Tag: Solo Travel

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Safety Travel for Solo Women Travel in Goa

Women Traveler

Goa has a laid back culture which attracts both international tourists as well as the nation’s youth – thus making it tourist capital of India.  Still, it presents some challenges to solo familiar travelers. For one thing, there are drug and excessive drinking issues. For the second, there is news of increasing frequency of crimes against women. There are also some reported cases of burglary.

Goa is worth all those risks especially since most risks can be put off if you take measures against them and the risks mentioned above are no more prevalent than any other major international tourist destination.

We have already shared some tips that can come handy for a female solo traveler in general. Today Ghoomophiro brings you some safety tips for solo female travelers in Goa in particular:

Smile, be nice but also be assertive

While we must never forget to smile and be nice to those we talk; we must also be assertive about our rights. A foreknowledge of our rights help. Do not be taken by the aggressiveness of others who might try to intimate you.

 Airport and taxis

Goa’s airport is as safe as you might expect an airport to be. Taxi services are readily available at the airport and can be considered fairly safe. That said, we recommend using the Uber app to order a taxi. The charges for such taxis are fixed and they have taken safety precautions of their own. Google has recently launched a new service which will warm you if your driver was to get off his route.

Beaches and Beach Huts

Goa’s beaches are it’s the biggest attraction.  As far as female safety go, the beaches are the safest one can find in India. Women can roam around in two-piece without getting stares or get far fewer stares than elsewhere. There might though be robbery issues. We recommend putting your belongings in custody of some friend you made at the place. Avoid carrying too many valuables to the beach.

Beach Huts are one of the biggest attractions of the beaches of Goa. These pretty houses are made of a variety of materials including bamboo or banana leaves, wood or concrete. However, there might be chances of theft if safety measures are not taken. If you are a solo female traveler, we highly recommend avoiding huts made entirely of bamboo or banana leaves. We recommend sticking to ones that are made of harder material like wood or concrete and that can be locked properly. We recommend traveling lightly – such facilities as ATMs are readily available in Goa.

Night Life

While Goa has the best of night Life you can find anywhere in India, this also means lots of drinking and drugs. We recommend making friends at your hotel or guest house and enjoy your nightlife with them. Do not accept drinks except those served by the stuff at the club – as people are in habit of putting stuff into drinks. Avoid arguing with drunken men as they tend to grow aggressively. Don’t get into a taxi if you find that the driver is drunk.

Rentable scooters

Rentable scooters are the best way to roam around in Goa. They cost about 300 bucks for a day and if you rent them for multiple days 150 bucks a day. However, if you are a solo woman traveler or foreigner or both, you might be considered an easy target and the renters might try to charge you more.

Make sure to use helmets or you are liable to be penalized by local police.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones are the biggest weapons in the hands of solo female travelers. We recommend keeping them sharpened, metaphorically speaking.

We recommend getting your hands on a local sim and use it. The local telecom services offer cheap plans giving free unlimited local calls and good amounts of daily data quota. Use the internet to make your international calls.

Keep apps like Google Maps and Uber Service on your mobile. Use mobile banking to do your transactions as far as possible.

Some useful telephone numbers are given below:

100 police

102 Ambulance

1091 Women Crisis Response

1078 Coast Guard Control Room

1033 Emergency Relief Center on National Highway

Make sure your mobile devices are always charged. You can carry power banks for additional support.

Don’t accept invitations to unknown places

Don’t accept invitations to beach parties and clubs from unknown people if you are not too sure.

Conclusion

There have been rumors declaring Goa unsafe for women after crimes against women in Goa have recently hit the news lines, but we find Goa as safe a place as an international tourist destination with a laid-back lifestyle. The state has dedicated government bodies trying to make it even safer. With a bit of caution, Goa can be safely enjoyed.  We hope these safety tips will help you gain confidence and consider traveling alone to Goa. J

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Travel Tips Travel Trends

Four lessons solo travel teaches you

In many ways, organizing your travels has never been easier. In the US for example, 48% of smartphone users in the US would be happy to research and book their entire holiday straight from their device. Nothing could be easier! But imagine finding an irresistible bargain to far-off climes, but no one’s available to go with you. Would you go alone?

Many people feel instantly put off by the idea of traveling solo. The notion of negotiating stressful airports and hotel transfers all alone may feel like anything but fun. But many have discovered that traveling alone turned out to be the perfect tonic for the soul and that a solo excursion worked wonders for their character. Here are just four fantastic things traveling by yourself may do for you.

1. Boost your confidence

Traveling solo boosts confidence. Heading off alone shows that you don’t have to depend on others for your own happiness. Encountering situations and dealing with them all by yourself works wonders for your self-confidence and you will begin to discover latent abilities within yourself.

