Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the World Travel Market in London, an extraordinary event that brought together professionals from every corner of the travel industry. For three days, I immersed myself in a whirlwind of conversations with tour operators, hoteliers, and, most excitingly, fellow women travellers. Each discussion confirmed something I’ve long believed: Going Solo is exactly what women need. Hearing this validated by so many gave me immense hope and determination to continue growing this initiative.
Among the inspiring moments during those three days, one encounter stood out—a meeting that still gives me goosebumps. Picture this: I was deep in conversation with a hotelier from Phuket when I noticed a woman standing nearby. She seemed to be listening in, edging closer and closer. I smiled to myself as she eventually abandoned subtlety altogether and just joined in, bursting with enthusiasm.
She couldn’t believe she’d found me, the person behind Going Solo. To her, this was exactly what she needed. I could tell you more about her—she’s very famous in her home country and undeniably beautiful—but I won’t. Not because I want to tease you, but because privacy is a gift we all deserve. What I can share is this: she was born in India and raised in the West, and her struggles as a solo traveller are ones many of us can relate to, albeit from different perspectives.
For her, safety is the primary concern when travelling alone. Being exceptionally beautiful, she often attracts unwanted attention. In India, her Westernised style of dress sometimes draws judgment. Abroad, her beauty can make her a target for those who want to get too close for comfort. It’s a constant balancing act: she loves to travel, wants to express herself authentically, but often feels vulnerable doing so.
The truth is, we’re not all famous, and most of us don’t have her kind of visibility, but her experience is universal. Every woman deserves to feel safe and respected when travelling—no matter where she is or how she looks.
Her main question to me was a heartfelt one: “How can you guarantee my safety when I travel solo?” It’s a question I’ve been asked before, and it’s one I always answer honestly: I can’t. The truth is, none of us can guarantee safety—not even in our hometowns. But what I can do is everything within my power to mitigate risks and make solo travel as safe as possible.
I do this in several ways. I only recommend destinations and accommodations that are well-regarded for solo women travellers. I provide advice on navigating different cultures—when to cover up, why it’s wise not to drink alone, and how to blend in rather than stand out. And then there’s group travel, an option that offers not just companionship but a tangible sense of security. You’ve heard the saying, “There’s safety in numbers,” and in travel, it often holds true.
That said, I’m not suggesting we stick only to “safe” places or avoid stepping outside our comfort zones. Travel is about exploring, discovering, and sometimes taking calculated risks. The key is to be prepared, aware, and informed—because with the right knowledge and support, even the most adventurous trips can be empowering and safe.
Now, a month later, I’m back at my desk, working on something that I hope will bring even more reassurance to those of you considering solo travel. I’ve been testing new trip-planning software, and one of its most exciting features is an app I’m now including as part of the Going Solo experience.
You’re probably wondering: What’s so special about an app? After all, most of us already use WhatsApp or Messenger to stay in touch with friends and family when we travel. But this app adds something extra. It connects you to me.
Here’s how it works: You can use the app to check in with me, share your plans for the day, or even vent about your fears and frustrations. I can provide advice, answer questions, or simply offer a listening ear. Most importantly, the app allows me to keep track of your itinerary, so if something doesn’t go as planned, I know where you’re supposed to be. As long as you’ve got a signal, you’ve got me—a reassuring presence in your corner.
For those of you who love the idea of Going Solo but don’t want to travel with a group, this app might just be the perfect solution. It bridges the gap between independence and support, allowing you to explore the world on your terms while knowing help is just a message away.
In this month’s newsletter, I’ll dive deeper into the specifics of how the app works and what it offers. But if you’re curious about how we can tailor this to your travels, don’t hesitate to reach out. Because at the end of the day, solo travel should be about freedom, not fear—and I’m here to help make that a reality.
Comments