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10 Reasons Why Women-Only Group Tours Are Fun!

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A great chance to see the globe with other like-minded ladies is on women-only trips. There will be friends to share the moment with, and there will always be someone to snap your picture with at popular landmarks.

The trend of women-only travel is rapidly expanding. Astute women-only travel groups are popping up to match the rise in demand for new female-only tours, which traditional tour operators are increasingly offering. Women-only travel has already become a multi-million dollar industry, and there is still a tonne of possibility for growth.

There are a variety of trips available exclusively for women. Women are particularly drawn to adventure travel. Some companies concentrate on vacations for female entrepreneurs, while others focus on food and cuisine. There are trips available at WeGoBond for almost every interest, thanks to the rise of women-only group tour options.

Why Women-Only Travel?

Travel gives you power. Additionally, it’s enjoyable. Both are things that women want and need in their lives. The following are ten reasons why women-only group tours are fun.

Bonding with Other Women

Bonds and friendships are formed via shared experiences. It’s reassuring for women to be with other females who “speak their language” and can empathize with their experiences. Women-only travel groups effectively create bonds and a feeling of sisterhood. Having the company of other women is more important than the absence of men here.

Safety and Comfort

It should come as no surprise that many women prefer to travel in groups, especially when going abroad. While traveling with men, women sometimes doubt their willingness to do new things. Not all women share this sentiment, but some believe that when males are around, they just can’t be themselves. They don’t have to worry about being eve-teased by when they are part of a women-only group. In addition, since most of the group’s transportation is shared, you are not totally on your own in the event of a medical or accident emergency. Worrying about “what if” events could appear less overwhelming.

The freedom to see the world at one’s speed and on one’s terms is a big reason why women-only trips are so popular. That’s where you can count on WeGoBond!

Freedom to Be Yourself

Women often experience less stress and more freedom to be themselves while traveling with only other women. They don’t think about who is watching them, their eating, or how they appear. Women have the opportunity to take a break from their daily responsibilities and leave their professional or caregiving hats at home. It gives one the space and time to engage in self-care and introspection.

Cultural Exploration

Women-only trips organized by WeGoBond allow travelers to interact with local women who work in traditional tourist industries but are inaccessible to mixed-gender groups. For example, they could visit a women’s cooperative in Morocco or travel in woman-only carriages in Iran, allowing them to develop deep relationships with women across cultural barriers.

Active & Adventure Travel

Women participate in hiking, cycling, horse riding, boating, diving, mountaineering, and kayaking, which is one of the strongest areas of the tourism industry. Participants in WeGoBond can explore new activities in a non-competitive atmosphere without feeling intimidated by societal expectations. Women tend to support one another emotionally, push ahead, and cheer each other on as a team when they succeed!

Continuing Education

We can all agree that travel is very educational. Still, certain trips for women exclusively go beyond just learning about the history and culture of the destination to teach participants practical skills. During their stress-free women-only trips, WeGoBond provides workshops on subjects like writing and photography for creative professionals. At WeGoBond, we will also teach basic wilderness survival skills to women who could be useful in the journey.

Celebrate Cuisine Together!

Do you ever wish to order everything on the menu when visiting a new restaurant? If you were to order a full meal for one, you would likely have to take the leftovers back to the hotel room. When you travel with other foodies, you can plan a festival of tastes and try the local cuisine. Additionally, storytelling, laughter, and a shared love of food enhance the flavor of meals. And that is possible in women-only group tours!

Cost-Effective

Affordability and quality should be taken into account when evaluating value for money. Group travel is more economical than solo travel. A travel deal involves spending money on experiences, memories, and knowledge. The consequence must be the alluring group trips that are hand-picked and expertly sewn by pros. As a result, the trend of cost-effectiveness has become fundamental!

Just More Fun

And lastly, women think traveling with other women is more enjoyable! Women like laughing. They like cooking together, getting to know random strangers, and exchanging tales of shared experiences and cultural diversity. They enjoy eating well and sometimes overindulging in wine. They like sharing knowledge, soaking up each other’s experiences like willing sponges, and are genuinely interested in one another’s life. They are eager to experience all the world has to offer. Thus they are naturally attracted to women-only adventure holidays.

Everything Is Well Planned

The itineraries experts handcraft is a real synthesis of their knowledge and a notion of what they want to accomplish, provide, and enable everyone to experience. It’s no shock that they know every place with the best sights, given how much more work goes into preparing a trip for a big group. With everything so well arranged, traveling is simpler and more enjoyable! As a result, women-only trips are seen to be incredibly thrilling since a brand-new spectacular surprise encounter awaits every time!

Wrapping Up

It’s time to put a group tour at the top of your priority list if you’re eager to discover exotic locales or experience new things with WeGoBond. A group tour, after all, combines two of life’s greatest joys: Exploring new places and socializing with others. WeGoBond is pleased to provide a service that enables women to securely travel together to places on their bucket lists.

We want women across India to enjoy the enchantment that can only come from traveling in groups. Because when women join together as a group, something inspiring happens. We support one another, chuckle and learn from one another. And together, we develop.

On a private, guided trip, discover your ideal location under the supervision of knowledgeable local experts. Single female travelers can take vacations with WeGoBond. You only need to come up and enjoy yourself; our team will handle all the planning.

