Debunking Common Hesitations About Traveling

As humans, we can plan ideas in our heads and create justifications without exploring the emotion before these reasons. For example,  sometimes we create excuses to avoid facing difficult truths without exploring our options.  

How many times have you thought “I don’t think that I have time to travel”? You might be nervous to get out of your comfort zone, or maybe you’re waiting for someone else to come along to travel with you.

In any case, we have to confront challenges around study abroad: what seems to be holding you back from traveling? Money, your career, school, relationships? 

There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored! We recommend taking on the experiences instead of passing them up! There has bever been a better time to fulfill your dream of going overseas like the present. It’s understandable to have hesitations, but we want you to challenge your own reasons and justifications regarding why you think that you can’t study abroad to help you realizing that you can do it! 

Today, we’re debunking some of the most common challenges surrounding why students choose not to study abroad: 

“I can’t afford to travel.”

This has got to be the #1 reason why people skip out on international experiences. I’ll be honest, I’ve said this more times than I can count! Instead, I want to bring awareness to affordable travel. There are a few options that can help relieve this financial headache. 

Traveling is far easier than you think for cheap! Hostels, public transportation, cheaper airlines, minimal luggage, and working abroad are all quick ideas that can help alleviate huge expenses when you’re overseas. Seek out free things to do in the destination (museums, free walking tours, etc) while creating your budget. Some study abroad programs include most, or all meals, depending on the program!

But what about before the plane even takes off? 

If you’re studying abroad or doing a service trip overseas, consider fundraising or setting up an online funding page friends and family can contribute to! EdOdyssey’s study abroad program offers scholarships students can apply to, and guaranteed financial aid for households with an annual income of $55,000 or less.

“I don’t have time to travel.”

It’s difficult to get time off from work, family, school, and overall responsibilities. But let’s be frank. If not now, then when? If you’re in your younger years, take this flexible time in your life and maximize your independence! Travel improves wellness, and you deserve time off of work and school! If you’re waiting for the right time to travel, it might be a long wait, because there will always be something going on in life.

Throw your FOMO aside! Think about all the awesome experiences you'll have in exchange for traveling overseas and book that plane ticket. If you're worried about plans changing, buy a refundable ticket that you can cancel or change if necessary. Make that dream a reality, because responsibilities will accumulate as the years go by! 

“I don’t have anyone to travel with.”

There are plenty of options if you want to travel with other people! For instance, if you enjoy yoga, you can find other people who enjoy practicing in your new city. You will also meet people while traveling, so you won’t be ‘alone’ during your entire time abroad. 

EdOdyssey Marketing Intern Amanda Lowrey (top right) solo traveled through New Zealand and made friends for life!

Yes, solo travel can be awkward at times, but you’ll make unexpected friends! When you study abroad, you’ll find plenty of people looking to make new friends, and it allows you to grow as a person and become more independent! Often times, you’ll meet other solo travelers or study abroad students you probably wouldn’t have taken the time to chat with had you been with friends! Sometimes the best surprises come on your own explorations. 

“I don’t speak the local language.” 

Technology has made travel super accessible with language and translator apps! Google Translate and TripLingo have translator features that make international exploration much less overwhelming! If you plan on a longer duration time abroad or have enough months ahead before your departure, try DuoLingo, an app that can help you learn the basics of your language of choice. 

EdOdyssey students in Peru practice Spanish and participate in immersive cultural activities!

If you’re really motivated, you can stay with homestay families, work abroad, and learn the language from locals themselves! EdOdyssey’s study abroad students in Peru spend over 80 hours in a language booster class before their semester in order to get comfortable with their Spanish. There are plenty of options when bridging the barrier of language! 

“I’m scared to travel.”

Travel enables you to overcome your fears, even when change is unsettling. The more you explore, the easier it becomes. It’s normal for certain things to not go as planned, and travel is a great vehicle for adventure, inspiration, and growth! Fears are challenging to overcome. Fear of the unknown, flying, dealing with foreign languages, not being able to relate to locals, getting lost, the list goes on. 

But when will you conquer your fears? 

You’ll end up being surrounded by fascinating people overseas and meet like-minded travelers, as well as meeting locals who can teach you about the country you’re visiting. You’ll overcome a lot of your fears just by interacting with people from cultures separate from your own.

If you really want to travel, do it! Don’t let these challenges  hold you back, we promise you won’t regret your adventures abroad! Decisions made to go abroad can profoundly affect your experiences later on! Read Three Areas in Life Where Travel Benefits Your Future for more insight into how traveling can enhance your life!