Mariellen Ward

Mariellen Wardhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/mariellen-wardMariellen Wardhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/north-america/canada/visa-requirements-and-border-corssings-between-usa-and-canadaFind out about visa requirements for Canada, including working visas and border crossing from the United States. 2020-10-12T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/north-america/canada/visa-requirements-and-border-corssings-between-usa-and-canadahttps://www.worldnomads.comNote: Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the land border between the US and Canada was closed on March 21, 2020, and will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least November 21. Most foreign nationals are currently banned from entry to Canada. <a href="/travel-safety/north-america/canada/travel-alert">Read our travel alert for more information</a>. Many travelers visiting Canada require a visa, and requirements vary depending on several factors, including nationality and purpose of visit. Find out about visa requirements for Canada, including working visas and border crossing from the United States. Canada is a vast country, the second largest in the world, but it shares a border with only one other country: <a href="/explore/guides/usa-nomads-guide" title="Download our free guide to the USA">the United States</a>. Visitors from the US can cross at many points along the world’s longest unguarded border, and from the state of Alaska as well. Most other visitors fly in, or come on a cruise ship to ports on either coast –most notably <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/a-locals-guide-to-vancouver" target="_blank">Vancouver</a> and <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-halifax" target="_blank">Halifax</a>. <ul> <li><a href="#visa"> Visa requirements for Canada </a></li> <li><a href="#working"> Working visas </a></li> <li><a href="#borders"> Border crossings </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="visa">Visa requirements for Canada</h2> To find out if you need a visa for Canada, the Canadian government has provided <a href="https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp">this handy, interactive service</a>.  You simply select the country code that matches the one on your passport indicating your nationality, and press GO. On the next page, depending on your nationality and your mode of transportation, you will find out the documents you need. Many foreign nationals flying into Canada now need to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). You can apply with a valid passport, a credit or a debit card, and an email address. <h2 id="working">Working visas</h2> Many people around the world would love to work and live in Canada! Working visas are available, including a program for youth called International Experience Canada (IEC). You can get all the information you need on eligibility and other requirements <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada.html">here</a>. <h2 id="borders">Border crossings</h2> You don’t need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to cross the border into Canada from the U.S. if you are driving. You will need a passport, and a visa depending on your nationality. To drive in Canada, you need a valid driver’s license. You can find all the rules <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/driving.html">here</a>.iStock/LeoPatrizi 0621242410 iStock Hikers in Algonquin National Park

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/canada/transport-and-accommodation-in-canadaCosts and logistics of getting from A to B in Canada, and how to choose the right accommodation for your trip.2017-10-12T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/canada/transport-and-accommodation-in-canadahttps://www.worldnomads.comCanada is the second largest country on earth. With a population of only 35 million, it has one of the lowest densities – at 3.4 people per square kilometer. The population is strung out across the bottom of the country near the border of the USA like a pearl necklace. Spaced out along this strip are the main cities, from east to west: <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-halifax" target="_blank">Halifax</a>, <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/a-locals-guide-to-montreal" target="_blank">Montreal</a>, <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-toronto" target="_blank">Toronto</a>, <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/a-locals-guide-to-vancouver" target="_blank">Vancouver</a>. In between are vast tracts of agricultural or wilderness landscapes – which is why travel in Canada can be time-consuming and expensive. <ul> <li><a href="#transport"> Transport and Ways to Get Around Canada </a></li> <li><a href="#accommodation"> Choosing Accommodation in Canada </a></li> <li><a href="#eco-friendly"> Eco-friendly Transport and Accommodation </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="transport">Transport and Ways to Get Around Canada</h2> Obviously, flying is the