This isn’t a fear-mongering piece.

I’ve travelled solo across more than 30 countries — but some places left me feeling far too watched, followed, or worse.

No dramatic clickbait here. Just stories from someone who still refuses to carry pepper spray (despite multiple well-meaning lectures from friends).

🐻 Anchorage, Alaska, USA

I didn’t realise how bad the crime rate was until I was nearly physically assaulted.

Thank goodness 10pm in the US is daytime in Singapore — I called a friend mid-situation and asked her to stay on the line in case I needed a witness.
Got shoved to the ground, ran when a line of cars distracted him just long enough.

Went home, Googled the city. Yup. Very dangerous. Not a vibe.

Tried filing a police report online — got rejected. Apparently I had to call in.
So I did, the next morning. Someone eventually showed up, but let’s just say I wasn’t impressed.

🦀 Colombo, Sri Lanka

I couldn’t even walk on the main road at noon — broad daylight — for five minutes without being stopped, followed, or catcalled.

And yet… I still dream about Ministry of Crab — not the crab itself, but their sauce + bread combo. 10/10 carb seduction. 0/10 solo safety.

🚌 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Maybe it’s the proximity to Singapore, but we often get targeted.
Even friends living there had their house broken into.

Still… JB was my broke student escape.

I literally brought my passport out daily — just to bus over for dinner when I could.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Safety is always personal. Your experience might be different, and I hope it is.

But if you’re a solo traveller (especially a woman), a bit of street smarts and foresight can go a long way.

Some cities just hit different — and not in the good way.

No “experience” is worth the wrong kind of memory.