Congratulations,
you did it. You booked your ticket, packed your bags, and set out into the
world alone. This feeling is thrilling, empowering, and can also be a little nerve-wracking.
Honestly, a big part of solo travel isn't just the places, but the people you
meet. And while 99% of people will be nice, it's important to talk about the 1%
who can be problematic.
Your safety and peace of mind are most important. As a solo female traveler, paying attention to your intuition is your biggest superpower. It's not about being paranoid, or about thinking you'll miss connections, it's about being smart and aware, and trusting your gut feeling (that little alarm) when it tells you something isn't right.
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| 5 Types of People Solo Female Travelers Should Avoid (And How to Spot Them) |
Five Types of People to Be Cautious Of
Based on
years of travel experience and conversations with other solo women, here are
five types of people to be wary of, and how to spot them quickly:
1. Overly Helpful "Guide"
What They Look Like: You're looking confused, holding a
map, and this guy is immediately obvious. He says I'll show you around, take
you to the "great shop" his cousin owns, or arrange a taxi (which
usually belongs to a friend and is very expensive).
Real Example: I was in Marrakech, the medina was
very confusing. A man immediately came up and said, "This is closed, I'll
show you a better place." He was persistent and walked with me for a few
minutes. My gut didn't say anything. I gave a firm "Here, thank you,"
and went into the nearest shop and asked the shopkeeper for help.
How to Recognize and What to Do:
- They come without
you even trying.
- They refuse to hear
"no." Those who truly help will back off if you refuse.
- Their help often
leads you to a secondary location.
Action Plan: Practice a confident "no, thank
you" in the local language. Save the destination address in your phone
(take a screenshot in case service goes out). If lost, go to a reputable place
(cafe or hotel) and ask for directions.
2. Love Bomber
What It Looks Like: This person surrounds you with
intense praise, attention, and charm as soon as you meet them. They may call
you their "soulmate" after one conversation, give you expensive
gifts, or want to be with you all the time. It seems very flattering, but it's
often a tactic to quickly build intimacy and let you down.
Personal Insight: I've seen travelers who got into
uncomfortable situations because someone made them feel indebted by giving them
dinner or event tickets. True connection is slow and mutual.
How to Recognize and What to Do:
- Pace very fast,
seem "too good to be true."
- Share personal
stories very quickly to gain sympathy.
- If you want time
alone or to spend time with other people, they guilt-trip you.
Action Plan: Maintain healthy boundaries. Pay for
your own expenses. Politely tell these people, "Thanks, but I'll pay for
myself." If someone doesn't respect your space, that's a major red flag.
3. The "I Have a Great Business
Opportunity" Persuader
What They
Look Like: Often a well-dressed, friendly type. They start a conversation in a
cafe or museum, then quickly shift the conversation to something like
"amazing investment opportunity," "can't-miss seminar," or
some pyramid/MLM scheme. Their goal is to recruit you or get your contact
information.
How to Recognize and What to Do:
- Conversation seems
scripted:
"Where are you from?" goes straight to "What do you do for
work?" and then money.
- Uses buzzwords: "financial freedom,"
"be your own boss," "exclusive mentorship."
- Are evasive when asked specific questions, they
don't clearly state the company's name or function.
Action Plan: Simply say, "I'm not interested
in business opportunities, but thank you. Enjoy your day." Then disengage
from the conversation and move on.
4. "Let Me Take You to a Local
Party" Cool Kid
What It Looks Like: This person or group seems fun,
trendy, and promises an "authentic" local experience that tourists
don't get. They're rarely genuine, but often such invitations lead to
situations where you may be isolated, pressured to spend a lot of money, or
pressured to use substance.
Real Example: A friend was in Bangkok and met a
cool group who went to an "after-hours club." She texted me the
address first. The vibe felt wrong there, she was pressured to drink. She used
the bathroom excuse and left.
How to Recognize and What to Do:
- The invitation is
vague ("secret bar," "party on the other side of
town").
- There's pressure to
leave quickly, they say "right now" and don't let you make other
plans.
- Your gut is saying
the scene is unsafe or people are only focused on the party.
Action Plan: Always have an exit strategy. Share
your live location with a trusted friend (WhatsApp/Google Maps). Even if you
go, arrange your own transportation so you can come back whenever you want.
Your phone and wallet are your tickets to freedom.
5. The Fellow Traveler Who Drains Your
Energy
What It Looks Like: This is a little subtle, but very
important for mental health. Not every dangerous person is a stranger;
sometimes it's another traveler who brings constant negative energy. This could
be the permanent complainer, the drama-seeker, or the one who always
overshadows everyone.
How to Recognize and What to Do:
- Every conversation
revolves around complaints, about food, weather, hostel, ex.
- They dismiss your
excitement or try to one-up your stories.
- You feel exhausted
or anxious after spending time with them.
Action Plan: The trip is yours. You're under no
obligation to be anyone's therapist or full-time travel buddy. Politely say,
"It was nice meeting you, but I'm going to do some solo exploring
today." Then do your part without guilt.
Trust Your Intuition: Your Best Travel Companion
It may feel a little scary to read this, but don't be. The world is full of kind, generous, and amazing people. The purpose here isn't to scare you, but to make you aware and empowered.
The common
thread in all these types? They trigger a little feeling in your stomach, your
intuition. Trusting your gut feeling is the most important travel skill you'll
learn.
Key Safety Tips for Solo Travelers
If you feel
uncomfortable, get out of the situation. Don't compromise your safety out of
politeness.
Have a code
word with your friends or family that means "I'm uncomfortable, call me
immediately."
Project
confidence. Even if you're lost, walk with purpose. Don't appear like a
vulnerable target.
Embrace the Adventure of Solo Travel
Solo travel
is an amazing experience. It teaches you about the world and, most of all,
about your own strength and capability. Be smart, aware, and then go, enjoy
life's adventure.
Read: How
to Tell Your Parents You’re Traveling Solo Without Them Freaking Out
