Women’s Solo Travel: 15 Safety & Empowering Tips
As a woman, deciding to travel alone is one of the most powerful things you can do. It’s a journey of freedom, independence, and finding yourself. Almost two-thirds of travellers today are women, which makes the world easier to get around than ever. But it’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous. It’s normal to have questions like “Is it safe?” or “Can I really do this alone?” when you’re thinking about going to a place as beautiful and complicated as Kashmir. Don’t be afraid! Being prepared doesn’t mean being reckless when you travel alone. If you plan ahead and have the right attitude, you can travel almost anywhere in the world with ease and happiness. You can have the empowering, life-changing experience you’ve always wanted on your own trip. This is the best guide you can find, full of useful tips and tricks to make you feel ready and confident for your trip. We’ll talk about everything from how to pack smartly and stay safe to how to enjoy the amazing freedom of being alone. These tips will help you get the most out of your adventure, no matter how experienced you are. Let’s get going! Part 1: The Foundation—Planning and Getting Ready (Before You Leave) Before you leave, there are a lot of things you need to do to make sure your solo trip goes well. The key to confidence is being well-prepared. 1. Learn how to do research well Credit: pexel.com Knowledge is the most important thing you can have before you go anywhere, especially to a place with a unique culture like Kashmir. Doing research on your destination will help you avoid common mistakes, show respect for the local culture, and learn more about it. What to Look Into: Customs and Culture: Find out about the rules of behaviour, dress codes, and social norms in your area. In many parts of India, for instance, it is polite to eat with your right hand. Neighbourhoods that are safe: Find the best and safest places to stay in each city. Check out the reviews and look at a map to see how central the areas are. Some common scams are: A quick search for “tourist scams in [your destination]” can help you avoid a lot of problems. Know about them so you can spot and stay away from them. What’s going on now: If you’re going to places like Kashmir, it’s important to keep an eye on the news and any travel warnings. Pro Tip: Don’t just use general travel guides. Read new blogs and watch YouTube vlogs by other women who travel alone. Their firsthand accounts and useful tips are very helpful. 2. Make a smart and flexible schedule Credit: pexel.com A plan gives you structure and security, but you need to be able to change it if you need to. What to Plan: Book Your First Night: You should always book your first night in a new city. This takes away the stress of having to find a place to stay after a long trip. Plan out your days: You should have a general idea of what you want to do and see each day, but don’t plan too much. Make sure you have time for unexpected adventures! Getting around: Find out how to get from one place to another. It’s important to book trains in India ahead of time. Pro Tip: Make sure you have both a digital and a paper copy of your itinerary. Give a trusted friend or family member back home the digital version so they know where you are most of the time. 3. Don’t pack too much Credit: pexel.com Packing for a trip alone is a tricky business. You should be ready for a lot of different things, but you also want to be able to carry your bags comfortably by yourself. The Basics: The Right Bag: A rucksack that is comfortable and long-lasting is often easier to carry than a suitcase, especially on bumpy streets or crowded trains. Layered Clothing: Bring clothes you can wear in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures. A big scarf or sarong is a must-have for any woman travelling alone. You can use it as a head covering when you go to religious sites, as a shawl to cover up, as a beach towel, or as a blanket. A basic first aid kit should have pain relievers, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any medications you take. A doorstop for extra security in hotel rooms, a personal safety alarm, and a small padlock are all safety items. Pro Tip: Use packing cubes to keep your bag neat and to squeeze your clothes down. This will save you a lot of room and let you find what you need without having to unpack everything. 4. Organise Your Money and Papers Credit: pexel.com Having a smart money plan and keeping your important papers in order can help you avoid a lot of stress. Papers: You should make at least two copies of your passport, visa, and insurance papers. Put them somewhere else than the originals. Store digital copies in your email and in a safe cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. Cash: Change things up: Don’t ever depend on just one source of money. Bring both cash and at least two different debit or credit cards. Tell Your Bank: Tell your bank about your travel plans so they don’t block your cards for strange activity. Cash in an emergency: Put some extra cash, like $100 USD, in a separate bag from your main wallet in case of an emergency. Pro Tip: To keep your cash and cards safe, especially in crowded places, use a money belt or a hidden wallet that you can wear under your clothes. 5. Tell people and connect Credit: pexel.com It is important for your peace of mind and the peace of mind of your loved ones back home to stay in touch. What to Do: Tell Others About
The Best Travel Guide for a Solo Bike Trip to Leh and Ladakh
