India solo tours

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

It’s completely up to you. Rooming on our trips is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on their passports.

However, if you'd like your own space, you can pay for an individual room on most of our trips. Just let us know when booking and we'll arrange it for you.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what's indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open-gender, multi-share basis (e.g. on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances, it will be stated in the Essential Trip Information.

We offer a range of trip styles – Basix, Original, Comfort and Premium – with different levels of inclusions and free time. To give you an idea, our Basix trips tend to have fewer included activities and more time to do your own thing, while Premium trips have more included activities.

Lots of our travellers choose to travel on their own, so it’s common for people to want different things from their experience. That said, there's usually always someone to hang out with.

Lean on the expertise of your local leader who can recommend places to explore during your free time or after the trip has finished.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Credit cards are being accepted an increasing number of cafes, shops, restaurants and hotels in India, with Mastercard and Visa being the most common. That said, cash is still king, especially outside of cities like Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

Every destination is different – so do your research before you set off – but here’s some general safety advice for solo travellers:

• Ensure your loved ones are aware of your plans.
• Get a cab from the airport/station taxi rank – touts tend to hang out in the arrivals area and, while they promise cheaper rates, they can be dodgy. For peace of mind, you can usually book a private transfer with your hotel. If you're travelling with us, we can also book transfers.
• Have a rough idea of where you’re going before heading out. Depending on where you are, it may be best to duck into a shop or café instead of walking with your phone.
• Dress like the locals and leave blingy jewellery and designer clothes at home.
• Keep track of travel times so you’re not caught out after dark.
• Solo travel is all about confidence and being aware of your surroundings. If you’re relaxed on the street, you’re more likely to blend in. The popular tourist areas are usually the most well-lit and secure, but they’re often a bigger target for pickpockets and scammers. And remember: if it feels wrong, it probably is.