. Picture by Raisa Nastukova, credits: Unsplash 2. Mountain view from the Top While traveling by road you can surely experience the amazing view. But the beauty of Kashmir gets magnified when you view it from the top. You can enjoy the snow-capped peaks at the end of May, when the summer season reaches an end, making the climate suit best for your vacation. The cable cars and chair lifts in Kashmir are loved by people of all ages. They are even comfortable for sightseeing. Cable car ride for best experiences, credits: Pixabay They come with the following options: Route1: Gulmarg to Kongdoori – Cable Car Route 2: Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak – Cable Car Route 3: Kongdoori to Mary Shoulder – Chair Lift Timings: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Rs. 600 to 800 for Cable Car, Rs. 300 for Chair Lift 3. Fly High as a Bird If you are an adventure lover, then paragliding is just for you! The majestic valley beneath offers jaw-dropping views. Fly like a free bird in this “Heaven on Earth.” Paragliding in Harwan is most easily accessible as it is on the route of the Mughal Garden. To experience this adrenaline rush, you must visit Kashmir! Where: Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Bhaderwah, Sanasar, Harwan (Srinagar). Cost: Rs. 4500 for a flight of 10 minutes (approx.) Enjoy best scenic views by paragliding in Kashmir, credits: Unsplash 4. Shikara Ride The best part of planning a vacation in Kashmir is the serene environment. Shikara is a light rowing boat, decked in local traditions. It is a symbol of local culture. Shikara Ride always ranks 1st in top-to-do things in Kashmir. Away from the hustle-bustle of the city, you can enjoy the calm beauty and relax here. It also offers sightseeing with no chaos. You can visit Nishat and Shalimar Gardens, Char Chinar, Hazratbal Mosque, and Nehru Park. Where: Dal Lake (Srinagar) and Manashal Lake (Sonamarg) Timings: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Rs. 200 to 250 per person Scenic view of Shikara ride in serene Dal lake, shot by Eshani Mathur credits: Unsplash 5. Ride on a Pony You can travel by car and bike in the city but in Kashmir, you can have fun in Pony Ride. Pony is used as a local transportation form in Kashmir. High in the valleys, where engine vehicles can not be used, Pony is the only medium to travel. You can go to Baisaran in Pahalgam. It is known as the “Mini Switzerland” for its scenic beauty. You can take a pony ride to enjoy the life of Kashmir and get some Insta-worthy pictures. Where: Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Yusmarg, Gulmarg Cost: Rs. 1000 to 1600 per person Enjoy Pony ride in Kashmir with your loved ones. Credits: Pixabay 6. Walkthrough Heritage The best way to explore a new city is by roaming around in the streets, interacting with people, and knowing about the folklores. Take a trip down to the local streets. Each and every corner of Kashmir holds unique tales depicting its culture. The Kashmiri people are amiable and you can always learn about their traditions from them. You will get to witness a blended mix of three different religions as you visit monasteries, mosques, and temples. Be it some of the famous Buddhist monasteries like Hemis Monastery or the Jama Masjid, you will see the transformation of architecture over the centuries. The calm environment and deeply enrooted tales will surely leave you with some mindboggling facts about Kashmir. Exquisite Tulip Garden in Kashmir, shot by Arif Khan, credits: Unsplash Here we have summarised some of the must-to-do unique activities in Kashmir. Also, you can enjoy adventure sports such as river rafting, hot air ballooning, trekking, skiing, snowboarding, golfing, camel safari, camping, and much more. And, who does not love shopping or eating? Make sure to visit the local markets to try out the best cuisine and buy Kashmiri articles as a memoir of your trip. From Bollywood to international tourists, Kashmir can always entice people with its beauty. Be ready to get hypnotized by the picturesque view of Kashmir and make your trip the best one!
