The woman that I am, I travel alone.
I plan my trip.
Pack my bags.
Head out.
Why Do I Travel Alone?
I don’t have to wait around for you to get ready nor do I have to get up when you say so, I travel alone
The freedom and independence to do things for myself
It’s a challenge and helps me to gain confidence.
Yes, the first time you travel alone it is intimidating. But the first time always is. Get over it. You will be okay after your first experience. I love to travel alone now.
Things to Remember When Traveling Alone:
Decide where you want to go and why do you want to go there. Read up, decide if its actually a place you want to see.
Plan your trip well. Especially the first day. What time will you arrive? Where will you stay?
Plan to arrive in daytime with plenty of time to find the place you are staying at.
Make sure that you pack just enough and no more. There won’t be a knight in shining armor around to pick up and carry it for you! Remember you’re doing this to gain confidence and to challenge yourself.
Find other people in your tribe. There are a lot of women traveling alone. Find them on social media before you go and be open to meeting them at your destination. When I travel alone I find some awesome people.
An interesting way to be local is to do your research and find a local family who can accommodate you. Trip Advisor or Airbnb may help you find them.
Safety First
Do not tell people you just met where you are staying.
Keep your travel documents like ticket and passport in a safe place.
There really is no need to tell your taxi driver or someone you meet on the street that you are alone. Make up a story if needed.
Trust your instincts, if someone seems suspicious, they probably are. I have kept away from some people when I travel alone.
Decide the time you want to go back to your accommodation depending on where you are and who you’re with. If your traveling with other people you met at say, a hostel, you can probably hang out with them a bit longer than you would alone.
Keep an eye on local news and talk to the people where you are staying. They can keep you in the loop if there is trouble anywhere. You get alerted to things like bad weather, unrest and other issues when you chat up people.
There are ways to get around eating alone, if that makes you uncomfortable. You can join a cookery class, a tour group, or even a dinner tour. You will get used to the food situation quickly. The first time is always the most difficult.
Make friends with other women on the trip. I have found some amazing women when on tour. You end up with women friends from all over the world.
Conclusion:
Traveling alone can be a lot of fun. If at first it seems intimidating, do join an all-women tour group to gain experience. There are a lot of them around in cities and on social media. You won’t regret it! Once you do get the hang of it then the freedom you feel will keep you traveling again and again. I travel alone and feel it is the best way to travel. The woman that I am I enjoy traveling alone thoroughly.
This post is a part of ‘The Woman That I Am’ Blog Hop #TheWomanThatIAm organized by Rashi Roy and Manas Mukul #RRxMM. The Event is sponsored by Kraffitti.
Thanks for all the pointers on traveling alone. That’s been on my bucket list for some time now, reading your post reminds me to do it fast. Well written.
Deepika Sharma
Glad you liked it and will be on your adventure soon Deepika!
Very well written. Great tips on solo travelling. Will inspire many to step out and explore the world.
I do hope that people do venture out Jyoti!
Travelling alone gives a person confidence which no other activity can.
You are so right Mahesh!
This is really useful. I have travelled alone for work but never for pleasure. This sure motivates me to try this year! Thank you!
Since you have tried before you wont have a problem traveling on vacation alone i suspect!
Hope so 🙂
I have always envied solo travellers. Though I’ve always wanted to, I never could. Travelling solo is one on my bucket list and this surely is one guide I will keep in my mind before I plan anything.
As this post comes from an experienced traveller like you, it has a lot of things that a solo traveller should keep in mind while travelling.
Safety tips, planning your trip, and everything else. Superb post Brinda. This post needs to reach the masses.
Hearty good luck Brinda 🙂
Thanks so much for the input! Yes, like you said not everyone will try it!
I think, this post is for me. I never travelled alone not even a local trip. What’s the reason behind it, I don’t know? I feel very delighted and secure while travelling with my husband. It’s not like that I don’t want to do, I never thought about that. Great tips what to do and what should avoid. I loved this side of the womanhood too.
Deepika Mishra
Traveling alone is not for everyone, but if the time is right, you will find its a lot of fun!
