Solo Travel Horror Stories

I arrived at my hostel in Rome after an interesting ordeal getting there but even though I was the first one in the room, I didn’t have the first choice for bunks. One bunk was reserved for a particular guest. (PS: I didn’t mind this)
She arrived moments later, slender and tall with long grey hair and a duffel bag. She appeared to be in her late thirties. I said hello, she smiled back and then we began to chat a little. She asked where I was from and what I was doing in Rome. I replied and then asked her the same.
‘I’m from Rome’ she said, and as if she had read my mind, she added ‘I don’t have a house here. I just move from hostel to hostel. This one is my favorite’
Hmm, interesting…
20150615 085005
She began to unpack the contents of her bag unto the bed and I couldn’t help but notice the numerous rolls of thin wires. It seemed they were the only things inside the bag. I wasn’t bothered by this, in fact I didn’t think anything of it.
I didn’t think anything of it until she said ‘I don’t want you to be scared because of the wires’
‘Why would I be scared?’ I think to myself? Just as soon as I thought that, I began to see why I should indeed be scared!
What if the wires were meant for strangling people? What if she had some kind of arrangement with this hostel for an endless supply of tourist, you know, like Sweeney Todd and the Baker? Maybe that’s why this was her favorite hostel…
I did my best to hide my apprehension. ‘What are they for?’ I asked
‘I use them to make jewelries’
Was she a Jeweler like Sweeney Todd was a barber?
I might have changed hostels if I hadn’t been stranded, of course, now I realize that I could have. Anyway, I decided the next best thing to do was to keep awake all night in order to save guard my life. That plan turned out to be fruitless as I slept soundly until the next morning.
I awoke at 6 am to find her bed empty. She was gone and her wires too.

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For my people who love their 9-5 and love to travel👋🏽
For my people who love their 9-5 and love to travel👋🏽
23 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Tulip Season - but in Korea 🇰🇷🌷

Spring in Suncheon is colourful and calm. If you're visiting South Korea this spring, consider adding a stop in Suncheon. This garden alone is worth the trip!🌸
Tulip Season - but in Korea 🇰🇷🌷 Spring in Suncheon is colourful and calm. If you're visiting South Korea this spring, consider adding a stop in Suncheon. This garden alone is worth the trip!🌸
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
I don't know who needs to hear this but your tour of Lagos doesn't have to include a visit to a slum. Your heart might be in the right place but your experience of this city shouldn't be limited to exploring certain places because you feel like it's the "real Lagos"

If you want to help, consider making a donation instead to the numerous local charities that already do good work to serve people.
I don't know who needs to hear this but your tour of Lagos doesn't have to include a visit to a slum. Your heart might be in the right place but your experience of this city shouldn't be limited to exploring certain places because you feel like it's the "real Lagos" If you want to help, consider making a donation instead to the numerous local charities that already do good work to serve people.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Not every Lagos trip is loud or party-centric. Some are for quiet beach walks, slowing down on purpose, and long afternoons in a hammock with crashing waves as the soundtrack 🌊
Not every Lagos trip is loud or party-centric. Some are for quiet beach walks, slowing down on purpose, and long afternoons in a hammock with crashing waves as the soundtrack 🌊
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Haters will say my Black American asset is fake 🙄
Haters will say my Black American asset is fake 🙄
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊

This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️

Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay -  and that warmth continued until I left.

And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. 

Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
Six years later, and @jarabeachresortng still feels like coming home 🌊 This solo weekday retreat was exactly how I wanted to close out my time in Lagos. Slow mornings, crashing waves, rare blue Lagos skies, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel truly seen 🌤✨️ Jara welcomes many guests, so imagine my surprise when I was "welcomed back" right from the point I booked my stay - and that warmth continued until I left. And of course, it is not Jara Beach Resort without a little “jara”. I was surprised with a complimentary beach picnic, and just when I thought that was enough, I received a complimentary massage too! I loved every second of my stay. Some places never lose their magic. This is one of them 💙
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Lagos, Nigeria 🇳🇬🎉

It feels soooo good to be back home! I haven't been back in 3 years and this visit was EXACTLY what I needed to kick-start 2026! 🎉

Detty December is fun and all but oh, how I love Lagos in January! The city is calmer, and there are still some leftovers from the festive period - without the hefty price tag, traffic and crowds! ✨️

This past month in Lagos has been fantastic! I got to reconnect physically with my family and friends, and revisit some of my favourite places 💕 

I saw an amazing play 🎭 (The Bride) @terrakulture, stopped over at @nikeartgallery for my art and culture fix 🎨 and had a wholesome solo retreat at my all time favourite beach resort in Lagos, @jarabeachresortng 🌤

It's been a month of introspection, a few bitter-sweet moments, love, family, some work and food. Good food!

Leaving Lagos with a full heart, a clearer mind, and deep gratitude for home. Until next time 💙
Lagos, Nigeria 🇳🇬🎉 It feels soooo good to be back home! I haven't been back in 3 years and this visit was EXACTLY what I needed to kick-start 2026! 🎉 Detty December is fun and all but oh, how I love Lagos in January! The city is calmer, and there are still some leftovers from the festive period - without the hefty price tag, traffic and crowds! ✨️ This past month in Lagos has been fantastic! I got to reconnect physically with my family and friends, and revisit some of my favourite places 💕 I saw an amazing play 🎭 (The Bride) @terrakulture, stopped over at @nikeartgallery for my art and culture fix 🎨 and had a wholesome solo retreat at my all time favourite beach resort in Lagos, @jarabeachresortng 🌤 It's been a month of introspection, a few bitter-sweet moments, love, family, some work and food. Good food! Leaving Lagos with a full heart, a clearer mind, and deep gratitude for home. Until next time 💙
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤

And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! 

So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
If it's worth the day trip, it's worth the overnight stay! 🌤 And these are some places where the overnight stay was absolutely worth it! So, if you're considering visiting any of these places as a day trip, maybe consider staying longer instead. You'll most likely get to experience them in the best weather and sightseeing conditions if you do!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
[Me after seeing glimpses of a certain streamer's visit to my beautiful country KENYA 🇰🇪] Nina furaha kukutana na wewe 💅🏾

I've tried to avoid watching any related videos of other countries 👀 but that's not how social media works! 😭

Anyway, it's Nyambura to you from now on. Thanks to @motherofpassports for bestowing this name upon me 🇰🇪💙
[Me after seeing glimpses of a certain streamer's visit to my beautiful country KENYA 🇰🇪] Nina furaha kukutana na wewe 💅🏾 I've tried to avoid watching any related videos of other countries 👀 but that's not how social media works! 😭 Anyway, it's Nyambura to you from now on. Thanks to @motherofpassports for bestowing this name upon me 🇰🇪💙
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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