Highlights-
Why are more women travelling alone?
Solo Travelling for women is a liberating experience and should definitely be experienced
Be Rebellious. Travel. Explore.
The idea of travelling to new places is always exciting. It is this curiosity of exploring that probably led our forefathers to discover the beauties of the world. As a travel enthusiast I have always felt that travelling allows us to take a break from the monotony of life. It allows us to see the world differently, meet new people and become rich with experience.
“As opposed to earlier, the solo travelling culture is now picking up speed. People are currently travelling alone for a longer period of time after the Covid situation. With work from home and most work being online a lot of people are looking to go to different places for work. In such a case it so happens that people are then travelling alone” says Aayushi Pokharna, a solo traveller who has been exploring the solo travelling culture of Auroville.
The culture of solo travel has grown rapidly in India. People are choosing to explore places on their own, travel on a budget and learn by themselves. Nidhi Jacob, a journalist and a travel enthusiast shares, “Generally speaking, I think solo traveling is more popular among men but there is a rise in female solo travellers now. In some of my travels I’ve met solo female travellers who have been traveling for more than a month or so.”
Needless to say, women are now stepping out of their comfort zone and claiming their space.
From the diaries of a solo traveler
Nidhi also talks about her positive experiences. She remarks how she has luckily only had good experiences while travelling alone. “People and locals have been always helpful, sometimes surprised.”
She adds how people often ask her if solo travelling can get lonely at times. To which she replies that it is a decision that one makes knowing this consequence. Meeting new people and sharing spaces dispels the feeling of being alone. I’ve made some interesting friends in most of my journeys and there’s always something new you learn from each person, provided you’re open to understanding and learning.”
From her personal experiences, Aayushi shares how with her solo travels she just got lucky. “I have had great experiences when travelling. Fortunately, I found people who have always taken care of me. I have been living in Auroville for about six months and have found my people here. As I am travelling alone and so are they, we are always helping each other. Be it physically or emotionally, someone is always a call away. I also think that is something Auroville in particular has to offer as it provides a very strong sense of community. You will always end up finding your kind of people. Auroville I feel is the ideal solo travelling experience you can get.”
Travelling on a budget
If you’re travelling on a budget, there are considerations that you have to make in terms of how to travel, where to live and what you can or cannot do. Nidhi remarks, “When you travel on a set or limited budget, you encounter more people who travel or live on the edge. The stories are way rawer and more interesting.”
Pokharna feels that, “As a person who is travelling solo, it can be a daunting experience at first. As a female solo traveller, however, I have realised that you have to be very alert and be forthcoming. It is not just safe, but you need to take care of your food, make your plans, how much you will spend and so many things.”
Safety while traveling
When you are travelling alone, safety is a major issue. It is an even more important issue if you are a woman. Nidhi does add that safety-wise, she has not faced any problem. “But, unfortunately that might not be the case with everyone.”
The pandemic, however, did make travelling a little difficult. Safety is no more just about physical safety. After Covid, health safety has become a key issue. “I have not been able to travel solo since covid struck, sadly. I did travel with friends on two separate trips, though. Basically, we avoided public transport and touristy places. Also, carry a dozen masks with me.”
A great way to travel solo is to go trekking. There are many organisations that allow for great trekking experiences to offbeat places. Trekking is not just a physically challenging activity that
Pallavi Pervella,a trek leader at IndiaHikes shares “If you’re trekking by yourself, it could be dangerous from a medical point of view but it can be done. Recently we had two female trekkers who did the Kedar Kantha trek DIY style. If the organization also makes safety a priority in how they organize treks, it can be safe for female trekkers.”
The community of solo travellers
A lot of communities around the world are coming up that promote the idea of solo travel. It provides a safe place to find fellow travellers who you can connect with while travelling. “Solo travelling is no more just about travelling alone.It is also about making connections, building a community of like minded people and providing people a safe space to travel. I wouldn’t say that it is entirely safe, but there are certain places that is now giving people that luxury as well” says Aayushi.
So, as women who dream and are often asked not to, what are you waiting for? The world is your oyster and travelling is just a little way to begin exploring it!
