India faces a bad rap with tourists for its high crime rates. But know that India is safe for tourists, even for female ones. Researching your destination and dressing appropriately are two of the most common tips for females to remain safe. When it comes to discussions on safety, it is not always 100% about the destination. First of all, you have to understand that anything can happen wherever you may be. However, when traveling, you can keep yourself safer with a few preventive measures. When in India, you can expect more stares and unwanted attention from the locals. But such stares are common in the country. Friendly locals would even reason out that they’re just curious about you. But most of the time, the stares mean you no harm. When it comes to traveling, it is more sensible to ask about how you travel instead of asking where you travel. And today, I will show you how you should travel as a woman (or even as a man). Here are a few strategies on how you can stay safe while traveling India as a female (or male) traveler. Do Your Research Before heading to your destination, make sure to read a lot. It helps a lot if you understand the culture you are immersing yourself into. For example, when going to India, you should understand that there is a vast difference between the roles and expectations of each gender. India is mostly traditional, especially in smaller towns and villages. In India, you cannot deal with the opposite sex, just like how you do it in the US. As a female traveling in India, you have to remember to be on your guard when dealing with men. A casual or friendly gesture in the US may have a different perception in India. Dress Appropriately As mentioned a while ago, India is mostly traditional. What it means for you is that you should follow the norms of society. One of these norms and expectations is for you to dress appropriately. In India, it doesn’t hurt if you dress modestly. A common Indian garment is the salwar kameez. It is a three-piece garment usually worn by the locals. It helps you blend in. Also, such garment is modest enough for Indian standards. If dressing in traditional Indian clothes is not for you, you can have other options. Remember that you can still wear your Western clothes in India. Just make sure to cover up most of your legs and shoulders. The Attitude You can never say no to prospects of exploring the streets of India. This is when you can get in touch with the local culture. But while walking, there may be beggars that may harass you. And beggars in some cities in India can be pretty aggressive too. When in such a situation, the best thing you can do is ignore it and walk away. Also, when in India, strangers may be intrusive. Make sure to trust your instincts. If you feel that somebody within your area is a threat, walk away. Because if there is something you should know, it is that social shaming is common in India. When somebody is a bit more intrusive than necessary, do not hesitate to ask for help. I’m pretty sure a lot of the other locals would be ready to defend you. The Destination Before heading to India, read about which parts of the country you’re going to visit. Read about the cities that are tourist-friendly. Determine which neighborhoods in these cities are safer for you. For example, when dropping by the capital New Delhi, you can head on to South Delhi. South Delhi is more upscale and has fewer scammers, con men, and the likes. Kerala in the south and Rajasthan in the north see a lot of tourists every year. These regions in India are great for exploring. It is in these regions that you would most likely see solo female travelers too. Traveling by Trains and Buses Traveling within India can be overwhelming. And that’s a fact. It appears that booking a train or a bus ticket is never easy. Expect a complicated process when getting your sim card for your internet needs while in the country. When traveling from one city to another, take care of your things. Make sure to deal with travel agencies that you trust. Also, make sure to avoid arriving at your destination at night. If you do, have somebody pick you up from the bus or train station. Most hotels have this type of service. Do not ask random strangers for directions. And if you can, use Uber. When in India, Uber is one of the most reliable ride apps that you can have. Aside from Uber, Ola is also another ride app you can download and use. If you plan on swinging by New Delhi, you can use the services of Women on Wheels. This is a taxi service with women drivers. In Jaipur, a similar service is also available. Look for Pink City Rickshaws. Most trains in Delhi also have women-only compartments. You should be safer in here.