An experienced traveler shared her unique tips for staying safe and avoiding harassment when traveling solo abroad. As the number of people—especially women—traveling alone around the world continues to rise, one woman with extensive experience in solo travel turned to Reddit to share her practical self-protection strategies. From white lies to tracking gadgets, these are her standout tips for any solo traveler looking to feel safer:
A Fake Ring Can Solve a Real Problem
The traveler recommended minimizing jewelry to avoid attracting attention but suggested considering wearing a cheap, imaginary wedding ring—especially for women concerned about harassment. She explained that some men might interpret a woman being alone as a sign that she’s looking for a romantic or sexual connection. She stated that especially in English-speaking countries like the U.S. and the U.K., there’s a higher chance that random men will try to start a conversation if they don’t see a ring.
Fake a Call with Dad or Your Husband
If a taxi driver makes you feel uncomfortable, her recommendation was to pretend you’re on a call with someone waiting for you. She would say out loud: “See you soon, Dad,” or “I’m on my way, honey.” The goal, she said, is to ensure no one realizes you’re alone—even if you are.
Invest in a Personal Tracking Device
When traveling solo, there’s often no one who knows exactly where you are. That’s where a small gadget called Tile (by the company Life360) comes in, which uses Bluetooth technology and attaches to keys, wallets, or bags. You can share your real-time location with someone close to you, even if your phone battery dies. She wrote that she attached the Tile to her wallet, and it’s connected to her best friend’s phone. That way, her friend always knows where she is, and it provides a sense of security. She added that it’s also a good idea to update friends and family occasionally, but to avoid posting publicly that you’re traveling alone.
Be Cautious with Alcohol
Even if you're tempted to try local wine or a tropical cocktail, the traveler advised not to overdo it—or even to avoid drinking altogether if you’re not in a safe area. She wrote that she doesn’t drink when traveling alone unless she’s already in her hotel room or at the hotel restaurant. One or two glasses is fine, she noted, but warned not to let jet lag or altitude mess with your judgment—before you know it, she cautioned, you might find yourself intoxicated.
And What Should You Avoid?
She advised against posting on social media about traveling alone, especially in real time. She also recommended lying when necessary to get out of questionable situations and choosing clever tricks over full honesty—at least when personal safety is the goal.
These tips come amid warnings from other solo travelers who have expressed concern about harassment and unpleasant experiences in certain countries. One of the most important takeaways, according to all the testimonies, is to trust your intuition and not hesitate to take precautions that might seem odd but could make all the difference.