It’s not about becoming an isolationist or a hermit, of course, but it is about tapping into your own inner powers of independence. As an added bonus, these new-found powers may draw more like-minded people into your life.

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2. Find out who you are

You can more easily rediscover who you are deep down when you travel independently. Usually, in the company of our friends and acquaintances, we tend to follow expected patterns of behavior – and we may have been doing this for so long we don’t even realize we’re doing it.

Traveling alone in unfamiliar surroundings surrounded by unfamiliar people somehow lifts the burden of having to conform to expectations. You may realize while on your solo sojourn that you have been acting a part for most of the time. Perhaps you’ve been playing the extrovert so long you don’t notice how exhausted it makes you feel because you’re really an introvert, for example.

Traveling alone puts you back in touch with who you are at your core, giving you the freedom to explore different aspects of your personality without worrying what others may think of you.

Image: unsplash.com

3. Get creative

Traveling on your own gives you the perfect opportunity to tap into your creative powers. Often, creative thinkers find their most inspiring ideas in moments of solitude or when they’re least expecting it.

Remember that creativity isn’t the sole preserve of writers and artists. We all need to think creatively; whether it’s to come up with solutions to personal problems or to work out what we want to do with our lives. Traveling alone offers the perfect opportunity to think beyond the obvious. It even makes us into a more savvy traveler as we recognize we are responsible for our own spending and other actions. Solo travel is a great education in the art of living.

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4. See people in a different light

Very often you will see people in a different light when you travel alone. Traveling solo makes you that little bit more vulnerable, which isn’t always a bad thing. Being that little bit more vulnerable often brings out the best in people around you and will often show you just how helpful people can be when you need it.

While it’s definitely not a great idea to trust everyone, traveling solo will undoubtedly show you that most people are genuine, giving you a brighter view of the world. Of course, balance this bright outlook with research about your destination beforehand, always stay vigilant and precautions.

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Solo Women Travel Travel Tips

10 Tips for Women Solo Travel

Rani, a homely girl, of Vikas Bahl’s award-winning movie ‘Queen’ finds self-confidence and independence, which reflect how character building solo travel for women.

Solo Women travelers are the new hot trend as women have grown more career-oriented, they have found financial independence, thus having money to go traveling and there is nothing so good as traveling when one wishes to feel the liberation. Moreover, housewives are coming out of domestic lives more often now and going a-traveling. Two-thirds of the world’s tourists these days are women travelers. The technology (such as the internet, hotel booking sites, internet banking, and Google maps) and financial independence have encouraged women to backpack and travel alone.

The biggest consideration for Women aspiring to travel alone is still, unfortunately, their own safety. They still have to deal with evils of eve-tease and other sexual crimes. It is no wonder that websites giving tips to solo female travelers are full of tips on how to deal with sexual predators, but women are willing to fight these evils rather than just give in to their fear.

Some tips for women wishing to travel alone:

1. Choose a safe destination. Some of the destinations considered safe within India are Shimla, Nainital, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Pondicherry, Rishikesh, Sikkim, Udaipur, Goa, Kaziranga, Sikkim, Ladakh, Hampi, Pondicherry, Mysore etc.

2. Plan your accommodation for nights in advance – particularly the first night as you will be tired from traveling and in a new place. You may want to reach you’re the place of your accommodation and time to change it if needed while there is still daylight.

3. Travel light. Have a light adjustable backpack while traveling. Carry only as much as you can on your shoulders – you may not always find someone to carry your luggage for you and remember your bag will be heavier on your way back with things you buy during your journey. Cut on makeup and other accessories you can do without and focus on what is necessary while packing.

4. The bags that have to be out-of-sight (while on the bus, or which you will leave behind in the hotel), should be lockable. The locks should preferably be combination locks so that you don’t have to run the risk of losing your key.

5. Pack paper soaps and sanitary napkin just in case the same aren’t available around places of your stay.

6. Protect your money and financial and identity documents. Preferably keep them in a cross-body strap bags – since they can’t be nicked in a grab-and-run. Always keep this bag with yourself. Have photocopies of same with a friend or relative back home.

7. Make sure your mobile batteries are charged enough all the time. Consider having a power bank.

8. Prefer using registered taxies

9. If you are lost, enter a crowded restaurant or café and ask for directions with confidence.

10. Most importantly, remember to have fun.

We often plan Solo trip for Women. Have Query related to Solo Travel for Females? You can reach out to us at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com

Must read: 5 Reasons why Traveling in India is super safe for women solo travelers

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Travel Trends

Why travelling triumphs a massive paycheck

he growing forces of capitalization have turned the scene around. Gone are the days when spirituality was considered as important as other aspects of human life but when exactly did we begin to transform? Here we are now, stacked in closed walls just for a decent amount of money for which we work all day all night. Is that all worth it? Why do we earn, to make our lives better! But are we really doing that? There are certain things that the world needs to speak out loud but nobody does that really. We have learned to become content with our 9 to 6 routine and the weekends, where we are tired enough to get out of our beds.

