Learn These 10 Greatest Travel Fears and Rule Your World

Imagine travelling to your place of choice without worries. The thought of travelling is a scary experience when you play in your mind all that might happen. These is where you develop travel fears that all seem legitimate but won't really affect in reality.

Why are you letting your greatest fears of travelling stop you in achieving your dreams? You're not going to procrastinate or postpone your happiness anymore. You deserve it.

Travelling is great for your health.

According to the Los Angeles Times, a US Travel Association study linked travel to decreased heart attack and depression and even the promotion of brain health. After only a day or two, 89% of respondents saw a significant drop in stress.

The fears that you are imagining aren't as bad as you think. The majority of your fears never become a reality.

So let's have a look at some of these fears one by one.

1. The Strong Fear of Flying.

All the news features on how an air plane can easily come down have made you too frightened. The thought of boarding a plane is scary.

In reality flying is considered the safest mode of transportation.

According to Readers Digest, while plane crashes do happen, they’re extremely rare. To put it in perspective, you’re 95 times more likely to die from unintentional poisoning (the odds are one in 103 on this one) than to die in an “air or space transport incident” (one in 9,737), according to the National Safety Council.

This is probably the biggest travel fears that afflicts a lot of aspiring travellers. But don't allow this fear to stop your plans. Travel to your next destination, make it happen.

2. An Incredible Fear of Loneliness.

This has to be the biggest fear any traveller has to grapple with. The fear of eating alone, spending days and nights alone is just overwhelming. What you seem to be forgetting is how many people you'll meet along the way. Some time alone might be a good thing for you.

Studies show being alone can help you build mental strength. The ability to tolerate alone time has been linked to increased happiness, better life satisfaction and improved stress management. People who enjoy alone time experience less depression according to Forbes.

It isn't all bad news as a traveller.

3. A Painful Fear of Starvation.

These is one of those travel fears that might seem legitimate but in reality there is no way you will die from starvation. But it can happen if you starve yourself or go on hunger strike.

Calm yourself because you will definitely find something to your liking. Different cultures have different types of foods. But there are some delicacies that are universal such as meat and vegetables.

The beauty of travelling is trying out new things.

According to Lifehack, food plays an integral role in our lives and rightfully so, the food we eat is intricately intertwined with our culture. You can learn a lot about a particular culture by exploring their food.

Don't allow your fear to hold you back. Try some of the local foods, maybe you'll be surprised and love it.

Also according to an article in Archiv Fur KriminologieTrusted Source, it states that the body can survive for 8 to 21 days without food and water and up to two months if there’s access to an adequate water intake.

Therefore the most important thing you need is water. But that doesn't mean you'll starve, its just another irrational fear.

4. Fear of Poor Insecurity.

You want to be sure that you'll arrive and feel safe to your choice of destination. Don't allow what others tell you about a place be final. Do some research on your own, if your destination is safe or unsafe?

Your own safety and security has to be a priority as a solo traveller. But the beautiful thing is that a majority of places or destinations are really safe.

68% of the world feels safe walking alone at night in their communities. In fact, in places like Singapore and Norway, more than 90% of people feel safe according to Gallup 2018.

This is a legit fear but it shouldn't stop your plans. You first research where you are planning to go. Don't carry too much valuable stuff. If you have anything valuable, it's advisable to put them in a separate small bag that you won't lose sight of.

5. Fear of Tragedy or Disaster.

Paying too much attention to media and news isn’t really benefiting you. You hear of terrorist attacks, protests and demonstrations every time.

What this is actually doing is inflicting more fear into you. That doesn't mean to be ignorant but not to believe everything you hear at face value.

Do your own analysis and investigation. It might happen but if you aren't going to a war zone you'll be fine. Its one of those travel fears that trusting your gut and doing your own research is a must.

6. Fear of Being Cash Strapped.

You need money to travel anywhere you wish. Be aware that good preparation before travelling is the key here.

