A Grateful Hello!

I have been lurking for some weeks and figured I had better pipe up and finally say hello. I have been reading all your wonderful comments and advice and they have been invaluable, particularly the women/solo traveler suggestions.

I am planning a 3-4 week trip starting towards the end of this coming September. It will most likely be a solo trip, as my travel companions seem to be dropping like flies. I've never really been out of the U.S. and I don't take solo trips, so this is a little like jumping into the deep end. My primary interests are food and photography. I have not solidified an itinerary, but I want to take cooking classes, see wildlife and take pictures of some beautiful old buildings. I'm leaning more towards southern India. I'd love to hear suggestions.

I was feeling pretty good about the trip. But it seems the more I read, the more nervous I get. I've been reading up on the scams and the best ways to remain safe as a female traveler. My main concern is that it seems that even seasoned travelers can easily fall prey to scammers. That people would try and woo you for several days to gain trust and then try something boggles my brain. I'm a little conflicted about how much of the trip to plan. I'm a planner by nature and it seems to me that increased planning (knowing where you're going and how to get there) has the added benefit of increased safety and confidence, where you're less likely to be persuaded by a shady character. However, I don't want to miss out on the experience because I've over planned or are overly cautious. Being on guard 24/7 sounds exhausting. I guess my question is, how do you find the balance? It seems that a woman traveling alone for the first time may benefit more by concrete plans than, for example, a single guy or someone who has traveled extensively. So how much to plan? A general itinerary? Pre-pick places to stay before leaving home, including best transportation to and from?

All advice is welcome. I apologize if I've repeated anything already discussed and, if so, would be grateful to be pointed in the right direction. Thanks!

Welcome aboard! South in Oct is going to be nice as you are likely to witness a number of festivals. Weather will be nicer.

Since you are saying wildlife as one of the key interest area, decide on the places. Definitely there are places one has to be on guard 24/7 even for locals. But then, there are places one need not care much :-)

If you are thinking of getting deep into the forests, recently core tiger areas have been made out of bounds for tourist. So, choose atleast one place and then rest can fall around it.

-Sdsudarsan

Welcome to IndiaMike, ceashel!

So happy you joined the IndiaMike family! I think you are doing all the right things in order to have a great trip. You are on IndiaMike researching and asking questions. I think understanding what to expect is important, and will help you have a great trip. It seems that you are worried about scams, so that is something you can read about on here. If you know what sort of scams to expect, you will recognize them and (unlike me) know to walk away from them.

Traveling as a solo female is fine as long as you follow the safety rules you'd follow anywhere. Please feel free to read my blog if you think that will help.

welcome to im!!

Welcome to India mike

I went on my first trip to India this past Feb/march as a solo female traveller,it was my first time ever leaving Canada.I also shared your same concerns.I made my itinerary before I left Canada and pre booked my train tickets to.The only hotel I pre booked was for when I first arrived in Delhi.This was because I landed at 1 am and wanted the comfort of having someone waiting for me at the airport with my name on a card.
Hotel never showed up tho,I tried to phone them on my cell that still had a canadian sim card...and silly me couldn't make a local Delhi call I ended up booking a hotel at the make my trip desk and everything was great

Sure I got fleeced a couple of times,but not to serious.I was also really fortunate in meeting some great people that genuinley helped me.You need to be sensible and listen to your gut.

The cons with pre booking your itinerary is that your stuck to a rigid schedule,I ended up cancelling a couple of train tickets at a loss(not a big one tho) to stay extra in places I really enjoyed.

I am going back this comming January and I am feeling wayyyy more confident in going with no itineray and going as I please.I went to alot of the tourist attractions last time,and it was fabulous,but this time I'd like to enjoy the culture a little more and try some of the off the beat and track places.
This is a far cry from the woman who was secretly scared to go to India by herself but would not admit it...cats out of the bag now
Do make your itinerary,don't sweat it if you want to change it,book your first hotel,and book as you go after that.You will get much better prices.Don't go scared of getting fleeced or not trusting anyone as you will rob yourself of wonderful experiences and meeting some truly kind Indians,do not forget to pack your sence of humour...your so gonna need it.

Are you excited ? I hope so

Thanks for the welcome and the great info. I am a little unnerved about being so vulnerable and out of my comfort zone, but I am inspired by the brave souls that have gone before me. To say I'm excited is an understatement! I look forward to reading more about all your experiences and getting to know you as I work my way through the planning stages of this journey.

Welcome to IM !
I do get your point on traveling solo, for someone who has never done that. I am an Indian but have never traveled in India solo (I guess it is more about the comfort of having someone with you while moving around and enjoying the places and food, I have never thought of going for a tour alone)

And am sure if need arises and I have to tour along (and by this I mean a vacation , touring and not just travelling from 1 point to another) I might be caught off gaurd.

Nothing wrong but then it can be a very different to someone who has never done it or never planned to do it alone in the first place. I know people who have been solo travelers and am awe bout them.

I guess your main thought is on being alone in a different place, culture with the known problems of language ,scams etc. No one to confide into on the wierdness or talk to about the magnificiant places or take a second opinion on weather to head this way or the other.

But if you have decided then I guess you will overcome these minor mind games. It might be hard at times and it might be fun at others.

I would say start reading threads about scams and about single women traveling in india. Should give you a good perspective on what to expect. This way India will be easy to adjust and understand - to get you moving.

Next steps is define the destinations you plan to visit and get a perspective from IMers in the specific section. September should be beautiful in south /maharasthtra/gujarath.

Also check out the festivals in India during that time!

Welcome to IM and enjoy your trip.

Thanks for the welcome. Well, it looks as if I have gone from planning a trip alone to planning one for three women. I had gotten so used to the idea of going alone that now I have to adjust to the idea of taking along two others. One of my companions is about 15 years younger than I am, and the other one is about 20 years older. I joke to my husband that I'm planning the Maiden, Mother & Crone India Tour.