1. Traveling Is Too Expensive
I’ve preached a ton on the fact that traveling on a budget is definitely possible. Trying to save on flights? Look into travel hacking with credit cards or stalk budget airlines for off-season sales. Can’t afford an expensive hotel room? Stay in a hostel or Airbnb! Just short on cash in general? Maybe cut back on the monthly mani/pedis and put that cash into a piggy bank instead.
I scored $99 flights to Iceland, and even showed how to travel the world for free. Affordable travel is possible, as long as you do your research and are willing to pinch some pennies!
See: Travel Hacking: How To Fly For FREE!
2. It’s Dangerous Out There
Every news station is bursting full of horrible images, never failing to constantly spew about how traveling to country x, y, and z is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
Parts of the world aren’t as dangerous as the media portrays it to be. Yes, there are certain places that should be avoided, but many situations can be averted as long as you regularly exercise caution and common sense. (Don’t flash your jewelry, don’t walk alone at night, etc.)
Paris has been the victim of multiple attacks, a recent one being on the popular Louvre just a couple days after I left there in February. Multiple family members told me that Paris was dangerous and that Europe should be avoided, but I would like to turn away from that mindset. I refuse to avoid the majority of the world on the chance of a potential terrorist attack or armed robbery – honestly that could happen anywhere. Just do your research, and always travel smart.
3. I Can’t Get Off Work
I feel you on this one, I really do! I used to work at a job that gave me 3 paid vacation days for my first year of employment, and unpaid vacation was pretty much frowned upon. America’s work culture doesn’t value vacation time like many European countries, so you may have to get crafty with taking off of work.
If you’re off on weekends, use one vacation day on Friday and try to take off when Monday is a holiday – you now turned 1 day of vacation into a 4 day weekend! Or if your job doesn’t mind you taking unpaid vacation (as long as your work is finished!), then maybe you can gain some extra days that way.
4. My Family/Spouse/Boyfriend/Starbucks Barista Doesn’t Want Me To Go
The opinions of our loved ones are important, but you also need to remember to think about yourself as well. If you’re passionate about travel, then do what makes you happy! I’m not saying to run out the door and never look back, but you owe it to yourself to give travel a chance.
I have a few family members that express their concern every time we jet off somewhere new – while I appreciate their love, I don’t want to have any regrets!
5. I Have No One To Go With.
No travel companion? No problem! Solo travel is SO big nowadays, and many travel bloggers say that it’s their favorite way to travel. I haven’t done solo travel myself, but it seems extremely liberating!
If you are in dire need of friends somewhere down the road, there are so many outlets in which you can connect with others. Get to know the locals, or try staying in a hostel instead of a hotel room – you’ll make friends quick!
Forget all the excuses of why you can’t travel – it’s possible to work through them! I’m a firm believer in the many benefits travel provides – it helps you gain independence, it’s a ton of fun, a great way to recharge, and it’s one of the quickest ways to learn some life lessons. Travel is possible if you make it a priority, and to us it was definitely worth the sacrifices we made to make it happen. Bon voyage!
