18 year old Solo Female Traveller in India
Well, I’ve started to plan my RTW tour but my parents are a little apprehensive at me travelling solo around India. I’m not really to knowledgeable on the political situation at this time, but am taking their advice to seek more “stable” routes. I was curious if anyone knew about any fairly inexpensive tour groups that do 2-3 week tours. ALSO looking for advice on females travelling solo in India. Is it safe? Fairly easy to do? Any advice would be great Thanks!
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Sunnshine, I am an older woman in india and have been three times. Bascially its safe and indians are good people. HOwever, your lack of experience in life and travel makes you very vulnerable to many scams and frustrations, and even dangers, that the comparative few unscrupulous indians like to torment unsuspecting tourists with. So yes, hook up with others when in india.
For arrival, especially in Delhi – when you are most vulnerable, book your hotel and and ask them to arrange an airport pick up for you. This will avoid the worst problems of arrival. For arriving in Mumbai, book your hotel room a month in advance to be able to take advantage of cheaper rates – mumbai rooms are expensive. I suggest the salvation army as it it is central and has many many experienced and other travellers staying there. Or the YMCA.
Borrow a lonely planet from the library and read all the warnings about scams and dangers. What you know cannot hurt you though it might scare you a bit. Its when you don’t know stuff that you are likely to get hurt.
Otherwise your parents suggestion is a good one. But then you might miss out on India which is a great place to travel. You could simply to go to Nepal instead of India. Or Sri Lanka.
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I’m with NewIslander, especially on the “vulnerability” part. The initial onslaught when you pass through the airport gate is enough to send many screaming home.
The most stable, as you ask for, is to try to find a flight that doesn’t end up in either Delhi or Mumbai. Ahmedabad, where I am, is so backward, they hardly know a tourist from a tree trunk, so you’re not as hassled when you first hit town.
More good advice above, book whereever you’ll stay first, in advance (don’t give them credit card info, that is unnecessary), and unless they have airport pickup, use the PREPAID taxis that you will find BEFORE you leave the airport.
“Single girl” info: Read your Lonely Planet guide and learn before you get here what the customs are regarding dress. The biggest problem girls have is they think it’s ok to dress like they’re off to the mall or beach at home. That doesn’t work here, and makes you even that much more “attractive” to the less-genteel of the Indian men. Salwar kameez with modest necklines and dupatta (shawl) is the best thing you can do to avoid unwanted attention. And if you’re clever enough to have something talilored at home that is not extravagant, you’ll even look more like you “belong”.
Skip the tour if, once you study the guidebook, you decide that it’s not that difficult to see/get to all the places you want to go.
@ Newlslander: Thank you for the advice on what to do on my arrival in Delhi and for the places to stay in Mumbai. I agree that staying in hostels and the like are good ways to meet other people to travel with. This was my original idea. I also agree that the tour is not the best option in capturing India!=)
@ Pirate_at_50: Using modest clothing is advice I have received from many people and something that I respect. Thank you for mentioning it. Also, the advice about the taxis is great too! I’ll check out the guidebooks asap =)
I really would like to forego the tour. I’m not really a tour person. I’d like to discover India on my own terms and on my own time. I’d also like to have the option of staying somewhere that I fall in love with. I’ve travelled quite a bit in Brazil but unfortunately it’s a completely different culture than in India, so my experience there will not be of much help. I’m grateful for both of your replies, and will definitely check out several guide books to study.
I’ll still keep my eyes open for a tour though, just to keep my options open
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Thank you for coming back to check replies. I’m in the middle of an email to you as I type this… You’ll get it shortly.
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Hi
There’s nothing wrong with the political situation in India as of now. When there are elections, when violence can break out, staying away keeps you pretty safe. As the previous posters have said, India is safe but scams and petty things like that can trigger but violent crime is relatively uncommon if you keep clear off trouble areas and stay in well-trafficked areas. Look out for Indian thugs and goons who may be trying to scam you. It’s a better idea, however, to try to connect with some Indian locals you may know or hook up with some other travellers.
I think that you should look wary and strong and scamsters won’t be as frustrating. However, in well-trafficked areas, ther’re seldom violent provided you don’t fight back and don’t make them lose face. Just ignore them.
Have a safe trip and yes most Indians like us are good people and most Indians are friendly and helpful and can offer a hand should something happen.
Regards
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