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Don’t be too honest when traveling abroad: Five lies you should consider telling

Published: 2026-09-24 👁 100 views
Last updated 2026-09-24 — Being an honest person is something we’ve been taught since childhood, but while traveling, allow yourself to lower your moral standards a bit. When facing persistent sales pitches, harassment, or unexpected situations, a little dishonesty at the right time can save you a lot...

Text / Edited and reported by the MOOK Scenic Spots Home Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
Being an honest person is something we’ve been taught since childhood, but while traveling, allow yourself to lower your moral standards a bit. When facing persistent sales pitches, harassment, or unexpected situations, a little dishonesty at the right time can save you a lot of unnecessary trouble. Below, we’ve compiled five situations where it might be wise to bend the truth while traveling, helping to make your trip safer and smoother.

Five lies you might have to tell while traveling. (Image source / leisure)

● “Sorry, I don’t speak English.”
Language is your tool for navigating the world while traveling, and English is probably the foreign language you’re most familiar with. In some countries, local vendors may pester travelers relentlessly. In such cases, playing dumb and pretending not to speak English can help them back off.
 
● “Yes, I have a boyfriend.”
Many girls traveling abroad may encounter overly enthusiastic men (or even harassment). If you find it uncomfortable, try using this line. If needed, you can prepare by taking a photo with a male friend before your trip and saving it on your phone for emergencies.
 
● “No, this isn’t my first time here.”
This phrase can be incredibly useful—especially at the airport when taking a taxi to your hotel or around town. Drivers often chat with passengers to gather information. If they ask whether it’s your first time in the area and you say yes, they might take a longer route or overcharge you. The same goes for street vendors who might inflate prices. Next time you're asked this, just pretend you know your way around.
 
● “Sorry, I forgot the name of my hotel.”
If you meet someone who seems overly interested in you during your travels, protecting your privacy is crucial. Don’t casually reveal where you’re staying—just give a vague answer to keep things safe.
 
● “I’m traveling with friends.”
Traveling solo may sound cool and carefree, but it can also make you seem like an easy target. When dealing with people with unclear intentions, pretend you’re out with friends and you’ve just temporarily split up—this is especially important for women.

Solo travel? No worries. Here are the world’s 10 safest countries

》http://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=11234

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