What is traveling in that scenario and where it is? A traveler’s mind is wired differently from the rest. He is the risk taker; he doesn’t care about the money. Take a passionate travel blogger for example, he will work at the prices which are just enough for his survival but he doesn’t bat an eye, why? Because he is content with himself, with what he doing rather than what rest of the world is doing. So that, when he lies on his deathbed, about to die, he can smile and say to himself- Hey, don’t worry, you have lived a wonderful life!

Here we list a few reasons, why traveling is way more important as a lifestyle rather than staying whole day inside closed walls and what eventually inspires us to travel.

It relaxes the soul and the mind. It makes you feel all refreshed so that you can go back to your work with enhanced productivity. In the end, we are all humans, we all need breaks. But then there are some stubborn people who consider it a waste of time and money. Well, that is just their personal opinion really and we shouldn’t be bothered but someone needs to take them to a trip to Himachal to let them know what they are actually missing.

It’s the money well spent, yes it is there. The money spent on a small trip to a nearby hill station doesn’t really come with a feeling of guilt, like alcohol, where you wake up next day cursing yourself for wasting hard earned money while making it difficult for your liver to work effortlessly.

You grow as a person! The more you travel, the more you interact with people from different walks of life which is not possible working in some office where you see the same faces every day again and again. You feel mature, responsible and most importantly, you feel happy, which money can’t provide.

You feel alive- Even a computer lives its life working, sitting in an air-conditioned office, but does it ever feel alive? Sometimes, we just have to let it go and following your passion is one thing that is worth letting everything go. It makes you feel like a risk taker, a rebel and a living breathing soul finally freed from the cage.

You have new experiences – Travelling is the best way to enrich your life with new experiences and new memories. One must choose at least a few years or few months to experience this beautiful planet, climbing a mountain or going for a walk on the beach, or visiting a museum or see what’s out there in a national park. Travelling opens up infinite possibilities and leaves one with many experiences.

There are countless reasons that we can list here in order to state the advantages of having a trip or two every month without worrying about the salary cuts that will follow. But they aren’t needed, we just need to realize the need to follow our hearts, for whatever it takes and start traveling.

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Travel Trends

5 Reasons why Traveling in India is super safe for women solo travelers

The #ghoomophirosisters have been traveling all over India for a while now and we have heard from fellow travelers about how they hesitated before their trip to India because of the rumors regarding safety issues. We ourselves as women traveler had heard and read up about harassment, frauds and all sorts of dangers the country posed to solo travelers especially women. But the reality is always more than what you can find on the internet.

The first trip is always the scariest. You feel as if every single stare from a stranger or even a little sign of oddness is a danger. The paranoia soon fades off once you start meeting people and talking to strangers who are more likely to be helpful fellows than thugs.

Here are five reasons why India is a super safe country for travel:

Special treatment for women

It is true that if you a women traveler in India, you find yourself having many perks. There are women-only reserved areas in transportation (buses and railway), separate queues and a single woman can always opt to sit in a family corner in a restaurant without any complaint from anyone. Feminists may argue against this but for solo women travelers, this is a boon.

Crowd

India has a huge population. So you will hardly ever find yourself alone in an isolated spot. You would have to go out of your way to be alone on an off-road trail. You will come across many other travelers along with friendly local faces. Moreover, it is also a positive thing because if you do find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, you can always take advantage of the crowd. More people also mean more chances for interactions and making more friends.

Indian Hospitality

In India, we believe in “Atithi Devo Bhava” which means the guest is God. And all travelers who come from another country or another state to travel at a particular place in India is a guest. You might find yourself stranded in a place but you will always be welcomed by locals with food and shelter. There is no place that practices hospitality like Indians and since the popularity of homestays is growing in India, you will get many chances to experience it.

You’ll be taken care of

People are super nice to foreign travelers because they want you to have a good image of their country on your mind. You are sure to have lots of warm memories on your trip to India. Along with the rich history and culture, the people of India and the chaos is what you should embrace. Most people would take it upon themselves to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable journey. Because even the people who live here know the dangers and thus they will try to protect you from it. India will teach you how to be loud and how to take care of yourself. Don’t be gullible and always act tough.

Reminders

There will be reminders for your safety everywhere. To protect your property, against theft, against fraud, on risky roads, just keep an eye out for the warning signs and notices. Also, carry a pepper spray. You will often hear words of advice from locals who will warn you about things and also advise precautionary measures.

Do not let your fear talk you out of a great adventure in this fun-filled country. The time you spend in India will be unforgettable and you’d wonder why you never visited sooner or stayed longer here.

For any solo women travel query, drop us a note at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com. We welcome you wholeheartedly in the country of diversity.

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