South Asia has attracted travelers from all over the world. Most young travel junkies are willingly ditching the usual Amsterdam and London trips for month-long vacations of traveling in South Asia to countries like India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan. This is a part of the world where you can sleep at the beach under the starry sky, party till wee hours of the morning on a full moon night, hike through lush green tea estates and hog on delicious street food that will cost you 1/3rd of the cost that an average meal in Europe or the States.
Given the millennial craze for traveling in South Asia have become the second home for young women travelers who like to live out of suitcase while managing their odd jobs like working on their blog or freelancing.
Unlike its notorious image popular around the world, most South Asian countries are welcoming, fun, and quite safe for women travelers. While we all have seen and read a lot about the relaxing yoga retreats in Bali and adventurous island hopping in Thailand, South Asian countries also offer the same amount of relaxation and fun just like southeast Asian countries. You might be well-versed with stories of burglary, stealing and snatching, hit and run and many other robbery cases with travelers in this part of the world. Although true, such incidents can be handled very easily with some precautions.
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What To Expect When In South Asia?
South Asia is a bunch of 8 countries that boast of hypnotically beautiful beaches, buzzing night clubs, pulse-pounding night markets, incredible ancient rainforests, captivating temples, breathtaking hiking trails, and delectable local cuisines. Although vibrant India and the blue Maldives have become extremely popular amongst travelers, other South Asian countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Pakistan are yet to be discovered by many.
Related: Here’s Everything You Need To Know Before Traveling To Maldives
You think why such a difference? Well, the South Asian countries have mostly been in the international news for all the wrong reasons. Matters of political unrest, communal tension, riots and women safety issues have hampered the global image of these hotspot travel destinations.
One foot in any of the South Asian countries and you’ll pat yourself on the back for taking the trip. Traveling in South Asia for first-time travelers might have a difficult time adjusting to the new environment in these daunting countries but most of you will fare well in this part of the world. Mind you, a South Asia trip is not even the slightest bit easy. It is challenging, scary and nerve-wracking but it’s mostly an invaluable, one-of-a-kind experience for you all.
If you’re coming from the States or EU region, you’ll be delighted to hog on to delicious meals, chug beers at local cafes and shop at flea markets all under 20$ a day. You don’t have to be ridiculously rich to travel to South Asia. Go to South Asia for its aromatic spices, contrasting cultures, rich heritage, stunning architectural brilliance, chaotic bazaars, and mostly cheap booze. Tourism infrastructure in some of the South Asian countries might not be that great, so it advisable to pack light. Go with an open mind and heart to embrace what this place has the best to offer.
This is the perfect time to plan your travels in up and coming travel destinations of Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Do not be skeptical, these places are nothing like what you’ve seen in the news except for a few regions which can be very well avoided on your journey. Right now is the best time to explore countries like India because the bustling tourism industry will soon attract every Tom, Dick, and Harry with money and some paid leaves. The eclectic cities of Pakistan, the mysterious landlocked nation of Bhutan and the Mangrove forests of Bangladesh will surprise you.
Also Read: From Terrorism To Tourism – Places To Visit In Swat Valley, Pakistan
Solo Female Traveling In South Asia
Solo travelers love traveling in South Asia for the fact that they arrive alone but always leave with a bunch of friends and unforgettable memories. A solo trip to South Asia might raise a few eyebrows amongst your friends but it’s about time somebody tried their luck in these countries, right? As female solo travelers, we feel the twinge of anxiety you have every time you board the flight. With extra precaution and self-consciousness, you can ditch the bizarre and instead return home with stories from colorful, sagacious locals and indulgent tales of your own.
Female solo travelers love colorful India, pristine Maldives and hip Sri Lankan islands where natural beauty meets manmade historical brilliance. Although tourism in other South Asian countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh is a bit down, the views are nothing short of awe-inspiring. You can have all the fresh air, the mighty Himalayas, calm beaches and lush green rainforests to yourself. For sure you will have your share of curious stares, crazy driving and night time anxiety but nothing will harm your spirits if you have the right precautionary measures in place.
Even if you’re traveling to a familiar city that is known to be the safest city in the world requires a female traveler to be vigilant and self-aware. A safer alternative is to opt for Couchsurfing with families or vouch for trusted house sitting instead of staying at shady hostels. For your safety, carry pepper sprays, pocket knives, and even sharp hairpins. Avoid crowded lanes, suspicious neighborhoods, and religious community centers where people of your race might not be welcomed. Be self-aware when walking on the streets and booze carefully when partying with strangers. Buy your drinks, have your food prepared right in front of you, and do not accept favors from shady folks. Stay out of trouble with a working SIM card and emergency contacts on your mobile phone for oddball situations. Nonetheless, there are plenty of off-beat destinations in Asia which are beautiful, less-crowded and very safe to visit, so do not shy away from always exploring more!
Being a solo female traveler in South Asia shouldn’t restrict you from having fun. Buy tickets to hostel-organized pub crawls. To prevent your essentials from being stolen, carry an anti-theft money belt or a fanny pack, carry your safety alarm, and lastly book tour guides. Yes, tour guides in these countries do not take away the freedom of your solo travel instead accompany you as local friends. At night, choose to walk with a couple or a family, take app-based taxis, and NEVER leave your drinks unattended. We’d conclude by saying that while traveling in South Asia, as long as you’re not drunk-walking to your hotel at night, you are mostly safe throughout your travels in South Asia.
Author’s Bio
I am Sydney. I love dancing, history, beer and exploring the hidden places. Travelling is my life as it always gives me a new experience and makes me stronger. To date, I have traveled to more than 25 countries and my favorite one is India. Follow my travel journey through my blog Route Prints, and also on Instagram and Pinterest.
Interested In Visiting South Asia? Read My Complete Destination Guides on Maldives and Pakistan
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I totally agree with you! Whenever I’m in SE Asia I always feel safe, and I definitely agree with you about the media only showing the bad parts. Thanks for a great read!
Yes! In my opinion, it is as safe as Europe. The rest really depends on how cautious one is while traveling.
Very cool explanation on solo traveling in Asia, especially as a woman. This is definitely on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you liked it! Thank you 🙂
I travelled South East Asia alone in my 20’s and 30’s and never felt unsafe but I usually keep my wits about and don’t think I ever stayed in hostels or drank alcohol on my own so I was quite careful. Was there a country you felt particularly safe in? I must say I felt really, really safe in Myanmar (in 2004, no idea what its like now), most parts of Thailand including Bangkok and in Laos.
Thank you, Anja for sharing your experience. Women like you are such an inspiration! Yes, I firmly believe that it largely depends on how cautious one is while traveling alone. It has very little to do with the place