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Are you a woman planning a solo trip? Then, read this blog post to find out what you must know.

I live in India and have been jaunting alone for 13+ years. I have learned a few things about traversing solo. I have been penning down my experiences in this female travel blog.

I jumped into the female solo travel pool in 2012 when I undertook a fortnight – long trip to Australia. I had never done anything like that before. Since then, I have often traveled solo in India.

I have also hopped a few times to other countries too. I have learnt about travel, about myself, and about being a female solo traveller. And I want to share my learning with you.

It Is Okay To Be Uncouth.

It is okay to be bad-mannered when someone invades your space. Trust your intuition when it tells you something is off. Be assertive whenever someone is making you feel uncomfortable.

But this tends to be an ‘aha’ moment for many female solo travellers because women are taught to be civil. Victim -shaming is ingrained in us. Thus, even for minor things, we are made to feel corrupted.

This happens when someone does something inappropriate when we are out late or travelling alone. It occurs even when we are abused. We are made to feel accountable for a man’s bad behaviour.

We are made to feel embarrassed when it is he who should be. But if we do not kick back, we are disregarding it. We are fashioning a situation in which we are allowing it to continue.

The next woman who comes along will also be considered with disrespect. We are not accountable for a man’s behaviour, but we are accountable for how we respond to it.

We are influential. But society wants women to be insignificant. That is why there is subjugation. Overpowering inner fear and timidity is a step to becoming a female solo traveller.

We enjoy something as powerful as a man’s physical strength – intuition. Female solo travellers must attend to their intuition. If you think something is off, it is.

Believe in yourself. Use annoyance as a protective emotion. If you feel awkward with a confrontation, walk away. Ask for help. Overpower any resistance you have to requesting for help if you feel it is needed.

Try Custom/ Group Travel

I appreciate what it is like to jaunt as a woman, and what is needed to support a safe journey. My next tip for first time female solo travellers is to join a small group or arrange a custom tour.

It is a seamless way to ‘get your feet wet’ and have a safe trip.

How To Stay Safe While Travelling

If you propose to be a female solo traveller, you must learn about the culture of your destination. Eastern nations (like India) are usually hierarchical and traditional.

Being good-mannered can sometimes be construed as consent. If you are too gracious, men can get the wrong impression. I was brought up to be civil. I have had to overcome ingrained good manners to move around comfortably.

I overlook people, like beggars & auto drivers, on the street or tell them firmly that I’m not interested. If somebody bothers me, I snap. If, God forbid, somebody is harassing you in public, call out for help.

Do this especially in crowded places, like a train or busy market. There, you feel good people will come to your rescue. People will rally around you and chase the miscreant away.

Public shaming works. The same traditional social structure will help you, if you are in trouble.

Becoming Poised As A Female Solo Traveller

Luckily, I have not experienced many uncomfortable situations and have never felt unsafe. If I notice something, I listen to my instincts. I go join a mixed – gender group or just walk away from that place.

Travel With Caution — Not Fear.

Nobody ought to be afraid to jaunt but if you are, then do not do it. Mass media has created fear around women traversing alone. Fear sells but it is a negative emotion.

Fear entices negative people, i.e., men recognize signs of vulnerability when they see women. So, women must hop with confidence. It needs time to build.

Start within your comfort zone and build it up gradually. Walk with confidence. Let a man know when he has crossed a limit. Give a ‘Don’t mess with me’ hint.

You can do all the ‘right things’ – wear conservative clothing, use safe travel strategies etc. Still, there is no assurance that nothing bad will happen to you. Yet, it does mitigate risk.

So, jaunt cautiously? Absolutely yes! Traverse fearfully? Absolutely not!

The disgrace around female solo travel is undeserved. Hopping is an adventure. If you are a girl planning to start your solo travels, reach out to me. I can be a support.