One example I always like to use from my own life is the trip my family and I took to Yosemite National Park when I was 13 years old. When my older brother suggested we add the destination to our California road trip, I was confused as to why he even brought it up. I had never really been hiking before and couldn’t envision a national park having much fun to offer. To be completely honest, I was dreading the three days we planned to spend there. I thought there was no way I would be able to keep up on the trails, no way I would be able to navigate through some overwhelming world of nature, and to top it off, I was positive everyone would know that I didn’t belong there. If you couldn’t guess already, I ended up being just fine. After convincing myself I would absolutely loathe spending time in a place so unfamiliar to me, I now tell everyone about how Yosemite is my favorite place I have ever been. So, it’s totally normal; if you’re someone who frequently worries about the unknown, the idea of venturing to a foreign place may sound far more daunting than compelling. However, sufficient planning and the advice of more experienced travelers can be useful in settling your anxieties. I recommend reaching out to travel agents, reputable travel bloggers, or even locals from wherever you are looking to visit so that you can get a better picture of what your trip will look like before you even leave the comfort of your home. Hearing from others who have already experienced being in a place may help you navigate what locations best suit your comfort level, how safe tourists often feel there, and give you ideas for your own itinerary. As cliche as it may sound, we really do have so much access to information and opportunity at our fingertips—take advantage of it! Moreover, one of the most universal stressors associated with travel is cost. When discussing this subject, I think it’s super important to acknowledge that in reality, travel often isn’t cheap, and it’s a privilege to be able to take time off from school or work to go see the world. With that being said, if you’re someone who’s aching to get out there, don’t count yourself out simply because you don’t have a massive budget. There are lots of options to lessen the cost of travel, it’s just a matter of seeking them out. Although the terms are often associated together, traveling doesn’t necessarily have to equate to “vacationing.” Whether it be through volunteer-based programs, exchange programs like Workaway, study abroad, or navigating the world of hostels and local transit, with an adequate amount of research and planning, it is totally possible to travel on a budget.
For those more serious about prioritizing travel, I would also recommend setting aside a spot in your savings particularly for travel expenses. I started putting portions of my earnings into an account like this when I was 16, so over time I’ve been able to gradually build up a budget intended to be spent on travel and experiences. Although it’s not a perfect solution, it does help minimize the guilt and anxiety you may feel spending your savings on travel. All in all, travel can be tricky. Don’t let the uncertainty of it all hold you back from exploring the diverse pockets of this wide world we live in.
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