Keen traveler reveals how ignoring 'red flags' at her hostel resulted in terrifying brush with police

Daily Mail​

08-07-2025

She has opened up about all the errors she's made while traveling
An avid traveler has warned about some of the simple mistakes that she's made while exploring the globe that almost cost her life - as well as thousands of dollars.
Ahmedina Bacevac, 27, from Asheville, North Carolina, has visited more than 20 countries over the years.
While most of her trips have gone smoothly, she has unfortunately faced a few mishaps along the way... including one that put her in severe danger.
Thankfully, she has opened up about all the errors she's made while traveling over the years so that others can learn from her mistakes.
During an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail, she revealed that she was almost thrown in an Italian prison after a hostel she had booked ended up not being what it had seemed.
And she admitted that she had completely overlooked a major red flag, which ultimately resulted in the dangerous situation.
She explained that she and a friend were traveling to Rome, Italy, and had booked a hostel to stay in.
After getting off their flight, however, she said they noticed that the location of the hostel had changed since they first made the reservation.
An avid traveler has warned about some of the simple mistakes that she's made while traveling the globe that almost cost her hundreds of dollars... and her life
Ahmedina Bacevac, 27, has visited more than 20 countries over the years. And while most of her trips have gone smoothly, she has unfortunately faced a few mishaps along the way
Thankfully, she has opened up about all the errors she's made while traveling over the years so that others can learn from her mistakes
Despite the 'red flag,' Ahmedina said they didn't think too much of it and decided to stay there anyway.
However, upon arriving at the hostel, they felt so unsafe by the location and accommodations that they began to fear for their lives.
She said they had to put a desk in front of the door in their room to act as a barricade in case someone tried to get in.
'The next day, we returned to our hostel and found seven Italian policemen searching our room,' she revealed.
'Come to find out, the hostel was illegally operating, and we had to pack our bags and be escorted out.
'Moral of the story: If you are ever sent to a place that is not the exact location, do not stay.
'Trust your gut. Safety should be your number one priority, not a $ 20-per-night hostel budget.'
She revealed that she also almost had to fork over hundreds of dollars once after she brought a common item through customs that she didn't realize was not allowed.
During an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail, she revealed that she was almost thrown in an Italian prison after a hostel she had booked ended up not being what it had seemed
She revealed that she also almost had to fork over hundreds of dollars once after she brought a common item through customs that she didn't realize was not allowed: an apple
She explained that she found herself in big trouble because she had an apple with her while returning home to the US after a trip to Amsterdam.
'I went to baggage claim to retrieve my checked bag and to go through security again,' she explained.
'I was standing there waiting when a Customs and Border Protection Officer approached me, saying his K9 was detecting food and asking if I had anything.
'Shoot… I forgot I had an apple on me from Amsterdam that I was supposed to declare at customs.'
She said the officer asked for her passport and told her that he would let her off with a warning, but she could have been slapped with a $300 fine if she lied about the apple and another $500 for actually having it.
'Be sure to declare these upon arrival: purchases over $800, cash, including travelers checks, over $10,000, and ALL food, plants, and animal products,' she stressed.
The full list of restricted items can be found on the US Customs and Border Control's website.
'When in doubt, declare it to avoid fines and confiscation,' added Ahmedina.
'Be sure to declare these upon arrival: purchases over $800, cash, including travelers checks, over $10,000, and ALL food, plants, and animal products,' she stressed
Ahmedina also warned against getting too comfortable at airports while waiting for flights
In addition, the travel buff shared some tips to staying safe while traveling, which included using an 'anti-pickpocketing backpack' and always being alert of your surroundings
'Thankfully, I was given a warning, as this was my first offense, but it served as a reminder to take it seriously.'
Ahmedina also warned against getting too comfortable at airports while waiting for flights.
'I once missed a flight with my friends because we got distracted eating guava and cheese empanadas in the Miami airport,' she shared.
In addition, the travel buff shared some tips to staying safe while traveling.
She recommended using a fanny back or an 'anti-pickpocketing backpack' to ensure your belongings are protected in crowded cities, and suggested putting a lock on your bags when checking them on flights.
'[Always] stay alert/be aware of your surroundings,' she added. 'Don't zone out on your phone, but also be aware that eye contact can be culturally sensitive.'
She also said you should always be 'mindful' of your 'alcohol limits' while partying abroad to ensure you never put yourself in a 'vulnerable state.'
She concluded, 'If something or someone feels off, trust your gut.'