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A Few Quick Tips to Help You Find the Best Solo Woman Travel Company

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Solo women travel just keeps getting better and more and more women across the world are joining other like-minded women in travelling solo. Either they travel by themselves or with solo woman travel groups. Today, nearly two-thirds of travellers are women. Post pandemic has seen an exponential rise in women’s solo travel groups india.

So where are women going and what are they doing to make the most of their trips? Let’s tap into the best solo trips for women and why so with a few quick tips.

  • Choose the destination wisely

It will be a better idea to know why you want to go to the place you want to. What is the intent behind it? You may have been inspired by a book you read or a show you saw but it has to be more than that. To have a more enriching experience, you have to zero in on why you really want to go to the particular place?

  • Make your first night plan in advance

Try to arrive at your destination by mid-afternoon at best. This is so that you find your hotel while it’s still daylight and has ample time to change the hotel if it’s not up to your mark. You should have a place to rest your head that is of your choice for an evening at least.

  • Perceive what is essential for your trip

While there is no reason to fret over an impending trip, it is clever to visualise it beforehand in order to have everything in place and less anxiety while you travel. Think of the processes like a departure, transfer from the airport to the hotel and accommodation. Do not imagine the trip entirely and go with the ebb and flow of the opportunities that may arise. While it is normal to have certain expectations from your trip, it is a killjoy to have the exact desired results as some unexpected stuff is bound to happen. This can be enjoyed if you have a freer mind.

  • Travel light and pack correctly

This is an essential part of travelling in order to get the experience of the best solo trips for women. This will give you more mobility and save you money. This requires a bit of planning but it can be done. Carry not more than two comfortable pairs of shoes in base colours. That is if you are not going hiking or dancing, in that case, you need to carry your hiking boots or dancing heels.

  • Do not divulge details of your stay

Oversharing your accommodation and itinerary can not be guaranteed to bring the best results. It can be detrimental sometimes. If anyone asks, just be vague about it as where you stay is your safe haven.

  • Eat by yourself or not – your choice

If you are not looking for company at mealtimes, you are on your own on a solo trip. And if you are looking for company, there are plenty like-minded individuals that you may find. Not only that, at tourist places, there are normally themed dinners, cooking classes and day tours that can help you meet people.

  • Keep documents, cash and cards safe

A very important tip, secure your cash, passport and other important documents in a wallet belt strapped to you while travelling, especially. Have copies for backup and leave some back at home too so that in the event of you losing any, you have a copy at least.

  • Say ‘No’ to technology

Women tend to have hectic lives so taking a break should mean just that – take a break! Take a break from the daily routine to give yourself the ‘me-time’ that you need, but more so, take a break from the internet, from social media and relax and enjoy your holiday. No screen time will allow you to meet yourself at a deeper level. And there is always time to upload the gram with the amazing holiday video once you’re back in the confines of your home.

Women’s solo travel groups in India

Since this trend has found its wings, solo trips for women in India have become a big feature. There are solo woman travel groups that find niche destinations based on your requirements and make sure that everything revolves around you having the best time of your life, whatever age you are at that point. This takes the edge off of the trip and you don’t have to worry about bookings and travel and stay etc. You just have to show up.

Conclusion

Not only do you get to travel securely with a travel group, but also make new friends. There are always some like-minded women that will be on a solo trip for women too. WeGoBond is one such travel company that focuses on making itineraries for women’s holidays that can be most called, envious. They think of everything a place has to offer and then, some more. Go on that solo trip once and you will be left longing for more. Go on it alone, with your BFF or with a group of college friends, and it very well may become an annual thing. And while you are at your destination, do not forget to eat the local food, buy the local handicrafts, stay in locally-owned accommodation, meet the locals and contribute to their economy. Be supportive!

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The Modern Rules of Adventure Travel For Women

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The travel landscape has changed tremendously over the past decade for adventure travel for women. Earlier, travel for women was always dependent on a group where there were men too, may it be family or friends. Now, women are independent and like travelling solo on their dream vacations without having anyone to tag along with.

This definitely does not mean that suddenly the world has become a safe place to travel alone. There are still some parts of the world that are witnessing violence, street muggings, and other such dangers rampantly. But why should any of this stop women from travelling alone?

Here are four basic rules down pat and you are good to go!

  1. As an outsider to any place, whether it is in your own country or a foreign land, respect the customs and traditions that the people there believe in. It can also be fun to meld oneself into other cultures, you can look at it as bohemia. Also, there are certain places across the world where women are not allowed, frustrating as it may be, but it is always the right choice to align yourself with it. The rules are not for you to bend or break.
  2. Safety being of utmost importance, women should take all the necessary precautions such as sharing their live location with someone back home and keeping someone informed on their whereabouts at all given points. In the day and age of the internet and apps, this is fairly easy. Trust your instincts and get out of any situation that seems like it’s heating up. Also, an important thing is to be appropriately dressed so as to not be the cynosure of all eyes because any way you will be automatically spotted as a tourist and not a local. Why bring more attention to it?
  3. Another great tip is that if you want to travel alone but safety and security are an issue, coupled with the stress of booking everything by yourself, there are many women-only adventure holiday groups on the rise. There are many dedicated groups that offer women adventure trips where you can meet and travel with like-minded women too. There is a plethora of holiday packages to choose from, heritage travel, fun travel, and history buffs travel.
  4. Whether it is trekking to the base camp in the Himalayas or scuba diving in the Maldives, it is only possible if women believe in themselves. Countries like Rwanda, Iceland, New Zealand and Japan are excellent for solo women’s travel due to the reputation they have for women’s safety. Other than that, most places are great to visit if precautions are taken.

