Fear can keep us from living our lives and achieving our dreams, and it's one of the most common reasons why people don't travel. People tell me constantly that they would love to travel, but when asked why they don't, here is what I usually hear:
They can't afford to travel
They they have too many responsibilities at home
They fear something will happen to them
Today in our Covid world, fear is talked about a lot. With all that fear, it IS much easier to stay at home in our comfort zones than to break out and travel. It’s a big thing to step out and into the unknown. In my experience, however, Covid is not usually what travelers are most afraid of. For some, there are real money issues that keep people at home, but most of the time if people want to travel, they will find ways to save, cut back on daily expenses, or do whatever gets them on the road. But most often it seems people just can't get past all the "issues" they feel are keeping them from traveling. They want to go, but they just aren't sure what to do. Here are a few tips if you feel you may be letting fear get in the way of taking a vacation.
1. You are just as capable as everyone else.
If other people can travel the world, why can’t you? What makes you think you lack the skills? Of course there is no reason you can't do what other people are doing. Don’t doubt yourself. You get by in your life just fine now. The same will be true when you travel.
2. You aren’t the first person to travel abroad.
Lots of other people are traveling the world and having a great time. If an 18-year-old can take a gap year from school and travel through Europe, there's no reason you can't too. There is a well-worn tourist trail out there. There are people to help you and people to travel with. You aren’t going to be alone and you aren't really venturing into the unknown.
3. Responsibilities can disappear.
Many people use “responsibility” as the main reason to avoid travel. But that is just your fear telling you that you have things at home that can’t be let go of. However, those responsibilities are simply chains that hold you down. With a little effort, everything holding you back can be taken care of. It might be easier than you think.
4. You don't have to be alone.
If you aren't traveling with friends or family, it's easy to make friends when you travel. The truth is that when you travel, you are never alone. There are many solo travelers out there in the same boat as you. You’ll find people who will come up and talk to you, even if you are hesitant to go up to them. Fear will subside as you realize that everyone wants to make new friends.
5. There’s no such thing as failure in the world of travel. Travel teaches us many things including, that sometimes, we don’t like to travel. Getting up and going is more than most people do, and if it isn’t for you, at least you tried. That in itself is a major accomplishment.