Solo Travelling the word itself seems like a dream. The freedom you gain from jet-setting around the world can hardly be put into words. Pack your bags, hop on the plane, and experience a country the way it was meant to be experienced.
“But, who will protect you from the touts and hustlers in India?
What if you join that group of people who are overcharged by the cabbie to go to their hotel?
I don’t want any of these scenarios to happen with my dreams getting crushed.”
All these questions may stress you out and may dampen your enthusiasm to travel solo. A little bit of knowledge can go a long way to ensure that you not only enjoy your company but also ensure that you get the best out of your solo trips.
Travelling solo can be stressful, but it can also be an extremely rewarding and enlightening experience. Solo travelling in India not only gives you a taste of the country’s beauty, history, and culture but also provides you the opportunity to take on new challenges without any pressure of having to answer to someone else.
India is one of the most sought destinations in the world, mainly because of its diverse culture and stunning architecture. But when you’re traveling solo, India can be a challenging place to navigate. So before you pack your bags and board your flight to this continent, here are
Top 20 travel tips for surviving solo travelling in India!
1. Get a local SIM card and plan ahead
As soon as possible after landing in India or any foreign country (and even before if possible), purchase a local SIM card so that you can stay connected. You’ll also want to create a travel plan and make reservations (if needed) for places you definitely want to visit. You might also consider booking any flights or train tickets that you need.
2. Get to know the locals
When travelling alone, it’s important to make interactions with locals as positive as possible. Meet new people and greet (or even those who greet you!), thanking them for their time and hospitality, and asking them about their family will go a long way in easing any travel anxiety.
3. Learn some key phrases
Learning a few key phrases in the local language will really help you when you’re travelling solo, particularly when interacting with the locals. It’s also nice to know how to say “please” and “thank you” – these can help you get restaurant recommendations, make requests more effectively, and more.
4. Make friends with fellow tourists
Making friends is easy when travelling solo. Like-minded people tend to gravitate towards each other. When you’re in a new place and feel alone, strike up a conversation with the people around you. This will help ease any travel anxiety, while also allowing you to make new friends who are visiting the same location.
5. Pack backpacker essentials
When you’re travelling solo, packing is a lot less of an issue because you only need to carry your backpack. But still, it’s a good idea to have a few travel essentials in case anything should happen. Water bottles, credit cards, debit cards, physical cash, umbrella, chargers, and all the important documents are a few things that must be in your bag.
6. Buy travel insurance
If you’ve been a victim of theft while travelling in India, you’ll know how expensive it can be to replace stolen items like cameras and laptops. So, even if it seems like overkill or something you’d never need, you should buy travel insurance. This is an important travel tip that will protect the prices of your belongings from theft and other unfortunate situations.
7. Learn how to say “NO”
One of the biggest travel tips for solo travellers is to learn how to say “no” instead of “yes”. You may think that it won’t make a difference in your interactions, but the truth is that it will. Plus, if you’re travelling alone, people will usually be more inclined to accept your “no”. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to situations or things you are uncomfortable with.
8. Plan your trip in advance
Like any other destination, it’s a good idea to plan your trip to India well in advance. You can also choose to travel off-season or during the low season for saving money and avoiding crowds. Make a list of list of all the tourist attractions of the place you are visiting and do a bit of research about the place.
9. Journal in your travel blog
From the time you land in India, keep a travel blog where you can record your experiences and share them with others. You’ll also have an idea of everything that happened to you when you return home or while travelling to other locations. It’s one of the most effective ways of reflecting on your travel experiences.
10. Airbnb
When travelling solo, it’s a good idea to book a room in someone else’s house instead of staying at hotels and hostels. Especially for women travellers , who usually feel more comfortable in a private room, Airbnb is a great option. You can save a lot of money by staying at Airbnb, and you can also experience Indian hospitality in all its glory.
11. Travel like locals
When travelling solo, try to blend in with the locals so that you can easily navigate through a place. When travelling solo, it’s a good idea to dress modestly and dress like the locals. Follow Google Maps and prefer public transport over cabs. Take walking tours with the local communities to know more about the place and explore the local culture.
12. Try eating local food
It’s a general rule to not try anything new while travelling solo. But this rule doesn’t apply in India. Because when you’re travelling solo, you’ll have all the time in the world to try something new. And if there’s one thing Indians are best at, it’s food. So go ahead and try out some local dishes. Also, eating at local food joints can save you a lot when compared to eating at fancier hotels and restaurants.
13. Learn about local culture
Try to learn something about the local culture of the place you’re visiting before you head there. If you’re at a new destination, ask locals about the history of the place. Sometimes, if you ask nicely and listen attentively, you may hear stories from your host’s past. And one thing is for certain – learning about the local culture will enrich your travel experience in India.
14. Be friendly and polite
Travelling solo does not guarantee you a comfortable travel experience, but with the right attitude, it will definitely go a long way in easing any travel anxiety. So keep your smile on and be friendly and polite to everyone! You should also try to learn as much as you can from the locals so that your stay is more comfortable.
15. Use your travel budget wisely
Budgeting is also one of the key aspects of travelling solo to India. Plan out your budget for all the expenses like food, accommodation, travel, shopping, or anything else. Make sure you don’t go overboard with any expenses apart from your list. Also, keep some amounts separately in case of emergencies or health issues.
16. Take back local souvenirs
It’s good to have some collectibles when you travel the world. When you are on a solo trip to India you can find many beautiful handcrafted items from the local artisans. These items can be good souvenirs to take back home and for gifting. To avoid getting spammed shop at places that are certified by the local government. So you can buy them for the actual price.
17. Put your health first
Places like India can be messier than you expect especially during monsoon seasons. Chances are high of you getting affected by Indian heat exhaustion or unknown diseases by mosquito bites. Tourists often hear scary stories about travel illnesses from locals. So following clean and hygiene habits is mandatory. Medicines, repellents, sanitizers, water purification tablets, and other essential items should be carried during your India trip.
18. Know the weather and avoid crowded places
If you’re travelling solo, you’re going to notice that India has three major seasons. The winter is quite chilly and monsoons pour heavily while the summer can sometimes be scorching hot. It’s a good idea to know how it can get during your trip, and if possible avoid crowded places at those times. Also, pack according to the season.
19. Look at the newspaper
Many local newspapers of the towns and cities will have travel pieces and destinations. If you can read English, then it’s even better. These are usually written by locals themselves, who are doing their own thing but also like to share their experience with other travellers. You can also check the local tourism websites for clear information.
20. Get into a group
Most of the tourist attractions around India are very well known and pretty crowded. And many travellers prefer to go with a group led by their guide or local tour guide. In such cases, you don’t have to worry about being on your own because everyone is there for the same purpose which is to enjoy the beauty of India. You can easily book a group trip on the local tourism portal.
As a solo traveller, you will be exposed to new experiences, challenges, and opportunities. Travelling solo can strengthen your physical and mental strength as it increases your level of self-confidence. You will get the chance to learn to appreciate life and all its joys and its difficulties as well.
India is a beautiful country to explore, and a great place to start your solo travel adventures. It’s one of the cheapest places in the world to travel. You can take a solo trip to India without any hassles, and with careful consideration and planning, your travelling experience will be worth it.