Women’s adventure trips in India

Travelling in India is gaining ground with women. Domestic travel has increased by a whopping 400%. India is a great travel destination due to its diverse culture, climate, landscape and seasons. Adventure junkies have been coming to India for a regular adrenaline rush for years and now Indians too have started to travel more across their own nation, especially women.

India has a vast geographical landscape that ranges from oceans and beaches to mountains and thick jungles, to heritage sites and archaeological marvels. Indian women, having come into their own, have started to travel and explore, redefining their diktats.

Some safety tips for travelling in India for women

Whether you are on a solo trip or within the confines of a women’s travel group, being a woman does have its set of challenges that must be addressed and overcome if you are travelling in India.

  • Every place has its own set of unscrupulous miscreants that prey on tourists. Hence, it may be a good idea to blend with the locals and not stick out.
  • Being alert at all times instead of being on the phone will help you keep a watchful eye on your surroundings as well as not lose your bearings.
  • Sharing information should be only on a need-to-know basis and definitely not to strangers, whether it is where you are from, what you do or which hotel you are staying at currently.
  • Avoid being alone on secluded roads, may it be day or night.
  • Get a travel wallet and be extra aware of keeping your cash and documents safe.
  • Research the place you are visiting beforehand. Everything is available online nowadays.
  • If travelling absolutely solo, make sure you book hotels and taxis to and from the airport well in advance.

Conclusion

Armed with this knowledge, the world is your oyster. Whether it is travelling pan India or abroad, as long as you are confident and maintain composure in serious situations you will have no problem at all. While travelling solo is great, travelling in women’s travel groups is advocated due to added safety and yet the freedom to be on your own. To learn more about women’s tours that help you schedule the most memorable holidays, check out https://wegobond.com/.

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
-Helen Keller.

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10 Best Ways to Plan a Small Group Trip with Women

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With the pandemic and the declining world over, many countries are opening up their doors to tourists. Travelling to new climes is a much-needed proposition to most people right now as they clamour to get the vacation of their dreams after the lockdown imposition. 

That being said, another thing that has become very popular is women-only travel groups. Women have finally broken the bias of not being able to, cannot or should not travel solo. Finally, over the last decade or so, women are gathering experiences worldwide, travelling with travel groups that focus solely on “Women only trips”. 

Travel has always been a form of reconnecting with the self. For most women, travelling in group trips for women or solo has been a way to rediscover themselves and learn new things along the way, which may not have been possible under different circumstances. And that too, in a safer setting and space. 

There are many checklists to plan a trip, whether in India or abroad and it can get pretty overwhelming. One can get pretty confused as to what they need to do before and during the trip and the enriching experience of visiting a new place is lost. But if planned in the right manner, travel trips for women can be the most enlightening experiences out there. Though, it requires communication, precise planning and organisation at its best. But before embarking on that daydream, let’s define how a group trip becomes the best ever.

We have selected the 10 best ways to travel for women and without further ado, let’s get to it because we believe that planning a trip is not rocket science and there are several well-managed women’s solo travel groups that can take you on your fun vacay!

