Traveling can bring the most beautiful memories, but sometimes, things don’t go according to plan, and the worst experiences can leave a lasting impression. I’ve had my fair share of mishaps, but it’s how I navigated these situations that helped me grow as a traveler—and a person.

One of the worst experiences happened during a solo trip to a bustling city in Asia. I was excited to explore, but within my first 24 hours, I fell victim to a common tourist scam. I was approached by a friendly local, offering to show me around and take me to “hidden gems” that only locals knew about. Trusting my gut at the time seemed unnecessary—I had read about scams, but I didn’t think it would happen to me.

We visited a few shops, and everything seemed harmless until we arrived at a “local art gallery,” where I was pressured into buying overpriced paintings that I had no intention of purchasing. The entire experience felt off, and I realized I had been led into a trap. I started to feel anxious, especially when I was asked for a large sum of money to pay for something I didn’t want.

I recalled advise from other tourists at that precise moment: maintain composure, avoid emotional interaction, and leave. I said I had to go and politely but firmly refused to buy anything. I repeated my choice and went calmly toward the door as the pressure increased. Although it was a nerve-racking event, I was able to restore control by remaining calm.

Once outside, I found a safe space in a nearby café, took a deep breath, and reflected. I learned to trust my instincts, to recognize red flags, and to avoid following strangers into unfamiliar places. The city still had so much to offer, but I became more cautious, sticking to well-known areas and always researching ahead.

Another instance was when I had a major issue with my accommodation in a remote European village. The room I had booked online was nothing like the photos—dirty, cramped, and with a broken air conditioner in the middle of a heatwave. After several attempts to resolve the issue with the hotel staff, I realized that no solution would come from them. Instead of escalating the situation, I booked a nearby hotel on my phone and left immediately, not wanting to waste any more time in a bad situation.

Both of these experiences were unpleasant, but they taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure and trusting my instincts. Travel will always have its ups and downs, but how you respond can make all the difference in turning a bad experience into a learning opportunity.