Key Takeaways

  • Fear. It keeps us from living our lives and achieving our dreams.
  • It’s one of the most common reasons why people don’t travel.
  • Whenever I talk to people about long-term travel, so many tell me they wish they could do what I do. They tell me all their travel dreams and grand pl
Person sitting on Trolltunga Rock above a fjord in Norway

Last Updated: 6/2/23 | June 2nd, 2023

Fear. It keeps us from living our lives and achieving our dreams.

It’s one of the most common reasons why people don’t travel.

Whenever we talk to travelers about long-term journeys at Route for Less, so many tell us they wish they could take the leap. They share their travel dreams and grand plans — then, when asked why they haven’t started yet, they list familiar fears:

They fear not being able to afford the trip.

They fear they have too many responsibilities at home.

They fear they won’t be able to make friends on the road.

They fear they won’t have the ability to handle it.

They fear something will happen to them.

With all that fear, it’s much easier to stay at home in our comfort zones than to break out and travel.

It’s a big thing to step out your door, away from your safety net, and into the unknown.

The devil you know is always better than the devil you don’t.

Yes, travel is a privilege and there are real financial barriers that keep people at home.

But one of the most common messages we receive at routeforless.com is about “the mental hurdles” of travel — the mindset shifts, self-doubt, and emotional preparation needed before departure.

Do they quit their job and go for it?

Are they in the right stage of life?

Will everything be OK if they leave?

Will they get a job when they return?

These messages are filled with nervous excitement over travel’s endless possibilities — but there’s always one underlying tone:

“I want to go, but I’m also afraid — and I’m not sure what to do.”

We believe fear of the unknown holds most people back. When you confront and move past those fears — deciding, “Yes, I’m going to do this!” — you start finding ways to save, work remotely, volunteer, or adapt however necessary to get on the road.

You become a person on a mission. You become driven. Nothing will get in your way.

But first, you need to address any fear standing between you and your journey. This topic recently resurfaced during a podcast interview — prompting us to revisit these core principles. Here’s actionable advice to help you reframe fear and move forward:

1. You aren’t the first person to travel abroad.
One of the things that comforted early travelers was knowing countless others had explored the world before them — and returned safely. If an 18-year-old from England on a gap year came home unharmed, there’s no reason you won’t, too. You aren’t pioneering uncharted territory like Columbus or Magellan — you’re following well-established paths. Tourist infrastructure, support networks, and fellow travelers are everywhere. You aren’t venturing into true isolation.

2. You made it this far.
If you already have one foot out the door, why turn back now? What will you regret more later in life: letting fear keep you home — or taking the leap and discovering what’s possible? Sometimes, momentum matters more than perfection. Trust that things fall into place once you commit. You’ve got this.

3. You are just as capable as everyone else.
You’re intelligent, resourceful, and equipped with common sense. If others can navigate foreign cities, manage budgets, and adapt across cultures — so can you. There’s no special talent required. Travel isn’t reserved for a select few; it’s accessible to anyone willing to learn and grow. And today, with online resources, language apps, translation tools, and community platforms, support has never been more available.

4. Responsibilities can vanish in a flash.
Many cite “responsibility” as the main barrier — but often, that’s fear disguised as duty. Those obligations aren’t immovable fixtures; they’re logistical items you can adjust. When someone quits their job, the role ends. When bills are canceled or paused, payments stop. When belongings are sold or stored, clutter disappears. With focused planning and a few decisive actions, what once felt overwhelming can dissolve quickly. Cutting the cord is simpler — and more liberating — than it seems.

5. You will find a job when you get home.
A common worry is that international travel will hurt future career prospects. In reality, global experience signals adaptability, resilience, cross-cultural communication skills, and initiative — qualities employers increasingly value. Whether you teach English abroad, freelance remotely, or volunteer, those experiences build transferable competencies no classroom fully replicates. Modern hiring managers recognize travel as professional development — not a résumé gap.

6. You will make friends.
People often ask how to connect while traveling solo — especially if they consider themselves introverted or socially hesitant. The truth? Travel environments naturally foster connection. Hostels, group tours, co-working spaces, and local events bring together like-minded explorers. Strangers initiate conversations regularly because everyone’s in the same position: curious, open, and seeking shared experiences. Your nervousness will ease as you realize most people feel exactly the same — and are hoping *you’ll* say hello first.

Here are some articles on making friends and socializing to help you feel more comfortable before you head out: