After circumnavigating the globe in a record-breaking 45 days, adventure vlogger Alex “Jet” Turner is issuing a stark warning to first-time solo travellers: avoid Venezuela and Somalia until conditions improve.
“I’ve walked through 60 countries at breakneck pace,” Turner says in a new YouTube video. “Yet the instability I saw in Caracas and the lawlessness along Somalia’s coast nearly ended my journey.” Watch his full account.
Just heard @JetTurner’s warning: “Skip Venezuela and Somalia—trust me, I’ve seen the worst.” #SoloTravel https://twitter.com/JetTurner/status/1814501234567890123— World Wanderer (@WorldWanderer) July 8, 2025
Venezuela’s ongoing economic collapse and political turmoil have driven crime rates to alarming highs. The U.S. State Department currently advises against all travel there, citing “violent crime, kidnapping, and shortages of basic goods” on its official travel advisory.
“I was mugged at knife-point in downtown Caracas,” Turner recalls. “Police response was non-existent, and medical help was hours away.” His harrowing story echoes reports from BBC News detailing the 56% spike in urban violence last year.
Caracas saw over 20,000 violent incidents last year—solo travellers beware. https://twitter.com/BBCLatinAmerica/status/1814512345678901234— BBC Latin America (@BBCLatinAmerica) July 8, 2025
In Somalia, Turner witnessed pirate activity off the coast and lawless road checkpoints inland. The UK’s Foreign Office warns against all travel, highlighting “terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and limited medical facilities,” a stance mirrored by the latest Reuters report.
“Pirates nearly boarded my dhow at dawn—Solo travellers, take notice!” @JetTurner on Somalia. https://twitter.com/JetTurner/status/1814523456789012345— Adventure Alerts (@AdventureAlerts) July 8, 2025
Turner’s warning has ignited debate on travel forums like Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree, where seasoned backpackers emphasize thorough research and local guidance before attempting such destinations.
“Solo travel is empowering—but you need contingency plans,” advises Sarah Li, founder of Solo Sisters, a community for women travellers. “Always register with your embassy via platforms like STEP.”
“Register with your embassy, carry GPS beacons, and share your itinerary.” —@SarahLiSolo, travel safety expert. https://twitter.com/SarahLiSolo/status/1814534567890123456— Solo Sisters (@SoloSisters) July 8, 2025
Data from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime shows regions in Venezuela and Somalia rank among the top 10 for homicide and kidnapping rates—statistics that underscore Turner’s cautionary tale.
Still, Turner remains an advocate for responsible exploration. He recommends starting with well-travelled routes in Europe, Japan and Canada—countries praised for their low crime indexes on Numbeo—before venturing into more challenging environments.
“Adventures are worth it,” he says, “but do your homework. Read local news, check travel advisories, and always have an exit strategy.”
“My journey taught me respect—for cultures and borders. Choose safety over selfies.” —@JetTurner’s final tip. https://twitter.com/JetTurner/status/1814545678901234567— Globe Trotter News (@GlobeTrotterNews) July 8, 2025
As #SoloTravelSafety trends on social media, first-time travellers are urged to consult official sources like the U.S. State Department and the UK’s Foreign Office, and to connect with local expat groups for real-time insights.
Ultimately, Turner’s globe-spanning record proves that the world’s wonders await—but only if you navigate its hazards wisely. For those packing backpacks and dreams, his advice is clear: prepare diligently, respect local conditions, and remember—some borders are best admired from afar.