  • What is the real reason to travel? At times, some of us know where we want to travel and some of us need to get inspired. What could it be? Is it that you haven’t travelled in a long while? Or do you want to experience certain weather (could be winter snow or spring or autumn) in said place? Or have you heard so much about the culture of a place that you want to experience it firsthand? Could it be that you want to get lost in the historic monuments of an old city? Zero in on this first before you embark on your expedition.
  • Research the destination. Sketch your itinerary. There are plenty of travel blogs and tourism sites for authentic information. The Lonely Planet is the best way to go, but please use your discretion and go wild with this particular research because, in this matter, more is more & more. Make a list of realistic places to see and also add a few unrealistic ones (which can be out of time, distance or budget) because never say never, it can magically be squeezed in if you find a like-minded fellow traveller who would not hit the snooze button and explore that one market around the corner with you. Make a list of activities you would want to do and be creative. Jot everything down and don’t forget to look up Trip Advisor. 
  • A must-have is a must-do. Some places and activities are non-negotiable. Imagine going to Paris and not going up to the Eiffel Tower. Duh! But besides that, research will help you find your ideal must-do, which could be like the Lindt factory in Switzerland or kaftan shopping in Morocco and closer home, plucking apples in an orchard in Tirthan, or river-rafting in the mighty Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh. One thing to remember and acknowledge is that you don’t have to go to a certain monument if it is of no interest or importance to you, this is your holiday so do what makes you happy and not because all the tourists are headed there. 
  • Pack appropriately. While this one seems like a no-brainer, believe me, putting some thought into packing can be rewarding. Make sure you have all the essentials in smaller packages, which in turn will make space for things that you may buy on impulse. Roll your clothes and use space appropriately for the things you know you will buy for certain. For example, roll your socks and stuff them into your shoes, little trinkets if absolutely necessary can find a corner in there too. And try to carry no more than two pairs of shoes and one pair of a slip-on. Also, this evidently depends on the destination. What if you need hiking boots? You may reach out for that extra pair of jeans but avoid it. Always remember on group trips for women, less is more. This is a holiday and you don’t have to dress to impress. 
  • Plan your budget. Although in a “Best solo trips for women” situation, you are paying the company that is managing the holiday, a flat rate which may account for travel tickets, stay and sightseeing according to their itinerary. But to have your own small unique experiences, you may need to spend some more. Let’s say you skip the excursion to the museum for an extra hour of meditation at the monastery in Ladakh, for example. And now that you have some time to kill, maybe a visit to the local Tibetan market?!? Well, are you stopping at window shopping itself? Hmm, so isn’t it better to know how much you are going to spend on shopping during a holiday so as to not overstretch your pocket? Or eating at the local places that may or may not be in your travel company’s plan? Hence, we come back to point number 2, research! This will give you major insights.
  • Book tickets: I mean…… if you are not travelling with a company that organises the Best solo trips for women with utmost care and experience, you need to do all the bookings. Flight tickets, and to and fro from the hotel and airport. Besides, a lot of tourist attractions internationally are ticketed and the best bet is to book it way in advance due to the influx of tourists. Why take a chance? Also, it is always good to understand the local travel system in a city. For example, it’s good to have a basic knowledge of the tube in London, or else you will end up paying through your nose for the beautiful, vintage black cabs there. 
  • Book your accommodation. As a group of women, it is imperative to look for a safe, clean and tourist-viable place. By that I mean, find a place that is best suited to your travel needs. While one can get to the destination and find a reasonable and convenient place to stay too, it is always better to be prepared than to be sorry. For example, visiting Edinburgh, Scotland in August, any given year, without prior bookings could land you in a big soup as people from all over the planet travel there in this month to prepare for the big literary, arts, theatre, history and music festival there is, “The Fringe Festival ”. Even sleeping in the alleyway was not an option at the time,  due to the crowd and weather, and anyway, every inch of the square yardage of land is taken over by artists from all over the world. Whether it’s a hostel, a boutique hotel, a luxury hotel or an Airbnb, you should book first. 
  • Go ahead and book activities as well. Once you have it down pat as to what all touristy places you would like to visit, it is always good to check them out at their website as well as the Tourism board. There are many discounts to be availed of and you may miss the bus on that if you wait right up to the last day (or not). Booking everything in advance saves you money and time. And a great way to save money and get a regulated tour is to get a city pass so that you can hop on and off the city tour bus at your pace and still have not missed a thing! Check this out at the tourism board website. Lastly, also make sure that if you are booking a popular site’s ticket, you definitely have a spot on the stipulated date and time. 
  • A small First-Aid box to the rescue. The farthest thing from our mind, when we plan a trip, is a mishap or unwarranted illness. But more often than not, people do fall ill albeit mildly due to different reasons. Could be the weather change, the time difference if travelling internationally or the cuisine. Or just the plain bug. It is important to carry all the basic medications and a first-aid box due to such emergencies. Can you imagine yourself in a place where you don’t know the local dialect and trying to find the nearest pharmacy when you have a raging headache? Better still, take your vitamins regularly and study a lot about the weather conditions and be prepared. 
  • Cold, hard cash counts. While there are ATMs across the planet, it is always advisable to carry some amount of cash on your person. There can be small, tucked-away corners that don’t have the facility in a workable condition or some other unforeseen circumstance. Roll up the cash, divide into three to four different wads and hide it in different places because, in case of a pickpocket, you are stranded. This way ensures you have money at any cost. In the case of foreign currency too, it is advisable to convert your money and carry traveller’s cheques as well.

Conclusion

When planning a women’s travel solo group in India or abroad, whether it may be a wellness trip or a touristy one, an experiential getaway or an adventurous sojourn, all the above tips come into play. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Am I looking for a cultural experience?
  • Does adventure travel float my boat?
  • Do I need to get away in time and visit some historical places?
  • Will trying out new cuisines be my calling for this vacation?
  • Do I just need a break from the routine normalcy this life has become?

The answers to these questions will send you pandering off in the right direction. And if you do not like to do all the planning, leave it up to us. We will ask you the pertinent questions, suggest a destination and create your travel itinerary, while you can just sit back and relax. Visit our website to see all places you can visit now!

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The Top 5 Things To Pack When You’re Travelling Alone

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Whether you travel solo, with friends, or with family, the packing cannot be too different as you will invariably need most of the things you have packed as essentials. The mantra you need to follow is “Pack smart”. Which doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to pack light. But having said that, minimalist packing is a good approach for solo women travellers.

While we will educate you on some expert tips on minimalist packing, let us first look at some of the reasons why you need to travel light.

  • Mobility. It is common knowledge that light luggage is a zen state of mind. Imagine lugging heavy pieces of suitcases around versus a lightweight duffel. It is clear what sounds more pleasurable.
  • Save money. Another big issue is that with luggage being overweight, money has to be shelled out at airports as only a certain amount of kgs are allowed for check-in and hand luggage. And this varies for international travel. Hence, refrain from packing that extra pair of jeans. 
  • Accessibility. Lesser the stuff, the easier it is to be found. Light luggage will allow for room and you don’t have to make a mess or fumble around looking for those AirPods. Will be a welcome respite for others travelling with you too, in case you are sharing a room with fellow travellers.
  • Health & Well-being. Even if you are the fittest person in the room, it is a pain to carry heavy luggage. So by packing lightweight, you are giving your body a much-needed breather.
  • Carry-all travelling. If and when you do learn the hack of travelling smart, you can carry hand luggage only, which means no waiting around the carousel for your luggage.

