7 Myths That Stops People Traveling

Written on November 5, 2007 by Tezza

Monday’s weekly guide to Travel and Recreation from 4EvaYoung.com

Travel unlike any other human activity affords the individual an opportunity to see and appreciate the world we inhabit. At the end of the day cultures and cities may have it’s own idiosyncrasies and personalities but people are people. We all have the same basic human needs and we want the same things for our kids. It is remarkable to hear travelers speak about travel as one of those universal unifiers that can bring people closer together in understanding. So if you haven’t traveled as much as you have wanted to in your life then maybe you are holding onto one or more of the myths that stop people traveling.

1. Can’t Afford To Travel
This is one of the biggest sticking points that most people cling to when they argue the reasons why they can’t travel at the moment. If your idea of travel is going to expensive places relative to your local currency, dining out at fine restaurants, going on tours and staying at four and five star hotels then your cost of travel is going to be markedly higher than if you are willing to see forgo some of the luxuries and see a more authentic experience of other cultures.

Travel can be more than just lying on the beach, drinking at ex-pat pubs and visiting well worn tourist sites. Backpackers like Brook from “A Map For Saturday” traveled a year round the world for $20,000 US which is well below what it would have cost him to live in the USA.

2. Don’t Have The Time To Travel
For the most part getting time off to travel is just a matter of deciding to take it. There are people everyday quitting their office jobs to travel, others have negotiated both paid and unpaid leave of absence from their current positions while others look for a job transfer to another office overseas. If travel is important to you then you will make a way for it to happen.

3. I Have A Career And A Job To Think About
Travel can be an investment in yourself and your career. The lessons you learn on your travels and the skills you develop can be useful to your career growth and if you are able to communicate that to your employer then traveling could serve a real purpose. While not every employer is going to necessarily understand your reason for taking 6 months or a year off from your job they can certainly understand it better if you can give them reasons why it will directly benefit your work performance and productivity. Life needn’t be a choice between a career and travel. You aren’t stuck in a job for 40 years if you so choose and making your way back into the workforce may prove to be less difficult than you imagine. You can also just find another job when you get back.

4. I Don’t Speak The Language
If you are lucky enough to be born into a country that speaks English then you are largely in luck when it comes to travel. Most countries that welcome travelers have adopted to a large extent English as the international language of choice. In fact if you are able to make an effort to learn a little of the local language then you will find that you will be well received in most foreign countries. A little patience and a smile can go along way in bridging the communication gaps you find along your journey and who knows, you might just learn a thing or two.

5. The World Is A Dangerous And Scary Place
Statistically speaking you have as much chance of encountering misfortune in your local city then you are when traveling overseas. While there are trouble spots and places that aren’t recommended to be visited, it doesn’t mean that the world is not safe. Even countries perceived as being dangerous, you’ll find when you get there that the locals are going about their daily lives no differently than you would at home. Most places around the world are receptive of foreign “guests” in their country and generally treat foreigners with openness and hospitality. If you adhere to commonsense travel safety tips, keep your wits about yourself and not deliberately get yourself into sticky situations then you’ll find that most travel abroad will be pleasant experiences.

6. There’s Too Much Planning Involved
Planning a trip can be half the fun but if planning isn’t one of your fortes then all is not lost. You don’t have to go to great lengths to plan every detail of your trip no matter the duration of your travels. It is sometimes better to plan less and let more of the trip take shape while you are actually abroad. You will then have a greater idea of where you want to go and what you want to see. The cost of planning as you go can also work out cheaper as you’ll find that planning in your home city can often times be more expensive then getting the same thing overseas where the cost of living are less. Aside from your airline tickets and a few days of accommodation you really can get most of what you need when you are on the road. Just have a rough idea of what you want to experience and let the rest take care of itself.

7. I Have Young Children
What better gift than to give your kids than an overseas trip to see the world through experience rather than text books. A child can learn infinitely more from an overseas trip than they could possibly learn from a classroom environment. Everything comes to life and children have a wonderful ability to take in and absorb the world around them. If you are thinking about a long term trip and worried about them missing time off school, then why not treat your trip as one big classroom. There are many great online school programs that you can do while on the road and the growth your children will experience is a priceless gift that they won’t ever forget.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Posted in Travel and Recreation, Travelling Tips