As South Africa observes Women’s Month, the spotlight shines on a travel trend that has gained prominence largely among women: solo travel.

The statistics for female solo travel in 2022 disclosed that a notable 84% of individuals journeying alone were women, affirming their dominant role as trailblazers in the realm of independent exploration.

Setting forth on solitary journeys is exhilarating and liberating, allowing individuals to venture into novel landscapes, connect with unfamiliar faces and uncover more about their own selves.

This expedition presents an avenue for independence and self-reliance, all while immersing in assorted cultures. Still, and particularly for female explorers, the prospect of solo travel can evoke apprehension due to its multitude of concerns and considerations.

In the year 2022, the Female Solo Travel Statistics revealed that an overwhelming 84% of solo travellers worldwide were, indeed, women, showcasing their continuing prominence as pioneers of independent voyages.

According to Sadudee Sangnil, the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in London, this substantial percentage of solo female travellers underscores the significance of women arming themselves with the requisite knowledge about solo travel, serving as crucial preparation before embarking on such expeditions.

‘Solo travelling as a woman means having to leave your comfort zone, which can be both thrilling and intimidating at the same time – especially for first-time female travellers. Doing enough research builds confidence in your decisions, it helps you trust your instincts even more while embracing the opportunities that come with exploring the world.’

She adds that when you travel alone, you become responsible for so many things, such as your own safety, wellbeing and enjoyment, which can be very empowering.

Sadudee recognises the strength, courage and independence of solo female travellers worldwide and is pleased to offer five useful tips to empower women to travel confidently and safely.

Research and plan ahead

Knowledge is key when it comes to solo travel. Taking time before departure to investigate the places and standards of your destination isn’t just fascinating but significant. That involves creating an itinerary that includes a list of the best place to visit as a solo traveller, important contact information, addresses and emergency numbers to ensure you are well prepared.

Understand the local culture

The biggest undertaking before any trip should be understanding the local customs and cultural norms of any country you will be visiting. Often people offend locals or run into trouble for not acting appropriately. For example, Thailand is a religious country with many religious sites which require people not to expose too much skin; it is, therefore, important to be aware of information like this as solo travellers may be visiting all these for the first time.

Know how to get around

The best part about travelling is that you want to move around but it is important to understand how local public transportation works, for your own peace of mind and safety. Countries like Thailand are well set up for solo travel, and it is fairly easy to get around using hotel transfers, internal flights, tuk-tuks, boats and cabs.

Join activities and excursions

Participating in organised group tours and activities can be an excellent and safe way to meet like-minded travellers and other solo travellers too. Activities like island hopping in Phi Phi Islands in Thailand are generally a full-day experience and involve snorkelling, swimming, trying out the popular longtail boat and Thai food among other things. Additionally, many tour operators offer female-friendly experiences in Thailand as they understand that women often have different needs or expectations when they travel.

Relax and enjoy

Solo female travel provides the ultimate sense of independence as it empowers you to overcome any challenges that lie in your path without assistance, enhancing your self-worth and mental stability. Travelling is a special life experience as it allows you to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. Allow yourself to unwind and appreciate various experiences such as culture, unique cuisine, lifestyle, people and many more.

Make the most of your summer vacation with these tips

The last thing we want while travelling is to fall sick. While summer travels are fun and exciting, we have to keep certain things in mind to avoid falling sick. For this reason, we checked with some leading Indian health experts to learn about simple fitness and nutrition tips to follow while on a summer vacation. Their tips will minimise the risk of falling ill during or after your travels due to the heat and other reasons. Here’s their best advice.

6 tips to stay fit while travelling this summer

1. Hydrate

Staying hydrated while travelling is essential. Proper hydration is necessary to maintain your energy levels. “Hydrate yourself by sipping warm to hot water to reduce the accumulation of toxins in the body. Staying hydrated keeps the vata and kapha doshas well balanced, supports the digestive system, and is beneficial for the throat. One teaspoon of organic honey with a glass of water also helps aid digestion. Fresh fruits like mango, pomegranate, and melon also keep us hydrated,” says Dr Manjula, senior Ayurveda doctor, Shreyas Retreat, a Relais & Châteaux member.

