Solo Women Travel

Your facilitators were all very knowledgeable and very nice… we especially loved Nishita (who is very young but very smart and helpful), Shabri and Abrar. The curated walk of old Ahmedabad was just wonderful, we could have spent more time on the walk as there are a lot of hidden gems, very beautiful.

My experience with breakaway has been fantastic. I’ve done two trips with them so far. Both to ladakh, one with family and the other as a solo female traveller. Breakaway was able to provide a unique experience both the times. Even though I did most of the routine tourist circuit, they were able to curate the itinerary such that I got a taste of ladakhi culture beyond what a general tourist would. As a solo traveller on an 18 day trip , I felt very safe going with Shilpa and Bindu at breakaway. Bindu was constantly in touch, and also suggested some fantastic places to visit and local folks to meet while I was there. They even managed to convince a pottery studio that was closing for the season to remain open for an additional day so I take a workshop with them! Their strong, reliable network (interpreters, hotel owners, drivers, trekking guides, etc) in Ladakh was a key factor for why I felt so safe. They really did go the extra mile to create a unique, fulfilling experience and I look forward to visiting more places with them!

We are home. And sorting out the extraordinary range of experiences we have just had. Thank you for your support. We have a few observations. Loved Sujan Jawai and Ananda. The Oberois were really nice. Guides were excellent perhaps with exception of the guide in Udaipur. He was good. Others exceptional. Driver: Shanti: best both as a person and a driver. Would cut back on the palaces. Would have been interesting to see a school or University. And, finally, Bindu, thank you for being available and helpful at all of the challenging moments. We both appreciate your efforts enormously. And, we look forward to our next trip to your amazing country.

India's best kept secret is that it's the perfect solo travel destination. With a driver to take you from town to town, and guides to share their knowledge at the many historic and cultural destinations that India has to offer, you're never really alone (except when you want to be). Bindu at Breakaway put together an excellent 10-day itinerary through Southern India, with flexibility to make adjustments as the days went on. I was very well looked after, always felt safe, and couldn't have asked for a better holiday! I'm happy to make adjustments if there's anything else you want me to emphasize. Thinking back on my trip makes me want to return!! Yes, hopefully soon!

I had a lovely day in Kanchipuram also. Sathya was a kind and attentive guide, his mom even made a dosa for me, yummy!! We met w couple of weavers, the designer fellow, saw a temple, dropped in on an old sari resale shop, and finally he took me to his store where I succumbed to a lovely sari.

Last year, I was a 61 year old well travelled woman heading to Jaipur for an alumnae meeting of the US women’s college I attended. I wanted to add a week-long trip in India prior to the event. The (female) organizers of the meeting recommended Breakaway, and I couldn’t have been happier. The Breakaway staff were creative, detail-oriented, and completely plugged in to the travel scene, and developed a great itinerary perfectly suited to my interests. I loved the visit with the proprietress of the block printing studio (and cherish the tablecloth I made there). Just this week in the UK, I described my tuktuk trip with a woman driver in Jaipur, including the scene where I burst into tears with her and a tea shop owner. I had just lost my dad, and the shop owner’s tea was just as he made his—the smell and taste sent my memory reeling. At first she was puzzled and surprised, but they both quickly understood and empathized, despite little shared language among us. Throughout the trip, my driver was my steadfast companion and the handpicked guides were fabulous conduits to only some of what India has to offer. Not once did I feel insecure or at risk. I can’t wait to get back!