Imagine embarking on a solo backpacking adventure, only to find yourself sharing a tiny double bed with a complete stranger on an overnight bus. This is exactly what happened to one brave traveler in Cambodia, and it’s sparking a debate about the limits of budget travel.
Eden Kelly, a 26-year-old Australian, was in the midst of her Asian journey when she encountered a situation that left her both stunned and uncomfortable. Overnight bus rides are a popular choice for budget travelers—they’re cheaper than daytime travel and double as a place to sleep. But here’s where it gets controversial: Eden discovered she was expected to share a cramped double bed with someone she’d never met before. And this wasn’t just any bed—it was the kind of space where every inch mattered.
In a candid Instagram post, Eden shared her experience, captioning it, ‘10.5 hours on a sleeper bus being paired with a total stranger in a SMALL double bed.’ She even recorded a video, showing the snug beds and the moment she met her unexpected bedmate—a man who cheerfully waved at the camera. And this is the part most people miss: Eden’s discomfort was palpable as she sat upright while her bedmate lay down, laughing nervously at the awkwardness of it all.
Seeking an escape, Eden spotted a British couple she’d met earlier and moved to chat with them. When she returned, her bedmate had requested a swap, leaving her alone in the bed. ‘I’m offended, a little bit sad, but it’s fine because now I get a whole bed to myself,’ she admitted to her viewers.
The story quickly went viral, with commenters divided. Some questioned why the British couple didn’t offer to switch beds, while others defended the bedmate’s decision to move, suggesting Eden’s constant recording might have made him uncomfortable. Here’s the bold question: How far would you go to save money while traveling? Would you share a bed with a stranger, or is there a line you wouldn’t cross?
Eden’s experience raises broader questions about personal boundaries, cultural norms, and the realities of budget travel. While some travelers might embrace the adventure, others would rather pay extra for privacy. What’s your take? Let’s spark a conversation—share your thoughts in the comments below. Would you have handled it differently, or is this just part of the backpacking experience?