fastest way to get from province to province in Canada. It’s still a heckuva long way from Halifax to Vancouver, 2,734mi (4,400km), and a long flight. Fares generally start at about $500 CDN (US $409). The most relaxing and scenic option is to take the train across Canada. Via Rail offers train service from coast to coast. If you want to splurge, The Canadian (from Vancouver to Toronto) and The Ocean (from Montreal to Halifax) are the most luxurious options. Buses are also widely available, and public transportation in the major cities – especially Toronto – is very good. Taxis are expensive, and can often be avoided. The UP Express train from Toronto’s Pearson airport into the downtown core is a great option (about $9 CDN or US $7.38), and Vancouver offers the Skytrain into downtown (about $9 CDN or US $7.38). ###CanadaGuideCallout### <h2 id="accommodation">Choosing Accommodation in Canada</h2> Like transport, accommodation in Canada can be expensive. The most affordable options are hostels and, in the summer, camping. <a href="https://www.hihostels.com">HI Hostels</a> has 58 hostels across the country, and a quick check on <a href="http://hostelworld.com">Hostelworld.com</a> shows 103 hostels in 47 cities in Canada. The average price is about $40 CDN/night (US $32.80). Bed and breakfasts are a popular choice in Canada, and can give you a more culturally authentic experience. To find reputable places, <a href="https://www.bbcanada.com/" target="_blank">BBCanada</a> is a directory of bed and breakfasts in Canada, as well as regional associations. Or you can try <a href="https://www.bedandbreakfast.com/canada.html" target="_blank">BedandBreakfast</a>. They generally start at about $100 CDN/night (US $82), though can be less in small towns. <a href="https://www.airbnb.com">Airbnb</a> is as popular in Canada as everywhere else, so be sure to shop around online before you book. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/canada/caravan-camping-british-columbia-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption> Caravan camping in British Columbia. Photo credit: iStock </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="eco-friendly">Eco-friendly Transport and Accommodation</h2> <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/climate-and-weather-whens-the-best-time-to-travel-in-canada" target="_blank">Canada’s seasons are extreme.</a> Temperatures can range from -22ºF (-30ºC) in winter (December–March) to 95ºF (35ºC) in summer (June–September). If you want an eco-friendly holiday, you probably want to visit Canada in summer when there’re far more options. The early fall season brings spectacular fall colors, which is during late September. With hundreds of <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/canadas-best-destinations-for-wildlife-encounters" target="_blank">provincial and national parks</a> across the country, you can easily camp your way across the country. Camping is relatively inexpensive at about $30 CDN/night (US $24.60) and of course a low-impact activity. You could rent a car, an RV/campervan, or even cycle – though the distances are vast. Within cities, there are bike-sharing systems. Renting a car or RV/campervan will be expensive, at about $1,000 CDN/week (US $819) including gas and insurance (note: it’s a good idea to carry an international driver’s license). But it’s a great way to get from campground to campground. Taking the bus is probably the best eco-friendly transportation option to get across Canada. You could also join an eco-friendly tour – there are lots to choose from including wildlife tours, Aboriginal tours, <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/top-hiking-and-mountain-biking-trails-in-canada" target="_blank">hiking</a>, cycling, and much, much more.iStock/YinYang 0533775201 iStock Downtown Streets of Banff National Park Canada

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-asia/india/itinerary-for-touring-the-south-of-indiaWant to see the best of India’s south? Nomad Mariellen shares this three-week itinerary, guiding you through the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.2017-06-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asia/india/itinerary-for-touring-the-south-of-indiahttps://www.worldnomads.comSouth India is a fascinating mix of some of the most evocative monuments, revered temples, lush forests, golden beaches, and modern metros in the country. The food is spicy, the people are warm, and the climate is tropical. Many travelers find that it’s the ideal place to begin your India travels, as it offers a gentler landing than <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india/itinerary-for-touring-the-north-of-india" target="_blank">north India</a>. <a href="/travel-safety/southern-asia/india/climate-and-weather-in-india" target="_blank">You can travel in the south most of the year</a>, though Summer (June-September) is monsoon season.  <ul> <li><a href="#karnataka"> Days 1-7: Karnataka </a></li> <li><a href="#kerala"> Days 8-14: Kerala </a></li> <li><a href="#tamil-nadu"> Days 15-21: Tamil Nadu </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="karnataka">Days 1-7: Karnataka</h2> Once a sleepy colonial town, Bengaluru is now a booming metropolis. Though not really a tourist destination, there are nevertheless some interesting markets, historic restaurants, and a stunning park, Lalbagh Botanical Garden. From <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-bengaluru" target="_blank">Bengaluru</a>, it’s an easy train ride to charming Mysore, known for a colorful market, splendid palace, and the <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india/spiritual-travel-in-india" target="_blank">Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute</a>. West of Mysore, in the Western Ghats, is a beautiful and relatively undiscovered region called Coorg. Known as the “Scotland of India,” Coorg is rolling, emerald hills, coffee plantations, and a year-round temperate climate. Before leaving the state, it’s well worth the trip to the remote center of Karnataka to visit <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india/things-to-see-and-do-in-hampi" target="_blank">Hampi</a>. One of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage sites in India, Hampi is a vast, abandoned city of stone. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/india/hampi-portal-dels-temple-mariellen-ward.jpg" /> <figcaption>Rock monuments in Hampi. Photo credit: Mariellen Ward</figcaption></figure> Finally, end your travels through Karnataka on the coast in laid-back Gokarna. <h2 id="kerala">Days 8-14: Kerala</h2> <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india/things-to-see-and-do-in-kerala" target="_blank">Kerala</a> is directly south along the Arabian Sea coast from Karnataka, and it’s one of India’s most popular and tourist-friendly states. Start in Wayanad, an undiscovered paradise in the north. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/thailand/why-elephant-riding-should-be-removed-from-your-bucket-list" target="_blank">wild elephants</a>, and the landscapes are scented with spices and picturesque to the extreme. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/india/kerala-backwaters-mariellen-ward.jpg" /> <figcaption>Kerala Backwaters. Photo credit: Mariellen Ward</figcaption></figure> A complete South Kerala itinerary should include the historic port town of Fort Cochin, an overnight boat ride on the backwaters, the spice gardens of Munnar, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the dramatic clifftop tourist town of Varkala, and the beautiful beaches south of Trivandrum. If you have time, you can take Ayurvedic treatments in one of the many resorts that line the southern coast. <h2 id="tamil-nadu">Days 15-21: Tamil Nadu</h2> Tamil Nadu is one of the most traditional states in India. Here you will find some of the most ornate, spectacular temples in India, such as the huge complex at Madurai. From Kerala, you can work your way up through Tamil Nadu by starting at the very bottom of India. At Kanyakumari, you can watch the sun come up among the pilgrims who flock there, and see where three bodies of water meet; they Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. Head north, with a stop at Madurai, towards the <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india/travelers-guide-to-the-andaman-islands" target="_blank">Bay of Bengal </a>coast to <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india/things-to-see-and-do-in-pondicherry" target="_blank">Pondicherry (aka Puducherry)</a>. A former French colonial outpost, it still retains a Gallic flavor. Just up the coast is Mamallapuram, a World Heritage site, famous for stunning temples and carvings. Finally, end your South India trip in Chennai, the state capital. A bustling city with no discernible center, Chennai is a cultural capital that comes alive with music and dance in the winter. Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, and a fun place to be at sunset.Mariellen Ward 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-asia/india/things-to-see-and-do-in-keralaMariellen Ward shares her favorite experiences in Kerala, from the tea plantations in Munnar to hiking in Periyar National Park and hanging out at the beach in Varkala.2017-06-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asia/india/things-to-see-and-do-in-keralahttps://www.worldnomads.comWalk along white sand beaches, hike through misty mountains, and paddle past local homes in the fascinating backwaters – there’s really no wonder why the state of Kerala is one of <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india">India</a>’s top travel destinations. Kerala winds 360mi (580km) along the southern coast of India, almost reaching to the very tip of the country. You can watch a spectacular sunset every night from many fine beaches that line the Arabian Sea coast in this tropical state. And that’s just the beginning of Kerala’s attractions. <ul> <li><a href="#nature"> National parks, sanctuaries, and wildlife </a></li> <li><a href="#beaches"> Kerala's beaches </a></li> <li><a href="#canals"> Paddling Kerala's backwaters </a></li> <li><a