I like going on overnight journeys alone. But, I have to arm myself like I'm going to war

Travelling is fun. After all, we all need a break once in a while. But, do you know what I love most about travelling? Well, it's making an overnight journey and if possible--all alone. I know you probably think that I'm stupid, especially when overnight journeys mean taking flights or trains at odd hours. But, I have my reasons and they are very valid.

You see, travelling in the night not only means cheaper tickets, but it also saves you a lot of time. And you know what they say about time, right? Time is money and when you are bitten by the travel bug, you got to think about your wallet. So late night travelling is totally ideal for me.

But, before you start shrieking in horror over my safety, let me tell you that I take full precautions. I might find travelling alone liberating, but I'm also aware of the fact that akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai.

So I become the most paranoid person on the earth and arm myself as if I'm going to war. Here's what I do to keep myself safe and sound:

I Carry A Dozen Bottles Of Pepper Spray With Me
Trust me, if I could, I would carry a machete, a shotgun, or a tiny nuclear bomb with me. But, a girl's got to adjust to her financial and societal limitations you see?

So, I just take care of my safety needs by filling my bag with as many bottles of pepper spray as I can. Obviously that means I can't take flights, but that's completely fine. I feel safer with those spray bottles, anyway.

Maps--On My Phone and In My Bag
There have been times when I have carried hand drawn maps made by my friends in addition to a government approved map of the place. Not to mention, there are maps app on my phone too. And it's not just one app. Nope. I have all the apps available to mankind on my phone. No, I'm definitely not ashamed of myself.

And the reason behind carrying a physical map is quite simple. You see, sometimes GPS may not work due to network problems. What do you do then? You can't ask a stranger for directions because that's not safe at all.

You rely on the trusty maps that you have in your bag. But why hand drawn maps then, you ask? You see I also like to know what places I should visit and I trust my traveller friends' suggestions. When you have someone who has already visited that place, you get to listen to their personal opinion.

Battery Backup and More Battery Backup
I'm not kidding when I say that I have five battery backups--all fully charged at all times when I'm travelling. After all, I need to keep my phone charged at all times, especially when I'm travelling alone. How else will I keep the maps app open then? If only I could carry solar panels with me, I would be a happy person. But for now, I guess I'm well prepared with five battery backups.

GPS Tracker On My Phone
Now this isn't for me, but for my mother. As much as she hates my travelling, she despises the fact that she is not able to keep a track of where I am. So, she has made me install all these trackers that would put even the CIA to shame.

Yes, that does give me a sense of being watched all the time. But, I would still prefer my mother keeping a tab on me than some serial killer.

I Have Hidden Pockets In Every Bag That I Own
You know, when I was a kid I used to laugh at the women who used to keep their purses hidden inside their blouses. But, I understood the importance of the discreet places when I grew up and faced pick-pocketing myself.

So what do I do now? I stitch hidden pockets in the camouflaged section of my non-descript shoulder bags. But the problem with having these pockets are that whenever I have to take out my money or travel documents, I have to empty the whole bag. *sigh*

This means my packet of safety pins, aaloo bhujia, clothes, and everything else comes out too. I can't even explain the death threats I have received from otherwise patient travellers because I was trying to locate those hidden pockets.

But you know what? I will take paranoia over unsafe travel experiences any day.

Also read: Planning to travel solo? These apps will make sure you have a great time on your vacation

Also read: I travelled solo and loved it. Here's why I feel every girl should do it too