Questions You Shouldn’t Ask A Solo Woman Traveller

In a country like India, solo travelling is considered to be abhorrent. You either travel with parents, or you do it with your spouse after marriage. This is more relatable for women than men, since many men are allowed to, at least, travel with their friends. For women and some men, even travelling with friends is forbidden. So to find solo travellers, especially women, is rewarding in a sense. Watching these women defy norm and do what they are happy with, is empowering. And to ensure they are not made feel bad about their choice, here are questions you shouldn’t ask a solo woman traveller.

Aren’t you being selfish?

As mentioned above, the idea of solo travel, especially for women in India, is still foreign. Women are told to travel either with parents or after marriage because apparently if a man is with you then your travel choices can be validated. So ultimately, solo women travellers are deemed selfish for wanting to travel the world alone and find peace and love for themselves.

Don’t you feel lonely?

Sometimes it is genuine curiosity but people forget the difference between lonely and alone. Yes, a solo woman traveller is alone but loneliness is a different concept. You can be lonely even when surrounded by people you think you love. Loneliness, at the end of the day, is a feeling. You can be lonely surrounded by people and perfectly content when alone. No point judging the presence of the feeling of loneliness just because she is alone.

When do you plan to settle down?

The society loves to get people married even if they don’t want to. We’re in a generation where the concept of marriage is now a choice. Marriage doesn’t guarantee happiness. For some ‘settling down’ may put them in a bind where neither of the people involved are happy. So stop asking solo women travellers when they will settle down. They just might not want to.

What about friends and family back home?

Homesickness can infect anyone away from their home for too long but deep relationships can’t be destroyed because of some distance for a short period of time. So don’t judge them for being away from their home. Sometimes space is good. It’s their choice, none of your business.

Don’t you get bored?

Why would travelling get boring? You are constantly surrounded by new sceneries, new people, and new food. There isn’t much to bore you. Just because you can’t comprehend the idea of a solo traveler, especially, a solo woman traveller doesn’t give you the free pass to question their decision.

Also read:The Ugly Side of Solo Travelling