By Solo travel is thrilling in terms of self-realization, thrill of adventure, and that special feeling of getting around the world alone. But let’s face it; not every moment is an Instagram-perfect one. At times, it can get terrifying out there all on your own. And I have had quite a few of those heart-in-the-mouth moments. Here is a look at the scariest of situations that I have faced during my solo travels.
1. Getting Lost in a Foreign City at Night
I was strolling confidently through a night market in Bangkok when I happened to realize that somehow I had drifted far away from the crowd. My phone battery was at 5%, and Google Maps wasn’t working. The streets were strangely quiet, and the occasional motorbike passing sent chills down my spine. For just a second, my mind wandered to a scary place: alone in a foreign area, lying on the floor without any means to call anyone. I eventually got a tuk-tuk, gave directions to the driver, and managed to get back to my hotel—yet the feeling of utter disorientation lingers.
2. The Creepy Hostel Experience
If hostels usually abound with equally-minded traveling souls, once in a while you actually got to be a heartbreaker and break the rules. I booked a last-minute hostel in Prague with ‘guaranteed’ great reviews, only to find myself sharing a dorm with this guy who couldn’t stop staring. He didn’t speak much but had this vibe that made me feel unsafe. That night, I slept with my backpack locked to my bed and woke up at every little noise. The next morning, I just checked out and headed for a safer place.
3. Getting Followed in Morocco
Marrakech is a beautiful city, but as a solo female traveler, I had a few unnerving moments. One day, after exploring the souks, I noticed a man following me through the labyrinthine alleys. I turned randomly a few times, hoping he’d lose interest, but he kept right on my tail. My heart was racing, and I knew I had to act. I spotted a café, ran inside, and sat near a group of tourists. The man hung around outside for a few minutes and then disappeared. I learned then to be aware and trust my instincts.
4. The Sketchy Taxi Ride
A few hours after getting into Bogota, Mexico, I thought I was getting into an official cab. Minutes into the ride, I became more and more concerned when the driver started taking odd turns into dark streets. Something was definitely wrong; I began texting a friend.-with my pretend phone call, I made it very clear what my location was, my destination, and when I was expecting to get there. Whether that made him nervous or not, he suddenly switched direction back to the main road and dropped me at my hostel. Lesson learned: Always pre-book transport or use proper ride-hailing apps.
5. A Hike That Went Horribly Wrong
There is beauty and danger in hiking alone in unknown territory. In Peru, I took what I thought would be an easy hike near Cusco. The hour marks were there to remind me that I had left the trail and had no visibility of my phone; panic was setting in with the disappearing sun. Finally, I made my way out and encountered some trekkers that helped get me back onto the correct trail. A terrifying physiological adaptation that reminds one of how things can go terribly wrong so fast in nature.
6. An Airport Detention
Nothing will send you an acute email of “scared shitless” like airport detention. I went through customs in Turkey when an officer called me aside and started asking me question after question. They took my passport and escorted me to a small room. No explanation was given—just a firm “wait here.” I sat for an hour in silence while my mind ran through worst-case scenarios. Eventually, the passport came back with a vague “sorry” and I was let go. Even today, I don’t understand why they picked me.
Final Thoughts
Traveling alone is one of the most empowering things you can do, but it has its challenges and risks. I was scared shitless in those moments, but more importantly, I learned valuable lessons: lessons on preparation, awareness, and trusting my gut. Be brave, but be wise if you plan to travel solo. Adventure awaits, as do its dangers. Be safe, and enjoy yourself!
