For avid travelers, the idea that there are individuals out there who fear travel seems like a very odd concept, but in reality, it affects more people than one may think. The most talked about concerns may include leaving pets or family behind, the fear of the unknown in a new area, language barriers, solo travel for women, a terror attack in another country, and most commonly -- flying.
A statistical study on Fly Fright states that one in three adult Americans is either anxious to fly or completely afraid to fly. The specific fears range from mechanical problems and bad weather all the way to flying over a body of water, with women twice as likely to fear flying as men.
So, what does this all mean? While fear is a valid emotion, don’t let it keep you from exploring the world or even simply exploring your own country, if nothing else.
Need a little reassurance that your travels will run smoothly and without any necessity for fear? Below are some of the biggest reasons why you should be packing your bags in anticipation instead of fearing travel altogether:
There is a risk no matter where you are and what you are doing
You have a one in 98 chance of dying in a car accident as compared to a one in 7,178 chance of dying in a plane, based on a USA Today article.
With this being said, this cliché is always stated when trying to convince fearful travelers that they will be okay and that they have a more likely chance of being hurt doing day-to-day things. You can walk out into an intersection and get hit by a car or suffer a heart attack on any given day.
The moral: any second can be your last, so why not be doing something amazing during the time in which you have on this planet? Traveling opens the mind to new experiences and the heart to new locations, people, and lifestyles. Those amazing travel experiences awaiting you can literally take your mind off of your fears!
Traveling is good for your health
Contrary to your fears that traveling may be bad for your health and may end in injury or death, leisure traveling is proven to be great for your health.
Let's face it, stress can be the cause of many physical and mental ailments, so if you can let go of the stresses of traveling, then traveling can be beneficial. Your mind can unwind for the preservation of mental health and stability, you will be doing A LOT of walking which is great for your physical health, and accomplishing the goal of traveling to a new location is a great mood booster -- and all around endorphin releaser.
A statistical study on Fly Fright states that one in three adult Americans is either anxious to fly or completely afraid to fly. The specific fears range from mechanical problems and bad weather all the way to flying over a body of water, with women twice as likely to fear flying as men.
So, what does this all mean? While fear is a valid emotion, don’t let it keep you from exploring the world or even simply exploring your own country, if nothing else.
Need a little reassurance that your travels will run smoothly and without any necessity for fear? Below are some of the biggest reasons why you should be packing your bags in anticipation instead of fearing travel altogether:
There is a risk no matter where you are and what you are doing
You have a one in 98 chance of dying in a car accident as compared to a one in 7,178 chance of dying in a plane, based on a USA Today article.
With this being said, this cliché is always stated when trying to convince fearful travelers that they will be okay and that they have a more likely chance of being hurt doing day-to-day things. You can walk out into an intersection and get hit by a car or suffer a heart attack on any given day.
The moral: any second can be your last, so why not be doing something amazing during the time in which you have on this planet? Traveling opens the mind to new experiences and the heart to new locations, people, and lifestyles. Those amazing travel experiences awaiting you can literally take your mind off of your fears!
Traveling is good for your health
Contrary to your fears that traveling may be bad for your health and may end in injury or death, leisure traveling is proven to be great for your health.
Let's face it, stress can be the cause of many physical and mental ailments, so if you can let go of the stresses of traveling, then traveling can be beneficial. Your mind can unwind for the preservation of mental health and stability, you will be doing A LOT of walking which is great for your physical health, and accomplishing the goal of traveling to a new location is a great mood booster -- and all around endorphin releaser.
Technology is on your side in the 21st Century for travel
This is more or less an ode to modern technology and how it can help you when you travel. Fears such as becoming lost or not knowing the language have now been mitigated just by technology and apps.
Google Maps and Waze are two GPS platforms that allow you to use your phone in another country and make your way around. You will have to either buy an international phone plan or buy an unlocked phone, but once you have done that, you will no longer fear not knowing where you are.
For language barriers, Google Translate is the all-around best app just based on simplicity, features, and the fact that it is free.