A Solo Bike trip gives you a special kind of freedom. It’s a direct and immersive way to see the world—feeling the wind, waving to people in remote villages, and seeing the raw, majestic beauty of mountains and rivers up close. You can change your plans on a whim, take an interesting detour, and really connect with the land you’re conquering when you ride a motorcycle. The solo road trip to Leh and Ladakh is the best motorcycle adventure of all time. Every rider dreams of making this trip at some point. It’s a pilgrimage to the “Land of High Passes,” a test of skill and endurance, and a deep personal journey. We all want a perfect, smooth ride, but the truth is that Ladakh’s rough terrain is full of problems. But these problems—the weather that changes, the hard roads, and the times when you’re alone—aren’t problems with the journey; they are the journey. The knowledge you gain and the stories you hear are worth a lot. This is the most complete guide you will ever need. We’ve put together all the information you need to make your dream a reality that is well-planned. This guide will help you get through any problem and make sure that your solo motorcycle trip to Leh and Ladakh is the best adventure of your life. It will help you choose the right bike, the best route, pack the right things, and stay within your budget. About the trip to Ladakh: Not Just a Ride Credit: unsplash.com Every Indian adventurer wants to go on a road trip to Leh. You can fly directly to Leh, but if you choose to ride there, you’re choosing to embrace the adventure in its purest form. It’s about getting the views, learning from the unexpected, and becoming a part of the landscape instead of just a visitor. Going alone makes this experience even better. It makes you depend on yourself, be creative, and be fully present in the moment. It’s a journey that will challenge you, but the reward is a sense of achievement and a connection with yourself that you can’t find anywhere else. The Best Time to Go to Ladakh: Timing is key Credit: unsplash.com The most important choice you’ll have to make for your Ladakh bike trip is when to go. The weather can change quickly, and the high-altitude passes are only open for a few months each year. This is when the highways, especially the Manali-Leh route, first opened, which is from May to early June: Pros: You’ll see fewer tourists and get to see beautiful snow-covered mountains. The scenery is clear and lovely. Cons: There is a high chance that you will run into snow and ice on the roads. The weather can be very cold, and hotels and mechanics in remote areas may still be getting ready to open. Be ready for roads that might be closed. From mid-June to August, this is the busiest time for tourists: Pros: The weather is nice and stable. The roads are mostly in good shape, and all of the mountain passes are open. All of the hotels, guesthouses, and services are open and working. Cons: This is when the most people are there. There will be more traffic on the roads, so you should book your place to stay ahead of time. In other parts of North India, it’s also the monsoon season, which can make it hard to get to the starting points of Srinagar or Manali. Many experienced riders think that this is the best time to ride, from September to mid-October: Pros: The people who came for the summer have gone home. The landscape becomes a beautiful canvas of fall colours, with browns, oranges, and yellows against the deep blue sky. The weather is nice and stable, so you can see a lot. Cons: The cold starts to set in, especially at night. By the end of September, services in faraway places begin to shut down. There is a small chance that the passes will close early because of snow, especially after the first week of October. Verdict: The best and safest time for a first-time solo rider is from mid-June to mid-September. 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. The best roads for a bike trip to Leh Ladakh Credit: unsplash.com Two main roads go to the centre of Ladakh. The path you take will determine what kind of trip you have. Route 1: The National Highway 1 from Srinagar to Leh People often suggest this route for first-timers because the climb is less steep, which makes it much easier to get used to the high altitude. The scenery changes a lot between Kashmir’s lush green valleys and Ladakh’s dry, barren landscapes. Distance: About 420 kilometres Best For: Getting used to the area, beautiful green scenery, and a mix of cultures. Important Passes: Namika La (12,139 ft), Fotu La (13,478 ft), and Zoji La (11,575 ft). A 2-Day Itinerary: Day 1: From Srinagar to Kargil (about 202 km / 6–7 hours): Get up early and leave Srinagar. Crossing the mighty Zoji La pass is the hardest thing to do today. The road can be hard to drive on, but the views are amazing. You will pass through the town of Drass, which is one of the coldest places in the world where people live, and the Kargil War Memorial. Spend the night in Kargil. Day 2: Kargil to Leh (about 217 km / 6–7 hours): Today, the landscape becomes very Ladakhi—barren and beautiful. You’ll cross the
Is Kerala Safe for Solo Female Travelers? What You Need to Know
