How to lose someone if you’re being followed abroad

Safety is key when exploring unfamiliar cities and countries.

Unfortunately, frightening situations may arise from time to time – such as if you feel that you’re being followed.

It can be easy to panic in these scenarios, but certain steps can be taken to stay safe, author Paul O’Donnell reveals in his book Man Up! 367 Classic Skills For The Modern Guy.

In the book, which is a compilation of solutions to problems people face in everyday life, the U.S writer breaks down how to lose someone when you’re being followed.

First, O’Donnell suggests that you investigate your hunch and ascertain whether you’re actually being followed.

Certain steps can be taken to stay safe if you feel as though you’re being followed abroad 

He writes: ‘Behave slightly erratically – stop to look at a store window, a house, or a garden – and see if your tail tries to stick with you. If the person you suspect of following you stops (a store window makes for a convenient mirror to keep an eye on the person), walk on and stop again; if he or she stops again, it’s likely you’re being followed.’

O’Donnell also recommends that you walk halfway down a road, before turning around and calmly heading in the opposite direction. This will allow you to confirm whether the stranger is definitely following you, as well as to take stock of their appearance.

He says: ‘If your tail turns with you, note the person’s age, hair colour and height (measure visually against a building doorway or a street sign) so you can identify them to the police if needs be.’

O’Donnell says that if you’re driving and you suspect your car is being followed, you should similarly take steps to definitively establish whether you’re being tailed. If the car behind mimics your actions, you can assume your hunch was correct.

He says: ‘Turn on your right blinker, slow at the corner, and then continue straight. If you still have doubts take two right turns and pull a U-turn midblock. On the highway, gradually slow down until you’re doing 40mph (64kmph); anyone who’s not following you will pass you within 60 seconds.’ 

Once you’ve clarified that you’re being followed, there’s one thing you definitely should avoid doing, according to O’Donnell. 

He says: ‘If you feel the person following you is a threat, whatever you do, don’t go home; you don’t want them to know where you live.’ With this logic in mind, it’s unwise to return to any Airbnb or holiday accommodation that you’re staying in until you shake your pursuer.

If you think your car is being followed, take two right turns and pull a U-turn midblock. If the car behind mimics your actions, you can assume your hunch was correct 

Instead, the author recommends that you ‘drive or walk to the nearest police station or squad car and explain your suspicions’.

He also suggests going somewhere crowded, such as a shopping centre or a department store, to blend into the crowd.

If you’re in a car, you may be able to shake the tail yourself, according to O’Donnell. He writes: ‘Put on your emergency blinkers and stop at the next red light. When the light turns green, stay put, and ignore the horns and yelling from other drivers. As the light turns red again, take off; the crossing traffic will prevent your pursuer from coming after you – not without exposing their agenda. 

‘If, as you stall at the green, they drive around you and wait for you on the far side of the intersection, turn right.’

Travel safety consultant JC Lightcap – who wrote The Travel Safety Handbook – has more tips for losing a suspected pursuer. He previously told the travel advice site ‘1,000 Travel Tips’ that you should seek out security staff in a hotel lobby who can contact the police for you or hop in a taxi to put some distance between you and the pursuer.

Man Up! 367 Classic Skills For The Modern Guy by Paul O’Donnell is on sale for £10.