Travelling alone can be an enriching experience. You don’t have to compromise on your wishes and preferences in the interest of another traveller. You eat what you want; you go where you want to go and do what your heart desires. You can move at your own pace, obey your whims and frame your own rules.
The flipside of solo travel, of course, is safety. Women especially should consider a few guidelines while choosing a hotel.
A good place to start is hotel safety. Wherever you are travelling, you will need a place where you can go back after a long tiring day. Be vigilant, particularly when exploring new territory. Though top hotels in New Delhi and other cities are safe, it never hurts to be extra cautious.
Here are some useful tips for staying safe in hotel accommodation across the globe:
1. Location – You want your hotel accommodation to put you near to the action, and you also want it to be situated in a place which is safe. Make sure you call the hotel before you book. Ask for the specifics, like if the neighbourhood is well lit? Is it near to major attractions? Staying at the 5 star hotel in Connaught place while visiting Delhi, for example, will put you in the heart of everything, which means you will not need to walk on the desolate streets no matter at what time you return.
2. Security – Be sure that your hotel accommodation is safe by looking at amenities like CCTV, safety deposit boxes, 24-hour reception, etc. Most luxury hotels in New Delhi, like Imperial Hotel, Delhi have specially designed rooms for their women travelers. These rooms are embedded with amenities like camera outside the room, electronic in-room safe, voice mail, etc.
Never hesitate to ask a hotel attendant to walk you to your room if you are uncomfortable with the idea of staying solo. Be vocal about what you would like to get as you check-in so that they can do their best to meet your needs.
3. Facilities – Travelling is all about discovering what works best for you. Whether it is a heritage suit in Delhi or a luxury hotel accommodation in Chennai, you can always find a place that offers you ample of dining and recreation activities.
Important Tip: Be Prudent, Not Paranoid
The solo journey should never dissuade you from having fantastic experiences. The hotel you book will be an afterthought in comparison to the memories that you will create during your trip. Don’t let anything hold you back from enjoying the holiday. Get out there and enjoy, lady!
Martin Wynn
