Solo Travel Horror Stories – The Solo Time Traveller

This story begins in a land far, far away. I was booked for a morning safari in Ranthambore. The safari was to start at 7 am but we were to assemble at the hotel’s reception 15 minutes before time. I had arrived at the hotel late at night after travelling all day, so there was a tendency for me to oversleep since I was completely worn out.

In a bid to avoid this, I set an alarm on my phone but I had developed trust issues with my device ever since it automatically reset my time back by two hours in a previous city. (Why phone? Why would you that to do me?)

Anyway, I fumble with the alarm clock provided by the hotel and manage to set an alarm on that too. 5:30 am seemed like a good time to allow me to wake up, snooze the alarm and sleep for another hour. Then I cap it all by wearing my wristwatch before calling it a night (or an early morning, in this case)
Ranthambore Regency
My room at Ranthambore Regency

Sometime later in the morning, my eyes fly wide open as a horrid realization dawns on me. My body clock tells me I have overslept but none of my alarms has gone off. I try to convince myself that I haven’t. I turn on the light by the bed and look at the time on my wristwatch. 6:50 am!!

I bolt out of bed and rush to the spot where my phone is charging. The time on it reads it 1:20 am. But I know that couldn’t have been correct. There was no way I had been asleep for only one hour. I sprint into the bathroom and take one of the quickest baths of my life (also known in medieval times as rub ‘n shine), get dressed in another two minutes or less, yank my camera battery and charger off the socket and practically run out of the room.

The hallway is noticeably quiet and empty, no one’s coming out of their rooms. I’m really upset at this point and trying to come to terms with the fact that I might have just missed my morning safari. I begin to run to the reception. Why didn’t any of the alarms go off?! Why phone? Why would you this to do me again?

When I am almost there, an eerie silence surrounds me, making me pause for the first time since I got out of bed. I look at my wristwatch again. 7:10 am. I realize that I have missed the safari.

By now, I am fully awake and for some reason the date on my watch is unreadable and the roman numerals that represent the hours appear strange. I blink several times and stare at the watch again.

Blimey! My wristwatch is upside down and the time is just 1:40 am!

I literally laugh out loud and head back quickly into my room before anyone noticed the crazy person walking along the hallway. About five hours later, my alarm goes off as planned and I am able to catch the morning safari (even though that ended up being a cold trail)

India-Bengal-Tiger

Thus ends the tale of my time travel. I did have a similar issue that involved me heading to the airport before I had to fly and I still have trust issues with my phone and now, my wristwatch!

But again, all is well that ends well and I sincerely hope these are the only ‘horror’ stories I have to tell about my trips!

Ever been in these shoes? Let me hear about your ‘horror’ stories in the comment section below.

5 comments

  1. lol great story! For some reason, although I do not like waking up early, my body almost always wakes up before it needs to. Which is a blessing AND a curse!

  2. Hahaha. This is soooo me!!!! So I can understand how horrifying it must have seemed.
    But it’s a good story to tell so I’d love to have this kind of ‘horror story’ to add to my tales of adventures.

  3. This is sooooo funny. You must have thought you were going crazy. Its all part of the thrills of the adventure i guess. I also hope this is the only kind of horror experience you will have. LOL

    http://www.ijefinelivin.com

    1. Haha, you have no idea! I also felt sorry for the people in the room next to mine. I might have disturbed them with my running around at such early hour.

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When reality exceeds expectations 🪄✨️

In a trip filled with many highlights, the landscapes in Sossusvlei stand out. Here's a mini guide if you plan to visit ⤵️

🛻 How to Get There: The best way is to rent a car and drive down to Sesriem. Google Maps is pretty accurate in terms of directions (not time 🚫). So leave Windhoek early ⚠️

🚍If you do not have a car, then joining a tour or shuttle service is the only other option.

