Dr. Orkatul Jannat is a dental surgeon by profession who is an enthusiastic traveler and blogger by passion. She has already travelled almost 36 countries so far and almost all over the country as well. She is the proud mother of a son. She is also a certified Zumba and Boxercise Trainer. Dr. Orka is one of the founders and admins of Sylhet Cycling Community and Sylhet Running Community. 

1. What is your own story of traveling as a female tourist? What makes you travel most?

Ans: From my teenage I used to see the beautiful pictures of the calendars (as Internet was not available in our time) and used to think if I could go those places. But of-course it was not possible that time. My father used to travel a lot and I used to see those pictures which also inspired me for travel. My first trip abroad was in 2001 in Shillong with my maternal family members. After that there was no hold back. I love to explore the nature; I want to see the world and that makes me travel most

2. Do you travel alone? What inspired you to be a solo female traveler? Or what made you feel that you should travel solo instead of in-group?

Ans: Earlier I traveled solo a lot but these days I like to travel with my son who will be a teenager soon. I love to travel solo as I have more freedom in solo traveling. I don’t need to fix my schedule or choose the destination according to others convenience.

3. what was the first reaction of your parents about your first solo travel & how do they feel now? 

Ans: Obviously at first they didn’t like the idea as they were very concerned about my safety which is quite natural. Till date they don’t appreciate me going alone anywhere.

4. How often do you go on a solo trip in a year? 

Ans: Actually, it depends on the situation. As I am a mother and I am attached with my son who also loves travelling. In some years, I used to go for trip almost in every month and on the other hand, in some years, I go for trip once or twice. 

4. what was the last place you visited as a solo tourist? 

Ans: The last place I visited is Istanbul, Turkey.

5. Do you notice any inequality from the locals when you travel solo? 

Ans: Depends on the destination. In Europe and some parts of Asia there was no inequality or no unwanted attention but, in some places, I faced some unwanted attention.

6. If you get a lot of unwanted attention, what strategies do you use to avoid unwanted attention as a female on tour?

Ans: It doesn’t bother me at all. Mostly I don’t notice peoples’ reaction. I mostly ignore the looks or judgments of others as don’t want to ruin my tour.

8. What was the biggest problem you faced & the other issues you faced now and then during your tour? 

Ans: By the grace of Almighty, I didn’t face any problem in my tour till now. What I believe is that, confidence is the root of success in your life. 

9. following the previous question, have you ever canceled a trip because of these problems or felt danger?

Ans: I didn’t face any major unwanted issue or didn’t cancel any trip yet.

10. What is your advice for those who want to start solo travel? 

Ans: For solo traveling you need a strong mind set and a mentality to face anything during your tour. Do some research about the place before going there, check about the safety issues.

11. Do you have female friends who also travel solo? 

Ans: Most of my friends travel in groups as everyone doesn’t like solo. There are some disadvantages of solo traveling. You can’t talk with anyone close other than strangers, sometimes you may feel lonely. There is no one to take your pictures in a picturesque place like this. So far I travelled 33 countries and around 16 countries went solo. 

12. Suggest one of the best places for solo female tourists?

Ans: Can’t suggest any specific place as I have good memories almost everywhere.

13. What are your suggestions for those women who want to travel? 

Ans: Use public transport and avoid late night roaming.

14. What obstacles do you see in traveling alone as a women tourist?

Ans: First of all, the mindset of the people. If once mindset is not wide enough and stereotype, s/he won’t encourage women solo travel and event women travel. Secondly, the security concern. We all know the scenario of our country. But the truth is, not only in Bangladesh, same concern happens everywhere specially in south Asia.

15. What is your recommendation for the society, local authority, and government?

Ans: They might come forward to implementing better facilities for accommodation and security for females to ensure safe travelling. I request the government to ensure the safe environment of travelling so that anyone can travel without safety and security concerns in our country. I will invite our society and community to make this initiative happen as alone government cannot make any significant difference in society. I believe that together, we can make the difference only.