TIPS TO WOMEN TRAVELLERS TRAVELLING ALONE

At one time, women travelling alone used to be frowned upon. Indian men still tend to think that such women are as easy and free. This is of course hardly true of the metros any more, however in small towns single women will still be gawked at.

Indians have long made their peace with things like jeans, short tops, shorts and such, however in certain places you will have to watch the atmosphere and dress accordingly. It is best to be decently and fully clad while in religious places. It is safer to keep your distance from men though, ironically more in the cities than the rural areas where men will treat single women almost like men. Steer absolutely clear of any conversations that might be mistaken as come-ons by the Indian male – no heart back slapping and too much laughing with unknown guys. Getting invited to drinks and late night-outs with men you do not know well or are not known to someone you know intimately might have disastrous consequences. Safety first. Remember everything depends on how you conduct yourself – it's not fair, but that's just the way it is.

Remember that the further you get away from busy areas , the fewer problems you’ll encounter .Use the privileges given by the government like special ladies queue for train tickets, ladies’ compartments in trains and even ladies seats in buses.

DO'S

• Always carry the telephone no. and address of the destination.
• Keep the contact numbers of police stations, ambulance.
• Carry food, medicines ,water ,torchlight and sanitary towels with you.
• Keep luggage to the minimum so that you can carry it yourself.
• Respect local traditions and wear appropriate clothes.
• Wear a watch to know the time.
• Wear minimum jewelry.
• Always lock your luggage.
• Ask for help when you sense any danger.

DONT'S

• Do not talk to strangers even if they are women.
• Do not give your phone number ,address and other personal details to strangers.
• Do not carry lot of valuables like cash and jewelry.
• Do not leave your luggage with anybody.
• Do not eat food offered by others.
• Do not go to dark and unknown places.
• Do not hire taxis, rickshaws in the night wait for dawn.
• Do not wear revealing clothes.
• Avoid getting into arguments and fights with anyone.