The Art of Lying While Traveling Solo
- Henna
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
When honesty is overrated and you're traveling solo, it teaches you how to trust your gut and how to lie convincingly with a straight face.
I highly value honesty and above all- staying alive. I don’t want to get robbed, and definitely, I want to get back to my hotel in one piece.
Sometimes, those goals do not align.
So when I travel solo, I lie - strategically, creatively, maybe occasionally hilariously.
Oh, I’ve done zero apologies.
The Funny Lies
These are the harmless lies, playful that you can toss out with a smile.
“Are you traveling alone?”“Definitely NO. My husband is joining me soon.”
(No, he’s not.)
“What’s your name?”“Anna.”
(My name changes countries and I start alphabetically - my next name is Bethsaida)
“Where are you staying?”“Oh… nearby.”
(Nearby could mean anywhere within a 5-mile radius.)
These lies are meant to end conversations. Think of them as conversational mosquito repellent.
The Matter-of-Fact Lies
“Can I walk you home?”“NO, my husband is waiting.”
(He might be imaginary, but he’s very devoted.)
“Who are you meeting tonight?”“My friends.”
(Solo travelers are allowed to have imaginary groups.)
“What’s your plan tonight?” “Early night for me. Long day tomorrow.”
Deliver these lies calmly and no guilt. You don’t owe strangers the truth and you don’t owe them access.
The Serious Lies (Because Fear Has a Sound)
Some lies come from adrenaline, not wit.
Congo
One moment, I was photographing. The next, I was surrounded by a growing crowd - voices getting louder, tension tightening, help was nowhere.
My instinct kicked in.
No clever words here. Just survival.
Turkmenistan
A hotel room. Quiet. Still.
Then I noticed it - a hidden camera?
No questions asked. I acted normal. And left.
Sometimes the lie is pretending everything is fine until you’re safely gone.
The “Fuck Off” Lies (Unapologetic, Full Stop)
Egypt
We agreed on a taxi fare. Clear. Confirmed.
Off we go.
At the destination, the price magically tripled.
Suddenly, it’s about traffic, tourist price, life is hard...
“You misunderstood.”
“No. I didn’t.”
This is where politeness ends.
“This was the agreed price and I’m not paying more.”
This isn’t lying. It is refusing to be rewritten in someone else’s story.
And if that makes me difficult? Good.
Why Solo Travelers Lie More Than Anyone Else
Because being alone makes them appear vulnerable, visible, clueless, and available.
Lying becomes armor.
Lessons I’ve Learned
Your safety matters more than someone else’s feelings.
You don’t owe strangers the truth.
If something feels off, it probably is.
Have a cover story ready before you need it.
Keep essentials safe (phone, documents) yet accessible at all times.
Final Caution
Please note that this is about awareness and not a guide to paranoia.
Most people you meet are just curious, but the few aren’t. They are the reason this blog exists.
Solo travel makes you brave. Braver when you come up as a very good liar.
And that’s okay.
See you Ladies in Paris and Amsterdam!
Henna Fuller
Visit www.culturalwanderer.com for more exploration.
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