From Sesriem entrance gate, Sossusvlei is another ~1hr drive to reach the 2WD parking lot.  You can continue driving to the 4WD parking lot or take a shuttle from here if you're not comfortable driving on sand 🏜.

🛏 Where to stay: Budget camping ⛺️ - NWR Sesriem Campsite, Sesriem Oshana Camp. Luxury 💰 - Dead Valley Lodge, Sossus Dune Lodge

⏳️ Best Time to Visit: May to September. Plan to visit at sunrise🌤or later in the evening for the best weather conditions and light. 

A detailed guide is available on my blog: www.travelwithapen.com. Leave me a comment below if you'd like to receive the link.

#explorenamibia #sossusvlei #dunesofnamibia #sossusvleisunrise #desertdreaming #namibiatravel
When reality exceeds expectations 🪄✨️ In a trip filled with many highlights, the landscapes in Sossusvlei stand out. Here's a mini guide if you plan to visit ⤵️ 🛻 How to Get There: The best way is to rent a car and drive down to Sesriem. Google Maps is pretty accurate in terms of directions (not time 🚫). So leave Windhoek early ⚠️ 🚍If you do not have a car, then joining a tour or shuttle service is the only other option. From Sesriem entrance gate, Sossusvlei is another ~1hr drive to reach the 2WD parking lot. You can continue driving to the 4WD parking lot or take a shuttle from here if you're not comfortable driving on sand 🏜. 🛏 Where to stay: Budget camping ⛺️ - NWR Sesriem Campsite, Sesriem Oshana Camp. Luxury 💰 - Dead Valley Lodge, Sossus Dune Lodge ⏳️ Best Time to Visit: May to September. Plan to visit at sunrise🌤or later in the evening for the best weather conditions and light. A detailed guide is available on my blog: www.travelwithapen.com. Leave me a comment below if you'd like to receive the link. #explorenamibia #sossusvlei #dunesofnamibia #sossusvleisunrise #desertdreaming #namibiatravel
10 hours ago
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1/9
A beautiful country with the friendliest people! 🛺🇹🇭🪷🐘🌺
A beautiful country with the friendliest people! 🛺🇹🇭🪷🐘🌺
1 day ago
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2/9
If South Korea is on your travel wishlist for this year or the future, I've got a minor about the visa application process. 🗞📰

When I applied for a South Korean visa in 2022, I had to submit my documents and passport to the embassy, and the visa was processed in 6 working days. 

After that, I had to return to the embassy to pick up my passport, but I didn't get an endorsement in it. Instead, I received an e-visa that I could download from the website.

However, as of 2025 (not sure how long this change has been in place, though), the embassy no longer keeps your passport ❌️

While you still need to visit the embassy or VAC in person to submit your application, the process seems to be moving towards a more streamlined e-visa system 🤞🏼
If South Korea is on your travel wishlist for this year or the future, I've got a minor about the visa application process. 🗞📰 When I applied for a South Korean visa in 2022, I had to submit my documents and passport to the embassy, and the visa was processed in 6 working days. After that, I had to return to the embassy to pick up my passport, but I didn't get an endorsement in it. Instead, I received an e-visa that I could download from the website. However, as of 2025 (not sure how long this change has been in place, though), the embassy no longer keeps your passport ❌️ While you still need to visit the embassy or VAC in person to submit your application, the process seems to be moving towards a more streamlined e-visa system 🤞🏼
2 days ago
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Because, how do you do it? 🤔

I'm watching the prices go higher💸💸, but I can't bite the bullet cos I don't know if that approval is coming for sure! 🥲

✅️ I've been fortunate with my visa applications so far, but I approach each new one with the same level of apprehension.

One of the things I hold back on is booking a flight ✈️ without having my visa in hand. I've done this once, though - when the Thai visa requirement included "paid flights." 

In this case, I booked a fully refundable flight and rebooked that flight once I got my visa in 2 days. Apart from this instance, I use the hold ✋🏽 option on Qatar or ET for my flight reservation needs. So far, I've gotten every visa I've applied for using this.

