Worst Travel Experiences That Haunt Me

I always vividly recall my travel misadventures, and two countries stand out in particular as the most unpleasant journeys of my life. These experiences have left a lasting impact on me, and the lessons learned from them are invaluable.

France: From Exhibition to Despair

France, a beacon of art, culture, and elegance, was not always so welcoming to me. My first visit was in 2014 for the EuroNaval exhibition in Paris. The city I fell in love with during the movies was sadly revealed to have a dirty underbelly. The streets were littered with trash, and the air was thick with the smell of neglect. During my second visit in 2018, the city was a battleground. Roadblocks, protests, and a particularly abysmal street food scene combined to form a perfect storm of disappointment.

Ukraine: A Degrading Memory

Ukraine, a country rich in history and culture, also had a devastating impact on my experience. From 2007, my last visit to Karolina Bugaz, everything was terrible. The service, facilities, and attitude of the locals were abysmal. It felt like stepping into a proverbial African country. Every interaction was marred by rudeness and an attempt to take advantage of the tourists. It was a depressing and unforgettable experience.

Bolivia: Altitude and Illness

Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, is a city that tested my limits like no other. I attempted to visit twice, but both trips ended in severe physical discomfort. Upon arrival, altitude sickness hit me immediately, with an elevation of approximately 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level. The symptoms were agonizing—headaches, weak leg muscles, and vomiting multiple times within the first few hours. On top of this, I developed travel diarrhea, which lasted for three days, making me shit every 30-45 minutes. The trip left me dehydrated and hospital-bound for several days, a sobering setback to any traveler.

India and Egypt: A Minefield of Challenges

The overwhelming evidence of extreme poverty and traffic in both India and Egypt took a toll on me. The constant honking, relentless touts, and the unfortunate encounters tourists face were challenging. In India, the most unnerving aspect was the intense staring and inappropriate behavior from men. One female in my group, who is Swiss, French, Japanese, and I, all shared the same experience of being harassed and ogled. This behavior was disrespectful and an unwelcome intrusion into our travel experience.

These experiences, though harrowing, have taught me valuable lessons about resilience and preparedness. They have also shown me the importance of researching my destinations and being aware of the local culture and norms. Despite the challenges, traveling remains a repository of unforgettable moments, both good and bad.