Travel Smart, Stay Safe
TIPS FOR SOLO WOMEN TRAVELLERS
With a 750 per cent increase in the last five years, more Indian women are on the road today than ever before. Many, either by choice or by necessity, are travelling alone. The joy of solo travel, and what makes it both challenging and exciting, is the risk and reward. Now, if you’ve been reading the news, it’s fair to think of the world as a scary place. And yet, a little bit of preparation and planning is all that’s needed to stay safe on the road. A few rules from the solo travel safety playbook, from our experience of running multiple women-only travels.
Have a basic plan When visiting a new city, it helps to have a few basics sorted beforehand such as accommodation, transportation options and idea of distances. For some destinations, it’s best to arrive during the day.
Do your research The more you know, the more confident you will be. Each city or town has reputation assigned to its neighbourhoods and it helps to know the general rules of wandering about. Pepper spray or Swiss army knives are compact and handy tools, and a loud whistle can be of use to draw attention.
Find a group Travelling solo brings with it the serendipity of meeting other solo travellers like yourself. New friends and company apart, meeting and travelling with a group for parts of your trip can be both economical and safe. Look up local meet-ups for solo travellers online, or even consider travelling with a company.
Watch that cash Do consider hiding emergency cash in a secret compartment. Distribute your money into smaller amounts and spread them across multiple bags with your other valuables. For important documents, use your hotel safe and keep a padlock for your bags handy.
Have a local go-to number Hotels usually have address cards printed in the local language, which are useful with taxis or for directions. Screenshots of maps on your phone help to stay oriented. Keep the number of the hotel’s concierge.
Stay confident It’s important to stay cool, and be in control. A pretend phone conversation or the omnipresent
imaginary friend can be helpful in warding off unnecessary elements who think solo travellers can be easy prey.
Check-in regularly It’s a good idea for a family member or friend to have a copy of your travel plans, including your flight details, accommodation and schedule.
Get travel insurance Travel insurance is a lifesaver on the road and an absolute must for every traveller. For any missed flights, lost bags, or if you are robbed, travel insurance gives you a muchneeded safety net.
Blend in Choose your wardrobe wisely. Dress like the locals to avoid standing out and attracting uncomfortable attention. If in doubt, a simple shawl can double up as different outfits.
Be self-aware “There are no bad situations, only bad decisions”. Most mishaps happen due to lapses of judgement. A clear, alert, sober mind is the difference between getting in trouble and staying out of it. Always, trust your intuition. If it doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t.