I'd love to know your approach. Which team are you on?
Because, how do you do it? 🤔 I'm watching the prices go higher💸💸, but I can't bite the bullet cos I don't know if that approval is coming for sure! 🥲 ✅️ I've been fortunate with my visa applications so far, but I approach each new one with the same level of apprehension. One of the things I hold back on is booking a flight ✈️ without having my visa in hand. I've done this once, though - when the Thai visa requirement included "paid flights." In this case, I booked a fully refundable flight and rebooked that flight once I got my visa in 2 days. Apart from this instance, I use the hold ✋🏽 option on Qatar or ET for my flight reservation needs. So far, I've gotten every visa I've applied for using this. I'd love to know your approach. Which team are you on?
3 days ago
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4/9
Picking from where we left off, here are 4 more incredible weekend getaways close to Nairobi!

🐘 Amboseli National Park: for numerous elephant sightings and a sneak peak of Mount Kilimanjaro!

🍃 Aberdares Cottages and Fishing Lodge: for its beautiful campsite by the river

🌊 Ngare Ndare Forest: famous for its gorgeous azure waterfals and pools, canopy walkway above the forest floor, and elephant sightings. 

🦏 Ol Pejeta Conservancy: for a chance to spot the big 5, as well as to see earth's last two surviving Northern White rhinos + learn about conservation efforts...

#weekendtrip #nairobi
Picking from where we left off, here are 4 more incredible weekend getaways close to Nairobi! 🐘 Amboseli National Park: for numerous elephant sightings and a sneak peak of Mount Kilimanjaro! 🍃 Aberdares Cottages and Fishing Lodge: for its beautiful campsite by the river 🌊 Ngare Ndare Forest: famous for its gorgeous azure waterfals and pools, canopy walkway above the forest floor, and elephant sightings. 🦏 Ol Pejeta Conservancy: for a chance to spot the big 5, as well as to see earth's last two surviving Northern White rhinos + learn about conservation efforts... #weekendtrip #nairobi
4 days ago
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5/9
One of the things I love about Nairobi is the endless options for quick weekend getaways. Here are a few of my top picks for escapes from the city!🍃

#nairobi #weekendtrip #thingstodoinnairobi #kenya
One of the things I love about Nairobi is the endless options for quick weekend getaways. Here are a few of my top picks for escapes from the city!🍃 #nairobi #weekendtrip #thingstodoinnairobi #kenya
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other.

And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. 

On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️

This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and  Togo 🇹🇬
___________________

PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙

Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
🧳✈️ What kind of traveller are you?

My travel style is constantly evolving, but this is where I'm at right now!

🚦I'll take a lovely train ride 🚆 over a plane ride ✈️, even if the journey is longer..

I don't have plans to visit all countries in the world 🌎 - it would be pretty cool if that happened, but I'm happy to just return to places I love over and over again! 🥰

💸 These days, my travel style in terms of budget is a mixed bag. I appreciate more privacy and unique experiences, but I'm also down for a hostel stay if necessary. 

🐌 Slow travel is my preference - as much as work and life permits, and I'll always try to choose an overnight trip over a day trip 😊
🧳✈️ What kind of traveller are you? My travel style is constantly evolving, but this is where I'm at right now! 🚦I'll take a lovely train ride 🚆 over a plane ride ✈️, even if the journey is longer.. I don't have plans to visit all countries in the world 🌎 - it would be pretty cool if that happened, but I'm happy to just return to places I love over and over again! 🥰 💸 These days, my travel style in terms of budget is a mixed bag. I appreciate more privacy and unique experiences, but I'm also down for a hostel stay if necessary. 🐌 Slow travel is my preference - as much as work and life permits, and I'll always try to choose an overnight trip over a day trip 😊
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
He's the best! 😅🥰
He's the best! 😅🥰
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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