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Forget the "Plus-One," Let’s Explore the Magic of Solo Discovery

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Forget the "Plus-One," Let’s Explore the Magic of Solo Discovery

We’ve all been there: scrolling through endless travel reels, hearting pictures of breathtaking sceneries and sun-kissed selfies, whispering "someday." But in reality, "someday" is often held hostage by a dead group chat. You wait for schedules to align, for budgets to match, and for everyone to agree on a destination. By the time you’ve navigated the opinions of four or five people, the excitement has evaporated, replaced by the exhaustion of logistics. This is the moment you realize that your dream vacation shouldn't be a committee decision. Solo travel for women isn't just a backup plan; it’s a liberation from the "waiting game."

Why choose Solo Travel?

When you travel alone, you are the pilot, the navigator, and the guest of honor. How women can travel alone successfully starts with embracing this total freedom. Solo travelling can be an exciting opportunity for self-exploration and stress-free travel. 

It gives you total freedom to set your own pace, helps build confidence, and makes you self-reliant as you navigate through challenges, but sadly, solo travelling is frowned upon by most women.

Why do women shy away from Solo travelling?

A lot of women do not feel comfortable with the idea of being alone. The idea of possible harassment, violence, or safety concerns stops them from exploring the world. This stems from societal narratives that the world is not a “good” and “safe” space for lonely women.

 The practical worries of being judged, lonely, or needing constant vigilance, though these fears are often balanced by a desire for independence and adventure, with many women overcoming them through preparation. Still, there are not many female solo travellers. 

But this justified anxiety can be solved with thorough planning and rightful precautions. We are often raised on a diet of fear, told that the world is a dangerous place for a "lonely" woman. 

While these concerns about harassment or violence are valid, they are often exaggerated by a society that frowns upon female independence. The truth is, the world is generally much kinder than the news suggests. 

There is no need to live in fear; enjoy your trip and solo travel with confidence. Preparation, like researching safe neighborhoods, arriving during daylight, and staying connected, is the bridge between being scared and being empowered.

How to choose the perfect location?

If you are ready to stop wishing and start packing, start small. You don't need to trek the Himalayas on your first go. Choose a "soft-landing" destination with good infrastructure, for instance, bustling cities like London and New York would be the best places to travel solo, as they have enormous travelling crowds coming in all year long.

If you do not wish to travel abroad alone, then even in India, there are so many beautiful places to visit. If you are wishing for a quiet, cozy trip to the mountains, go ahead and visit Mussoorie, Shimla, and Kufri. If you are not a mountain person, then go visit the night city Mumbai or the party hub Goa, and if all these options don't make you jump out of bed,d then visit the evergreen Darjeeling and Dispur.

And if you are one of those who wish to travel “abroad” without the tantrums of a visa, then why not travel to Andaman and Nicobar, Nepal, or Bhutan? There is really no excuse not to plan your first solo trip right away!!

READY! SET! PLAN!

If you are ready to stop wishing and start packing, start small. You don't need to trek the Himalayas on your first go. Choose a "soft-landing" destination with good infrastructure, for instance, bustling cities like London and New York would be the best places to travel solo, as they have enormous travelling crowds coming in all year long. How can you plan the best solo travelling experience

Choose a hotel that is in budget and close to popular spots of the city, download offline maps, join walking tours to meet new people, and of course search for the best restaurants in town by looking up at local’s reviews on Reddit and Instagram.

Tips to feel confident while travelling alone: 

Always try to arrive in daylight and join walking tours so you get familiar with the area around you. Share your location with at least 3 of your trusted contacts and use only verified vehicle transports, which will hold an account history of your travel. Wearing a fake wedding ring can also help ward off certain unwanted crowds. 

Try to socialize but be firm enough to say no when you do not feel safe. Packing safety gear like pepper spray, a GPS tracker, an extra lock for your hotel room, and safety alarms can help you feel more secure and enjoy your trip without worrying.

The world is a vast, beautiful space that belongs to you just as much as anyone else. Stop waiting for the group chat to revive. Pack your bags, trust your gut, and go. Your first solo adventure is waiting, and so is the woman you’re about to become.

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