April 17, 2025 | 05:52 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - India, a land brimming with culture and history, attracts countless travelers worldwide. However, anxieties often arise for women considering solo exploration, fueled by negative reports online.
Kesia, a seasoned traveler who has journeyed extensively throughout India, offers valuable insights based on her experiences. Through her Instagram account, she shared five key points that every female solo traveler should be aware of, providing an honest and genuine perspective.
1. Expect to Attract Attention
Kesia notes that travelers frequently become the center of attention for locals, which can sometimes feel overwhelming and frustrating. "It doesn't mean all people are bad - some are just curious," she explains.
She advises being prepared for men who may stare openly, initiate unwanted conversations, or even propose marriage. Her strategy? "Keep on walking and don't respond to calls. I always have a shawl in my bag and use it to cover my hair and shoulders when I've had too much," she shared, as reported by the Hindustan Times on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
2. Be Vigilant Against Scams
Kesia strongly cautions against scams, emphasizing that while not everyone has bad intentions, many people live in very different circumstances. "Don't fall for guides, bracelets, blessings and always ask for the price before you agree on anything, whether it's a taxi ride or a tour, and never pay in advance," she advises.
3. Exercise Extreme Caution with Massage Offers
Kesia warns that sexual harassment can manifest in various forms, with "tantra massage" being a common tactic. "Avoid "tantra" massages, festivals and tantric teachers if you don't want creepy touch," she states.
She explains that some individuals exploit spirituality as a pretext for sexual harassment. "The real tantra is something completely different and has nothing to do with that," she clarifies.
4. Acknowledge Potential Discomfort
Kesia stresses that feeling uncomfortable or even scared at times is a normal reaction and advises against pretending to be constantly resilient. Moments of exhaustion and the urge to cry may arise due to the unfamiliar environment.
"It's a different world here and some things might be shocking. Keep an open mind but if you feel something is off - don't do it," she urges.
5. Prioritize Women's Dorms in Hostels
While five-star hotels offer the highest level of security for female travelers, Kesia recommends choosing hostels with women's-only dormitories if budget constraints necessitate this type of accommodation. "Trust me, Indian men are lovely but most of them have absolutely no social awareness," she shares.
She recounts negative experiences with male hostel-mates speaking loudly on the phone late at night, engaging in conversations when others were resting, and watching videos loudly. "Not all of them are like this, but from my experience - many," she notes.
Despite these challenges, Kesia ultimately doesn't view India as inherently dangerous. In her opinion, while India can be intense, exercising caution in choosing destinations and interactions minimizes potential issues.
"This country has bad reputation but I don't think this is fair. Bad things happen to people everywhere in the world, not only in India," she asserts. She emphasizes that the majority of people in India are kind and treat travelers with care and respect. "Just remember this is not a cosy holiday destination, this is an experience," Kesia concludes.
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