India has witnessed the fastest growth in outbound travel, after China. This trend has been fuelled by rising income levels of the county's huge middle-class population as well as technological advancements that have made it easy to book flight tickets online, along with accommodation and cabs. Almost 22 million Indian nationals had departures for foreign travel in 2016, up meaningfully from the 20.38 million figure recorded in 2015, says data published by Statista.
Another trend that is becoming popular is solo travel. As people are becoming busier, it is difficult to coordinate holidays with a group of people. Moreover, the number of people travelling abroad on work has also risen. These factors have boosted the number of solo travellers. Many of these solo travellers are women, who have become increasingly independent and confident to manage every aspect of travelling alone.
7 Useful Tips for Solo Travel Abroad
Solo travel can be a necessity in case one is travelling on work. It can also be the ultimate form of self-indulgence, something that a lot of women crave to experience. While travelling alone can be pleasurable, when going to a foreign land, it is best to take a little extra care of your safety. Here are seven tips that may help:
- Book Accommodation in Advance: Ensure you get confirmations on your hotel bookings much in advance. This will not only allow you to get the most suitable accommodation, but will also be more cost effective. You can invest some time to check out deals and discounts.
- Leave a Copy of Your Itinerary with Someone You Trust: Letting a friend or a family member know your complete plan may prove useful. Keep in touch and let them know the route you'll be taking to reach your destination.
- Keep Maps and Transportation Schedules Handy: Before leaving your hotel, make sure you know exactly where you want to go and how to get there. You can check some guides online to know about places you should avoid.
- Blend in: Wish to explore a destination to the fullest? Make sure you do not look like a tourist. Dress local and talk to people who've been living there to acquaint you with any etiquettes or customs you must know.
- Walk Purposefully: It is easy to feel lost and worried when you're unable to find an address. Do not let your face reflect how you're feeling. Walk confidently.
- Be Careful When Meeting New People: Travelling alone is a great opportunity to meet new people, but it also makes you vulnerable. Avoid giving all details about yourself in the first meeting.
- Stay Away from Deserted Places: As a solo traveller, you may wish to enjoy the nightlife. However, always stay in well lighted areas and places that have a lot of people.
Book domestic flights online and begin your solo travel with zeal. This can be very exciting. Don't forget to take pictures and post them on social media!