Now that we are on the same page, let’s get a once over on what are truly the essentials that you need. Travelling solo can be intimidating, especially if you are a first-time solo traveller. But armed with the right knowledge, it can be a breeze. Take a plunge right into the nitty gritty of packing the right luggage for you.

First things first, so what should you pack your stuff in? This is an age-old debate that can never get boring. What with the type of luggage becoming more and more travel-friendly these days. So what should it be? A suitcase or a backpack?  

Well, this one is a toughie as it all depends on your travelling conditions and personal preferences. Also, although both are good options and at par with each other, they can be excellent at times and less than ideal at other times. While this decision is being made, it is likely that once the luggage type has been zeroed in on, it will be the luggage of choice for a few years at least.

Yet, to make an informed decision, here are some tips you need to consider.

  • Advantages of a suitcase: There are some die-hard suitcase fans, whether it’s a solo or group trip. The reason is that it is easier to pack all your stuff in systematically as it is to find everything in the same place that it was packed in. In the case of urban travel, it is very convenient due to the wheels it has which make it easy to lug it around. Besides that, suitcases generally have hard shells that are sturdy and give more life than backpacks.
  • Advantages of a backpack: The backpack travellers are a cult by themselves and whoever hasn’t heard of “Backpacking through Europe”, please raise your hand. Travelling on an adventurous solo trip, backpacks are the popular choice. The reason is the manoeuvrability and versatility of the backpack, you can walk dirt roads, climb mountains and cross streams with it, imagine doing that with a suitcase! And also, a backpack comes equipped with so many pockets and flaps that it becomes easier to hide valuables and definitely makes it a tough job for a pickpocketer to crack. Finally, what is better than having your belongings strapped on your back?

Minimalist tips & tricks for solo travel. 

  • Smaller suitcase is ideal
  • Plan ahead of time
  • Coordinate your outfits
  • Take only what is absolutely necessary
  • Travel sized toiletries
  • Rolled clothes take up less space and remain perfectly ironed
  • Always make a list of the things you packed

First and foremost, pack right keeping in mind that there can be some unforeseen circumstances that may crop up depending on the destination. For example, if you are travelling to a mountainous region, there can be sudden rainfall and that light windcheater or rainwear can certainly come in handy. While such gear essentially depends upon the season, reason and region, let’s look at the top five fundamental things to carry to elevate your game plan.

  • Comfortable Shoes: This is a no-brainer but oh so needed for any and every Women’s adventure holiday, solo or not. We travel to places to see the sites and it involves a lot of walking. Nothing but a comfortable pair of sneakers can do justice to touristy trips. Imagine tottering in heels with a backpack or slipping on some rocky terrain in sliders! Duh!
  • Wet Wipes: Something as simple as this will prove its importance on a trip. Wet wipes and even tissue papers are essential commodities that we take for granted. You cannot have your 7-step skincare routine on a trip with an itinerary that is curated so that you can take all of the destinations. But you also don’t want to leave your skin to chance. Cleansing is an important part of every woman’s skin and believes me, wet wipes are the saviour. 
  • Battery Bank: How is the feed on your Gram going to react if you do not upload those pictures in time? Everyone back home eagerly waiting to see your stories as you traipse through the ubiquitous meadows of Himachal Pradesh? A Battery bank is a lifesaver at times of your beloved phone is dying out on you in the middle of nowhere. A phone is a necessity now what with its role-paying as (Google) maps and a radio station all-in-one.
  • Curated First-Aid Kit: We are always uber careful before and during a vacay, but who’s to say what nicks and cuts we may have to endure through a steep climb or just a normal headache and nausea due to acclimatisation or even a stomach boo-boo because you just had to have one more bite of that local delicacy? For all these unforeseen and even foreseen circumstances, you must carry your very own First-Aid kit. Not every street may have a pharmacy and even if they do, it may take you a while to get there with new directions et al. We recommend a medical kit which has bandaids, antibacterial wipes, an over-the-counter medicine for stomach aches, headaches and any allergies that you may be prone to. And don’t forget your multivitamins!
  • Money Belt: Although this one is questionable, as not everyone wants to be burdened with wearing a money belt, it is a crucial and convenient way to travel worry-free. On a fun solo women’s trip in a foreign land, who wants the headache of making sure all the valuables and documents are hidden in different places gloriously? Keeping all your credit cards, travel vouchers, cash and papers in one place which is strapped to your body under your clothing seems to be the best bet. We say you are never really strapped for cash while having it strapped to yourself this way. 

Besides these top five essentials that you must make part of your travel kit, the world is your playground. Take protein bars, filter water bottles, masks, sanitiser etc. 

Bon Voyage!

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Mechuka – An Escape to Mechuka-Sunita Mitra

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Reasons why you should visit Central Arunachal Pradesh:

  • Witness the unexplored, untouched landscape
  • Enjoy scenic drives through winding roads
  • Learn about the unique architecture
  • Immerse in the culture and hospitality of villagers
  • Sample local flavours and get high on homemade brew

I was thinking of travelling somewhere to escape the daily humdrum, and just like that, on a whim, decided to sign up for the April chapter to central Arunachal Pradesh, with a focus on Aalo and Mechuka, with WeGoBond.

