Is exploring the world something you’ve always wanted to experience, but never tried? If you’re a first-time traveller, it’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous when you’re about to leave your comfort zone for the unknown. Maybe you’re not a fan of flying, or maybe you’re worried about leaving your responsibilities behind. Maybe you’re just concerned about dealing with culture shock and staying safe in unknown locations. Whatever your fears may be, learning how to overcome challenges and uncertainties on the go is part of what makes travelling so exciting. Here are five common fears that stop people from chasing their travel dreams – and how you can defeat them:
1. I don’t understand the language
The language barrier is usually the first fear that comes into your mind when touring a foreign country. It can be scary to find yourself in a difficult position and not know how to ask for help. But in this modern age, you’ll find that you don’t need to speak a country’s native language to enjoy its attractions. Before you leave home, make sure you learn a few basic phrases such as “hello” and “thank you” and download a translation app to make your conversations with the locals go smoothly.
2. I can’t afford to travel internationally
Managing limited finances while travelling is a major cause of anxiety to most would-be travellers. It’s true that travelling isn’t cheap, but it doesn’t have to be as expensive as you imagine it to be. Your costs mostly depend on how you like to travel and where you stay. Make sure you do some research and look at travel websites before you decide where you want to go. You’ll find several fantastic destinations that you can visit on a surprisingly low budget. Another way to make your money last while travelling is to use public transport, eat street food and join group tours.
3. I don’t have time to travel
Not having enough time is a huge reason why people lay aside their travel fantasies. You may have a demanding career, home responsibilities and kids to keep an eye on. You’re afraid what might happen if you take off and leave your life behind. Being stuck in a daily schedule can make you forget that there’s more to life than obligations. Start small by taking short trips to local attractions around you. Then you can consider joining an organised tour where you’ll enjoy completely novel adventures that take only a few days at a time.
4. I can’t deal with logistics
Are you worried about finding good accommodation and transport? Well, you don’t have to be. You can skip handling trip logistics by opting to go on a tour that’s already been planned and booked for you in advance. All you have to do is show up. But even if it comes down to you to figure out the logistics of your trip, why worry when you have the internet at your fingertips? Today’s travellers are so comfortable with finding services online that nearly 50% of US tourists book their entire holiday using just their mobile phone. Digging for information online will help you find deals and great travel tips to make your journey a lot more enjoyable.
5. I worry about getting lost
It’s only natural to feel out of place in an exciting new destination. Experiencing the sights and sounds of a new country is both exhilarating and eye-opening. But you don’t have to worry about getting lost. Thanks to today’s tech advancements we can access map applications on our phones, laptops and tablets anytime we want to. And if you’re off to explore somewhere remote, you could always carry a physical map with you or ask a local for directions. If you’re still worried about getting lost, you can go on guided tours to make sure that you’ll always be in the company of someone who knows the locality and its attractions.
