Held Hostage Over a Booking.com Reservation: The Dark Reality of Solo Female Travel in Sri Lanka

LESSON LEARNT

Sometimes, protecting one’s peace means learning when to disengage.

Wisdom teaches you that man can never honor you the way you want them to—because they can only do so at the level they’ve received themselves.

Survival mode finally switched off as I checked into my new place. I took a deep breath, was immediately invited to a welcome drink, and began unpacking—not just my bags, but the trauma in the last couple hours.

But as I processed what had happened, I couldn’t shake what I knew—I wasn’t the only one…

I had already sensed that something was off in the South of Sri Lanka—especially in Weligama, where the energy felt tense, almost aggressive.

Later, I learned from local activists that there is growing tension stemming from frustration over illegal foreign business operations, which continue to grow unchecked.

The way I was treated—the blatant disregard for my safety—didn’t feel like an isolated incident. It felt systemic, rooted in a broken tourism industry where unregulated businesses operate freely, booking platforms fail to vet accommodations, and solo female travelers are left unprotected.

And then, speaking to other female travelers in the 7 days I’ve been in the country, I found out:

I was far from alone!

In just one week, I met several women—all between the ages of 19 and 30s—each carrying their own story of violation, fear, and survival.

• One woman was physically assaulted by a local man in public. She screamed for help—villagers saw what ensued but no one came. She described the moment she felt his grip tighten on her arm, the way she had to fight him off in broad daylight before she finally broke free and ran back to her host family.

• Another was flashed by a man while simply enjoying the beauty of nature. She didn’t have time to process the shock—she had to run.

• A third woman was followed home from a pharmacy, her gut telling her that if she slowed down for even a second, something worse would happen.

• Others were followed home after dinner. They learned to walk fast, stay silent, always look over their shoulders and spent the entire next day in bed morbid from leaving.

And the list goes on…

This wasn’t just bad luck. This was a pattern.

Yet, what’s even more disturbing—nothing is being done to stop it.

The Responsibility of Sri Lankan Tourism & Booking Platforms

Sri Lanka profits from tourism, yet where is the protection for tourists?

Where are the regulations to ensure traveler safety?

Where is the accountability for accommodations that put guests in danger?

I booked this villa through Booking.com, trusting that a global platform would vet its listings, ensure safety standards, and intervene when a traveler is in distress.

Yet, when I was trapped in a villa with two men, being intimidated and locked inside, and even after everything, Booking.com never followed up.

No inquiry. No action. Just silence.

How many women before me have been ignored? How many more after me?
How many more women have to experience this before real safeguards are put in place?

At what point does Sri Lanka’s tourism ministry take responsibility for ensuring that solo female travelers are safe?

The reality is, if tourism industries and booking platforms do not prioritize traveler safety, they are complicit.

And if this is what happens to a solo female traveler brave enough to speak up—how many others have remained silent?

The unfortunate truth is that until real change happens—until platforms like Booking.com enforce safety standards and tourism boards take action—we, as female travelers, must take safety into our own hands.

No woman should have to rely solely on her instincts to survive a trip. We deserve better.

But until that day comes, here are the precautions I’ve learned—ones that have kept me safe, and ones I wish I never had to rely on.

Essential Safety Guide for Solo Female Travelers

🚨 Your safety is non-negotiable. Trust your instincts. 

Politeness is NOT an obligation. You owe no one conversation or kindness at the expense of your safety.

1️⃣ Silence is a boundary. Not every “hello” deserves a response. You are not required need to engage.

2️⃣ Firm, neutral energy is your best defense — to deter unwanted attention.

3️⃣ Trust your inner compass. If something feels off, remove yourself immediately. No second-guessing.

4️⃣ Never share your real-time location. That includes where you’re staying, your plans, or where you’re heading next.

5️⃣ Social media stays PRIVATE. Avoid giving out Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or WhatsApp—even to people who seem nice.

6️⃣ Be unpredictable with your movements. Never take the same route daily or share a routine.

Transportation Rules:
✔ Use trusted ride services—never random taxis or unmarked vehicles.
✔ Drop-off should be near but not directly at your accommodation.
✔ If you’re walking home, be mindful of who’s around you.

Accommodation Safety:
✔ Hotels/hostels with 24/7 staff are safer than secluded Airbnb / booking.com private villas
✔ Always lock your doors and secure valuables.

Emergency Plans Are Non-Negotiable:
✔ Share your live location with a trusted person.
✔ Have local emergency contacts saved in your phone.
✔ If things escalate, make noise—draw attention to yourself.

A wise woman moves with intention—protecting herself, honoring her intuition, and never apologizing for prioritizing her safety.

Have you ever felt unsafe while traveling? How did you handle it?

We’d love to here from our solo-female travellers—share your experiences in the comments or on social media with #SchoolOfIkigai