Meera Sharma, a 29-year-old software engineer from Pune, had always dreamed of solo travel but never had the confidence to take the leap. "I had travelled with family and friends, but the idea of navigating a foreign country alone — especially as an Indian woman — was intimidating," she says.
The Planning Phase
When Meera joined ZFORB as a Silver member, she connected with a travel concierge who helped plan a 14-day Europe itinerary: Paris (4 nights), Barcelona (4 nights), and Rome (4 nights), with train travel between cities.
"My concierge, Arjun, was incredible. He did not just book hotels — he explained which neighbourhoods were safest for solo women, which restaurants had communal tables for meeting people, and which walking tours attracted solo travellers. That level of local knowledge is priceless."
The Experience
Paris: "I was nervous the first morning. Then I walked from my hotel in Le Marais to the Seine, had a croissant at a corner café, and everything clicked. The ZFORB city guide on my phone had a curated walking route that took me through neighbourhoods I would never have found on my own."
Barcelona: "This was where I really found my confidence. I joined a ZFORB-recommended food tour in the Boqueria Market where I met three other solo travellers. We ended up exploring together for two days. The connections you make when travelling alone are deeper than group travel — you are open to everyone."
Rome: "By Rome, I felt like a veteran. I navigated the metro, ordered in Italian (badly, but they appreciated the effort), and spent an entire afternoon sketching in the Borghese Gardens. That is the magic of solo travel — you do exactly what you want, when you want."
The ZFORB Difference
"The 24/7 concierge gave me peace of mind. When my train from Barcelona to Rome was cancelled due to a strike, I WhatsApped the ZFORB helpline at 11 PM and they rebooked me on a morning flight within 30 minutes. If I had been on my own, I would have panicked."
Meera's total trip cost — including flights, accommodation, activities, and meals — came to ₹2,80,000. "Without ZFORB member rates, the same trip would have cost over ₹3,80,000. I saved enough to fund most of my next trip."
Her advice for hesitant solo travellers: "Just go. The world is kinder than the news suggests. And having ZFORB's support means you are never truly alone."
Join ZFORB and plan your solo adventure with 24/7 concierge support and exclusive member rates.
