of the highway screaming “STOP, STOP!!” I was about to give up when I noticed the bus had stopped about 1/2 mile down the highway. I was relieved, exhausted, and in a state of disbelief. I ran down the highway and caught up to the bus and the driver was like “What the hell man? You wanted to get on the bus or what?” and I was able to get back on.
We all have fears of something that can ruin our travels. From lost passports, stolen phones, and missed flights, to getting injured, things can go wrong in an instant. I recently had a “near miss” while solo travelling that really put this into perspective for me.
I was on a bus from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to Almaty, Kazakhstan. We had gone through the border just fine, and we were on the last stretch of the journey. We stopped at a gas station about two hours away from our destination for a break, and I took the opportunity to grab a bite to eat and use the restroom. Little did I know, this detour would almost ruin my trip.
When I came out of the restroom, I realized the bus had left without me. Panicked, I raced out the door and saw the bus was already heading down the highway. I frantically shouted and broke into a full-on sprint after it, screaming “STOP! STOP!” I was about to give up when I noticed the bus had stopped about half a mile down the road. I was exhausted, relieved, and in a state of disbelief. I ran down the highway and caught up to the bus, and the driver was understandably confused. Somehow, I had made it back on the bus, and the rest of my journey went by without a hitch.
My near-miss experience was a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong when you’re travelling solo. While it’s impossible to avoid every potential disaster, being aware and prepared for the worst can go a long way. Before embarking on any solo trip, it’s important to research the destination, make safety copies of your passport and important documents, and inform a loved one of your travel plans. On the road, taking precautions like staying alert, being aware of your surroundings, and trusting your instincts can help keep you out of harm’s way.
No matter how prepared you are for a solo journey, it’s important to remember that unexpected things can happen. While it can be scary and frustrating to deal with a travel disaster, staying calm and resourceful can help make the best of any situation.