Unsafe For A Male To Travel Alone?

[btalivny]

All countries have their own versions of problems. You must apply common sense and reasoning behind what you do. If you are aware of your surroundings then you should be safe. If you see an empty street and a busy street which both go to the same location, take the busy street. Do not roam alone at night unless you are completely able to handle the possibility of getting lost. Simple things can be done to protect yourself.

 

[Untamed13]

Well I never once felt unsafe or threatened in any way during my stay in India. Even though it was a little tense in Mumbai in 2006 when I was there but that was because of the bombings and had nothing to do with local people/culture. I found Indians to be generally well behaved and polite. I think it's a good idea to learn a few basic Hindi words/phrases if you gonna be there for a while. Most people don't speak/understand English very well, in some of the smaller towns and it's definitely a good thing if you know enough to be able to avoid arguments.

 

[DarkStarling]

I mean there are certainly risks to travelling alone, especially if you haven't got any experience in doing so, and if you don't know your way around that can make it risky for other reasons that other people trying to exploit you. But in general I would call it safe, and the worst thing that can happen is probably someone emptying your pockets.

 

[travelguide]

Having just finished reading a thread about it India being unsafe for females, I now come across this one asking is it safe for males! You'd think that India was some war torn country, crippled with gang warfare and criminals on every corner.

Travelling alone, male or female, to any country in the world is slightly riskier than travelling with a partner or in a group. India is no different in my opinion, and with the basic common sense to avoid certain situations, you won't have to much to worry about I wouldn't have thought.

Yes, you said it, traveling alone, male or female, to any country is slightly riskier anywhere in the world and India is no different. But we can reduce the chances by applying our common sense at certain occasions. There is no issue in visiting popular places in India even if you are alone. If somebody is very much worried over safety, you can quote one of the female members here who came up with an idea of carrying a pepper spray. I think there is no harm in that and it is a good idea to boost your confidence level.

 

[pwarbi]

I think people think of India as it was a number of years ago, and maybe then I was more dangerous than other countries, but with the increase in tourism, it's a lot safer these days than what it's ever been so it wouldn't be something that I would worry to much about.

 

[travelguide]

I think people think of India as it was a number of years ago, and maybe then I was more dangerous than other countries, but with the increase in tourism, it's a lot safer these days than what it's ever been so it wouldn't be something that I would worry to much about.

You mean before Independence... just joking

I don't know what made you think like that. if you are referring to very old days, India was under British rule and we were the people who suffered a lot. But I think we got this diversity factor from various cultures who dominated India from time to time. Most of the ancient monuments were built by old dynasties like Moghul,. In that perspective we are lucky to have a lot of historical places to offer.

 

[bluegreen]

All countries have their own versions of problems. You must apply common sense and reasoning behind what you do. If you are aware of your surroundings then you should be safe. If you see an empty street and a busy street which both go to the same location, take the busy street. Do not roam alone at night unless you are completely able to handle the possibility of getting lost. Simple things can be done to protect yourself.

Yes I could't agree more with your opinion btalivny! Every country has it's problems and of course that there are countries where certain problems are more aggravated, I think it's public sense that in Brazil there are certain regions where crime taxes are really high and it's really dangerous travelling there, it's a country that I will definitely never visit in my life. For example here in my country, the capital is somewhat dangerous, there are neighborhoods that are simply too dangerous for you to go there, in fact there are nothing you would do there, other than finding troubles...

If you know, previously before travelling to an unknown country, the areas that are dangerous and you should never visit them I think you are safe enough But of course if you want to visit the capital, for example, and people tell you that everywhere you go it's dangerous it's up too you to decide if it's worth or not. All this to say just one thing: at the end it's up to everyone to weight the risk and benefits and decide if you do the trip or not!

 

[amelia88]

All countries have their own versions of problems. You must apply common sense and reasoning behind what you do. If you are aware of your surroundings then you should be safe. If you see an empty street and a busy street which both go to the same location, take the busy street. Do not roam alone at night unless you are completely able to handle the possibility of getting lost. Simple things can be done to protect yourself.

Couldn't agree more. For the most part I feel like as long as you take precautions and use common sense you're safe in most parts of the world. I'm a solo female traveller and I've been to Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan alone - not a single problem (perhaps some leering in some places just because I guess I look different being a Caucasian girl) but for the most part I just take normal precautions. I asked a while ago on the forum about traveling along in India and most everyone said it's fine provided you use common sense like not staying out after dark alone -- which isn't something I would really do in my own country let alone overseas.

 

[pwarbi]

While it's obviously only natural to worry, I think sometimes people can worry a little to much about things, and it can stop you enjoying life. Applying a bit of common sense goes a long way, and as long as you take the necessary precautions, then I wouldn't let the fear or bad reputation of a place stop me from going there.