Arunachal, like most other North Eastern states, is incredibly beautiful yet unexplored, especially the central part of the state. With no organized tourism in the region, we geared up for an adventure through bumpy roads, gushing rivers, swaying bridges, verdant valleys to reach the fabled Mechuka. We witnessed rains throughout our trip—unseasonal, I am told, largely owing to climate change—which only rendered the landscape with rich hues of green. The entire place was lush and covered in a canopy of dense greenery.

We convened at Dibrugarh in Assam and proceeded to a small town in central Arunachal called Pasighat, which is located on the banks of the Siang river; Pasighat also happens to be the headquarters of the East Siang district. After spending a night here, we headed towards our next destination, Aalo, which is the headquarters of the West Siang district. Refreshed after a long drive, in Aalo we visited villages of the Galo tribe and learnt about their customs and got acquainted with their lifestyle. The traditional Galo house is a massive structure built with locally available materials like wood, bamboo, cane, palm leaves, and so on. We learnt about animism, a belief that is followed by certain tribes in the state, which believes that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence.

The entire state of Arunanchal Pradesh is dotted with hanging bridges that are made up of bamboo and ropes, and some partially of steel. These bridges serve as a lifeline for the villagers, to cross rivers and move from one place to another. This was my first time on such a hanging bridge. Unlike the locals for whom it is a cakewalk, I was petrified as they sway a lot! It was either to see what lies on the other side or wait for my fellow travellers to return and share stories. Fear of missing out loomed large, and grabbing the hands of my travel mates, one careful step at a time, I managed to cross these bridges.

The highlight of our trip, Mechuka, was next. It is variously known as Mechukha or Menchukha, which, in Memba dialect means medicine (men), water (chu), and snow (kha), or the land blessed with medicinal snow-fed water. The town is located at a height of 6,000 feet above sea level and lies just 29 kilometres away from the Indo-China border. The place is dreamy and unspoilt with picture-postcard views of snow-capped mountains, quaint wooden houses, and meandering roads with horses and other animals running wild. It is an ideal place for long walks to soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

We also visited some of the popular attractions of the region, such as the charming 400-year-old wooden Samten Yoncha Gompa situated on top of a hill. The Guru Nanak Taposthan, an ancient cave-shrine where Guru Nanak meditated on his way to Tibet, is of religious significance; it is believed to carry the impression of Guru Nanak’s turban embedded in a rock, which surrounded the saint in order to protect him from a bear attack. The Gurdwara nearby, built and run by the Indian Army, has a museum that charts the saint’s travels and houses sacred relics. The hike down to the river behind the Gurdwara negotiating the rickety steps was thrilling. Another popular attraction that we saw in Mechuka was the Hanuman Face, named so after a peculiar formation on the mountain resembling the Monkey God’s face. We were so thrilled that even the leech and damdam (the local name for the black fly) attacks or the incessant rain were not able to dampen our spirit.

Finally, we got a taste of the local cuisine at the homestays that we stayed in as well as at roadside dhabas. Be it the Galo or the Memba tribe, the staple food is rice. One of the main ingredients is bamboo shoot, and boiled or steamed leafy vegetables as well as meat such as pork or chicken dominate the food scene. The cuisine of this state is mostly devoid of spice, nonetheless it is very healthy and tasty. Chutneys and condiments made out of chillies add to the flavour and complement the dishes. Not to forget, we were happy-high on apong, the local alcoholic drink made out of fermented rice!

Mechuka is a hidden gem and will remain fresh in my memory for a long time. The valley is beautiful, its people warm, and the food delicious and guilt-free. If you have a taste for the offbeat then Mechuka should definitely feature in your Bucket List.

Sunita Mitra, a senior analyst with a Mumbai-based credit rating agency, travelled with WeGoBond to Mechuka in April 2022.

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Hampi-Carvings, Coracles and Climbing-Rachna Dikshit

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The name Hampi has hovered in the peripheries of my consciousness for over a decade now. Many years ago, I was searching for heritage and off-beatholiday options Hampi popped up. Wanting to visit these remained a nascent plan which would not have materialised but for my opportunity to lead a trip there with Wegbond.

The beginning of December 2021 thus saw me heading off Karnataka-wards to visit World UNESCO Heritage Site Hampi- with Zeenat and Madhurani from Mumbai, Madhu and Meeta from NCR, Suchithra and Girija from Bengaluru and Harleen from Patiala.

To paraphrase innumerable quotes, travelling is as much about the destination as it is about the journey –unless of course it’s just “beam me up Scottie” and there you are. Even Harry Potter’s quicker forms of travel had a host of experiences-from getting splinched (ouch) to landing up in the wrong fireplace!

Though not involving lost body parts or destinations, our journey to Hampi and thereafter to other places, was enjoyable, comfortable and beautiful too. Fellow travellers contribute immensely to this of course and our group was fun loving, easy going and extremely sporting.Our unique energies gelled pretty well into a whole of great enjoyment and some madness!

