A Lesson in Solo Travel Safety
One thing I realized about traveling by myself is that I should stay around the tourist areas in some countries. I found that Curaçao is one of those countries where going off the beaten path is a bad idea.
When Exploration Turns Sketchy
It got very sketchy, very fast. I ended up having to turn around and go back to base, but not before running into a large amount of unsavory characters in areas I definitely shouldn't have been exploring alone at night.
By any means, I got back to the Curaçao Plaza Hotel & Casino in one piece and considered what could have happened as a lesson learned.
Key Takeaways for Solo Travelers
- Stick to well-lit tourist areas after dark
- Research neighborhoods before exploring
- Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it probably is
- Stay in reputable accommodations in safe areas
- Ask locals or hotel staff for safety recommendations
Sometimes the best adventures are the ones where you make it back safely to tell the tale.