Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
When you are traveling alone as a woman, especially in a country like India,
it is your responsibility to protect yourself—so don't hesitate to do so, be it
with a strong word or silent response.
Nowhere did I feel the need to be assertive more than when in a market.
To make it through a gauntlet of persistent and persuasive vendors, saying a
polite “no thank you” will often have little effect. As rude as it felt as someone
who is typically more soft-spoken, I would sometimes reply with just “no” in a
sharp tone of voice or even with
nahi
, the Hindi word for “no.”
7. Watch Your Body Language
The challenge I mentioned earlier—between staying on your guard and keep-
ing an open heart—is perhaps most relevant to how you act toward men in
India and the messages you may subconsciously send.
The important thing to remember is that an action or gesture that may
come naturally to you, such as touching someone's arm while talking to them,
might be misinterpreted in a conservative country like India. Be mindful of
keeping your physical distance from men even while being open to them, es-
pecially on public transportation where personal space is at a premium.
8. Don't Do Anything You Wouldn't Do at Home
It's true that travel opens you up to new experiences and pushes you out of
your comfort zone, but at the same time, be sensible and ask yourself if you
would do something at home. Things like hitchhiking, going out alone at night,
and accepting drinks from men you don't know are risky no matter where you
are in the world.
9. Consider Traveling with a Group
The thought of visiting India for the first time is intimidating enough, so per-
haps beginning your time there on a tour (through companies such as G Ad-
ventures or WanderTours) can help you get acclimated.
A huge part of traveling alone is learning to trust your own instincts when
you don't have friends or family there to discuss your options with. Before
you can trust those you meet on the road, you have to learn to trust yourself.
Develop this sense of self-trust before venturing to India alone.
10. Know That Mass Photo-Taking Sessions Will Happen
This happens enough in India that I feel it's worth mentioning: If you suddenly
find yourself at the center of a flurry of photo requests, especially at key his-
toric sites, go with the flow—for as long as you feel comfortable.
It happened to me at the Taj Mahal, in front of the Gateway of India in Mum-
bai, and even on a beach in Puri, Orissa—I was asked to have my photo taken
with at least a dozen different families or groups of young men. This may seem
strange, but it's usually harmless.
