I Have Traveled Solo To 65 Countries — These 7 Were Letdowns & 3 Surprised Me In The Worst Way

Solo travel can be empowering, eye-opening, and unforgettable—but it’s not always smooth sailing. Some places that look perfect on paper turn out to be far more complicated when you’re navigating them alone.

After years of exploring the world solo, I’ve run into destinations that tested my patience, safety, and expectations in ways no glossy guide ever mentioned. This isn’t just about bad luck—it’s about knowing what you’re really walking into.

1. India

Sensory bombardment hits you from the moment you step off the plane. The crowds, noise, smells, and constant activity in India can overwhelm even seasoned travelers who venture alone.

Women face particular challenges with unwanted attention and cultural expectations. Transportation logistics become puzzling adventures, and the stark poverty contrasts with incredible beauty in ways that can be emotionally draining.

2. Morocco

Fake guides materialize the moment you unfold a map, insisting on “helping” for an inevitable fee. The labyrinthine medinas of Morocco become pressure cookers when navigating persistent attention and sales tactics alone.

Female travelers report constant harassment that transforms simple walks into gauntlets. The cultural differences regarding personal space and aggressive bargaining create exhausting situations that can overshadow the country’s undeniable beauty.

3. Saudi Arabia

Navigating rigid social codes becomes especially challenging without a local guide or companion. Saudi Arabia’s gender segregation policies create practical difficulties for women traveling independently, from finding appropriate dining spaces to using public facilities.

Public transportation remains limited, making movement between sites difficult. The conservative dress requirements and religious police presence create an atmosphere where constant vigilance about behavior replaces relaxed exploration.

4. Russia

Bureaucratic hurdles begin long before arrival with complex visa applications and registration requirements. When traveling through Russia alone, the language barrier becomes a significant obstacle as English is rarely spoken outside major tourist areas.

Political tensions create unpredictable situations for foreign visitors. The vast distances between destinations and sometimes outdated infrastructure make solo navigation particularly challenging when problems arise.

5. Venezuela

Severe economic instability has created desperate situations that make independent exploration risky. Venezuela’s once-thriving tourism infrastructure has deteriorated dramatically, leaving travelers without reliable transportation or accommodation options.

Currency complications and hyperinflation create logistical nightmares. Shortages of basic necessities affect everyone, and the security situation means even daytime exploration requires extreme caution that diminishes the joy of discovery.

6. Egypt

Constant attention from locals can be mentally exhausting when exploring alone. In Egypt, the magnificent pyramids and ancient temples come with relentless touts and aggressive vendors who won’t take no for an answer.

Female travelers particularly face uncomfortable staring and unwanted advances. The cultural gap creates situations where simple walks turn into obstacle courses of harassment.

7. Nigeria

Street smarts alone won’t protect you from sophisticated scam operations targeting foreigners. The security situation in Nigeria varies dramatically by region, with some areas experiencing ongoing conflicts that make travel inadvisable.

Infrastructure challenges mean frequent power outages and transportation difficulties. The wealth gap creates situations where foreigners are viewed primarily as walking ATMs, making genuine connections difficult and turning simple transactions into complex negotiations.

8. Thailand

Tourist-targeting scams have evolved to surprising sophistication in popular areas. Thailand’s reputation as an easy destination masks the reality that solo travelers frequently encounter overcharging, property theft, and drink spiking in party districts.

Motorcycle accidents involving tourists occur at alarming rates on island roads. The stark contrast between developed tourist bubbles and surrounding areas can create safety issues when venturing off the beaten path alone.

9. South Africa

Constant vigilance quickly becomes exhausting when traveling alone. The extreme wealth disparity in South Africa creates an environment where tourists stand out and become targets for opportunistic crime, especially in urban areas.

Driving, often necessary to reach the most beautiful spots, comes with carjacking risks. Exploring freely on foot becomes complicated by safety concerns, and the necessity of staying in secured accommodations creates a bubble-like experience.

10. Brazil

Carrying valuables becomes a calculated risk even in daylight hours. The vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Brazil come with persistent safety concerns that limit spontaneous exploration, especially for solo travelers unfamiliar with local danger zones.

Language barriers create vulnerability when navigating complex urban environments. The stark contrast between tourist areas and surrounding neighborhoods means a wrong turn can quickly lead to dangerous situations.