- Wednesday, June 04, 2025
Travel influencer Sarah Woodard’s viral video listing India among the “unsafe” countries for solo female travellers has triggered a wave of discussion, with mixed reactions from Indian netizens and global viewers.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
A viral video by US-based travel influencer Sarah Woodard has reignited concerns and conversations about the safety of women travelling solo in certain countries, particularly India.
The influencer, known for sharing candid travel content on Instagram and TikTok, listed five countries she personally found “unsafe for a solo female traveller”: Namibia, India, Turkey, the USA, and Tanzania.
The clip, which has garnered over a million views across platforms, features Woodard sharing footage from her recent trips and detailing her discomfort in each of the listed countries.
A particular moment from India, captured during her visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra, has sparked considerable attention. In the video, a young man is seen staring at her persistently, something Woodard pointed to as a reflection of the unease she felt throughout her solo experience in the country.
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“India was a country I always said I’d visit on a group tour instead of going solo. But I was nearby and decided to go, though I made sure to hire a private driver,” she shared in the video. “Even then, I constantly felt watched. I didn’t feel safe pulling out my phone in public, and at times my driver would call me back to the car if he felt I was attracting too much attention.”
Woodard’s candid admission has resonated with many online, especially women who have shared similar experiences while travelling alone. The comment section is filled with agreement, concern, and also some criticism.
“The clip of the man checking you out at the Taj Mahal was proof enough,” one user commented. Another echoed, “I am a man and I still sometimes feel unsafe in India. It’s not as safe as many other countries.”
Some Indian viewers responded with disappointment but acknowledged the reality. “As an Indian, I confirm that whatever she is saying is true. There is no civic sense in people,” one commenter wrote. Others, however, felt the portrayal was unfair and did not represent the entirety of the country. “This happens in pockets, not everywhere in India. There are a lot of safe places and people too,” one person defended.
The influencer’s inclusion of the USA in her list also drew attention, with many surprised that her home country made it among those she deemed unsafe for women travelling alone.
The broader reaction highlights the growing importance of travel safety for women and the challenges solo female travellers face globally. While India remains a dream destination for many due to its culture, history, and diversity, Woodard’s experience sheds light on the urgent need for better awareness, civic behavior, and supportive infrastructure for women tourists.
As discussions continue online, many are hoping that videos like these push local communities and tourism authorities to take action and foster a safer, more inclusive travel environment for all.
