Alyssa Ramos, a 37-year-old American travel blogger, found herself in the middle of escalating conflict when she arrived in Kuwait on February 28, 2026. She had just finished leading a group trip in Saudi Arabia the previous month and was planning to continue her adventures in the region. Almost immediately after landing, tensions exploded following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of joint strikes with Israel on Iran that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Hamenei. Iran retaliated with attacks on US interests across the Gulf, including missiles and drones targeting Kuwait City and its international airport.
Ramos shared her terror on social media as she heard projectiles screaming overhead, calling it one of the scariest moments in all her years of travel. Being responsible for five friends made the fear even more intense. Flights were quickly canceled, airspace closed, and the group realized commercial evacuation was no longer an option. Despite reaching out to the US embassy, consulate, and the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, they received no direct assistance, only general advisories posted online hours later.
With no help forthcoming, Ramos and her companions chose to self-evacuate by land. They set out on March 4, 2026, hiring a driver for the risky journey across the border into Saudi Arabia. The drive stretched eight hours through endless pale-tangerine desert sands on a two-lane road, where they encountered herds of camels wearing little jackets amid the surreal landscape. Everyone was on edge, worried about potential attacks or checkpoints, yet they pressed on determined to reach safety.
They finally arrived at Riyadh’s airport, only to face more anxiety as the facility began closing due to imminent threats. Ramos boarded a flight to Cairo, but the process halted midway, leaving her sitting in a darkened plane for an hour while wondering if a missile or drone might strike. Eventually the aircraft took off, and she made it out safely, later expressing immense relief as she headed home. Throughout the ordeal she criticized the situation sharply, noting how governments can launch wars knowing civilians will suffer but then offer no support to those caught in the consequences.
Even after escaping, Ramos stayed active by creating group chats to help nearly a thousand other stranded people coordinate their own land evacuations. She continues sharing updates and encouragement as many report similar lack of official aid. Her story highlights how ordinary travelers can turn to their own resourcefulness when crises strike unexpectedly.
What experiences have you had with travel disruptions during global events, and how did you handle them? Share your thoughts in the comments.