Wow, I loved the courage you have to travel alone. It takes long to gather this range of attitude and step out from home alone. I love solitude, and I can guess hoe beautifully you enjoy every trip. More power to you.
Thanks Swarnali, the first time is difficult…
I’ve always travelled alone for work and as well for a trip and I must say it is an eye open experience. Travelling alone is not for all. If you need endless chit chats or a buddy at your side or any have trouble making decisions it might not be suitable. But if you want to go through real freedom, there’s only one way to find it – travel alone. You go or stay wherever your heart takes you. Out of what I’ve been I should say it is hard work at first, but travelling alone pushes you out of your comfort zone and the world around really isn’t that scary.
Wow Romila, I’m ecstatic you have been doing this all along! Yes, its hard, but like you say liberating!
I have never experienced travelling alone even though I travel a lot. It really takes a lot of research and courage to do so alone. You have travelled alone and hence your tips are very useful. Very well consolidated.
Thanks, glad you found it useful.
Amazinggg way of womanhood celebration of from an eye of a Traveller Lady, I have travelled alone many times within India due to my seminars and training, and once or twice international, from USA to India. Brindha ji I am feeling full of zeal now to plan a trip with my girl gang very soon, thanks a lot for sharing such an insightful tips while traveling alone or in group.
Great to hear this Arch! Hope the trip happens soon!
Never travelled alone for a vacation, but have been on my own ever since I went to hostel at the age of 17, so travelling back and forth was always alone. And now travel alone for work, conferences etc. I like my solitude then and it’s a great stress buster spending time with self. Loved how you jotted down points for those doing it for first time.
Ruchi you have had a great start. I’m sure you will find a vacation spot for your first step soon!
travelling has its own charm and experience. I love traveling a lot. But my travel has been restricted with family only.. I have traveled alone only for work and it was an experience in itself. Ur post is inpiring me to pack my bags alone. 🙂
I do hope to bump into you on my travels some day Supriti!
A very useful post and a great take on the theme, Brindha. Traveling alone is indeed liberating. I just wish Indian travel locations were more solo women traveler friendly.
I agree Ritu that finding a nice destination for a woman alone is a lot easier in foreign countries, but times are changing…
Wow, I love this post and while reading I had a small trip within me all alone…
It’s really superb dear…
Thanks for sharing…
Best wishes
Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked it!
Insightful post. I haven’t travelled a long distance but yes a few months back I had a chance to travel from my city to Delhi. Short trip but filled me with a lot of confidence. Wish to go on a solo trip. Will keep your post in mind.
Good going Sonia, its a great start. Soon you wont think twice about it.
Wow, that’s a great and informative post, I so long to travel alone but sandwiched in my family responsibilities not able to take that first foot out. Thanks for sharing the tips and pointers very helpful whenever I plan in the future as safety comes first.
Pragun when they time is right you will find a way. And maybe you dont need to right now!
It sure gives women the confidence and information to do a solo travel! thanks
Neeraja thank you! i have tried to give all the points needed.
Can’t tell you how much I long to do this….. am not able to because of single parenting and my health, you filled my heart with longing and I wish it was simple for women somehow
Pooja you are already a hero being a single parent. Self-confidence is yours! Take care of your health and travel will happen for you.
A must-read for every woman who wants to travel alone. I haven’t done it yet, but your post just inspired me to go for it.
You will love it when the time is right for you to do this Poorvi!
Traveling solo is so much fun and you feel at calm. You enjoy every bit the way you want. A very informative and inspiring post for setting solo trip goals.
I hope to bump into you on your travels sometime Debi!
Wonderful post!!I have been travelling solo for a long time and it is so liberating..You have given very apt pointers towards solo travelling also.. Best of luck for your future travels..
Thanks Pashmeena, glad you have been doing it for a long time! More Indian women need to too!
I’ve always wanted to do a solo trip but I’m very scared. Not sure why? Your tips are very useful and you’ve listed all the possible points that one can think of. Thanks. Let me hope I can get over my mental block and travel alone….
Janaki@beyondthefamiliar
You just have to take the plunge! Go for it! You will wonder why you havent done it yet…
I agree. I did a solo trip across Europe last year and it was the most liberating thing to do!
