7 Safety Tips for Solo Trip for Female near Mumbai

Travelling is never confined to any gender. Everybody loves to travel, sometimes with friends or family and other times, alone. Travelling to different places to explore the tradition and culture makes one understand life better and it's exciting to do so. While some travel to seek the meaning of life, others travel to get rid of everyday blues. Whatever be the purpose of your travel, Mumbai is safe, safer than you think it is. However, it is better to stay safe around people in a new place just so that you don’t land yourself in trouble.

Here are some safety tips for female solo travelers who are planning a trip to Mumbai.

Is your hotel in a safe neighborhood?

The most expensive city in India, Mumbai, is very vast. Be it hostels or hotels that you are planning to stay at, make sure the surrounding is safe. It might be difficult to judge safe areas of the city if you are new to it. The best thing to do in such cases is research. Colaba, Churchgate Fort, and Marine Drive are some of the best neighborhoods in Mumbai to stay if you’re travelling for the first time. There are several travel-based forums available on the internet. Posting your queries on such platforms will help you find honest reviews from fellow travelers. If your hotel is in a safe area, you are safe.

Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighborhood

Do Not Walk around at Night Time in Mumbai

Don’t walk around at night time

Mumbai is popularly known for its nightlife. Exploring the city in the dark can be adventurous and exciting. If you’re looking forward to experiencing Mumbai’s nightlife, make sure you are not alone. Travelling alone at night calls for unnecessary trouble. Avoid strolling along the streets that are poorly lit and deserted. Although the city’s pumping nightlife is not something one can miss out on, it is better to make your safety a top priority when travelling at night in Mumbai. If you’re exploring the city with a companion from the city or someone you trust, it can be a whole lot of fun. Also, avoid planning your arrival or departure late at night.

Know your limits

Although you are free to wear what you want when you’re in India, it becomes extremely important to understand the dress code that people usually follow. While western clothing is widely accepted and inculcated by Indians, religious places in Mumbai have certain guidelines to follow. When you are visiting a temple, mosque or a church, Indian traditional outfit is much preferred to avoid unwelcoming stares by the locals. By following these small rules, you are not only refraining from hurting the emotions of the locals but also experiencing the cultural outfit of the place.

Dressing Long Skirts in Temples

It is better to avoid exposing or skin revealing clothes. Dresses like long skirts, blouses with short or full sleeves with high necklines not only make you look pretty but also modest. One of the major attractions of Mumbai includes its beaches. While visiting a beach can be fun, it is important to note that bikinis are not allowed in India unless you are in Goa or indoor swimming pools. T-shirt and shorts will not catch as much attention as skimpy clothing does. Dress comfortably and modestly and don’t forget to enjoy your trip.

See More Mumbai's Temples/Mosques: Haji Ali Dargah Mumba Devi Mandir Siddhivinayak Temple

Have a point of contact

Solo travelling raises a lot of doubts about the safety of the person. When patriarchy still prevails in major parts of India where female solo-travelling is not so common, it is mandatory to have a point of contact. To buy a local SIM and keep your friends and family informed about your whereabouts on the trip is the best thing to do to feel safe. Also, do not forget to note down emergency contact numbers of those you can rely on.

Look confident even when you’re not

One of the best ways to feel safe and stay safe is to not express your fear to others. Travelers’ weaknesses are mostly taken advantage of and the best way to avoid this is to be assertive and confident in your tone and body language. You can keep half the risks away by strictly saying ‘No’ to offers you don’t want to take.

If there are salesmen, taxi drivers or guides pestering you to take their service, deny without a thought. At times, being naive or polite comes with a cost. Even though most people are nice and humble, it is best to not trust strangers.

Keep Alert in Mumbai Train Station

Plan before you go

Although unplanned trips pump your adrenaline level, they come with a price. The price of getting lost or facing troubles during your journey. Planning your travel well in advance solves many queries and gives you a better understanding of the place. Metro has been a boon to the city for its people who are mostly on-the-move. It can be quite uncomfortable to be around men in the ever-crowded metro trains. So, consider using special coaches for women to ensure your safety and security.

Watch what you eat

Your trip to Mumbai is incomplete without savoring the delicacies the city offers. It is important to judge a place based on its hygiene. Do not drink water from stalls or hotels, unless its packaged drinking water. Keeping a check on your health is essential especially when you are travelling alone in Mumbai. Getting sick is the last thing you want to do on your vacation. Irrespective of the reason stated, do not accept food or drink from strangers as the chances of food being spiked is high and it is always better to be cautious.

Some bonus tips:

1. Avoid staying in homestays. It is better to choose hostels and hotels over them.
2. When you are travelling by train, make sure you opt for an AC coach as it is less crowded and safer. If 2 tier AC doesn’t seem to fit your budget, 3 tier AC coach is available for your rescue.
3. A city that has a mixed crowd has people from all over the country. Many festivals celebrated in Mumbai draw a lot of crowds during the celebration. Crowd calls for situations like stampede and accidents, be careful about your safety and belongings if you are planning to attend one.
4. Avoid hiring prepaid taxis as the taxi drivers can misguide you or charge an exorbitant price. Uber and Ola are much reliable and safer.