TIPS FOR SOLO WOMEN TRAVELLERS
Being a carefree traveller is what most of us aspire to be. But for many women, travelling, and that too alone is a huge task. We just can’t be carefree; women have to be extremely careful of their surroundings and what not but Kapil Goswamy, CMD of Bigbreaks.com is here with just a few tips to keep in mind for the women who love to travel (alone!).
Don’t stint; select a good travel portal/ hotel: First thing first, it is very important to choose a good travel agent/portal. They provide good options of stay (amenities as well as location), local travel, sight- seeing, safety and security. There are all kinds of fly by night operators who can take you for a ride. Good travel agents/portals always do a thorough check and bring you the best. If you are booking on your own, settle for a reputable hotel.
Follow your mind, not your heart: Have fun, by all means, but don’t get too adventurous. As they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans. So, if you are in a place which seems conservative, it’s advisable to conform; you want to enjoy yourself without any hassles, isn’t it? Don’t attempt anything that might possibly be considered “outrageous’’ by local standards. Dress in a way that you do not attract unwanted attention. Avoid expensive jewellery. Don’t venture out alone very late in the evening especially to distant and deserted parts of a city which is not safe. Ignore the stares, embrace the warmth:
When it comes to women travelling solo in India, travel advisories often tell you: not safe, do it at your own risk! But it’s heartening to see that educated, avid women travellers are not put off by them and are willing to discover India for themselves. There will always be some men who will stare and make you uncomfortable, but there are others who
will go out of their way to be helpful. A sane advice would be to ignore the stares. However, do not allow anyone to get familiar, no matter how wellmeaning they seem. Don’t be gullible, play
safe: When you are travelling alone, you can’t but interact with strangers; it will be terribly boring otherwise. Be discreet in who you talk to and make friends with. Anyone who seems too inquisitive or shows undue interest needs to be avoided. Go well-equipped and wellplanned so that you manage things yourself and don’t need to ask people for favours, that’s where trouble often begins. There’s no harm in striking friendship but make sure the vibes are right. One can generally tell.
Stay connected, keep informed: Technology is a boon in this regard, enabling you to stay in touch with family and friends back home. Keep them informed about your whereabouts. Also inform the hotel when you are stepping out. Tell them where you are going so that they know where to contact you in case of an eventuality. Put your valuables in the locker, or deposit them with the reception. Recharge your cell phone battery every day and ensure there’s enough balance; nothing can be worse than be stranded in a new place without enough charge/money in your phone. Prefer public transport over taxi: There is security in numbers, especially when you are travelling alone in a new place. A crowded metro is far safer than a taxi. If you must take a taxi, hire one from an authorised stand and SMS the number to a friend or a family member, or else opt for a radio-taxi. And don’t forget to carry photocopies of all your important documents with you in case you lose the original one on the trip, or, save soft copies on email. Bon voyage!