Beyond borders: Best international trips from India for women in 2024

Travel is an opportunity to explore a new country's culture, people, and places. More so for women travellers, who are defying norms by giving into their wanderlust. Travel can give you a space for self-care. An international trip can further your confidence and perspective. 

Here are five international destinations for opening up your heart

Tanzania

This culturally rich country in East Africa is an enigma. You can experience nature at its purest; diverse wildlife, beautiful beaches, and intriguing history. 

·      Most visited places - Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar

·      Experiences not to miss -

    ·     Lake Natron, the red lake with flamingos

    ·     The great migration, animals moving towards Masai Mara during July and August

    ·     Kuza Cave, a limestone cave with turquoise water. Enjoy, snorkelling, swimming, and music 

    ·     Shifting sand dunes, spread across the Ngorongoro plains, it's a must-visit place

    ·     Laetoli footprints, the oldest known footprints of early humans

    ·     Ol Doinyo Lengai, the coldest lava in the world

    ·     Changu island

    ·     Zanzibar night market

·      Points to remember - 

    ·       Most people speak and understand English. Just keep it simple.

    ·       Buy tickets, rent vehicles, or book tours only from licensed agents or offices.

    ·       Be cautious of locals offering to take pictures and bumping into you.

Iceland

This European country is known for its mesmerizing beauty - volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. Explore the land of ice and fire with scenic landscapes and many wonders of nature.
 

·      Most visited places - Reykjavík, Gulfoss, Þingvellir, Vík, Skógar

·      Experiences not to miss -

    ·       Northern Lights, nature's captivating phenomenon, the dancing lights. In Mývatn between September and April

    ·       Blue Lagoon, mind and skin nourishment with natural geothermal baths

    ·       Whale watching at Breidafjordur

    ·       Ice caves at Vatnajokull Glacier

    ·       Skaftafell National Park

    ·       Geysir, the famous hot springs

    ·       Dettifoss waterfall

·      Points to remember - 

    ·       Avoid buying souvenirs from puffin shops

    ·       Avoid fake Icelandic woollen sweaters costing a fortune

    ·       Indian winter wear might not work there

    ·       Littering is a big no     

Japan

Beautiful landscapes, culinary wonders, technological advancement, and colourful landscapes; make it a great international destination.

·      Most visited places - Mount Fuji, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Nagoya

·      Experiences not to miss -

    ·       Temples of Kyoto

    ·       Climbing Mt. Fuji

    ·       Cherry blossoms (Sakura) at Hirosaki Park

    ·       Sumo wrestling

    ·       Stay at a ryokan, tradional Japenese inn

    ·       Picturesque train rides with Sagano Scenic Railway or the Tadami line

    ·       Hot spring baths at Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma

    ·       Gaming at Akihabara and Nakano

    ·       Street food in Osaka, Takoyaki, and Okonomiyaki 

    ·       Shopping at Ginza 

·      Points to remember - 

    ·       English is not widely spoken 

    ·       Do not follow any locals to bars or take drinks secondhand

    ·       Confirm prices and hidden fees upfront

    ·       Beware of fake notes 

    ·       Avoid staring and gesturing in public 

Hawaii

A haven for beach lovers, this US island state is filled with green, red, pink, and even black sand beaches. Hawaii is famous for the kindness and hospitality of its people.

·      Most visited places - Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Hapuna beach, Haleakala National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Waimea Canyon

·      Experiences not to miss -

    ·       Night dive at Manta Ray

    ·       Surfing at Waikīkī beach

    ·       Snorkelling on the Kona Coast or Kealakekua Bay 

    ·       Dolphin sighting in Honolulu

    ·       Take a boat to the Napali Coast

    ·       Kayaking on the Wailua River

    ·       Star party at Mauna Kea

    ·       Coffee in Kona

·      Points to remember -

    ·       Avoid "pick a pearl" and talking parrot guys

    ·       Do not touch wildlife or corals

    ·       Do not take rocks and corals

    ·       Follow signage

Italy

A combination of scenic landscapes, historic monuments, and engrossing architecture. It is a hub for art, culture, and fashion. 

·      Most visited places - Rome, Florence, Amalfi Coast, Venice, Cinque Terre

·      Experiences not to miss -

    ·       Walk through the Colosseum

    ·       Guided tours of Mount Etna

    ·       The hidden Bagni San Filippo hot springs

    ·       Feel the love at Juliet's balcony in Verona 

    ·       Taking a rowboat inside the sea cave, Blue Grotto

    ·       Hike to Cala Goloritze

    ·       See Florence from above at the Piazzale Michelangelo

    ·       Take pictures with the trullos (cone-shaped white buildings) at Puglia

    ·       Explore the history in Pompeii

·      Points to remember - 

    ·       Say no to friendship bands

    ·       Do not step on the paintings on the floor

    ·       Don't get distracted by mime artists, gypsy women, or photographers

    ·       Beware of fake police

Safe travel tips to make a trip to these international destinations memorable 

·      Preplanning

Research the international destination before you start the journey. Cover climate, safe routes, visa rules, country rules, medical facilities, local allergies, transportation systems, mobile networks, internet connectivity, etc.

·      Create a detailed itinerary

Trace your entire journey on paper. Where will you go, how will you get there, what will you do there, and what will you eat there? This will give you a way to plan your finances, substitutes, and time as well. You can also download directions and translation apps for smoother travel. 

·      Pack accordingly 

Check climate and food availability before packing. Use travel organisers to separate clothes, toiletries, make-up, shoes, medicines, documents, and food. Leave a bit of space for souvenirs and shopping. Always keep utility items handy; like a flashlight, batteries, important medication, water bottle, energy bars, city map, etc.

·      Safe travels

        ·       Read about the women's crime ratio, focusing especially on areas and things to avoid.

        ·       Keep emergency numbers handy, like that of the Indian Embassy.

        ·       Be respectful of the cultural restrictions in the region to avoid conflict.

        ·       Do not give out your accommodation details to anyone. 

        ·       Keep important documents with you at all times. Keep a copy at the hotel and one, digitally. 

·      Get travel insurance

Since there are many external factors and unpredictable circumstances involved in tips, get an international travel policy to safeguard yourself. A comprehensive plan from Future Generali can protect you against trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage, and medical coverage during the trip.

Along with, also get a medical insurance for dual security.

·      Experience the journey

Women going on international trips from India have increased significantly over time. This is a unique opportunity to understand the local experiences, talk to new people, and observe their culture. 

Travel smart and travel often. Let travelling open up your horizons.