That is fantastic to hear! It is a wonderful experience right!!
Yes Siva its an amazing experience and a bit difficult at first, but with time you can do it too!
Travelling solo is indeed fun and liberating. Lovely piece with helpful info
Your post definitely motivated me to pack my bags and go for a solo trip. Thanks for sharing all the tips . A very useful and empowering post.
Haha Jyoti yes we do get into sticky situations rarely, but we learn to deal with it! glad you enjoyed it!
oh yes, these are some apt tips, I went on a solo trip once.
That’s great Vidhya!
I have never been for a holiday alone though I feel I should may be try it once. Not sure when I will be able to manage but I am sure these tips will come in handy to me when I do and to anyone who intends to travel alone.
Arushi it’s really freeing but I agree it’s not for everyone! Maybe one day you will want too!
Sounds like this needs to go into my bucket list. My mind is throwing up safety alarms just thinking about it though..
Take a friend on tour and try it before the big leap!
Honestly not travelled alone much, the first time I was nervous but excited. This post was like a reminder to me that I should think about it more often.
It’s definitely cathartic! Do try!
Wow, very informative post for every woman who wants to travel alone. I also loved to travel alone.well panned.
Nowadays many people are doing it, solo travelling. You get to do whatever you want, whenever you want and don’t have to depend on other people. Well written. – Yatindra Tawde
Hi thank you! Yes you are totally on your own!
What a refreshing take on the theme, Brindha! I have only travelled alone once, but I feel I would love to explore the option as I grow older. Your practical tips and advice will definitely prove useful, whenever I do travel solo next!
I am adding this to my goals this year. I want to go on a solo trip. I want to feel freedom and be the master of myself for my entire vacation. These are amazing tips. It’s a great help for rookies like me who aren’t that well-travelled.
Urvashi
#damurureads
Travel is refreshing. Can you share about the places which you visited alone ? I would love to know .
These are really excellent tips for travelling alone. I had travelled alone some 20 odd years back. Now I am so much tied up with family responsibilities that travelling is a big thing for me. I do have a looooonnnnnnggggg bucket list to go thru, I am yet to find time for it. Hopefully my plans will come true soon. I really liked this post.
Meena from balconysunrise.wordpress.com
Really helpful tips for the lone traveler. Thanks for sharing.
Way to go girl! I never traveled alone and this is one of the items in my wish list. Your post is really a great reminder as I have been pushing this since long. Very soon I am going to plan something.
I am sure, Solo Travelling must be fun but I have never tried it. Thank you for sharing the tips one might need to follow. You go, girl. Keep sharing more! 🙂
A simple and helpful piece.
I would be sharing this with my friends too
Bring it back in the next post pls
I’ve travelled alone a lot but never went on trips where I had to stay back. These tips are very handy and will help in making the most of the experience.
Commendable really loved it to see power women in you as i am really good to connet with you stay blessed
Wow… very precise and apt information about women traveling alone.. thank you for this one.
I have never travel alone after your post , get confident to follow your tips and travel alone.
Very useful tips for solo travelers. I have never traveled alone but I can imagine how much one can enjoy this.
Traveling alone is indeed cathartic, I have planned more travels this year with my little one, thanks for the inspiration.
The tips are essential and helpful. Sometimes due to work, one might need to travel and these tips would come handy.
That’s a wonderful post to bookmark and I loved your take on the theme. Very relevant and valid points to ponder. This has motivated me enough to plan my next travel soon! Glad you are a part of this blog hop 🙂
I have never traveled alone for leisure, great points you have highlighted.
I agree with all the pointers of the post. Staying safe and trusting your instincts is the best way to travel alone.
Such a helpful post.Thanks for sharing the tips.
Sangya Nagpal
A well thought crafted list of pointers that any solo travellers should keep in mind especially women. There were some really good ones like making a story up and not letting anyone know that you are alone or not telling your address and all. Womderful post Brindha ji.
#RRxMM #TheWomanThatIAm
Way to go, I have never travelled alone will keep these things in mind
I do travel solo sometimes and this post is a real help. Thanks for sharing.