When Niviya Vas, a Bangalore-based writer and marketer, ventured on her first solo trip, albeit for professional reasons, the lens through which she viewed travelling changed. “I was 26 when I first travelled solo in 2017 to Stamford, U.S.A. To be honest, this was a work trip, which I then extended for a week to explore some parts of New York City. So, in a way, New York was my first solo travel destination. Previously, I had only travelled with family or friends and followed plans and itineraries that weren’t mine. I never had the desire to travel alone, probably because I didn’t know better. My first solo travel experience changed how I viewed travel. It sparked something in me,” she says.

  

“Whatever it was, I felt free of the shackles that held me back from dictating my terms and standing my ground. That singular experience allowed me to introspect and understand things that I genuinely like to do when I travel, and the pace at which I like to do them,” the 36-year-old adds. 

Many women like Niviya are venturing out on solo journeys, unlocking new experiences and redefining what travel means to them. However, as glamourous as it sounds, travelling alone can be daunting, especially for women, who have to navigate restrictions and safety considerations. 

“Women’s travel has made significant strides in recent years, allowing them to explore the world on their terms. With the option to travel alongside like-minded companions or in women-only groups, they can prioritise their safety without compromise. Additionally, more destinations are focusing on women’s safety, boosting confidence in solo travel, making it a win-win situation,” states Zinal Doshi, founder and CEO of Flapper Life, a women's travel company. 

However, sometimes, the romanticisation of solo travel doesn’t translate into reality. 

“My experience in Stamford was as delightful as it could get in the grey, cold winter of the north. I had a lovely time walking around the streets, discovering new flavours and interacting with locals. New York City, on the other hand, was different. In full frankness, I hated the experience. For NYC to be someone’s first solo travel destination is overwhelming. It’s an intimidating, imposing city. It snowed almost daily. The tall buildings would have a sort of tunnel effect that made the streets feel colder than they were. I got lost taking the subway and had no one around to help. My phone kept dying, as did the battery pack. While I had enough cash on me, I was constantly worried about running out of money. In the peak of winter, I was alone in a big city that was indifferent to my comfort and survival, unlike home,” reveals Vas.