“Carry a reusable water bottle and consciously drink at least 8-10 glasses daily. To make it more enticing, infuse your water with refreshing flavours like lemon, cucumber, or mint. Hydration supports overall well-being, aids digestion, regulates body temperature, and helps control cravings.” adds Maitri Trivedi, nutritionist, Pure Nutrition Naturals.

2. Plan Ahead

Before you begin your journey, do your research on the food and exercise facilities available at your destination. “Travel with a tailored food and workout plan. Stick to 5-6 small meals per day. Start your breakfast with a complex cereal such as wheat flakes or muesli with low-fat milk and lean protein such as egg whites or whey protein. Remember to carry your daily supplements like whey powders and healthy nuts such as walnuts and almonds for when you feel hungry between meals,” states nutritionist and lifestyle educator Karishma Chawla.

3. Eat a Balanced Diet

​​While travelling, try to make healthy food choices whenever possible. Being mindful about what you’re eating while travelling will go a long way in helping you stay fit. “While travelling this summer, I recommend a few golden rules. These rules include keeping the food portions small, avoiding anything that has cream or is deep fried, and starting your meals with soups and salads. Moreover, I recommend consuming GPRS (Grilled, Poached, Roasted, Steamed) foods. This will help you control the excess calories and weight gain from eating out for long periods,” remarks Nyela Kapadia, fitness expert, founder of WWN, and co-founder of Intermittent Fasting Mindful Living.

“Digesting the food we eat when travelling is difficult, especially if we do not eat enough fibre-rich food, which is why we should eat small balanced meals. Your meals should contain fruits and veggies instead of carbs. Fatty foods like fries, burgers, and pizzas, should be avoided to a certain extent. Sugary items should be avoided or consumed in minimal quantities. Soft drinks and caffeine should also be avoided as they affect hydration,” mentions Reshma AM, senior dietitian and consultant nutritionist, SPARSH Hospital.

4. Stay Active

When embarking on summer travels, prioritise your physical and mental well-being. “I recommend starting your day with a rejuvenating yoga practice, specifically focusing on sun salutations. This dynamic sequence not only helps strengthen and stretch your entire body but also aligns you with the vitality of the rising sun. By connecting with nature and your inner self through yoga, you will enhance your energy levels, boost flexibility, and promote a positive mindset throughout your journey,” adds Dr Suraj of Niraamaya Surya Samudra, a Relais & Châteaux member.

While travelling, stay active, whether you are indoors or outdoors. “You can do a quick 30-minute indoor workout of squats, planks and pushups in your hotel room or simply take a walk. Stick to the basics and focus more on your form,” remarks Prachi Helekar, founder, Helekars Pilates Studio.

5. Eat Hygienic Food

“Diarrhoea is common while travelling since we are eating food from outside, which causes gut microbiome changes which could result in acute food poisoning. Moreover, food poisoning cases rise in the summer months due to food spoiling in the heat. To prevent this, ensure proper hygiene and eat from clean places. But another useful trick is to take S Boulardii during your travels. It is a yeast probiotic that is great at fighting toxins and significantly reduces cases of diarrhoea,” states Mugdha Pradhan, nutritionist and founder, iThrive.

6. Prioritise Rest and Sleep

Finally, while travelling this summer, ensure that you are prioritising rest and sleep. During the day, balance active and rest periods and at night, aim to sleep for at least seven hours daily.

Travel photography may take viewers to far-off landscapes, civilizations, and historical moments. Although everyone can take a shot but taking genuinely exceptional travel images involves a combination of artistic ability, technical expertise, and a sharp eye for detail.

Whether taking pictures from your smartphone or a professional camera, you need some advice and skills to make them your outstanding clicks. This will play a significant role in the longevity of your beautiful memories.

Here is a comprehensive guide to taking your travel photography to the next level. Let’s explore different practical tips with which you can do so.

