Rebecca Tribelhorn, a seasoned solo traveler from Oregon, has shared her “genius” strategies for staying safe while traveling alone, including the unconventional tactic of wearing a fake wedding ring.
With over 40 countries under her belt, Rebecca has honed her safety techniques over ten years of solo adventures, gaining a notable online following for her practical and quirky tips.
Safety is paramount for Rebecca, who emphasizes the importance of trust in one’s instincts and the occasional necessity of telling lies. “Always trust your instincts and tell lies if you need to,” she advises. “You will be asked if you are traveling alone pretty much all the time.
READ MORE: Top 5 Expert Tips from Flight Attendants for Navigating Busy Airports: Packing, Delays, and More
It’s usually innocent curiosity, but I always recommend saying you’re meeting a friend, family member, or partner later. This can prevent unwanted advances and misunderstandings.”
Rebecca finds that claiming to have a boyfriend, partner, or husband is particularly effective in deterring unwelcome attention. To reinforce this lie, she even suggests wearing a fake wedding ring, regardless of one’s marital status, to feel more secure.
In addition to relationship status fibs, Rebecca advises against disclosing accommodation details. She suggests deflecting such questions with vague responses to ensure personal safety and protect valuables. “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, or just pick a random direction and say ‘that way’,” she recommends.
Rebecca also stresses the importance of projecting confidence. “Acting confident makes you a less likely target. If you need help, seek it from a local shop or restaurant instead of strangers on the street.”
Her go-to lie for disengaging from unwanted interactions? Pretend not to speak English. “This lie is versatile and a quick, not overly rude way to disengage with minimal effort.”
These tactics, shared in a viral Instagram clip that has garnered over 1,000 likes, have resonated with many solo travelers. Comments have poured in, with users expressing appreciation for Rebecca’s practical advice. “Travel lies are always acceptable,”
one user noted, while another added, “After watching Taken, I need all of these tips.”
Rebecca’s advice extends beyond safety lies. She encourages aspiring solo travelers to start small, with local weekend trips, before progressing to more significant adventures or joining group trips with other solo travelers. This gradual approach helps build confidence and skills in a controlled environment.
“In my experience, most people you encounter traveling the world are good people,” Rebecca reassures. “These lies help protect you from the rare chance something bad might happen. It’s worth it to take a few seconds to make a precaution that ensures your trip goes smoothly and without risk.”
Rebecca Tribelhorn’s practical tips and inventive safety measures provide valuable guidance for solo travelers, emphasizing the importance of both enjoying the journey and staying safe.
