Even though traveling is something almost everybody lists as one of their long-life wishes, there are still people who won’t do it because of their travel fears.
Are you still thinking about traveling and not doing anything about it?
Maybe you’ve dreamed of traveling for the longest time, but you fill your mind up with excuses and you never seem to just do it.
Maybe you think you can’t possibly afford it, maybe you don’t have a buddy to go with you… and exposing yourself to danger like that?
Well, I am here to tell you that you just need to decide, become your own travel planner and go on that first trip!
There really is nothing that can hold you back and I am here to prove it to you.
Here are some of the most common travel fears (in no particular order) people have told me about and how to overcome them:
Travel fear 1: Not being able to afford it.
Does this sound like you? “There’s no way I can afford to go there, it’ll be too expensive!
Yes, travel can be expensive, though doing proper research can save you a ton of money. You can leverage the value of the dollar in cheaper destinations.
The real deal here is to develop the discipline to save up money for your travels. If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way.
I read recently about somebody who said that he and his wife will both take one dollar out of their pockets in the evening when they come home from work.
This dollar goes to their “travel fund” and so at the end of the year, they have some money set aside for vacation. Now, what about 3 or 5 dollars every day?
My suggestion is that you create a travel wish-list and start planning your trips at least 5 years in advance. That way you can start smartly saving.
I don’t recommend using your credit card or taking up a loan, you can do this if you discipline yourself and plan ahead. Totally!
Travel fear 2: Being challenged
Does this sound like you? “Agh, what if they don’t like me because I’m foreign, will I have to talk to people? What if I’m a total dumbass trying to get on the bus? I won’t be able to eat their food, it’s too weird…”
Definitely, cultural travel gets you out of your comfort zone and it may be uncomfortable and awkward. But that’s the whole point!
To enrich your life by being challenged by new places, new people, new customs, new ways to see the world.
I am always amazed to realize that when it comes down to it, people in other cultures experience the same hardships and challenges we all do.
Being open and sharing who we are with new people will enrich our lives as much as theirs.
My suggestion: Feel the resistance, feel that constriction in your chest and then just go for it! Leave those travel fears behind!
Travel fear 3: Having to go alone
Does this sound like you? “I don’t have anybody to go with, you don’t expect me to go by myself, do you?”
Well, yes, sometimes it’s nicer, more fun (and cheaper!) to travel with other people. However, if nobody can go with you, don’t let it hold you back!
I’ve done it myself, I went to Mexico and Perú by myself and you know what? It was fantastic!
You are forced to rely on your instincts, listen to your belly more and to make new friends too!
I’ve found the large majority of people are open to lend a helping hand and guide you.
Of course, don’t be a fool, if something feels funny, maybe you want to pass. But with some common sense you’ll see that you can do anything.
Learn to trust yourself as well, have the confidence that you have what it takes to go solo on a journey that will for sure change the way you see yourself and the world!
Travel fear 4: Leaving your job/family/responsibilities
Does this sound like you? “I could never leave my (16 year old) children behind… How can I leave my boss with all the work, when we have so much to do? I won’t be able to travel for another decade!”
Believe me; they will be there when you get back. To me the key to everything is planning.
If you have your wish-list you can plan ahead so that everything will be taken care of when you come back.
Leaving your family? Unless you have very small children or a family member with special needs, this shouldn’t hold you back.
And even still, with some planning ahead, you can arrange for them to be taken care of by other family members or friends.
You don’t have to leave for extended periods of time either, so making the effort of traveling at least once a year for at least one week, should be doable.
Leaving your job and responsibilities? Please! Don’t put material things and other people’s needs before your own!
You get some vacation days in every job, so make the most of them!
Duties will always be there, clients will always be there, and they can all wait if you plan ahead and make the proper arrangements.
You’ll come back refreshed and ready to face again your regular life. This is an investment in YOU and if you are not ok, if you are not happy and fulfilled, how can you give the best to those around you?
Travel fear 5: Not being able to see it all
Does this sound like you? “Why go if I can’t possible see everything? It would be so disappointing to not cover it all!”
True, if you go to Beijing or Paris or New York you are not going to be able to see everything you want to see in one or two or three weeks.
My recommendation is that you travel with an abundance mentality. You can always come back. You will always have enough money, time and resources to come back.
How to choose what to see when? Read my post How to plan a trip: 5 steps for choosing attractions and learn how you can make the most of your cultural travel!
Travel fear 6: Being underwhelmed
Does this sound like you? “Well, why spend a small fortune when I can see all that right here in Las Vegas?”
What if you make it all the way to the other side of the world, you spent a whole lot of money and time only to discover… nothing new.
In my opinion, this can happen for two reasons: Either there’s really nothing interesting to see at your destination or you brought your cynical attitude with you.
Sometimes there really is nothing great about a destination or a place, but only if you’re not open enough.
Everybody has a story to tell and there’s something to learn from everything. Just enjoy the moment and see the beauty hidden in the simple things.
You can see the second case when you’re in a fabulous place and you still can’t recognize anything remarkable in it.
The advice is the same.
These travel fears can be real reasons for people. How about recognizing them as excuses for procrastination and act on your dreams?!
Meet me here next time to tackle some more travel fears and bust them!
How about you? What are some of your travel fears (excuses)?
Have your travel fears held you back before? How have you overcome them?
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