Everyone has travelled to different places with their family and friends and has cherished the trip. But how many people with the same spirit have visited those places alone? Yes, a solo trip! Some people may find it intimidating while others may find it liberating. For the first-timers, the experience might be a bit scary but as soon as you plan your first solo trip, you will get a hang of it. So, if you are planning for a solo trip, there is nothing to be worried about. And if the solo trip is to Mumbai or as we know as the ‘City of Dreams’, trust me you will have an amazing experience.
Being the home of Bollywood, Mumbai presents an extensive charade of street food, restaurants and eminent shopping places. Considered as one of the most-adored travel destinations, Mumbai can be an ideal beginning for your solo trip. Feeling scared? Don’t be. Because we are here to provide you with the necessary tips that you should follow for a successful solo trip to the city. But before we enlist them, search for budget-friendly hotels in Mumbai and book your stay at one of the best hotels in the city. Now follow the tips below and head out for the trip without any worries.
Carry the important documents
For any trip be it solo or with family/friends, carrying the right documents is very important. Identification is mandatory for travelling. Hence, to ensure a trouble-free journey through the gushing waves at Marine Drive, remember to carry all the important documents and store them all at a distinct place. For my first solo trip to Mumbai, I carried a wallet that consisted of my passport and other documents like Aadhar Card, hotel confirmation and vouchers, PAN card, travel list and other items that were needed at the time of arrival. In light of the recent events, make sure to add your vaccination certificates to that list of important documents as well.
Book a room in advance
While you are planning your solo trip to Mumbai, remember to book accommodation at a notable hotel that offers a 24-hours front desk. Selecting the right accommodation might sound like a long process, but trust me, this will be worth your time. Advance hotel booking saves people from last-minute hassles and since you are travelling solo to Mumbai, this tip would definitely benefit you. Make sure you select a hotel that is near the landmark locations that you have listed in your itinerary. However, on my trip to Mumbai, I couldn’t find a budget-friendly hotel at the nearby locations thus, I had to opt for local transport for easy travel. You can also do the same if you are on a tight budget. Take a hotel a few kilometres away from your desired location and book local transport for touring the city.
Check the weather conditions before planning your trip
The best time to visit Mumbai is during the winter season that falls during the months between November and February. Since Mumbai is a sea-facing city, the weather there is quite pleasing. However, Mumbai monsoons have gained quite a reputation as mood spoilers. If you are a lover of monsoon, then the months of June to October is definitely your time to witness the glamour of the city. But, if you are on your solo trip to Mumbai, I would suggest you to pick the usual time of travel that is from November to February. Pack your sweatshirts and other winter apparel with you on your solo trip to Mumbai. Remember to check the weather for the days of your travel to avoid any seasonal changes.
Keep somebody updated on your travel
This practice may sound lame, but believe me, this will save you from a lot of trouble. Of course, you would want to feel the fresh breath of independence, but it is a good practice to keep at least one person informed about your whereabouts. When I had my first solo trip to the City of Dreams, I went to Marine Drive all by myself and lost track on my way back to the hotel. Thankfully, there were many locals who helped me to reach the hotel safely. Thus, to avoid such mishaps do keep someone updated about your itinerary.
Don’t just limit yourself to hostels
The perks of travelling solo is that you can choose your accommodation type and not worry about what others want. Hence, when you are travelling to Mumbai all alone you can make an exception and book yourself at a luxurious Mumbai hotel in one night, say the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Travelling does not necessarily mean you just have to stay in budget hotels or hostels. By looking for the right deals on different travel websites you can stay at this royal establishment for one night and switch to hotels the other night. When I visited Mumbai for the first time alone, I did that too. And honestly, I loved it!
So, if you are already up for your solo trip to Mumbai, then don’t hold back! Follow these travel tips and extract the true essence of this amazing place at your own pace.