 

[Steve Dawson]

I've always found India far safer in many regards to other countries. Theres certainly excellent security in all the big cities and less crime compared to England and the United States for example. As long as you are respectful to the locals and considerate of their feelings you will have no problems with regards to your safety at all.

Incidentally there does seem to be a lot of reporting of the negative news stories that come out of India, never any mention of the great acts of humanity and caring that I see everytime I go there. Again, I would say consideration of local culture with an appreciation of the fact that you are visiting other peoples home will ensure you have a safe and pleasant journey.

 

[amelia88]

Incidentally there does seem to be a lot of reporting of the negative news stories that come out of India, never any mention of the great acts of humanity and caring that I see everytime I go there. Again, I would say consideration of local culture with an appreciation of the fact that you are visiting other peoples home will ensure you have a safe and pleasant journey.

You're right, sadly the media are always going to report the stories that are "gory" or will sell their papers/get people reading. People seem to be drawn to the terrible stories rather than the inspiring and uplifting ones (I wish there was a newspaper that contained just happy news though - I'd buy it for sure!)

Also as you mentioned I think knowing some local customs, perhaps even a few words and so forth so that you're being respectful is always a great thing and goes a long way.

 

[Steve Dawson]

You're right, sadly the media are always going to report the stories that are "gory" or will sell their papers/get people reading. People seem to be drawn to the terrible stories rather than the inspiring and uplifting ones (I wish there was a newspaper that contained just happy news though - I'd buy it for sure!)

Also as you mentioned I think knowing some local customs, perhaps even a few words and so forth so that you're being respectful is always a great thing and goes a long way.

Yes, thats a great idea, a few local commonly-used phrases always bring a smile to the faces of the locals, even if you're pronunciation is terrible, they always appreciate the effort you've made to speak their language. You're right about the newspapers of course, bad news sells papers for them and thats why its over-reported. Maybe we should start a newspaper that only has good news, I'd buy it as well, maybe its a business idea just waiting to happen.

 

[Distinctpvp]

I would personally not travel alone depending on the place. Some places have a higher tendency of risks from traveling alone. I would stay away from those places, but ive traveled to many different countries and so far have not had 1 problem from traveling by myself. I think it would most likely be okay to travel by yourself.

 

[GammaRay]

I say before you travel do a little research about the country's culture and the police transparency and safety in the city you're specifically travelling to. Delhi is great, it's mainland India and the people are very progressive and open you don't need to worry about a thing unless ofcourse you're planning to go somewhere dark and shady then in that case every country in the world has that. It also pays to look into the travel tips of your embassy, they really take care of their own.

 

[Zahid Rafique]

Traveling alone, male or female, to any country anywhere in the world can be risky , but depends on the situation & the place you stay , the people you indulge with ,& specially when you become friendly with people you don't know at all , or when someone comes & tend to be extra friendly and then offer you food or drinks .

 

[Faye1232212]

This is a great question as I was just wondering the same of women. Personally, I think it is best to always travel with a buddy especially if it is for leisure. Too often people are kidnapped , robbed etc while on vacation simply because they are alone. I'd say, no matter where you go, India or anywhere, you should always being someone with you. This just ensures your safety that much more.

 

[taviacurtis]

I understand your concerns where safety is involved. Please be aware that safety is important regardless of your sex or location. My advice to you is to always practice being aware of your surroundings. This is a very valuable and lifelong practice that could be effective in any situation that threatens your safety or intuition.

 

[Devendra patel]

Every year thousand of tourists come in India and enjoy peacefully their tour here.Its not true that traveling alone in India is unsafe for male and female both.Some places in all world are risky for traveling alone for tourists.But it depends on their locations,Governing policies and living status of peoples.In every country you can find such type of places and one important thing traveling alone is not good idea for every one because treking alone in mountains,touring in wildlife parks needed some partners.

 

[kokosflocken]

It's pretty safe. Just use your common sense. Tip: be especially careful with accepting food and drinks from strangers (don't). And keep an eye on your belongings.

 

[vegito12]

I reckon it is important to be aware of any people being friendly who wants to know about you or wants money for information which can make them think they will get some easy money, by giving information and be aware of what you consume or eat and check it is from a store or well known area. Sometimes learning about the area can keep you and also the media and even some people may exaggerate the claims of violence to tourists, or bad experiences which can cause some people to have fear of travelling. I think that a person does need to be cautious, but being overly cautious can make a person not to trust anyone who is trying to help you if you are lost or need some assistance, and having people you know with you can make the trip more easier and feel more relaxed.