What I Did After I Got Robbed on My First Solo Trip

Tips, lessons, and real talk from a Black female traveler in Colombia

“Wait… did that really just happen?”

If you’ve ever searched “what to do after getting robbed abroad,” I hope you never need the advice — but if you do, this story might help.

I was walking through the streets of Quibdó, Colombia at night, alone, after grabbing food during my first solo international trip. A man on a motorcycle rode up to me, hopped off, put his hand in his waistband, and demanded my phone in Spanish.

I froze.

And then... well, I’ll tell you how it went — and more importantly, what I learned.

The Backstory: How My First Solo Trip Changed Everything

In the summer of 2022, I received a study grant from my college to explore Afro-Colombian entrepreneurship and how it connects to cultural pride. That trip changed my life.

I had just gotten my passport in January of that year, and this was my first time traveling abroad solo. I had no idea what I was doing — but I knew I was going to figure it out.

I started my journey in Cartagena, bounced to Medellín, and eventually made it to Chocó, one of the most Afro-descendant regions in Colombia. My Spanish wasn’t perfect, but the cultural immersion was unmatched.

From street parades in all white to open-air markets, I saw things I never knew existed. And I felt something click — like this deep understanding that Latin America is just as Black as it is brown, and I was learning to speak to it all in its own language.

Then It Happened: Getting Robbed Abroad

I had just moved into my Airbnb in Quibdó with the help of some kind local women. I grabbed dinner — a confusing plate of salchipapas (hot dog and fries) that I thought I ordered without the “salchicha” (spoiler: I didn’t).

On my way back, I was walking with my phone in hand, using GPS in the dark. A man on a motorcycle stopped ahead of me. No headlights. He got off, reached into his pants, and said something low and fast in Spanish.

At first, I didn’t even understand what was happening.
“¿Qué dijiste?”
“¿Qué?”
By the time I realized he was demanding my phone, I tried to hand him 4,000 pesos (about $1) to make him go away.

He acted like he had a weapon, waved his hand in my face, then ran off.

What I Did After Getting Robbed in South America

Once I got inside my Airbnb, I locked every door, sat in silence, and ran through every worst-case scenario in my head.
Then I called home.

Then I cried.

Then I reminded myself: You are still here. And you’re still learning.

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers (Especially Women)

Whether you're a Black solo traveler or on your first solo trip like I was, here’s what I now recommend after being robbed abroad:

Don’t walk alone at night (especially with your phone out)
Carry a backup phone or local SIM card
Print out confirmations (lodging, flights, reservations)
Have a backup stash of cash for taxis and emergencies
Don’t rely on Uber or ride apps when data is sketchy
Keep your cool, breathe, and ask for help when needed

If you're wondering what to do after getting robbed while traveling, the truth is: you regroup, you ground yourself, and you keep going.

I Still Love Colombia (Yes, Even After That)

Even though that night was terrifying, it didn’t define my trip. I reunited with family in Medellín and kept exploring.

I saw the resilience of Black communities in Colombia.
I pushed past the fear.
And I found joy, connection, and growth.

Would I return to Quibdó? Absolutely.
Would I travel solo again? Without a doubt.
Would I do things a little smarter? Of course.

But I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. It built me.

Final Thoughts: What to Remember After a Travel Scare

Bad things can happen anywhere. But one moment shouldn’t define a country or community.

I still travel throughout South America. I still love Colombia. I still believe in immersive, respectful, and language-connected travel.

So if something like this ever happens to you, here’s my advice:
Take it in stride. Learn from it. And keep living.

The world is still yours. Stay safe, stay curious, and I’ll catch y’all next time. 💛

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