Friends Make Major Mistake While Booking Their Airbnb, Then Have to Walk Across Bosnian Border with Suitcases (Exclusive)

Two Friends Walk to Border After Booking Mishap on Airbnb

Abby Pratt’s friend walking with her suitcase (Credit: Abby Photos | @abbypphotos)

A dream trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia, turned into an unexpected adventure for Abby Pratt and her best friend due to a booking mistake with Airbnb. The mix-up led to a viral TikTok video capturing the comedy of the situation as the pair found themselves crossing the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina with their suitcases in tow.

Pratt shared with PEOPLE that she often opts for spontaneous last-minute bookings to seize travel deals, embodying an adventurous spirit. In this case, her impulsiveness led her to reserve what she thought was a convenient Airbnb just 15 minutes away from Dubrovnik, only to realize later that it was in another country altogether.

Upon landing in Croatia, the duo faced immediate challenges as Uber drivers cancelled on them and a taxi driver broke the news that their intended destination was not within Croatian borders. Undeterred, Pratt and her friend decided to embark on a 15 to 20-minute walk from the border to reach their Airbnb in Bosnia.

The trek, chronicled in their viral TikTok, highlighted the surreal experience of walking alongside a border patrol, surrounded by vehicles, as they made their way to their unexpected accommodation. Local insights revealed that their timing spared them from potentially long queues at the border, typical for commuters between Bosnia and Croatia.

Their return journey was equally peculiar, with Pratt recounting the bemused reactions of passersby and the requirement to re-enter Croatia through the proper channels. Despite the initial hiccup, the friends quickly secured new accommodation in Dubrovnik, laughing off the ordeal and acknowledging the lesson learned in double-checking reservations.

The online response to their misadventure was a mix of amusement and solidarity, as viewers shared similar travel mishaps and empathized with the duo’s unexpected detour. Pratt, embracing the humorous turn of events, appreciated the support and newfound stamp in her passport as a memento of their Bosnian escapade.

Reflecting on the experience, Pratt found appreciation for the beauty of Bosnia, expressing a desire to explore the country under different circumstances. As their TikTok story continued to circulate, Pratt maintained a lighthearted outlook on the situation, attributing the mishap to her eagerness to embrace spontaneous travel.

The escapade serves as a reminder of the unpredictability that can accompany travel, turning an initial misstep into a memorable tale for Pratt and her friend. Despite the unexpected border crossings and humorous misunderstandings, the duo emerged from the experience with a new perspective and a lasting anecdote to share.