A woman travelling solo has revealed the “genius” lies she tells others while abroad in a bid to keep safe, including wearing a fake wedding ring.
When Rebecca Tribelhorn set off travelling around the world on her own, she knew that keeping safe was her top priority and decided to get creative.
The 32-year-old, who has travelled to 40+ countries, from Ireland to Mexico, has turned to lying to others about her relationship status and wearing a fake wedding ring.
Now, after 10 years of solo travelling, she’s made a name for herself online after sharing her quirky tips and tricks.
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“Always trust your instincts and tell lies if you need to,” the travel photographer told What’s The Jam.
“You will be asked if you are travelling alone pretty much all the time.
“It’s [usually] innocent – just people curious or wanting to know more about you.
“Despite this, I always recommend lying and saying that you’re meeting up with a friend, family, or a partner later.
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“When you travel alone as a woman, this can also sometimes be misconstrued that you are actively looking for a boyfriend/partner.
“Some people truly won’t understand that you like to travel alone and or just like being alone, and will simply take your being alone as an open invitation.
“I have found that saying you have a boyfriend/partner/husband is much more effective in encouraging someone to leave you be.
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“I even would go so far as to recommend wearing a fake wedding ring if that helps sell the lie and make you feel more secure – whether or not you are married.”
Rebecca, from Oregon, US, also advises never disclosing accommodation information to ensure your safety, but also to minimise the risk of any valuables being stolen.
She said: “For women especially, it’s so important to have a place to return to where you feel safe and secure.
“Lie and say you were jet-lagged when you arrived and can’t remember.
“You can even just pick a random direction, point, and say ‘that way’.
“If you are unfamiliar with a place, if you are confused, or if you don’t know what to look out for – you might be leaving yourself open to be taken advantage of.
“I tell strangers I’ve been to a place before to sell a false idea of confidence and knowledge.
“When you travel, there is a risk of getting scammed, and people who would take advantage of you love to know that you aren’t privy to their tricks, and will play right into whatever their scheme is.
“Even if it’s just as ‘innocent’ as overcharging you on a taxi ride.”
Rebecca also believes acting confident will make you a less likely target – but if help is needed, seek it from a local shop or restaurant instead.
Her most effective lie?
Pretend you don’t speak English.
The photographer added: “This lie is a perfect one to use pretty much anytime you do not want to engage.
“It’s versatile and is simply a quick and not overly rude way to disengage with minimal effort.”
In a clip posted on Instagram, which has racked up over 1,000 likes, she shared her travel tips.
Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions, with many people on board with telling a few white lies.
One user said: “Hahah yes!! Travel lies are always acceptable.”
Another user said: “After watching Taken, I need all of these tips.”
Another user said: “Haha yes… sorry, don’t speak English and just move works always.”
Jessica said: “Not the eye contact and zero accent.”
Another user said: “I hate to lie, except when I solo travel hahaha I even post my stories one or two stories after, so no one can actually know where I’m at the moment.”
Finally, Rebecca shares some general advice on solo travelling.
She said: “If you want to start solo traveling, start small.
“Do a local weekend trip close to home where you can test out your skills but still feel safe that you could go home if you needed to.
“Then work up bigger trips or join a group trip with other solo travelers.
“It’s a great way to both make friends who are as passionate about travel as you, and also to share tips on best locations, safety tips, or just general solo travel advice.
“In my experience, most people you encounter traveling the world are good people.
“These lies I recommend telling help to protect you from what is maybe the 10% chance something bad might happen.
“To me, it’s worth it to protect myself at the start instead of regretting I didn’t take a few seconds to make a precaution that will make sure my trip goes smoothly and without risk.”
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