href="#culture"> Culture, religion, ayurveda, and yoga </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="nature">National parks, sanctuaries, and wildlife</h2> With palm-fringed beaches and vibrant spice gardens, Kerala’s natural beauty is top-notch. Wayanad in the north is dotted with rice paddies, carpeted with thick forests, and home to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Adventurous travelers can try <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">climbing</a> Chembra Peak (6,889ft/2,100m) in the Nilgiri Hills, the highest peak in Wayanad. South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, Periyar National Park in Thekkady, among the Western Ghats, is famous for jungle walks and gorgeous mountain scenery. It’s also a great place to see wild elephants, tigers, bison and many other animals. In the Munnar hill station, you’re often up above the clouds, among rolling hills of every shade of green. Munnar is the center of the tea trade, and it’s also a top spot to visit for several bird and wildlife sanctuaries, including Eravikulam National Park. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/india/munnar-kerala-istock.jpg" alt="A traveler looks over rolling green hills near the tea town of Munnar, Kerala, India." /> <figcaption> Munnar. Photo credit: iStock </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="beaches">Kerala's beaches</h2> With so much to see and do in Kerala, the beaches get more than their fair share of attention. Head north, where there are fewer tourists, for long white-sand beaches – ideal for those of you trying to get off the beaten track. In central and south Kerala, you’ll find some of the state’s most popular beach haunts, like Varkala and Kovalam. Varkala is my preferred beach hangout. While most visitors make a beeline for the north cliff, topped with a long line of restaurants and cafes that cater to foreign tourists, I prefer the less busy Odayam Beach and the serene south cliff. Muzhappilangad Beach in Kannur is Kerala’s only drive-in beach. Crescent shaped, and four kilometers in length, it’s a beautiful beach that attracts adventure travelers that enjoy paragliding and parasailing.  <h2 id="canals">Paddling Kerala's backwaters</h2> Kerala’s coast has been an important stop on the spice route for more than six centuries. Fort Kochi (Cochin) is a trading port with a fascinating history, still very much alive in the mix of ancient Chinese fishing nets, medieval Portuguese buildings, a 400-year-old synagogue, and the crumbling remains of the British Raj. It’s also crammed with charming homestays, boutique inns, and hip cafes. It’s certainly one of my favorite places to chill for a few days in Kerala. From Kochi, it’s an easy drive to Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters. Here (and in Kottyam and Kollam) you can rent a houseboat and crew to cruise the network of canals. An overnight cruise is more than enough for most people. The best way to explore the backwaters, though, is to hire a canoe or kayak for the day, and <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">paddle along the canals</a> with a local guide. The houseboats can’t fit through these narrow passageways, so you’ll get a unique glimpse into the waterways that you wouldn’t get on an overnight boat. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/india/backwaters-kerala-local-homes-istock.jpg" alt="Alleppy, the gateway to Kerala's famous backwaters." /> <figcaption> Alleppey, Kerala backwaters. Photo credit: iStock </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="culture">Culture, religion, ayurveda, and yoga</h2> No introduction to Kerala would be complete without mentioning the rich religious and cultural traditions. Most major religions are well represented in Kerala, and the state buzzes with religious and spiritual activity. Some of India’s most colorful festivals and beautiful temples are in Kerala. The cultural traditions include Kathakali, a 300-year-old dance form known for elaborate make-up and costumes. Kerala is also the center of <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india/spiritual-travel-in-india" target="_blank">India’s traditional system of healing known as Ayurveda</a> – a sister science to Yoga. There are Ayurvedic centers, hospitals, and resorts throughout the state, from the simple to the luxurious. Yoga is often available at Ayurvedic centers, and vice versa.iStock.com/f9photos 0522478216 iStock Kerala backwaters canoeing

