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Here are our top tips for women traveling in India:

1. Be assertive. As a woman, how you carry yourself will have a big impact on your experience in India. People will be constantly trying to sell you something or take you somewhere, and random men may approach you on the street. Don’t be afraid to say “No,” and say it loudly and assertively. It might feel uncomfortable, but if you act confident, you’ll be less likely to have a problem. If someone really won’t leave you alone, don’t be afraid to be rude.

2. Dress appropriately. India is a very conservative country especially outside the major cities, and Indian women typically dress very modestly, even in the heat. Honestly, Western women attract unwanted attention no matter what they’re wearing, but it will be much worse if you’re wearing revealing clothes. Keep your shoulders, cleavage, midriff, and thighs covered, and avoid tight-fitting clothes like leggings unless you’re wearing something over them. Standards are a bit more lax in the large cities, tourist hotspots, and beach towns, but it’s always better to err on the side of modesty.

3. Consider pretending to be married. If you’re married, you’ll have an easier time visiting India as female. If you’re not, well, it doesn’t hurt to pretend. Wear a wedding ring, and tell men who bother you that you’re on your way to meet your husband. This may not put an end to all harassment, but it certainly can help.

4. Don’t be overly friendly. This is a hard one, because you don’t want to be cold to people for no reason, especially if they’re genuinely kind (and most Indians are!). But when unknown men approach you, or even when you interact with drivers or hotel staff, acting overly friendly toward them can easily send the wrong signal.

5. Don’t walk around alone at night. Indian women don’t often go out at night, and the roads in many towns are poorly lit. When you’re out in the evening, go with a group if at all possible and consider using transportation instead of walking.

6. Plan ahead. With all the resources available online now, it’s easier than ever to make the best choices about things like hotels, tours, and drivers. Do some research ahead of time and avoid places that have a lot of negative reviews. Better yet, get recommendations from local people you trust or friends who’ve been there.

7. Know where you’re going. Tourists who are lost practically have a target on their back, especially women. India is difficult to navigate, but try to have an idea of where you’re going before you head out. And even if you end up getting totally lost, act confident and pretend you know where you’re going.

8. Don’t arrive at night. Whether you’re flying into India on an international flight or taking a bus or train to the next town, try to time your travels so you get there during the day. Arriving in an unfamiliar place at night makes it harder to figure out where you’re going and more likely to be scammed.

9. Arrange to be picked up. Many hotels offer a pick-up service from the airport, bus stop, or train station. While it’s often more expensive than getting a taxi or auto-rickshaw when you arrive, it’s a safer and more convenient option, especially for female travelers.

10. Book an upper berth on the train. Train travel is one of the most comfortable and convenient ways to get around India, and it’s always an adventure. It’s safe for women to take the train solo, but do try to get the upper-most bunk. You’ll have more privacy and be farther out of reach up on top, so you’re much less likely to experience any trouble.

11. Find some allies. This is especially useful when you’re on public transportation or in other public places. Start talking to women or families, and you’ll not only make new friends, you’ll also have people who will help watch out for you. If you’re someplace like a bus or train station and you find yourself getting overwhelmed by unwanted attention, go and sit right next to a family or group of women; your suitors will probably back off.

12. Let people know where you’re going. This one is common sense, but it’s always smart to let people know where you’re going. Keep your family back home updated on what town you’re in and where you’re staying, and when you meet people at your hotel or elsewhere, let them know when you’re taking day trips or going out.

13. Get a local SIM card. These days, carrying a smartphone alleviates so many travel difficulties, and it can really help keep your safer. Buy a SIM card and data package when you arrive in India, and you’ll be able to figure out where you’re going, easily contact people, and, in some cities, call an Uber.

14. Go with the flow.

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