Experience of a Solo Woman Backpacker in India
India is a challenging destination for a wide variety of reasons that include the population density, extreme weather, transportation delays, the proliferation of scammers, Delhi belly, culture shock, etc but at the same time it is beautiful, historical, fascinating and a land of many hidden jewels with beautiful hearts. It started with complete nervousness “I was very skeptical to come to India and travel all over India alone with such a young company. My first night of the experience was when I was the most nervous, I had to take a train from Kochi to Bangalore where my experience was to begin but I had a hard time locating the platform on which the train was supposed to come, India can be unorganized at some times. All the anxiety, the fear, the terror came onto me once and my uneasiness gripped me hard. I knew I was being nervy and just needed someone to reassure me that everything is fine. So, I contacted my experience captain at The Tarzan Way. He made me realize that this is very normal in India and I just have to find platform number 3 and board the train there. When I finally got on the train and settled in, I lost the signal on my phone. I couldn’t contact anyone but I knew the train is the right one, the people are nice and I could reach out to The Tarzan Way if I had any kind of emergency” You can plan your own personalized experience with The Tarzan Way at their Travel Support page. My first location, the Garden City “I reached Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, and started my travel journey with TTW. Loved the architecture in India! Bangalore was mainly a transit city so I didn’t have many plans to explore the city. I had a lot of curiosity to visit and see the beautiful structure of the IIM Bangalore built by the very famous award-winning architect but due to some unforeseen political problem, I wasn’t able to visit it. The hostel I stayed in was amazing and a perfect fit for youngsters but the only little problem I had was that the size of the room. I was lucky enough to experience the beautiful and colorful annual flower show festival held in Lal Bagh Park and tried some amazing fish in one of the cafes around. I also ensured my visit to the National Gallery of Modern Art as the best way to experience one’s culture is through the art they create.” Ahmedabad was just amazing for me! “As I wanted to experience all the modes of transportation in India, TTW managed my travel from Bangalore to Ahmedabad by flight. Ahmedabad, the city endowed with a rich architectural heritage, was one I was really fascinated about, so I decided to stay there for 5 days. The vibe of Ahmedabad was great! TTW beautifully crafted my itinerary and managed to include everything I wanted. First thing was to visit IIM Ahmedabad, which was one of the reasons for my whole trip to India, and it was amazing! Then I visited the National Institute of Design and met some of the architecture students who suggested me some places to visit as an architect and soon I realized that the moment you open up and initiate some conversation, people are more willing to help and discuss with you. They love to show their culture, suggest their favorite places, and show local activities. Very close to the sunset, I saw a beautiful Riverfront flower park. I wanted to take the picture of a flower so I went inside where a guard saw me and insisted to pay for the entry and the camera. He insisted to take me to the ticket booth and forced me to follow him as he wanted to take advantage and make me pay because I was a tourist…So when we quit the park, I just stopped following him and went out of that area. Le Corbusier was a very famous modern architect and one of my major reason to visit Ahmedabad. He built some famous houses and museums that I wanted to visit. Ville Shodan was a success as the family allowed outsiders to visit. The day ended with a very delicious dinner at Gordhan Thal suggested by TTW. The people there were very nice and helpful. Overall, Ahmedabad was chill and I didn’t hesitate to go to some institutes or unis and chill in their green area, the food there was cheap and the ambiance was peaceful.” Next stop, meeting the TTW Team and exploring Delhi “I took the night sleeper train to Delhi. Everything was fine, people were kind and even if I didn’t understand, I saw how their bond began to evolve. At first, no one knew each other, so it was a little awkward to sit like that. But soon people began to talk, to discuss and then after 2-3 hours, they were friends. I reached Delhi and met a sari seller in Old Delhi bazaar who taught me how to deal with sellers as a tourist. I was lucky to always meet people who were nice and respectful. The heritage of Delhi was just mesmerizing My hostel in Delhi was really cool and clean. So after I refreshed myself in my room, I met Naman, The TTW member who planned my trip. He along with another TTW member came to take me from my hostel and we went to have lunch together. They showed me how to use the metro, how to deal with the drivers, and so on. I had some knowledge and experiences so it was not entirely new for me. But for someone who is new to Indian culture, this service is just amazing!! Then we went shopping and since we get along pretty well,
14 MUST-DO Tips for every Solo Woman Traveler in India