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-asia/india/spiritual-travel-in-indiaLong-time yoga practitioner Mariellen Ward shows you how to get the most out of your spiritual journey through India. 2017-07-30T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asia/india/spiritual-travel-in-indiahttps://www.worldnomads.comSince the dawn of recorded time, people have been gathering for spiritual practice like yoga and meditation all over India. But where to start? Whether it be on the banks of the Ganges River in Rishikesh, on the ghats in Varanasi, in the <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-ladakh" target="_blank">high Himalayas</a>, or on the hot plains, here’s how to start your spiritual trip to India. <ul> <li><a href="#spiritual"> Why India is the best spiritual destination </a></li> <li><a href="#retreats"> Yoga and meditation retreats in India </a></li> <li><a href="#beginners"> Beginner’s yoga to advanced yoga in India </a></li> <li><a href="#rishikesh"> Yoga in Rishikesh </a></li> <li><a href="#mysore"> Yoga in Mysore </a></li> <li><a href="#south-india"> Yoga in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Goa </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="spiritual">Why India is the best spiritual destination</h2> First of all, several of the world’s major religions were born in India, including Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The sense of spiritual fervor is palpable. There are mandirs (Hindu temples), mosques, gurudwaras (Sikhs place of worship), and churches everywhere you look. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/india/varanasi-ghats-row-boat-mariellen-ward.jpg" alt="Rowboats on the river in Varanasi, India." /> <figcaption> Varanasi. Photo credit: Mariellen Ward </figcaption></figure> Small temples and shrines are set up on roadsides, in banks, even in underground parking garages. Seemingly every day, there’s a religious festival of one sort or another. People in India practice their religions overtly, and <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/respectful-travel">take their spiritual beliefs very seriously</a>. You might see your bank teller in a suit and tie at work, but later, performing a time-honoured puja on the banks of a sacred river, wearing an orange robe with tilak marks on his forehead. <h2 id="retreats">Yoga and meditation retreats in India</h2> The spiritual undercurrent in India has given rise to several forms of practice: the two most well-known in the west are yoga and meditation. You can find ashrams, retreats, and centers all over India. Yoga comes from the Hindu tradition and includes meditation as a core practice. This is one of the differences between yoga in India and in the west – where it’s seen as more of a physical exercise. Meditation is also associated with the Buddhist tradition, and it’s the main form of spiritual practise in Buddhism. Though Buddhism was born in India, it’s now practised more prevalently in other countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Bhutan. There are many forms of meditation in India along with yoga, including Transcendental Meditation and Vipassana. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/india/india-spiritual-travel-mariellen-ward.jpg" alt="A monk meditates in Sarnath, India." /> <figcaption> Sarnath, India. Photo credit: Mariellen Ward </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="beginners">Beginner’s yoga to advanced yoga in India</h2> You can find all types of yoga and meditation all over India, from beginners to advanced. You’ll find there’s much less of a distinction on styles of yoga – or indeed even on the concepts of beginner or advanced practitioners. If you’re already practicing yoga at home, you can ask your teachers and colleagues for a recommendation in India. Or, you can wait until you arrive and trust that you’ll find the right place.  It was very near the end of my first trip to India that someone suggested I visit an ashram near Rishikesh. I was tired when I arrived, and had a nap. When I woke, I knew I had found my spiritual home – I had never felt more rested in my life. And yet, I arrived there by chance. <h2 id="rishikesh">Yoga in Rishikesh</h2> Rishikesh in north India is the picturesque spot where the Ganges River tumbles out of the lower Himalayas. It’s often called the world’s capital of yoga, and makes for a great place to start your spiritual journey. The peaceful valley is lined with ashrams and yoga and meditation centres, and people from all over the globe come here to study, practice, and chill out. I liked <a href="https://akhandayoga.com/pages/yoga-ashrams" target="_blank">Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram</a>, which is owned and run by an Indian yogi and his Canadian wife. Here, you get the best of both worlds: authentic yoga teachings and western standards of comfort and cleanliness. <h2 id="mysore">Yoga in Mysore</h2> Yoga is also prevalent in Mysore, a small town in Karnataka, a few hours away from the capital of the state, Bengaluru. Mysore is the center of the Ashtanga Yoga world, as the founder, Pattabhi Jois, established the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute here in 1948.  <h2 id="south-india">Yoga in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Goa</h2> <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india/things-to-see-and-do-in-kerala" target="_blank">Kerala</a>, Tamil Nadu, and Goa in south India are also popular spots for yoga retreats. The Sivananda organization has a center near Trivandrum that’s located among lush forest greenery. And you can find yoga retreats all along the tropical coasts of these states.  These retreats vary in terms of accommodation standards and prices, from simple to luxurious. There’s a spot for just about every budget. You can stay for just a few days, do a one or two-week yoga retreat, or take an in-depth yoga teacher training course, which usually lasts a month. I loved my stay at the <a href="https://www.ashiyana-yoga-goa.com/" target="_blank">Ashiyana Yoga Retreat in North Goa</a>. Located right near the beach, with good teachers, delicious food, and a wide range of accommodation options, Ashiyana offers both relaxation and serious yoga practise. Updated July 2023iStock/Jedraszak 0517525274 iStock A Sadhu (Hindu religious devotee) doing morning prayer by the river Ganges in Varanasi, India

