Travel Influencer Reveals Three Lies for Solo Female Backpackers

An American travel influencer, @monicaroams, has gained attention on TikTok after revealing three lies she uses as a solo female backpacker to protect herself while traveling alone. The video, which has garnered over 376,000 views and saved by an additional 4,000 users, has sparked a conversation about safety for women exploring the world alone.

The first tip from Monica is to always say you have a boyfriend, even if you don't. According to her, this deters unwanted attention and ensures a safer interaction. She even suggests that women who identify as lesbians could also use this strategy to keep potential harassers at bay.

Monica's second piece of advice is to never admit you are alone, even if you actually are. By claiming that a friend is waiting for you, you avoid giving away personal information and minimize the risk of encountering individuals with malicious intentions. This tactic has proven useful for Monica, who has encountered older men asking if she is alone while dining by herself.

The final lie Monica shares is to never disclose where you are staying. While engaging in conversations, individuals may inquire about your accommodation, but providing this information can be risky. By avoiding this question, you minimize the chances of attracting unwanted attention.

In response to Monica's tips, commenters on TikTok shared their own strategies for staying safe as solo female travelers. Suggestions included wearing a fake wedding ring, indicating that you are married, and even creating a character story to deter potential predators.

While some argue that lying should not be encouraged, many women resonated with Monica's advice, highlighting that these lies have helped them feel more secure during their travels. Stalking and unwanted advances are unfortunately experiences that women often face when traveling alone, so it is important to take precautions to ensure personal safety.

It is crucial to stress that safety concerns for solo female travelers should not solely rely on these lies. Other precautions, such as researching local customs and cultural norms, sharing your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, and trusting your instincts, are equally important in maintaining personal security while exploring the world.

While these tips may not eliminate all potential risks, they serve as additional tools in the arsenal of solo female backpackers. Traveling should be an empowering and liberating experience for women, and by sharing advice like Monica's, we can help make it safer for all.