Driving through India is never boring and the rides during this tripwere no exception. Fields of varied crops lined our way and the closest we got to a red carpet were red chilly fields. Cotton, rice and sugarcane were part of this amazing assortment and we had many stops for a closer look and to take photos. The sugarcane specially was unusual-it had flowered and looked delicately pink and pretty-most unlike say any we had seen up North. Languorous windmills waved us on and sheep caused traffic jams added their joy too.Some of the group were keen birders and ever so often, we had interesting avians pointed out to us.

The landscape as one nears Hampi becomes steadily rugged, adding an element of brawn to the picturesque beauty of the fields.  Bouldering,huge, towering, some precariously placed and all of them spectacular. To realise eventually while at the sites-Hampi, Pattadakal, Aihole and Badami, that the temples and structures we see were carved out of that seemingly unrelenting rock, by hand , is awe inspiring and such an insight on how, throughout evolution, some human beings have added beauty to their lives, lovingly and painstakingly. As we walked, ascended, descended, helped each other through some parts  and roamed the sites, respect for the rulers and builders of the time increased manifold. Our extremely well informed and humorous guides Ravi and Chandru brought the places alive for us.

Interestingly, while these sites were all deeply religious-specially the Virupaksha Temple-the only active shrine in the group of monuments called Hampi, stories from yore say that the rulers were secular and the populace had the freedom to practice their chosen religion. Even more, the influences of other cultures are reflected in the carvings and ever so often one sees a distinctly Oriental face or even, a European seeming gargoyle to say nothing of a two Mulla Nasruddins playing chess! Camels from Rajasthan have also found their way to the Kings Celebration platform.

While Aihole and Pattadakal are both temple complexes, the former has distinct Buddhist influences and the latter is syncretic in terms of the structures are built in styles both from North and South India.

In Badami, the caves are carved from sheer rock face- exquisite  works of art. Shiva and Vishnu being worshipped and right on top, a Jain temple.

We stayed at lovely cottages in a village located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Set amidst lush greenery, it a clean and comfortable, eco-conscious property. We slept to the sound of crickets and woke up to an absolute choir of birds. Our welcome here was by a group of “langurs”! These and macaques are present in large numbers everywhere. Considered descendants of Hanuman, these are revered and not harmed or shooed away and have the run of the place. The carvings on the shrines and temples have monkeys too! Hampi was apparently where Ram first met the vaanar sena-Hanuman and his brothers. The rest is history, or rather, mythology.

The stay has extremely caring and willing staff members. They served us some terrific meals in addition to complying to our requests for ice, mixers and bhajias with smiling faces. As for other victuals, we ended up comparing masala papads across the various restaurants we ate at- you know-fried or roasted papad, topped with chopped tomatoes, onions and green chillies and some chaat masala. Fresh sugarcane juice was sheer joy as were the guavas sprinkled with masala and we sampled some really good namkeens from the local vendors.

While not roaming the sites, we found time to go for a coracle ride in SanapurLake. Coracles are cute, round boats and we did go round and round in them once for sheer fun. Anegundi village also houses an NGO-Kishkinda Trust, which trains women to use and weave banana fibre into mats, baskets and other items. We visited and shopped here too.

Hampi was our destination, but our journey there and back was about so much more-food, laughter, beauty, kindness, friendships and being connected.

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Bastar- Vibrant Waterfalls-Meera Joshi

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It’s all about stories….stories woven into this land.

Bastar retains its innate charm steeped in a culture vibrant and living. My fellow travelers and I drove on roads through thick forests, veering into paths through fields carpeted in shades of green to a clearing that housed a small village, homes surrounded by patches of local produce.

We were there during the monsoon, so the forest was lush, green and in full bloom. Being surrounded by waterfalls was both soothing and exhilarating- the first because the sound of the water is steady and the second because these sights are inaccessible in our city lives and one enjoys them and stores them away in photos and videos to savour and remember over time….

This village and our brief interaction with its daily life was an enriching and enjoyable. We met the simple folk who live there-got a glimpse into their traditions which are reflected amply in their clothes, ornaments and way of living. Their weekly market is a kaleidoscope of colour, bustling and buzzing, where news and gossip is exchanged in the midst of of buying and bartering with goods -metal implements, trinkets, vegetables, to home made mahua liquor or fermented rice beer served in leaf cups. The local “haat” is the heart of the small community.

Their food is simple and unpretentious and occasionally-a tad horrifying!  It includes rice, bamboo shoots, moringa leaves and sundry others sourced from the wild. A local beverage or rather gruel is “MandiyaPej” a nutritious gruel of ragi millet or corn. It is said to have cooling properties. It also includes exciting items such as “ant chutney” which was intriguing to say the least!

Their places of worship-are the  ‘Devgudis’, sacred groves in the midst of nature, that houses medicinal plants and memorial stones, from ancient megaliths to engraved wooden posts, and more recently, slate, vividly  painted with  pictures that tell of life, achievements and desires.

No two villages share the same devagudi. They serve as markers of geographical boundaries and tribal territory. These groves fulfil their need for food, firewood, livelihood and medicine.

Music and dance is an inherent part of their lives be it joyous or ritualistic. As are their crafts. Bamboo weaving, wood carving and dhokra, the art of bell metal sculpting. Nothing is quite as satisfying as hearing about it and collecting a distinctive piece from the crafstman who fashioned it.

And there’s history. In temples that date from a thousand years to monuments that are architectural treasures. There’s an abundance of natural beauty too, the incredible waterfalls coupled with mysterious caves, flora and fauna.

