I'm a solo female traveler and here are the lies I tell to stay safe: I even wear a fake wedding ring
A woman traveling the world alone has shared the 'genius' lies she tells others in a bid to stay safe abroad – even going so far as to wear a fake wedding ring.
When Oregon's Rebecca Tribelhorn started jet-setting around the world on her own, she always knew her safety was a top priority — so the solo traveler decided to get creative.
The 32-year-old, who has visited more than 40 countries from Ireland to Mexico, has lied about her relationship status and her ability to speak English during her travels.
Now, after a decade of solo travel, the travel photographer has built quite a reputation for sharing her quirky tips and tricks online.
She urged other female travelers to always trust their instincts and lie often because others may think they are looking for romance.
Oregon's Rebecca Tribelhorn has revealed the 'genius' lies she tells to stay safe during her travels abroad (pictured in Ecuador)
The solo traveler of over a decade revealed she often lies about her relationship status to stay safe — even going so far as to wear a fake wedding ring (pictured in Mexico)
“Always trust your instincts and tell lies when necessary,” Rebecca instructed.
'You are asked whether you almost always travel alone. Are [usually] innocent – just people who are curious or want to know more about you.
She added: 'Despite this, I always recommend lying and saying you will meet a friend, family or partner later.'
Rebecca explained that some people often misinterpret women who travel alone as actively seeking a romantic partner.
'Some people really won't understand that you like to travel alone and/or just like to be alone, and will simply view your aloneness as an open invitation.
“I've found that saying you have a boyfriend/partner/husband is much more effective at encouraging someone to leave you alone,” she said.
The backpacker even told solo travelers to wear a fake wedding ring if it “helps sell the lie” so they would feel more secure – regardless of whether they are married or not.
One of Rebecca's most important safety tips abroad is to never reveal accommodation information.
She encouraged fellow female globetrotters to trust their instincts and always lie when necessary (pictured in Puerto Rico)
She explained that she often lies about her relationship status because many people see a woman traveling alone as 'an open invitation' (Photo: Rebecca in Bolivia)
She also warned others never to make their accommodation public as this could leave them vulnerable to theft or worse (Photo: Santorini, Greece)
She said this also helps reduce the risk of your valuables being stolen.
“For women especially, it's so important to have a place where you feel safe and secure,” Rebecca explains.
“Lie and say you were jetlagged when you arrived and you can't remember. You can even just pick a random direction, point and say 'that way.'
The 32-year-old also instructed others to never act confused or unfamiliar in an area as this puts you at risk of being taken advantage of.
Rebecca believes that if you act confidently, you reduce the chance of being targeted – but if help is needed, seek it at a local store or restaurant.
“I tell strangers that I've been somewhere before to sell a false idea of trust and knowledge,” she revealed.
'When you travel there is a risk of being scammed, and people who want to take advantage of you want to know that you are not aware of their tricks.
'Even though it is just as 'innocent' as paying too much for a taxi ride.'
But what is the backpacker's most effective lie? Pretend she doesn't speak English.
“This lie is perfect to use when you don't want to deal with it,” the photographer added.
Rebecca encourages other backpackers to fake a sense of trust and never seem 'unknown' or 'confused' even when they are in a new place, as this can leave them vulnerable to scams (photo: Zakynthos, Greece)
But what is Rebecca's biggest lie? She pretends she doesn't speak English. She says this is the best lie to tell if you don't want to participate (pictured in Liguria, Italy)
Many flocked to the comments on an Instagram video in which she shared the numerous tips and joked that travel lies were 'always acceptable'
“It's versatile and it's just a quick and not overly rude way to get loose with minimal effort.”
Followers flocked to the comments on the Instagram video in which she shared numerous safety tips for traveling abroad, with many agreeing with telling a few white lies.
'Haha yes!! Travel lies are always acceptable,” one person commented.
A second joked: 'After watching Taken I need all these tips.'
“Haha yeah…sorry, don't speak English and just moving always works,” a third wrote
Another said: 'I hate lying unless I'm traveling alone hahaha.
“I even post my stories one or two stories after so no one knows where I am at the moment.”
The seasoned solo traveler then also gave some general advice on trotting the globe.
Advising her followers to 'start small', she added: 'Do a local weekend trip close to home where you can test your skills but still feel safe knowing you can go home if you need to.
Rebecca said she would rather take precautions and take a moment to lie than risk her safety and her trip (Photo: The Dolomites, Italy)
The 32-year-old shares general tips for first-time travelers and recommends 'starting small' and taking a weekend away somewhere local to sharpen your travel skills (pictured in Bolivia)
'Then come up with bigger trips or join other solo travelers on a group trip.'
Rebecca believes that traveling is a great way to make friends and meet others who are just as passionate about travel.
“In my experience, most of the people you meet when you travel the world are good people.”
She continued, “These lies I recommend will help protect you from the perhaps 10% chance that something bad could happen.
'For me, it's worth protecting myself at the start, rather than regretting that I didn't take a few seconds to take a precaution that will ensure my journey is smooth and risk-free .'