Travellers around likely to spend more on sightseeing than on shopping, souvenirs and nightlife combined according to Trip Barometer 2015.

Have a budget plan. Track where you are spending your money. Simple planning can save you a lot of headache and pain.

7. Fear of Deadly Diseases.

According to CNN.com on don’t worry so much about scary diseases article, your risk of getting mad cow is much lower than you’re odd of winning the Power-ball lottery.

In short, it’s not likely to happen. What could happen? In her lifetime, the average woman has a 1 in 2 chance of developing osteoporosis and a 1 in 3 chance of heart disease.

The fear of travelling is risky but not a death sentence. Travel fears on your health is merited but there are precaution you can take. One such precaution is to wash your hands.

According to CDC, handwashing with soap removes germs from hands. This helps prevent infections because:

• People frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realising it. Germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose and mouth and make us sick.
• Germs from unwashed hands can get into foods and drinks while people prepare or consume them. Germs can multiply in some types of foods or drinks, under certain conditions, and make people sick.
• Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, like handrails, table tops, or toys, and then transferred to another person’s hands.
• Removing germs through handwashing therefore helps prevent diarrhoea and respiratory infections and may even help prevent skin and eye infections.

You want and require a healthy body to have strength to move on travelling.

Have travel insurance before travelling. This type of insurance will be helpful no matter where you are.

8. A Striking Fear of Changing.

You'll definitely change; you won't be the same Ken, Stacy or John who left his or her hometown to travel. The change will be positive.

First you will have a greater appreciation for life, family, friends and things. Your self-confidence will be greatly impacted for the better and your fears will be diminished.

9. A unique Fear of Missing Out.

You are leaving your home and comfort to go to an unknown place and destination. You'll be homesick. The thought of getting the next flight or bus or train back home will be really strong.

You will miss your family, friends and pets but you'll have to be a bit selfish here. Don't allow this fear to become regret later in life.

You necessarily don't have to miss all your family or friends activities. There is technology, smart phones and Skype, use them.

These travel fears can definitely be tamed. According to ADAA, you have to come face-to-face with your FOMO fear. This can be done by admitting that you have a problem.

Let’s get real, and say it with me: “I cannot be everywhere at all times and always be doing the coolest thing ever. And that’s OK.” Doesn’t that feel better? Admitting and accepting that you have this fear or anxiety can feel like your secret has been unleashed to the universe and the burden is off your shoulders.

You’re acknowledging the insecurity, and with that recognition you can now tackle the problem or fear.

10. Fear of Silly Communication Breakdown.

You're travelling to a new place alone but the worry of whether the locals will understand you is stressing you out. You don't know the local language, getting a simple meal seems impossible.

How will you communicate? But the wonderful news is that a majority of the world's population have an understanding of the English language.

English is the most widespread language in the world and is more widely spoken and written than any other language. Over 700 million people, speak English, as a foreign language according to the English Language Guide.

It won't be such a hustle anymore to converse with some of the local population.

If the language barrier is still your biggest travel fears, you can use technology to crush the fear.

Google Translate is the best app for you. If you are conversing with someone and they aren't well conversant in English, use this app as a translation tool.

If you are interested in best translation apps for a traveler, check this article out on, The Best Translation Apps for Travelers

In Conclusion

The fears exist to make you aware of the possibility of what might happen. They are in no way reality or a reflection of the future. Therefore the greatest fears of travelling are worth being aware of them but aren't meant to paralyse you.

Travelling is risky and it takes a leap of faith but so is starting a business, learning how to drive or applying to a job.

You didn't perish when you did that. You were fine and learned a new skill or two along the way.

Your fears are just worries, so stop fearing and start travelling.

Do you know of any other travel fears that I haven’t mentioned? Have you experienced these same fears before?

If so do tell and share in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you. Also share this with your friends and family, sharing is caring.

-Michael Kamenya