Solo International Travel Tips For Women: While it’s not always simple or enjoyable, travelling alone as a woman may be a blast. Moreover, there are a few things you should keep in mind when travelling alone if you want to enjoy it. Pre-reserving your accommodation, airfare, train, taxi, and other modes of transportation is highly recommended for all legs of the trip. Always reserve your hostel room in advance if you enjoy travelling light. You will generally hear people say these things. The top 10 advice items that you should be aware of before travelling alone are given below.
10 TIPS FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRIP
1. Dress Modestly: Yes, this tops the list because it is one of the most important points. As the old adage goes when in Rome, do as the Romans do, it is necessary to blend in with the crowd, or at least not look too much like a tourist, so as to avoid unnecessary attention. You can of course don anything you please, but avoid skin show and revealing clothes. PS: I have no intention to hurt the sentiments of any feminists by listing this out, but it’s for safety’s sake!
2. Pack Lights: Being a girl, it is difficult to part with that night cream, hair straightener, the LBD you bought last week and the lovely pink blush, and of course, those sexy leather boots, right? But while packing, ask yourself, if you will really use any of it, and if it is absolutely needed. If not, then leave it back home (you can thank me later for this advice)! Carrying heavy bags is an added pain and I’m saying so from personal experience!
3. Be Aware: Be aware of your surroundings and beware of your fellow travellers. If you feel someone is following, cross the road and head towards a bunch of people. Look after your belongings all the time, and don’t leave them behind even if you need to use the restroom. Beware of over-friendly folks, coz not everyone who appears nice is actually nice! It’s ok to be cynical sometimes, especially while you are travelling alone, and for your own security!
4. Pepper Spray, Swiss knife And a Whistle: These tiny items will barely occupy any place in your bag. Remember, prevention is better than cure. So carry this safety kit, which you may actually not have to use. But at least you know, you’re prepared!
5. Daytime Arrival: Try and book your tickets such that you reach the destination in the daylight. This will give you a chance to explore the area around your hotel well. However, if you do arrive at night, ask your hotel to send a cab instead of hiring any odd taxi off the road. Safety first, fellow travellers!
6. Carry Hotel Details Around: Remember how we used to have a school badge pinned to our uniform as kids? Of course, you don’t have to pin anything to your dress, but keep your hotel card handy. If you don’t have the card, then note down the details of the place where you are waiting, on a piece of paper. Inform the hotel authorities where you are headed and ask them how safe it is.
7. Photocopy Your Documents: It is important to carry at least one photocopy of each of the documents that you are carrying. If you were to lose any of the important documents, this could be useful, while reporting to the police.
8. Lie Convincingly: If you want, you can flaunt a wedding band. However, it is difficult to tell whether one is married or not, especially in India, unless you apply sindoor or wear ‘mangalsutra’ around your neck. You don’t have to go this extreme to fake it. But in case someone approaches you, at a bar, restaurant, bus or even train (yes, people try and hit on you on trains too), tell them your boyfriend is on the way, or you are going to meet him later. Lie convincingly coz it’s for your own good!
9. Create A Scene: If your lie doesn’t help, and someone still bothers you, don’t be shy to create a scene. Most people cower down once you make some noise, afraid of the humiliation and public response. While Indians are touted as unhelpful, someone will certainly run to your aid in a situation like this. What’s more, they might even beat up the eve-teaser! You just have to speak up and you will realize you are never really alone, even on a solo trip.
10. Stock Enough Toiletries: In India, sanitation issue is a major problem. You will get the real feel of it, once you set off on a backpacking trip. So, ensure that you carry enough sanitiser, toilet paper, tissue paper and all other sanitary products, as you may not find what you need at your travel destination.
