Tips for solo travellers

                    Solo Travellers

Be it the search for solitude, for introspection, for some 'me-time' or be it just the urge to experience a sense of adventure, many people love to dash off to a destination alone. But if travelling solo has its perks, it has its share of risks, too. So here's a list of 'must dos' you should follow to have a memorable trip.

Pack smart, pack light:

When travelling solo, make sure you don't pack your entire wardrobe. Pick the ones you might need the most, depending on your itinerary. Besides, a basic pair of denims and sports shoes, a jacket is 'must pack' irrespective of your destination.

Keep your essentials close to you:

Make sure to carry all your essentials in your hand bag. IDs, money, medications, phone, power bank - all these and everything you might need in case of emergency must find place in your hand bag or your backpack.

Travel during day:

Try and cover maximum sites during the day, to minimize the possibilities of getting stranded for lack of transport or encountering criminal elements. You may not want to take back a foul memory from the trip. It is always prudent to be safe.

Split your money: Don't keep your cash and cards stashed together. Split them up in different bags, so that you don't find yourself in trouble in case of loss of baggage.

Be speed-dial ready:

Once you are alone on a trip, you are also on your own in the alien land. Save the phone numbers of your parents, friends, travel agent and police helpline on your speed dial. 

Save on phone charge:

Also, keep your phone fully charged. Close all the apps not required during your journey. Use your camera not the phone, to click pictures. What are you carrying your DSLR for, after all? If you haven't bought a power-bank yet, go get it. Not carrying a power source with your smart phone in today's age is a sin.

Follow the map: Trust Google maps to show you the right path. Even the old school paper map will do, but don't make your own calculations to get to a location you know nothing about.

Pick up the local dialect, at least a word or two:Learning a word or two (like please and thank you) of the local language always helps. Win over a local resident with friendliness (don't be over-friendly), rather than depend on a guide.

Required tips for FEMALE TRAVELLERS

Practical tips for solo female travellers

"Never go on trips with anyone you do not love"

Be it for a mere sense of adventure, or an inevitable professional obligation, travelling solo is not as daunting as it sounds!

A conspicuous paradigm shift in the lifestyle of urban Indian women indicates that they are now more willing to step out of their cocoon and travel solo for business, and pleasure.

However, the sisterhood is often ambushed by irritants ranging from elements reeking of fraudulence, to sexual predators, who perceive them as soft targets, and instigate unpleasant circumstances. 

Ladies, let not the abominable hinder or curtail your freedom, even a notch. If you love travelling, indulge in your passion, and let these safety tricks amassed from solo women travellers blanket you from the unpleasant.

*Avoid carrying too much cash or important documents - use the hotel safe.

*Lock every lock on your room door and don't forget to use the safety chain.

*Map areas before going so you always have a general idea of where you are.

*Have a cellphone handy (call or pretend to be talking if you feel you're being followed).

*Use "trusted" transportation - either public or private cars/driver services recommended by hotel and/or friends.

*Reach out to other women - they make great allies on the road.

When travel alone, normally send all details on the mail to a family member, so they know whom to connect with in case there is an emergency. Also keep a written note in bag with your address and contact, so that your family can be reached at any time in case an emergency happens.

Travelling alone for a female is always a safety concern for her family and the same goes for me. Whenever you are travelling you ensure various things, such as you always keep your parents informed/ ping when you reach the airport, when you board your flight and deplane. These days Whatsapp is the most convenient way to send a message to anyone. So in case you are unable to connect at least leave a message about your timings.

It's advisable to keep your bags/purse in front instead of slinging it to the back and/or the side. 

Ensure that you keep your credit cards and debit cards in the deepest compartment of your purse. All thieves need are photographs of the front and back of your cards. No PIN codes are needed by these notorious rings.

It is better to ask for the prices of products to get the real price.

Avoid standing aimlessly on bus stops and streets after sunset. Always carry a book or newspaper to look busy while waiting for transport.

It is better to ignore any compliments or cat calls. If you engage in an argument, it is not going to end very soon.

If you think you're being followed, enter an ATM kiosk. With the fear of being caught on camera in the kiosks, no one will dare enter.

Besides travelling with precaution, where you stay during the vacation is pivotal to your safety. Women-only accommodations are an option and offer not only a safe ambiance, but are also managed by an all-female workforce. Several business hotels now have a women-only floor as well, that you can ask for while making a reservation.