Embarking on my solo travel journey began right after I graduated from UCSB in 2012 with a BA in Philosophy and a Minor in Clinical Psychology. At the time, I was working at an autism center, studying to become a behavioral therapist. The job was draining and affecting my health negatively. My mental health was suffering, and I felt lost and unhappy.
The Call of Adventure
With limited funds and a heart full of wanderlust, I contemplated ways to see the world. My uncle's generous gift allowed me to attend a yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India—the birthplace of yoga. This marked the start of my solo travels to a developing country.
I had read numerous blogs and articles about safety tips for white female travelers in India, believing I was prepared. However, real-life experiences soon proved to be the ultimate teacher. Here are some essential lessons I learned during my solo travels in India:
Dealing with Scammers
India, with its vibrant culture, also has some of the most skilled scammers. They target travelers as soon as they land. My brand-new camera was stolen from a taxi shortly after my arrival. Outside the airport, hundreds of beggars and scammers prey on unsuspecting visitors, especially white women traveling alone. Many locals assume foreigners have substantial wealth, leading to inflated prices. Researching fair prices is crucial, but sometimes, paying extra is necessary for peace and safety. Avoid wearing anything that signals wealth to reduce targeting.
Dressing Appropriately
India's conservative dress code is important to respect. To blend in and avoid unwanted attention, I quickly adapted by purchasing head coverings and traditional Indian dresses. Indian men are particularly fascinated by white women, especially those with blonde hair. If you seek celebrity-like attention, visit India as a blonde white woman. People will ask to take your picture, stare, and try to talk to you. I found this attention overwhelming and chose to dress more conservatively to blend in.
Staying Safe at Night
An Indian girl I met during a rideshare in Mumbai advised me not to travel alone at night. Stories of women being assaulted, including a recent headline about a girl raped on a bus, underscored the importance of this advice. I opted to stay in secure hotels and Airbnbs when not living at the ashram in Rishikesh.
Trusting Your Instincts
Meeting new people can be exciting, but caution is essential. Dangerous individuals exist everywhere, so always stay alert and trust your instincts. I enjoyed the solitude of traveling alone, but I also made friends along the way, especially at the ashram, where people from all over the world gathered.
Staying Healthy
Maintaining good health in India can be challenging, especially when traveling extensively. I visited Goa, Mumbai, Rishikesh, Rajasthan, Jaipur, and New Delhi. Restaurants and businesses can be tricky; sometimes, bottled water is actually tap water. Always drink unopened bottled water and avoid tap water, ice, and fresh vegetables washed in tap water. Avoid street food and uncooked vegetables or anything not cooked or boiled. Brush your teeth with bottled water. Eat fruits that have a peel or outer skin that can be removed. Despite precautions, I got very sick several times and even ended up in the hospital. Being hospitalized alone in a developing country is terrifying, but I managed to pull through. Eventually, I returned home, longing for the reliable healthcare system, clean water, and familiar comforts of America.
Experiencing True Yoga and Meditation
Yoga in Rishikesh is deeply rooted in spirituality, far beyond the exercise trends in America. My training at CorePower Yoga in Santa Barbara was more structured, focusing on specific sequences. In contrast, the training in Rishikesh emphasized the basics, history, and creating personal sequences. I am grateful for both experiences, each offering unique insights.
Final Reflections
Traveling to a developing country like India is a profound and eye-opening experience. It fosters immense gratitude for the luxuries often taken for granted, such as clean water and women's rights. Despite the challenges, I highly recommend it to everyone seeking growth and adventure.
Would I return? Absolutely. I recently traveled to Nepal, living in a Buddhist monastery to study meditation. Spiritual pilgrimages to the birthplace of yoga and meditation continue to enrich my life, fueling my passion for exploration and self-discovery.
Written By Ashlee Sunshine
Creator of Sunshine Paradise Retreat
At Sunshine Paradise Retreat, our mission is to foster a safe and supportive sanctuary where individuals are guided in rediscovering their inner harmony through yoga, meditation, sound healing, nutrition, and holistic well-being, all within a luxurious natural setting, while delivering impeccable customer service.
Learn more about our 3-Day and 5-Day all-inclusive yoga and wellness retreat offerings in Malibu Beach and Topanga Canyon, CA catered to individuals, women, couples and small groups here.
Subscribe to our email list here to stay updated with the latest news, blogs, retreats, exclusive offers, and more.
留言