The Anthropological Museum encapsulates the tales of this awesome place. Bastar is a discovery of sorts. An unexplored jewel of a place, which I added to my collection of memories.

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Mandu-Maheshwar- Monumental Charm-Suchithra Sreekumaran

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First impressions are the best impressions. This turned out to be right in our recent travel to Mandu and Maheshwar along with Wegobond. We were sceptical about a group trip because of the challenges we have seen in some of the other trips. Some of them turned out to be a big cultural shock for us, so we sort of avoided it for a long time.

This trip, however, put all those fears to rest and all of us will remember the anticipation, joy, and thrill of the experiences we had throughout the travel. A bond will always remain with my fellow travellers. The trip was meticulously planned, and we all ensured that it was maintained throughout. So, we enjoyed each of the places in all their beauty, the local delicacies.

We were at Indore by afternoon 3 pm on 9th September, which was day one of our tour. Our trip leader, Rachna, welcomed us at the airport. An Innova took us through the 100 kilometre journey to Mandu, where two beautiful memorable days were spent at the huge lakeside property.

We were a group of six, from different parts of India. Neeru from Jaipur, Neera, Dilraj, and Rachna were from Delhi, Navneet from Kolkata, and us, from Kerala.

The first day was relaxed, and in the evening, headed to Jahaz Mahal for the light and sound show.

With a dramatic rendition in the voice of Ashutosh Rana, one got to know the history of the beautiful town of Mandu in an audio-visual representation. The show also went on to narrate the poignant love story of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur, a romantic saga of history that is filled with emotion and beauty, yet it ends with tragedy and separation. The narration takes you through the exciting tales of the city of joy, and Hindola Mahal comes alive every evening. The entire concept and the light effects are worth an experience for all those visiting this mesmerizing destination. At Hindola Mahal every day at 7 p.m. It’s a never-miss show.

We were back for dinner at the resort, tired and hungry. Each of us ordered different dishes and we shared our food, tasting at least 3-4 varieties of dishes, which reminded me of my school days.

The next day’s schedule and the places we were going to visit were shared during dinner. We were ready by 9.30 a.m the next day for Mandu darshan with great excitement in our eyes. Parvez was our local guide. Well versed with the history, he explained it in detail and interestingly so it was
more than a litany of dates and facts being recited. He also took us to each place of prominence and entertained us with his old Hindi songs. Much of the credit of the enjoyment goes to him!

Mandu or Mandavgad is a ruined city, celebrated for its fine architecture, created during the Malwa period. Located in the Dhar district of Western Madhya Pradesh, Central India, Mandu provides various impressive views of lakes, waterfalls, and incredible monuments, to attract tourists.

With its architectural magnificence and remarkable history, Mandu fascinates its tourists with a rich and varied past that witnessed the love and romance between Prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. The love story of this beautiful couple, who once ruled the region, is immortalized through marvellous structures, monuments, and palaces, built-in their memories.

We walked around Jahaz Mahal, which resembles a ship about to sail. Hindola Mahal resembles the alphabet “T”. Baz Bahadur Palace, its finest water conservation system and the Afghan architecture were a sight to behold.
After a lot of walking, we headed to taste the local delicacies. Tasty “dal-baffla” and “paniye” were kept ready by Parvez’s friends. The lunch was planned at a sunset point but was changed due to a heavy shower of rain! In Mandu, we never know when the cloudy sky would pour on us and within half an hour the sky becomes clear with a rainbow. So be ready with a raincoat and a pair of closed shoes if you’re visiting Mandu.

In the afternoon we headed to Hoshang Shah tomb. In white marble, this is the inspiration for Taj Mahal. Later in the evening was at Roopmati Pavilion, where Rani Roopmati worshipped Narmada every morning. The Pavilion is accessed by a sloping incline and my mom, was the first one to reach the top. She was an inspiration to all of us.

On day three, in the morning we headed to Maheshwar. On the way, we stopped at Neelkanth temple. There are 70 steps to reach the temple and it is believed to be built by Shah Bagdah Khan for Emperor Akbar’s Hindu wife. There is a natural spring here, a peaceful place to worship.

At Maheshwar, we visited the Rajwada, which showcases Ahilya Bai Holkar’s life and story. And some weaving units. The fort is now converted to a hotel and has the finest Maratha architecture.
Then we went to some weaver’s shops and shopped for beautiful silk sarees, stoles, and clothing material. It was like shop till you drop there. Each material was beautiful and silky. Post a lot of retail therapy, we headed to our hotel, Narmada Retreat, which is on the bank of river Narmada. Such a pleasant stay! We settled in our rooms. In the evening, we headed for the peaceful “aarti” at the Narmada river.

On our last morning, we were up by 5.30 to watch the sunrise at Narmada ghat. I don’t have words to explain the beauty I had witnessed, the breeze, the majestic Ahilya fort behind, the song of the Narmada river, beautiful birds, and the crimson colour of sunrise. It was priceless.

We hired a boat and visited “sahastradhara” which means “thousands of waterfalls”. Its water streams pass through a rocky area, which creates a beautiful collage of waterfalls. Many birds flocked there. Do not miss “sahastradhara” even though it needs some walking. We bid adieu to Maheshwar very soon after, taking away with us, travel memories to cherish for life.