Dreaming of gliding through Kerala’s backwaters on a houseboat or catching a golden sunset at a cliffside café in Varkala all on your own? If you’re a solo female traveler wondering whether Kerala is safe, the short answer is yes, absolutely, but with some smart travel moves. This Kerala travel guide has got your back. Often called God’s Own Country, Kerala is not just postcard-perfect; it’s also one of the safest places in India for women to explore solo. From high literacy rates to a progressive mindset and respectful locals, Kerala is a breath of fresh air for many women travelers venturing alone. Still, safety is never one-size-fits-all. So, before you pack your bags and start mapping your Kerala solo travel itinerary, here’s what you really need to know to stay safe, empowered, and blissfully carefree. So, how safe is Kerala for solo female travelers, really? Let’s keep it real: Kerala isn’t a magical fairytale land, but it is one of the few states in India where solo women travelers often feel more at ease. Here’s why: Tourist-friendly culture: Locals are warm, helpful, and generally mind their business. You won’t feel stared at or judged constantly (a big relief, right?). Educated & progressive society: With the highest literacy rate in India, Kerala tends to have a more gender-equal vibe. Plenty of women-only options: Think women-run homestays, women’s dorms, and even women-only cabs in some areas. Relaxed vibe: Unlike many Indian cities, Kerala moves at a calm, coastal pace. Less chaos = less stress. Many women say they’ve felt safer wandering through a spice market in Thekkady or hiking solo in Wayanad than walking home in their own city. And that says a lot. Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Kerala Okay, so Kerala is honestly one of the chillest and safest states in India, but hey, solo travel anywhere comes with its own vibe check. Here’s how to stay confident, comfy, and in control while exploring God’s Own Country on your own: 1. Dress for You, But Keep it Local You don’t have to wear a saree or blend in completely, but keeping it modest helps avoid unnecessary stares, especially in smaller towns. Think breezy kurtis, comfy cotton pants, long skirts, or even maxi dresses. You’ll stay cool and culturally respectful. Win-win. 2. Stay Connected Like a Pro Before you set off, share your rough plan with a friend or family. Download tracking apps like Life360 or just use Google Maps’ live location. Also, grab a local SIM card (Jio or Airtel FTW) so you’re never out of the loop, even in the hills or backwaters. 3. Sleep Smart: Pick Safe, Well-Reviewed Stays Your stay = your vibe. Go for homestays, women-run hostels, or guesthouses with glowing reviews from other solo travelers. Bonus if the host is friendly or offers local tours, extra safety, and wholesome hospitality. 4. Late Night? Maybe Skip the Solo Strolls Kerala is peaceful, but night walks in unfamiliar or quiet areas? Not the best idea. If you’re heading out after dark, stick to main roads or call an Uber/Ola or ask your hotel for a reliable cab. 5. Public transport is fine. Just Be Mindful Buses and trains are super budget-friendly, but they can get hectic. Try booking AC compartments or reserved seats if you can. There are women-only sections too, which feel way more chill for solo riders. Best Places in Kerala for Solo Female Travelers 1. Fort Kochi Think: pastel streets, art corners, and cute cafés by the sea. It’s where heritage meets hipster, and honestly, it’s perfect for solo strolls or gallery hopping. Pro tip: Pick a heritage homestay; it’s like staying in a cozy history book with great chai. 2. Munnar Tea plantations as far as the eye can see, misty hilltops, and vibes that scream slow living. Nature is seriously doing the most here. Pro tip: Book your treks and tours through your stay or verified apps; it’s safer, smoother, and supports local guides. 3. Alleppey The backwaters are peaceful beyond words. Renting your own houseboat = pure cinematic vibes. But even a day cruise gives you those dreamy Kerala feels. Pro tip: Not into sleeping on water? Go for a daytime ride and catch golden hour from the deck. 4. Varkala Cliff views, beachy breeze, yoga mornings, and sunset smoothies. It’s the solo traveler’s dream: laid-back and friendly. Pro tip: Stay near the cliffside. It’s where the action, safety, and soul-soothing sunsets all live. What Solo Women Travelers Say About Kerala “I spent 10 days in Kerala on my own and never felt unsafe even when I was hiking solo in Munnar or walking along the beach in Varkala at sunset.” – Ananya, Mumbai “People were so kind. My homestay aunty packed me food for the road every day!” – Mira, Bangalore “It’s the kind of place that lets you be without judgment. I even made a few local friends.” – Leah, London FAQs: Solo Female Travel in Kerala 1. What’s the best time to visit Kerala for solo travelers? The ideal time is between October and March, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. These months also see more tourists, which makes it easier (and often safer) to blend in and meet fellow travelers. Perfect timing for a Kerala family tour or solo escape. 2. Can I use public transport while traveling solo in Kerala? Yes, public transport in Kerala is generally safe and well-connected. Buses and trains are affordable, though trains might be more comfortable for longer distances. For local travel, prepaid taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are recommended by many Kerala tour operators. 3. Are there any Kerala tour packages tailored for solo women travelers? Absolutely! Many travel planners and local operators now offer customized Kerala travel packages designed especially for solo female travelers. These Kerala holiday packages often include curated stays, safe transport, and guided tours with a focus on comfort and safety. 4. How do
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