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southern-asia/india/womens-travel-safety-in-indiaMariellen has lived and traveled through India alone, and only encountered a few uncomfortable incidents. She shares her tips for safe travel, and talks about the common misunderstandings.2020-12-22T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southern-asia/india/womens-travel-safety-in-indiahttps://www.worldnomads.comIndia’s massive 1.38 billion population, an ancient culture, and rapidly changing attitudes combine to create one of the <a href="/explore/guides/india-insiders-guide" target="_blank" title="Download our free guide to India">world’s most fascinating destinations</a>. But, how safe is India for female travelers? India could well be one of the most rapidly-changing cultures on Earth – and these changes are leading to tensions in society and confusion for visitors. Here are my strategies for safe travel, especially for solo women travelers. <ul> <li><a href="#now"> Then vs now </a></li> <li><a href="#harassment"> From Eve-teasing, to sexual harassment </a></li> <li><a href="#unsafe"> Is India unsafe for women? </a></li> <li><a href="#strategies"> Strategies to stay safe in India </a></li> <li><a href="#podcast"> Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: Women in Travel </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="now">Then vs now</h2> In 2005, when I first started traveling in India, the question of safety was not as topical as it is today. As a Canadian who had never traveled alone in a foreign country, I knew it wouldn’t be an easy place to travel around, but I was more worried about getting sick, feeling lonely, or just not being able to cope with the “heat and dust.” Even as a solo female traveler, who had never been on such an ambitious trip – six months across the length and breadth of the subcontinent – I wasn’t particularly worried about my safety. Times have changed. I have been traveling and living in India over the past 14 years. Now, safety – especially travel safety for female solo travelers – is a hot topic. I have lived in the capital Delhi, which is the most notorious city for crime in the country, and now live in the northern city of <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india/spiritual-travel-in-india">Rishikesh, the Yoga capital</a>. When I travel, I usually do it alone. I’ve had very few uncomfortable incidents. I’ve been stared at a lot, followed several times by creepy guys, and groped twice. I’ve felt unnerved a few times, but I have never felt threatened or unsafe. <h2 id="harassment">From "Eve teasing" to sexual harassment</h2> I was in India in December 2012 when the horrific gang rape and murder of a young Indian woman made headlines around the world. I saw the country erupt in anger and felt the paradigm shift. The colloquial phrase “Eve teasing” became the much more accurate “sexual harassment” overnight. A media onslaught followed, provoking several countries to issue travel advisories for India, and for the country to be painted as the “rape capital of the world.” Since then, the issue of women’s safety has gained a lot of prominence. More recently, in the fall of 2019, a spate of gang rapes and murders in Hyderabad and Unnao reignited concerns over women’s safety in India – for both local women and tourists. Several countries have issued travel advisories warning women <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india" target="_blank" title="Smartraveller"> not to travel alone</a> or to remote areas; some even warn about safety <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/safety-and-security" target="_blank" title="Gov.UK">even if traveling in a group</a>. The United Kingdom travel advisory states: “There has been an increase in reports of sexual assault against women and young girls, including recent sexual attacks against foreign female visitors in tourist areas and cities. Women travellers often receive unwanted attention in the form of verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men.” Whether sexual assault is actually increasing, or whether there is just more reporting and more focused attention, is a difficult question to answer. <h2 id="unsafe">Is India unsafe for women?