Tips for women traveling to India - shortkro

India manages to find a place in the wish list of most Indians. And why not? The country has an amazing diversity of culture, ethnicity, landscape, and cuisine. However, India can be chaotic, frustrating, and overwhelming. In recent years, India has also managed to gain a bad reputation as being dangerous for female travelers. Things are not as bad as they look. If proper precautions are taken, India can be quite a safe destination for every type of traveler. Let us look at some tips that will help women enjoy a safe and memorable vacation in India.

Never travel alone at night in trains/buses/taxis/rickshaws. It can be really dangerous, especially if the area is secluded. If someone looks suspect or is persistent, call for help. Don't ignore eve-teasing at any cost. Don't wait for things to go out of hand. Try to be conservative in your dressing style. Do not wear clothes that show too much cleavage, legs, and shoulders. Always carry a stole or shawl with you for any eventualities. Indian men are not used to over-friendly women. They may get the wrong signals and try to get too close. If anyone asks for selfies or pictures, don't oblige instantly. Make sure they look safe. Kids and families pose no danger and they can be obliged. Don't forget to take your mobile everywhere with you. The phone should also have an active data pack so that you can keep a check on your whereabouts every time. The emergency numbers should be saved in your favorites. It always makes sense to learn few words in Hindi or the local language. It will be easy to commute with the locals and you will feel more secure and comfortable. Keep your eyes and ears open and don't trust anyone blindly. Tourists are considered easy prey in India and don't reveal too much about your plans to anyone - guides, taxi drivers, hotel staff, etc. Booking a group tour is another way to stay safe. You will always be accompanied by someone and will be protected. Stay away from beggars. Their plight may tug at your heartstrings, but they can really pester you and may become a nuisance. Don't stay at shady or secluded lodgings. Make your bookings at reputed hotels/guesthouses/hostels. In order to save some money, don't compromise on the quality of your accommodations. Keep some cash handy with you for emergencies. Leave the extra cash and valuables in the hotel locker. Keeps a low profile and doesn't flash any expensive products. Listed to travel advisories and news channels and avoid the areas that are not safe. Keep to the well-trodden path especially if you are traveling solo. It is better to be safe than sorry. Download safety Apps like Shake2Safety, MySafetipin, and Himmat. You never know when you may need them. Be firm and confident while dealing with the locals. Don't let them see your insecurities and fear. Always keep your friends and family informed about your location and program. It might prove very useful. Always make bookings from reliable portals and don't use any local, unreliable agents. Indians are very friendly people who respect guests a lot. They may invite you home to taste local food. But, if you are alone, don't go to the homes of strangers to eat meals. Try to stay sober and in your senses at all times. You don't want people to take advantage of you. Follow your instincts and intuition. It will always guide you so trust it.

If you are able to follow the above-mentioned tips, you will be able to deal with most of the issues faced by female tourists in India.