Tips for Solo Travel in India - Happy Travelling!

 Traveling alone doesn’t have to seem lonely. Personally, my solo travel trips have always been very fulfilling experiences, where I’ve learned a great deal about myself. Nothing gives you quite the same chance at self-discovery as travel, and when you’re setting off by yourself that opportunity doubles.

1.  Don’t Panic, Be patient

Trains will be Late, Flights will cancel, You will get traffic jams, your suitcase will break open or you will get lost and be wholly unable to find your hotel in the maze of unfamiliar streets. It’s okay. Complications and chaos are a natural part of travel. Even though solo travel means less baggage to manage and less people to corral, it won’t fully eliminate the risk. The difference between a travel horror story and an exciting adventure to share later is all in your willingness to adapt in the moment and your attitude in handling. Take a deep breath, find somewhere to sit and think (preferably with WiFi access) and come up with a new plan. You’ll get there when you get there and it will still be enjoyable. 

2.  Have a Plan

While it’s not necessary to fully map out every minute of your travel vacation, it is good to know your basic itinerary in advance. Make sure you know important data like flight info, your hotel address and phone number, and any emergency contact information beforehand, and that you have access to one or more copies of it. Keep the information in your phone. Print a copy and keep it with your important documents. Being prepared now helps avoid complications later. For added support and security, give a copy of your itinerary and contact information to a loved one at home and check in regularly by phone or email.

 

3.  Remain Open to New Opportunities

One of the best advantage of traveling alone is that you don’t have to stick to the itinerary if a better opportunity comes along. With no one to coordinate plans, you’re free to change them! This can be as simple as deciding which activity to pursue in the moment, checking out of a hotel early, or even staying later if you’re having too great a time to leave! Just make sure to adjust your itinerary’s important information and to let anyone who might be expecting you know about your change of plans.

4.  Always Buy Travel Insurance

A medical emergency can wipe out your savings — or even worse. Always buy travel insurance. It is not an unnecessary expense. Trust me.

 5.  Let Someone at Home Know Your Plans

This is extremely important when traveling solo. it’s still a good idea no matter how many people are in your travel group.

6.  Keep Electronics to A Minimum

Your phone can take awesome quality photos and send emails if need be. Lugging around bulky electronics not only slows you down but also makes you an obvious target for those looking to snatch them up. With the exception of your phone (obviously), keep your electronics locked up in your hotel room’s valuables safe – or better yet, don’t bring any on your trip to begin with!. You don’t need your huge digital camera on every excursion, and who are you kidding – you won’t be working from your laptop in your free time. Will you?

7.  Keep Your Head Up

As an alternative to looking down at your phone’s Google maps while navigating around a new city, plug in an headphone and listen to the voice guiding you!. You’ll take in more sights and be more aware of your surroundings. Walk like you know where you’re going; it’s widely known that your less likely to be approached if you are quick and alert. 

8.  Be Cautious at Bars

No one’s telling you NOT to go to random bars when traveling, just be careful. Advertising that you’re in town on vacation makes you a bit more prominent to being targeted than the next person. Watch your drink (that goes without saying), but watch your bartender make your drink too; not everyone is trustworthy.

9.  Be Aware of Your Money

Always keep small amounts of cash on hand, and keep copies of the fronts and backs of all of your credit cards (as well as passports or IDs). Also, don’t forget to notify your bank that you are traveling because they will freeze your cards at the most inconvenient times if you don’t.

10.  Dress Inconspicuously

Try not to stand out; do some basic research as to what the locals generally wear. What may be standard summer clothing in a city like Mumbai, may be much too revealing in other cities in Bihar and can even be considered inappropriate. Men and women alike, though, should try to be as inconspicuous as possible when in an unfamiliar place. Blend in!

11.  Don’t Let People Distract You

Pickpocketing is a thing; it really happens, especially in tourist hotspots in India. The innocent-looking woman or child shoving a sign or paper in your face is often an attempt to catch you off guard and grab your wallet. Keep valuables secured on your body at all times!

12.  Be Health-Conscious

Avoid eating at unhygienic places or at the chowk. It’s a tourist plave and we are unsure about the kind of food they serve. Best tip is to eat at the place which is little crowded. It shows that the place is popular. Always carry pills to help fight bacteria.

Solo travel does mean that you’ll be facing every little bump and challenge by yourself, but relying on your own ingenuity also means realizing how capable you really are! Keep these tips in mind to help you discover your best self on the road. Happy Travelling Solo..