Eliminating these two fears can bring much relief to the fears of traveling as you no longer need to fear feeling alone and lost in another country.
We live in a world with travel insurance, for both your money and health
Travel insurance has only become more buffed up with its features as the years have progressed. The typical types of coverage can eliminate many fears you still may have about traveling. One is canceled trips, so you don't have to worry about losing money if something major happens and you cannot travel.
24/7 phone assistance while abroad is also available for situations like lost luggage or emergency evacuations.
The biggest portion of travel insurance that individuals buy it for is medical emergencies abroad. Most travel insurance can help cover medical and dental abroad, so the fear of sickness should not deter you from booking that trip.
A note, you should also call your existing insurance company to see if they offer international travel insurance as well and compare it to other products. Or talk to a travel agent who can provide you with a quote or two from some of the more reputable travel insurance companies.
A good travel agent can make a big difference in calming your fears
In fact, speaking with a knowledgeable travel agent about your concerns and worries may be just the assurance you need as you begin venturing out to make your own memorable moments while traveling.
Linda with Wonderful Trips welcomes those who may be a little anxious to travel internationally and would like to go with a group. In fact, she plans to host a couple of these groups every year. She anticipates an April 2018 trip compiled of some fearful -- and some not-so-fearful -- travelers who she will open up to new experiences and less anxiety through her own travel assistance. For more information on her assisted trips, contact [email protected].
With a good travel agent -- your soon-to-be friend -- you won’t be left to fend for yourself, your health, or any other fear you have while traveling overseas.
After engaging your personal travel agent, all you need do is believe the facts, make use of any travel aids you’d like, and go make those memories for yourself. Here’s to fearless travels!
Written by: Sarah DeGeorge - Guest Writer for Wonderful Trips
This is more or less an ode to modern technology and how it can help you when you travel. Fears such as becoming lost or not knowing the language have now been mitigated just by technology and apps.
Google Maps and Waze are two GPS platforms that allow you to use your phone in another country and make your way around. You will have to either buy an international phone plan or buy an unlocked phone, but once you have done that, you will no longer fear not knowing where you are.
For language barriers, Google Translate is the all-around best app just based on simplicity, features, and the fact that it is free.
Eliminating these two fears can bring much relief to the fears of traveling as you no longer need to fear feeling alone and lost in another country.
We live in a world with travel insurance, for both your money and health
Travel insurance has only become more buffed up with its features as the years have progressed. The typical types of coverage can eliminate many fears you still may have about traveling. One is canceled trips, so you don't have to worry about losing money if something major happens and you cannot travel.
24/7 phone assistance while abroad is also available for situations like lost luggage or emergency evacuations.
The biggest portion of travel insurance that individuals buy it for is medical emergencies abroad. Most travel insurance can help cover medical and dental abroad, so the fear of sickness should not deter you from booking that trip.
A note, you should also call your existing insurance company to see if they offer international travel insurance as well and compare it to other products. Or talk to a travel agent who can provide you with a quote or two from some of the more reputable travel insurance companies.
A good travel agent can make a big difference in calming your fears
In fact, speaking with a knowledgeable travel agent about your concerns and worries may be just the assurance you need as you begin venturing out to make your own memorable moments while traveling.
Linda with Wonderful Trips welcomes those who may be a little anxious to travel internationally and would like to go with a group. In fact, she plans to host a couple of these groups every year. She anticipates an April 2018 trip compiled of some fearful -- and some not-so-fearful -- travelers who she will open up to new experiences and less anxiety through her own travel assistance. For more information on her assisted trips, contact [email protected].
With a good travel agent -- your soon-to-be friend -- you won’t be left to fend for yourself, your health, or any other fear you have while traveling overseas.
After engaging your personal travel agent, all you need do is believe the facts, make use of any travel aids you’d like, and go make those memories for yourself. Here’s to fearless travels!
Written by: Sarah DeGeorge - Guest Writer for Wonderful Trips
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