There’s something about travelling that is hard to beat. Experiencing new cultures and sights, eating new food and making memories that will last a lifetime. These are just some of the reasons you should stop putting off travelling…
Travel isn’t for everyone – some people are happy to see the world through documentaries and social media. However, for the majority of us, nothing can beat seeing the pyramids in person or physically swimming in the Great Barrier Reef. Unfortunately, not all of us fulfil our dreams of travelling. In fact, many of us reach the end of our lives without ever ticking a single destination of our bucket lists. There are lots of reasons as to why many of us put off travelling. Here are just some of the most common reasons you should stop putting off travelling and why it could be time to stop letting them get in the way.
‘I can’t afford it’
Another reason you need to stop putting off travelling is that you think it has to cost the earth. The most common reason as to why many of us don’t travel is the cost. There’s no doubt about it, travelling can be expensive. But it can also be done relatively cheaply – so long as you’re prepared to do without a few luxuries. Accommodation can be a big cost if you’re staying in a hotel. However, if you’re staying in hostels, camping, staying in homestay accommodation or even renting accommodation, you can often save a lot of money.
Flights can be the biggest cost when travelling across the globe, however these costs can be reduced too. Booking long in advance or last minute can often result in big discounts and you can save further money by breaking up direct flights into two or more shorter flights. There are lots of other ways to save money on travelling that you can read here at this guide Money Saving Travel Tips (That Really Work). Like many things in life, if you’re determined enough you can save up money beforehand. There’s even the option to earn as you travel by taking up work abroad – something that many young people do. This could include working on a cruise ship, working as a teacher or working in bars.
‘It’s too dangerous’
Some people are put off travelling by stories of dangerous animals, natural disasters, diseases, crime, terrorism and war. While these can be threats when travelling abroad, the risks are often greatly exaggerated in many places around the world. In fact, most of us probably face greater risks every day just getting into our cars and driving to work.
Besides, there’s lots of advice online that can help you to reduce the risk of these dangers whether it’s going during certain seasons or taking certain vaccines.
‘I’m afraid of flying’
Fear of flying is very common – this could be a fear of crashing, a fear of heights, a fear of enclosed spaces or a fear of all three. Fortunately, there are lots of forms of counselling and support out there that can help fight this phobia if you need to. Alternatively, you don’t have to fly to see the world. While you may be limited to more local destinations, there is the option of taking a cruise, taking a coach, driving a car or even taking a train.
‘I don’t speak any foreign languages’
You don’t have to be fluent in a country’s official language to travel there. In most countries, English is widely spoken as a second language. Even if the local no very little English, you can usually get by. There are some countries where it can be a little harder such as China and Russia, however nowadays there are handbooks and translations apps that you can rely on to help. You can even book a tour with an English-speaking guide if necessary.
‘I don’t like foreign food’
If you’re a fussy eater, you may find it hard to get by in some places around the world, yet you need to stop putting off travelling because of this. Go to any major city, and you’ll usually find some Western food. Allergies and intolerances can sometimes be harder to accommodate to, but if you’re willing to do your research you can usually plan places to eat. The same goes for veganism or not eating certain foods for religious preferences.
‘I have too many commitments’
Kids. Pets. Work. These are just some commitments that can hold us back yet you need to stop putting off travelling because of it. Commitments do create limitations, but these limitations shouldn’t involve not travelling. Many people have full-time jobs, pets or kids, and still manage to travel. With a job, you may just have to take your time off wisely and not travel anywhere long term. You could use all your weeks’ holiday at once or you could travel for a week somewhere and then travel for a week somewhere else later in the year.
As for pets and kids, there are two ways around these commitment – either you travel with them or get someone to look after them. The latter option may only be suitable for short trips, however the former option could allow you to travel long-term. This guide Travel With Children, Around the World offers more information on travelling with kids, while this guide Why And How To Travel Abroad With Your Dog gives advice on travelling with pets.
‘I’m too old to travel’
Travelling may be something a lot of privileged kids do in their gap year, but you don’t have to be young to travel. In fact, retirement can often be the perfect time to travel.
Age can limit as to what activities you may do, so you may want to look into different modes of travel. Cruise ships and coach trips are popular amongst older people because they tend to be more leisurely. Of course, if you’re still able-bodied enough, there’s nothing to stop you hiking the Inca Trail.
‘I have no-one to travel with’
Travelling alone can seem daunting, but many people do it. You can always meet people on your journeys – in fact, you may be able to take part in volunteer projects or book tours or stay with locals, forcing you to meet people.
This guide Ten Tips For Traveling Alone could be worth a read for those considering solo travel. What do you think of our list of reasons to stop putting off travelling? Let us know in the comments below!
