The checklist is a long one; phone charger, power bank, local SIM card, photocopies of routes, some gumption, and good sense. Every time a woman plans a solo trip, there are these many (and more) boxes to tick. But shouldn’t free birds-in-spirit be able to freely claim their spaces?

A week ago, travel vloggers Tanya Khanijow joined hands with Aakanksha Monga on an Instagram reel to help solo women travellers be safe. Professional travellers always have an advantage, as they’ve walked the miles. The idea is to not let any restrictive aspect kill your happiness, suggests actor and traveller Barkha Singh. Singh (@barkhasingh0308) feels one can never be fully ready for any unfamiliar situation: “We can do our best. Although women can’t pack a bag and set out as easily as men can, things have changed over the years. I took my first solo trip in 2012, and now after 10 years, I’d say the culture of seeing women travel for the sake of travelling has been normalised. Our families have become more open to the idea. Still, we must stay as safe as we can.”