Solo can be fun too

Sutariya in front of Taj Mahal; (right) Singh in Tamil Nadu

The checklist is a long one; phone charger, power bank, local SIM card, photocopies of routes, some gumption, and good sense. Every time a woman plans a solo trip, there are these many (and more) boxes to tick. But shouldn't free birds-in-spirit be able to freely claim their spaces?

A week ago, travel vloggers Tanya Khanijow joined hands with Aakanksha Monga on an Instagram reel to help solo women travellers be safe. Professional travellers always have an advantage, as they've walked the miles. The idea is to not let any restrictive aspect kill your happiness, suggests actor and traveller Barkha Singh. Singh (@barkhasingh0308) feels one can never be fully ready for any unfamiliar situation: "We can do our best. Although women can't pack a bag and set out as easily as men can, things have changed over the years. I took my first solo trip in 2012, and now after 10 years, I'd say the culture of seeing women travel for the sake of travelling has been normalised. Our families have become more open to the idea. Still, we must stay as safe as we can."

Jinali Sutariya, (@travelstoriesbyus), has also faced sticky situations while on the road. She advises, "You can't go along with a group due to peer pressure. If there's something that makes you feel unsure, say no." Drawing from her solo trip to Goa, Sutariya adds, "I had gone with a group to a bar that had boys and girls; the boys wanted to party at a different spot till late at night. They tried to persuade me to join them, but since I wasn't already familiar with them, I passed."

Must-do check list

. Background checks: Plan your accommodation in advance. Figure your itinerary, including eating halts. This helps with your research.

. Inform friends/family: Ensure they have clarity about your trip.

. Locals know best: Locals know their surroundings better than others; only they can warn you about young bag snatchers in the neighbourhood, for example. Besides, they can share great hacks.

. No-no for night-outs: If you're alone, don't lower your guard at night in unknown terrain. Tagging along with a group in the daytime is helpful and allows you to befriend other women travellers.

. Keep expensive stuff away: Don't travel with costly jewellery, equipment and watches or keep them in a locker in your hotel room. Don't carry a lot of cash; opt for online payments, instead.

. Tech and transparency: Social media accountability ensures remote hostels provide secure service. If you're travelling to a far-flung town on a budget, stay at a hostel chain with a social media presence.