Research and Plan

You need to know the destination where you are planning to go. It is crucial to have complete information before you start traveling. This will help you click pictures of different areas that capture the essence of the place and make your travel more enjoyable.

Golden Hour Magic

Golden hour magic refers to the moments after sunrise and before sunset. Also, these moments are the photographer’s best friend.

The warm light in these moments adds a magical effect to your pictures with exceptional contrast. To make the most of this magical light, get up early and remain out late.

Compositional Techniques

The aesthetic appeal of your images can be dramatically influenced by how objects are placed within the frame. Use compositional strategies to direct the viewer’s eye and produce a sense of depth and balance, such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing.

Capture Unscripted Moments

The candid moments often reveal engaging stories and authentic moments. Take clicks of people going about their daily lives. These pictures will add a new life to your captures.

Employ Foreground Components

To add depth and context, incorporate things in the foreground. Whether they are mountains, roads, a branch of a tree, or a street sign, these foreground components can give your composition complexity and direct the viewer’s eye into the picture.

Attention to Details

Even small details are capable of telling a big story. Involve textures, patterns, and designs that might not be noticed at first glance. Your visual narrative gains depth and dimension due to these close-up photos.

Tell a Story

Every image ought to tell a tale or evoke feelings. Consider what story you want to tell your audience. Your photos should draw viewers into the action, whether the thrill of discovering a brand-new city, the peace of a deserted beach, or the commotion of a nearby market.

Use Editing Tools

The post-processing phase is crucial in contemporary photography. Enhance colors, change exposure, and improve the details with editing software.

However, excessive manipulation should be avoided because it can produce photos that don’t look realistic. The intention is to increase the image’s impact rather than to change its authenticity.

Try Different Lightings

Don’t fear difficult lighting situations, including dim or direct sunlight. Play with strategies that add drama and aesthetic appeal to your photos, such as backlighting, silhouettes, and creative shadow usage.

Embrace Emotions

The most enduring images are typically those that create strong emotions. Capture genuine expressions of happiness, awe, surprise, and thoughtfulness from the people you meet and the locations you go.

Utilize Symmetry and Patterns

Your images can have a sense of order and aesthetic harmony due to symmetry and patterns. Look for chances to photograph symmetrical structures, reflections, and recurring details that catch the viewer’s attention.

Add a Professional Flair

The subtle power of a signature logo should be considered in your quest to create absolutely remarkable trip images. Similar to how a painter signs his or her masterpiece, including your signature logo, can give your photographs a distinctive personal touch.

Your vacation images will become instantly recognizable and rise to a new level of distinction in the vast field of visual narrative due to this addition. This not only gives them a professional flare but also improves recognition.

Learn to be Patient

The best travel pictures occasionally demand perseverance. Whether it’s a little glimpse of sunlight breaking through the clouds or a fleeting look on someone’s face, be patient and wait for the ideal opportunity. Shots that are worth the wait can be produced with patience.

Stay Open-minded and Curious

Keep an open mind and a curious attitude when taking photos. Be open to learning new things, experimenting, and adjusting to unforeseen circumstances. This spirit of exploration and openness to new experiences will improve your photographic abilities and produce stunning travel images.

Appropriate Angles

Considering the best angles for different pictures are crucial. Almost every click requires a different angle that suits it and makes it stunning.

Different angles bring exceptional appearance to your captures. You can change your position and take different angles, like vertical or horizontal. Also, position your camera so the click fits into its angle frame.

Bottom Line

Taking exceptional travel images requires a blend of technical proficiency, artistic vision, and a sincere connection to the locations you visit. You may produce photographs that capture the beauty of your location and tell a fascinating tale by experimenting with composition techniques, embracing various viewpoints, and paying attention to details. The secret is approaching each shot with intention, imagination, and a spirit of adventure, whether photographing landscapes, people, or cultural occasions.

Maintaining a healthy snacking schedule when travelling is crucial for your wellbeing and energy levels. Choose nutrient-dense snacks that will satisfy you while maintaining your health. To avoid acute hunger, which could result in bad eating choices, try to snack frequently.

