Going Solo: Behold The Lone Women Travellers
As the fascination for solo travel gets a boost in the post-pandemic world, increasing awareness, and empowerment is encouraging more women to hit the road on their own.
Gone are the days when women were told not to venture out alone, and traveling solo for them in a country like India was considered a brave feat. But with changing times, the trend of solo travel keeps getting bigger and better, especially in the post-pandemic world, thanks to the tourism and travel sector of our country, which are creating safer platforms for women.
What are some of the places these women are sailing off to? We have seen an increase in demand for locations such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and also destinations in the Northeastern part of the country like Assam, Meghalaya, and Sikkim among others. We have additionally received queries for special tours to off-beat exotic destinations for women as well.
In search of life-altering experiences
For Bengaluru-based Bhavya Chandrasekhar, it was the need to take a break from the monotony of her work life as an IT professional that led to her travel solo. Being the mother of a seven-year-old never stopped her from chasing sunsets or backpacking with a group of strangers. “My husband has been pretty supportive of me because he knows I also need my time to have fun, go out and meet new people,” says Chandrashekar, who is currently pursuing interior design and shares that traveling solo has helped her open up to new people.
Such life-altering experiences are often what these solo women travelers are in for when they hit the road. When Delhi-based working professional Anindita Mukherjee set out on her first solo trip last month, little did she know that she would come back with a bag full of memories? “I was extremely burnt out because of my work, and also going through a heartbreak. So at that time, I literally felt like the mountains were calling,” says the 28-year-old, who chose Shimla, Himachal Pradesh for her first solo travel destination. “I connected with many strangers on this trip, and even made some friends,” she adds. Sharing a somewhat similar journey, 27-year-old journalist, Rituparna Sarkar from Delhi, too ventured into her first solo trip recently to come out of a low phase in her life. “I went to a small village, Dudhali, in Uttarakhand, and stayed at a very secluded locality — which I got to know about from a friend. I was accompanied by a tour guide. I stayed there in a tent for a night. I did some trekking too, visited a temple, etc. The experience was out of this world.”
As a word of advice for fellow solo women travelers, Carry pepper spray with you for safety. Also, keep hygiene products, medicines, sanitizers, etc. with you. It is advisable to have all your bookings done beforehand, and also check the reviews of the hotels or speak to the manager before you go. You can also book a local tour guide so that you don’t have to worry about your commute or sightseeing within the city.
Also Read: Best International Spots For Solo Women