</h2> I’ve been asked many times whether I think India is an unsafe travel destination. My answer is: that’s the wrong question. It’s not about safe or unsafe destinations – anything can happen anywhere. However, it’s unlikely most women traveling in India will face aggressive or hostile behavior. Staring and unwanted attention are common. I think it’s far more worthwhile to ask about how you travel, rather than where. Are you practicing what I call ‘safe travel strategies’? I also think that making women feel fearful of travel is a modern form of purdah (seclusion or secrecy), with sexist and misogynistic undertones. If you look at statistics, most attacks against women take place in the home. Most women are raped or harmed by men they know. There are no guarantees in life, but if you mitigate risk, and travel with confidence within your comfort zone, I think you can go just about anywhere you want. I am comfortable and confident in India, and I think that’s what’s contributed to my enjoyment of travel there. Having said this, India does present some greater risks – especially with regards to staring, unwanted attention, and sexual harassment – than other countries. There is a significant gender disparity in India, and you do come across some negative and outdated attitudes towards women – such as the film director who suggested women should carry condoms in case they are raped. It’s wise to be prepared, and be able to safeguard yourself, and take things in stride. <h2 id="strategies">Strategies to stay safe in India</h2> Here are a few safe travel strategies that I think are particularly important for India, and for female travelers. <h3>1. Research</h3> Do your research, and make sure you know and understand the culture before embarking. For example, in India, the genders relate differently, and the basis of the culture is still very traditional. You can’t relate to the opposite sex in India in the same way that you would in a western country. A casual, friendly word or gesture could be perceived as an invitation. <h3>2. Dress appropriately</h3> Aside from a few pockets, such as South Mumbai and Goa, India is still a very traditional society. This means you should follow the rules of society and dress modestly. Most of the time I’m in India, I dress modestly, and very often, in Indian clothing – such as the three-piece suit known as a salwar kameez. This inspires respect from locals and makes me blend in a bit more… as much as a tall-ish, blonde Canadian woman can blend in. <h3>3. Attitude</h3> As a Canadian, I was brought up to be polite. But when you travel alone, in a place like India, it’s more important to be confident than polite. Trust your instincts. If you feel that someone is a potential threat, or is harassing you, walk away. Don’t bother with politeness. Ignoring people who stare, beg, and the overly-intrusive is the best way to get rid of them. If you are in trouble, don’t be afraid to call out for help. Social shaming plays a big role in Indian society, and the chances are good that aunties and uncles will crowd around and defend you – and heap shame on the badmash who troubled you. <h3>4. Destination and location</h3> As part of your research, find out which parts of India are more tourist-friendly, and which neighborhoods are considered safer. In Delhi, I recommend South Delhi, for example – an upscale residential area where you are less likely to run into touts, con men, drug dealers, and those who prey on tourists. States such as Kerala and Rajasthan, which see a lot of tourists, are generally a better option for female travelers, and especially solo female travelers. Goa is a popular destination, but it also has a “party scene” and has been the location of crimes against women travelers. Stay away from drugs and the drug culture in Goa and wherever else it is found in India. <h3>5. Travel and transportation safety</h3> Travel in India can sometimes be overwhelming, confusing, frustrating, and tiring. It sometimes seems as if nothing is easy – even booking a train ticket. So, while in transit, women sometimes experience the brunt of unwanted attention and potentially risky situations. Take extra care with your bookings and with travel by train, plane, bus, and car. Try not to arrive late at night, especially at train and bus stations. Arrange for someone reliable to pick you up. Let others know your plans. And above all, do not trust random strangers at railway stations and airports offering you help or a ride. Use taxi apps such as Ola or Uber, or pre-paid taxi options. You can also hire women drivers through companies such as Women on Wheels in Delhi – a taxi service staffed by women drivers – and Pink City Rickshaws in Jaipur. Look for the “Ladies” car on every metro train in Delhi, and on the commuter trains in Mumbai. There are also women-only compartments on long-distance trains. Not only will you feel safer, you will also enjoy the convivial atmosphere. For more, read my <a href="https://breathedreamgo.com/my-top-tips-for-women-travelling-in-india/" target="_blank">top tips for women traveling in India, here</a>. <h2 id="podcast"></h2>Julian Manrique, WhereNext.com 1 WhereNext A woman looking out the window of a train in India