Are you a woman captivated by Kangana Ranaut’s hit film ‘Queen‘ and dreaming of spreading your wings in the adventurous world of solo travel? Or have your long-held plans to travel the world with friends remained stuck in your WhatsApp group chats, leaving solo travel your only option? Do not worry – the trend of going solo but joining a group of like-minded adventurers is here to save the day. Tour operators now cater to individuals without travel companions, forming groups and managing all the logistics, allowing you to focus on your journey.
Travel is a treasure that allows you to explore different cultures, civilizations, and most importantly, yourself. Once dominated by men, solo travel is now a popular means of self-discovery for women, who are breaking societal norms and reclaiming their freedom. While many female travellers are opting for these group tours, believing this will solve most of their travel challenges, safety remains a concern.
We at ABPLive, talked to some of these bold women who opt for solo travelling asking what factors they consider most while booking tour operators.
What Women Said
Even after 78 years of independence, it might be difficult for society to let a woman live freely. With newsfeeds full of crimes against women, it takes tremendous courage to set out on a journey where you may know little about the location and nothing about the people joining you. Yet, many female solo travellers have discovered ways to stay safe and fully enjoy their adventures.
According to Tanni Mandal, who has been doing solo travelling for years, It’s important to keep an open mind because not everything will go as expected. “When I decided to try solo travel, I looked into tour firms. At first, I hesitated because they can be a bit pricier, but I soon realised it was worth it. They take away the stress, give me peace of mind, and arrange trips with like-minded people, which made my travels so much more enjoyable and fulfilling.” “Trusting the tour guides leads to discovering new places, people, or food that become lifelong memories,” she added remembering her trip with a tour firm in 2023.
Another one, Sneha Goyal who has been travelling since 2016 talked about judging tour operators with their way of talking. “As a solo female traveller, I ensure having 2-3 calls with agents or team from the tour to know more about their way of talking. I prioritise safety and quality, and ask how many are women travellers in that group.” She also suggested not to miss out on the terms and conditions, itinerary and Google reviews, especially regarding safety and group dynamics.
Tanni, Sneha, Kalyani and many others said that they only prefer small groups. “I prefer smaller, diverse groups for a more personalised experience like my last trip to Manali we had a small group of 6-7 people,” said Sneha.
Kalyani Kapdi who has been a physiotherapist and avid traveller for decades, advises cross-checking their in-route hygiene, washroom tents and nutrition standards focusing on women participants.
Another female explorer Natasha Khanna said that she has travelled to Himachal, Uttarakhand, Leh Ladakh, Rajasthan, and Kerala as a solo traveller with various tours and found this phenomenon revolutionary. She mentioned, “I usually checked out the photos & reviews of their social media pages before deciding the tour company. I check if any of my friends have previously travelled or heard of those names. Also, checking on reviews is a must. “
Tanya Chaudhary credits vlogging for firsthand information. “YouTube and the new vlogging culture has been a blessing. I ensure I search the firm there and see video reviews.”
Most female travellers also talked about how important it is to keep updated with families and some close friends about daily schedules, routes, stay details etc. It allows them to make memories and reduces their stress level.
Also Read: Lost Your Passport Abroad? A Step-By-Step Guide To Return Home Safely
Factors To Consider When Booking Trips As A Solo Female Traveller
Based on conversations with experienced female travellers, here are key factors to keep on the finger before finalising any tour firm:
1. Prioritise Safety Over Cost-Cutting
Travel has become more accessible and affordable, especially for young people, but cost-cutting on adventurous trips can be dangerous. It is a human tendency to always look for cheaper packages, often ignoring the potential sacrifice of safety measures taken by tour firms. No matter how popular a tour firm may be on social media, prioritise safety and quality over price because cost-cutting can cost you your life.
2. Group Size Matters
Knowing the group size is another big thing. Ideally, a group should consist of 10 to 12 participants but no more than 20. find out the tour company’s average group size and ask for the exact number of participants. From fun to management, group size impacts everything. Most female travellers prefer smaller groups, as it ensures better accommodation, safety, and attention from the trek leader.
3. Examine Terms And Conditions
Most people do not read the terms and conditions thoroughly. Always read all the terms and conditions section twice as it will give you an idea of the company’s values and priorities. Find out if women’s safety and comfort are on their priority list or not.
4. Read Google reviews
Always check reviews from past trekkers. This provides valuable insights into how the company’s on-ground operations and whether they deliver on their promises. Reach out to past participants asking about their experiences, especially regarding the treatment of women travellers.
5. Female Trek Leaders And Participants
Before making a full payment, ensure that the tour includes a female guide. Having a female guide will provide comfort. Also, check how many women are in the group. If you ever feel threatened or uncomfortable, having female around you will be a significant support.
6. Research Is The Key
When booking a trip, thorough research is your best ally. Start by checking company’s credibility, the experience of their guides, and how long they’ve been in the industry. You should also verify whether they outsource to local operators because this can lead to unexpected issues. Be sure to understand the itinerary, accommodation quality, meal provisions, and any additional costs you may need to cover.
7. YouTube Vlogging Is Your Back
Watching videos from bloggers who have travelled with the same company will give you a firsthand account of their services. Try to look for female vloggers to gauge how well the company caters to women’s safety and needs.
8. Consider Customised All-Girls Groups
Many tour operators now offer customised all-girls trips, making it easier to convince your parents and providing a safer, comfortable, and convenient option for female solo travellers.
9. Keep Your Loved Ones Informed
The most important thing to do while travelling is to keep your loved ones inform. Share your trek leaders’ and a few participants’ contact numbers with any of your close friends or family members. Also, provide them trip itinerary and your live location to connect you in case of an emergency.
Also Read: Dark Tourism: Wayanad To Chernobyl — What Draws People To Places Linked To Death And Disaster
Additional Safety Measures
While it’s important to trust tour firms and guides, your safety is ultimately your responsibility. Carrying essentials like a compass, pepper spray, and a Swiss knife will keep you prepared for emergencies.
An experienced traveller, Sonia advises, “Create a safe space around yourself and maintain boundaries. Do not allow everyone into your personal space immediately. Take your time to observe people before sharing any personal information.”
One should also keep a mini-draft diary with all the details about your routes places and emergency contacts for your family, friends, and local authorities. This guide will help you if you find yourself in a difficult situation.