I love helping people. The best moments I have as a blogger and writer is when I can help and inspire people to travel. This is why I love what I do – I get to help people let go of their fears, help them by giving tips or just offering some advice. Since starting this blog almost three years ago, I have received numerous comments and emails from readers who either have a specific question or travel problem.

In this new series, I will be sharing a few questions from readers and my responses to them so other readers can also benefit. Here are some questions I have received in my public comments section of How to Convince Indian Parents to Let You Travel:

Q1:
Hi, I’m a 21 year old fellow Vancouverite with a passion for traveling. As my friend is finishing her undergrad this year we’re planning a little trip to San Francisco in May. I’ll be on my semester break at that time, so I won’t miss any school. Were only going for a week and since I work I would be able to financially afford the trip. Being the only child, my dad is very protective of me. I am not sure how I should go about telling him I want to go on the trip. I have traveled alone before numerous times, but only to destinations where I have family. My friends parents are okay with them going–I’m the only one who needs to get permission. My friends have told me to lie and tell my parents that I’m going for school, but I don’t want to lie to them. I’m sure if I tell them the truth their going to refuse, and I really want to go. Any advice? Thanks.

-Jasmine, Desi Globetrotter reader from Vancouver

A1:
Thanks for stopping by Desi Globetrotter. I completely understand how you feel. I went through the same thing. My parents were strict and as I got older they eased up. I know it’s tough. I commend you for not wanting to lie. Here are some tips for you without having to feel too guilty about your decision, remember you know your parents best:

1) TELL them, don’t ASK them – make it a firm statement rather than asking for permission. “I’m going to San Fran with so and so right after the semester is done”, not “Can I go?” Slowly they will get used to you making your own decisions as long as you stay firm and stand your ground.

2) Just be honest. Are you feeling burnt out from school and need a break? When I was 25 I took off 5 weeks to backpack by myself in Europe and told my parents I hadn’t taken a break yet after University and I’m burnt out. I needed to go. Desi parents know we have the rest of our life for working and you may be surprised how understanding they may just be.

3) If you think that won’t work, but don’t want the guilty conscience with lying – then another idea is to seek out a cool educational talk or conference to go to while you’re in San Fran. I’m not sure what you’re studying, but perhaps there’s a tour you can take of San Fran University, or a free lecture at a library in downtown San Fran. It’s always good to network and make contacts/friends from around the world. Can come in handy later.

4) Finally, whatever you decide, just take baby steps with them and as you get older they will ease up. My parents finally did. You just can’t shock them all at once with something too different for them to understand. Ease them into it. It will happen, hang in there!

Hope that helps!

Q2:
Hi, I have relatives living in india and I really, really miss them and I want to go to India really badly. Having brown parents, it’s extra hard to convince them to let me. Whenever I plead with them to let me go, they’ll give me a lecture of how india is not safe, etc, etc. I dont mind bringing them along, but they’re just so concerned about the safety issues! Please, I really need advice. I really, really want to go India.

-Simran, Desi Globetrotter Reader

A2:
Hi Simran, Thanks for stopping by my blog. Even though you want to visit relatives, it can still be hard for parents to let their daughter go to India. My parents were the same way when I was younger. Just the thought of having their daughter in the airport alone in a foreign country can be difficult for parents. Perhaps show them your maturity for a few months at home. If you have a part-time job and can deal with pressure and difficult circumstances, then you can slowly build your case and let them know that they can trust you to use your street smarts and common sense to be safe. The issues in India are real, but start with building trust with your parents and visiting your relatives first. You can always try to get your relatives on your side too and they can help with the convincing. Hope that helps!

Q3:
Hello Parm! Great post; thank you for sharing! I’m sorry for the length of this, but looking for any advice really — I’m a first generation Desi in the States with rather strict parents (parents’ strictness level: not allowed to have any male friends; marriage outside of brown would send my mother to “hell” as she so eloquently describes, etc). I’m about to complete my undergrad and would love to spend a month backpacking through Peru and Bolivia (and perhaps Brazil if my friend and i can swing it). I planned many parts of the trip and aimed to travel with a female Spanish-speaking friend since my Spanish is a bit wonky. I also have a friend in Peru that going to show us around.

I brought this to my parents when was I home for break and my dad said no. Mind you, they’re letting me go to Guatemala with a friend for a week in mid March. I don’t get where the no to South America is coming from.

-Sri, Desi Globetrotter Reader from USA

A3:
Hi Sri, Thanks for stopping by my blog! I know it can be hard to convince desi parents to let you travel. I was in the same boat when I was younger. Eventually, slowly they do come around. Just don’t get discouraged. There are many reasons why desi parents are nervous about longer trips. I just emailed you regarding your upcoming trip. Hopefully my tips can help! Let me know if you don’t get the email. Keep me posted and don’t give up. Happy travels!

(Note: I did provide a longer answer via email to the reader, but I now can’t seem to find my original. The above is what I wrote in the comment section as a reply).

Have a question you’d like answered? Leave a comment at the bottom of the page or email me at parm[at]desiglobetrotter[dot]com.