To travel across the country solo with nothing but a backpack is on a lot of bucket lists, men and women alike, however, it won’t be an exaggeration for me to say that it is especially difficult for women to take on such an adventure. There are certainly major concerns about safety due to India’s dubious reputation in terms of ensuring safety for women, however, there are lots of inspiring stories of those who have traveled alone and found it to be the most enriching experience of their lives. Shivya Nath left her stable corporate job to travel the world at 23, after her solo trip to Indonesia. This is the power of travel, more importantly, solo travel, it makes you get in touch with not only yourself but your surroundings. India is a beautiful country with amazing diversity in terms of people, locations, food, clothing, etc, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore that. Read more about Female solo travel in India in the blog written by Mariellen!! Magnificent Taj Mahal, Credits: Julian Yu Here is a complete guide for solo women travelers in India so that you can take on the trip of a lifetime. 1) Pick the right hotel– One of the most important things is to ensure that you’ve picked a reputable homestay/hotel. Try to pick one right in the middle of a market or a crowded area and stay away from isolated ones. Make sure to read the reviews and get yourself familiar with where you’re going to stay. Try to stay in residential areas that are known to be safe and steer clear of the shady, cheap hotels. This plays a very major role in ensuring your safety during travel and makes you feel comfortable with your surroundings. On the off chance that you find your homestay/hotel shady, don’t hesitate and immediately leave. This is one thing that you should readily spend on to make sure that where you’ll be staying is safe. Credits: Marcus Loke 2) Keep someone informed about your travels– It’s nice to have a travel buddy, not necessarily one that comes with you but stays updated about your travel itinerary and whereabouts. This can be anyone, from your family member to a friend, just someone whom you can inform about which places you’ll be visiting on your trip. Make sure to keep them updated of where you’re going, how you’re going and when you’ll be coming back so that they can take swift action in case of an emergency. Credits: Brooke Cagle 3) Choose the right spaces– In most public transport they have designated spaces for women, be it in buses or metros. Try to choose such spaces to steer clear of unwanted trouble. Even in restaurants, they have a ‘family section’ so head straight for that. In general, choose more spaces where you’ll find more women or families. Even in a market, don’t head out to an isolated shop in a basement/any far away area. Try to be in spaces that are women or family-friendly. Credits: Patrick Tomasso 4) It’s okay to be rude– If you don’t feel comfortable in a situation, walk away. Don’t hesitate or think that it might be rude for you to do that, nothing comes before your safety. If you feel someone is staring at you, or if someone is invading your personal space, just walk away. It’s okay to be rude when someone makes inappropriate remarks. It’s okay to be rude when your gut instinct — your intuition — tells you something is off. Social étiquette doesn’t matter when it comes to personal safety and wellbeing. Credits: Clayton Fidelis 5) Do your research – This rule applies to every traveler everywhere, do your research about wherever you’re going. This will help you a lot not only in organizing the trip in a much better manner but also knowing what to do in times of an emergency. Learn about the safer spaces you can go to in times of an emergency. Get familiar with the emergency numbers of the particular place and do remember some in case you don’t have your phone with you. This little research will go a long way in making you feel safe and comfortable. Caution, not fear, is what will make your trip much more exciting and fun. Credits: Tran-Mau Tri Tam 6) Dress accordingly– Let’s face it, there are still certain places in India where wearing dresses or shorts might not be the best idea. In certain conservative places, you might stand out if everyone is wearing a saree/suit while you wear shorts. Not to say that you have to wear traditional Indian clothes to travel solo here, but just to make sure you don’t stand out, dress according to the place you’re going to. As they say, when in Rome, do as Romans do. This will allow you to merge better with the crowd and not stick out. Credits: Janu Prasad 7) Use transportation strategies– To start, get someone to pick you up at the airport when you land. Many good hotels and guest houses will arrange this for you. When you’re leaving the hotel, ask them to arrange a good cab/local transport for you. Don’t be hesitant to ask for assistance, when leaving a bar or restaurant, get someone to walk you to an auto or taxi. Or call someone, and loudly tell them the number of the taxi, so the driver can hear. Such small things can go a long way in ensuring safety. Plan your trip so that you don’t land anywhere in the middle of the night, stay connected and keep someone informed about your whereabouts. Credits: Peter Kasprzyk 8) Consider timings while going out– It’s best to explore any location in daylight. Not only does it allow you to explore it in all its glory but it is also much safer to travel in broad daylight. Leave your hotel/homestay early
