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. 💛
