The accidental beginning of a solo life
Rida Tharana's first real solo adventure wasn't a grand declaration of independence. Her friend left Bali early, and instead of following, Rida stayed. Suddenly she was figuring out accommodation, transport, and her own company — all at once. "I was intimidated, but I also felt this excitement bubbling up," she told HT Travel. By the time she flew home, she'd understood something that no travel guide quite spells out: solo travel isn't really about being alone. It's about discovering how much you're capable of handling.
Since that Bali trip, Rida has gone on to travel solo to Lombok, Turkey, Italy, Japan, Lakshadweep, San Diego, New York, and Los Angeles. Each destination, she says, added a new layer to her sense of independence.
The practical stuff that actually makes a difference
Rida's tips aren't revolutionary in isolation — but together, they form a sensible, honest framework for anyone stepping out alone for the first time.
On safety, she's clear: always share your real-time location with someone back home, keep your phone charged (a portable charger is non-negotiable), and stay in central areas rather than isolated spots that might look romantic on Instagram but offer no signal and no cabs when you need them.
For logistics, she recommends booking outbound flights early to lock in good prices, while keeping the return flexible so you can extend a trip if it's going well. She prefers Airbnb apartments over hotels — the kitchen helps with budget meals, and having your own space makes a long solo trip feel far less lonely.
And then there's the small stuff that seasoned solo travellers swear by: packing cubes, portable hooks to hang things in unfamiliar rooms, electrolyte sachets to beat jet lag, and a foldable tote for market runs. Walking instead of always hailing a cab is both a budget move and a discovery tool — some of the best finds happen when you're just wandering.
Her approach to people is just as practical. She recommends genuine curiosity over rehearsed conversation starters — asking locals about their lives, offering a sincere compliment. "It often leads to unforgettable experiences," she says.
Why this matters for a solo travel audience in India
For Indian travellers — especially women — the idea of going somewhere entirely alone still carries a certain weight. It's not just about logistics; it's about navigating family expectations, social conditioning, and the very real question of safety. Rida, who grew up in India in the nineties, acknowledges that the thought can make your heart race. But her journey is a useful reminder that the fear doesn't go away by waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect travel companion.
Her tip about staying central, for instance, is particularly relevant for first-time solo travellers in Indian cities and tourist destinations, where infrastructure can be uneven and last-mile connectivity remains unpredictable. Choosing a well-located stay — even a modest one — gives you far more freedom than a beautiful but remote option. Similarly, her advice to share locations in real time addresses something many Indian families worry about, offering a practical middle ground between independence and reassurance.
Rida's broader point — that fear is normal and pushing through it is the only way to find out what you're made of — is less a motivational cliché than an honest account of how solo travel actually works. "I plan, decide, make mistakes, and fix them. That freedom is powerful," she says. For anyone who's been quietly filling browser tabs with dream destinations and waiting for someone to come along, that might be the most useful thing she offers.