It saddens my heart when I comprehend the fear in the hearts of foreign women travelers for my country.
India is doomed when it comes to solo travel for women. But, to state the truth, most of the hype around it is media created. As far as crime is concerned, we all are vulnerable to it in any given country. Therefore, let’s focus on the good part and adopt some simple wisdom, which is also known as common sense.
By following a few rules, you can keep yourself safe and solo travel in India.
Solo Travel Tips in India
If you have never traveled to India and really wish to, follow my guide to solo travel in India, which should help you understand the country better and execute your travel smoothly – Be aware and conscious of Indian culture.
Understand the Indian Culture
First thing first, do make it a point to understand the Indian way of thinking. I don’t intend to generalize, but people in India are mischievous. A certain section of men here like to stare at women in a strange manner. On the contrary, there are men who don’t even look straight in your face! They look down in respect.
So, if you get some derogatory gestures or remarks, you also get a great amount of respect from several men in India. As a foreigner, you can ensure that you dress modestly and don’t get friendly with just about any random man, ignore the unpleasant stares and embrace the respect and warmth.
Play it Safe
This may sound a bit weird because the very purpose of travel is an adventure in some way or the other. Just don’t get too adventurous. I mean, solo travel in a foreign country is an adventure in itself, so avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations.
Don’t go out alone after dusk, or spend the night at a deserted place where there is no network. Have a clear plan as to where you are going and follow it. Let people know your plan as well. Just don’t follow your heart, follow your mind as well.
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Always stay connected
Share your travel experiences constantly with your family back home. Stay connected via phone, email, and social network sites. Also, keep in touch with your hotel manager, tour guide, or travel agent. But, don’t let anybody overprotect you. If you see someone getting too close to you, brush him off.
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Choose good accommodation.
Never ever compromise when it comes to accommodation. No matter how tight your budget is, make sure that you choose a good place to stay. Hold your purse strings in other things like food, transport, and shopping, but never let a cheap hotel stay ruin your safety. By good accommodation, I don’t just mean comfort and amenities; I also mean a decent hotel manager, staff, and co-guests.
Avoid using taxis when you are alone
Public transport, such as buses and local trains are always better modes of commuting compared to taxis. In a city like Delhi, where there are nice AC buses and a large metro network, it is absolutely smooth for a woman to travel on her own.
And in case you need to travel by taxi, make sure that you build a rapport with the Canby. Have your hotel concierge phone a reputable taxi for you. rust your instinct,s and if anything doesn’t feel right, get out of it immediately.
Befriend and accompany good people
There are lots of good people in India, who you can trust and make friends with. Don’t be too afraid to talk to people but follow your instincts. Take help and advice from people who are modest and intend to help you according to ‘your’ interests rather than their own vested interests.
Solo travel in India isn’t as unsafe as it’s made out to be. India is a beautiful country both geographically and culturally, thus, a traveler should feel free to visit it, explore it, and embrace it.
Have you been to India? Do you have any tips to share about solo travel in India?
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