Jinali Sutariya, (@travelstoriesbyus), has also faced sticky situations while on the road. She advises, “You can’t go along with a group due to peer pressure. If there’s something that makes you feel unsure, say no.” Drawing from her solo trip to Goa, Sutariya adds, “I had gone with a group to a bar that had boys and girls; the boys wanted to party at a different spot till late at night. They tried to persuade me to join them, but since I wasn’t already familiar with them, I passed.” 

Must-do check list

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. Background checks: Plan your accommodation in advance. Figure your itinerary, including eating halts. This helps with your research.

. Inform friends/family: Ensure they have clarity about your trip.

. Locals know best: Locals know their surroundings better than others; only they can warn you about young bag snatchers in the neighbourhood, for example. Besides, they can share great hacks.

. No-no for night-outs: If you’re alone, don’t lower your guard at night in unknown terrain. Tagging along with a group in the daytime is helpful and allows you to befriend other women travellers.

. Keep expensive stuff away: Don’t travel with costly jewellery, equipment and watches or keep them in a locker in your hotel room. Don’t carry a lot of cash; opt for online payments, instead.

. Tech and transparency: Social media accountability ensures remote hostels provide secure service. If you’re travelling to a far-flung town on a budget, stay at a hostel chain with a social media presence.