When you’re travelling, it’s so easy to fall off the healthy eating wagon with all the tempting treats and unfamiliar food options. But don’t worry! Just because you’re on the road doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your health and well-being. You can definitely practise healthy eating and snacking when you’re travelling if you do some forward planning and make some wise decisions.

Maintaining a healthy snacking schedule when travelling is crucial for your well-being and energy levels. Choose nutrient-dense snacks that will satisfy you while maintaining your health. To avoid acute hunger, which could result in bad eating choices, try to snack frequently.

To keep you satisfied and energised, choose snacks that contain protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, or berries are excellent choices, as well as nuts and seeds for an easy dose of protein and good fats. Other great options include whole-grain crackers with hummus or low-sugar granola bars. Avoid processed and sugary snacks like sweets, chips, and pastries because they may give you a short-term energy boost but can cause you to crash later. Additionally, avoid eating salty snacks like chips and pretzels when travelling because they can cause bloating and dehydration. It’s equally important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water to guarantee a comfortable and healthy journey. You may make your journey pleasurable while still taking care of your health by making wise decisions and snacking with awareness.

Here’s How You Can Stay Healthy While You Travel:

Make Smart Choices

Because of diversions, a lack of fresh foods, and unfamiliar cuisines, it can be challenging to maintain a balanced diet while travelling. However, if you put some work into planning and choosing wise meal choices, you can easily maintain healthy eating habits.

Prioritise your nutritional needs first, then scour local farmer’s markets or grocery stores for affordable, nutrient-dense meals. Make good nutritional choices by choosing fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds over processed foods that are easily available at convenience stores or snack shops.

For a quick and wholesome snack, eat fresh fruits like apples, oranges, or bananas, pre-cut vegetables like carrot or cucumber slices, and nuts like almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.

Eat Mindfully

Stick to your regular mealtimes if you want to maintain a feeling of normalcy and control your hunger while travelling. Aim for balanced meals that include a good amount of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid filling your plate with unhealthy foods and unnecessary calories. Instead, place an emphasis on nutrient-dense foods that give you sustained energy. Before purposefully filling your plate, weigh your options if a buffet or self-service options are offered.

Pick meals that have a variety of lean meats, such as grilled chicken or fish, healthful grains, such as quinoa or brown rice and a lot of veggies. Especially at buffets, be aware of portion sizes and attempt to limit your intake of fried or high-calorie foods.

Eat High Protein And Fibre-Rich Foods

Pack a cooler where you can keep fresh produce, yoghurt, and hard-boiled eggs if you’re going on a lengthy road trip. Similar to cooking at home, eating balanced snacks while travelling and avoiding fast food establishments will help you consume less sodium.

Opt for whole-grain options with lean proteins like turkey or grilled chicken, packed with veggies. Salads with a mix of greens, protein (chicken, tofu, or beans), and fibre-rich vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.

Plan Ahead For Healthy Restaurants

While travelling, choosing a healthy restaurant can be challenging. After all, we all enjoy indulging in regional specialities and trying out mouthwatering new cuisine. Fortunately, there are tactics you can use to prevent overindulging when on vacation. Try to avoid fast-food establishments at first. Even though fast food is a convenient alternative, it is not necessarily the healthiest choice for lunch or dinner. Think about eating at a sit-down restaurant with a menu full of healthy options.

Look for restaurants that offer grilled chicken or fish dishes served with vegetables and whole grains.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

Drinking enough water is crucial for general health, especially when travelling. Carry a reusable water bottle, and make it a point to sip on it regularly. Sugary beverages and excessive caffeine should be avoided as they can dehydrate you. If you’re flying, drink even more water during the flight because the low humidity in airline cabins might worsen dehydration. You’ll feel more invigorated and have fewer unneeded desires for bad snacks if you stay hydrated.

To stay hydrated, have a refillable water bottle with you and sip on water as needed. If available, coconut water is a naturally hydrating beverage that is high in electrolytes.