don't like travel

I'm a 24-year-old who's never been out of North America — and I don't plan on changing that any time soon

• I'm 24 and I have never been out of North America.
• This is for a lot of reasons, including my fear of flying and my financial situation. 
• I'm not planning on changing this anytime soon, and I wish people would stop judging each other for their choices. 

It's no secret that, as a whole, society is obsessed with traveling. From the Instagram accounts dedicated to dream-like destinations to news stories about  people who  quit their jobs to spend all of their money on traveling , we love to romanticize the hell out of navigating the globe. 

It makes complete sense. Traveling can open you up to new experiences, friendships, perspectives, and life goals. But it's just not for me. 

There are a million articles online about how great it is to travel (see all of the wonderful content on INSIDER's  Travel section ), but there aren't as many that speak to my experience: a 24-year-old who has never traveled out of North America and has no desire to. 

Let me explain myself. 

I am terrified of flying, to the point of panic attacks. 

Being nervous about air travel is not exactly uncommon. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration estimates that about  1 in 3 adults have some qualms about flying . But my fear of flying is intense. So much so, that my last plane trip resulted in me hyperventilating and being mocked by an entire baseball team. 

I haven't flown commercial in about 12 years and haven't flown at all in about eight. After my last flight, which was through a thunderstorm, I quite literally kissed the ground at the Pittsburgh International Airport and vowed to never put myself through that again. 

I know that with some work I could get over this fear, but right now, it's not exactly a priority for me. 

I suffer from anxiety, which makes traveling more terrifying.  

Traveling can stress out even the most "normal" people. Now throw in the fact that I have high anxiety, and it's a recipe for disaster.

Itineraries stress me out, and I spiral at the thought of plans not lining up perfectly. Being in a new place overwhelms me, as there are a lot of unknowns and I easily lose control of the situation. Something as simple as a taxi driver getting lost can make tears run down my face, which is just plain embarrassing. 

It's not that I avoid trips because of my anxiety. I still travel, thanks to Amtrak, but it takes a lot out of me. This makes traveling a lot less fun, though I try to enjoy myself. 

I've never really been able to afford to travel. 

Anxiety aside, money is the biggest factor that stops me, and many others, from traveling. We act like it's so easy to just stop buying cups of coffee and afford a trip to Italy, but it's not that simple. 

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I have massive amounts of student debt. I have a cat. I live in one of the most expensive cities in the world. But even when I lived in a smaller city in the Midwest, keeping food on the table was what weighed on my mind, not traveling. 

According to the Huffington Post, the average cost of a flight to Europe from New York is $832:  That doesn't even begin to cover food, activities, and lodging. Not to mention care for my cat, and the fact that I'd still have to pay rent that month. If you looked at my savings account, you would know that it's just not possible for me right now. 

People who didn't grow up well-off might find themselves in a similar mindset. Some fight it off and put any disposable income into traveling. For me, if I'm not using my money towards something tangible, it  feels like money wasted. 

We tend to shame people who choose not to travel and call them materialistic. But just because some people can save for a while and eventually afford a ticket doesn't mean it's possible for everyone. Some of us don't have that money to scrape to begin with and, if we do, we use it in a different way — and that's OK. 

I never thought traveling was an option. 

For those who grew up in a metropolitan city or with parents who traveled often, my resistance to travel may seem absurd. But you have to understand that, for me, traveling is not a natural thing. 

No one in my immediate or extended family has ever been to Europe (besides those who were born there and don't remember it). Only one has been to Asia, and that was for work. Trips outside of the US were pretty unheard of in my town. 

Of course, this has changed some. As I've gotten older, more of my friends have studied abroad and traveled on their own. Hell, my friend who didn't step on a plane until she was 17 is now a flight attendant seeing the world. 

It still blows my mind that my boyfriend often just drives to an airport and gets on a plane. It's just not something that seems like a "normal" occurrence for someone like me. 

I've never said I wasn't stubborn, so it may just take a while for me to adjust to the fact that I could get on a plane right now if I wanted to. But until recently, it never even crossed my mind. 

I've had life experiences that were just as beneficial as traveling. 

So many people I know value travel experiences above anything else in life. They frequently tell me how much my life would change if I drank wine in Paris or hiked in Thailand. And maybe they're right. 

But I also think that I've had life experiences that have benefited me in ways people who travel to every country in the world wouldn't get. 

As a journalist, I've spoken to animal trainers, ghost whisperers, survivors of unimaginable violence, architects, and pop stars. I've been to dozens of US states, and even parts of Canada. I've camped high in the mountains and rested on beaches. I've lived next to a farm and in a high-rise. I would not call my life insignificant just because I don't have a full passport. 

I consider myself a well-rounded person, though I'm sure others would not. And as I get older and (hopefully) more financially stable, I may also have an enviable Instagram. 

But for right now, I'd like us all to stop shaming people for their informed life choices. What's right for you may not be right for me, and that's OK. 

And if you see someone crying from fear on a plane, maybe try offering them your hand to squeeze, rather than pointing and laughing. It may just be me. 

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Watch: From the launch of Airbnb to the rise of travel influencers, here are the biggest ways we changed the way we travel this decade

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Why Are There People Who Don't Like to Travel?

Table of Contents

Several Reasons Behind Why I Don’t Like Travel

There can be various reasons why some people don’t enjoy traveling. One reason could be a fear of the unknown or discomfort with being outside their comfort zone. For others, it may be due to financial constraints or wonderful time limitations that prevent them from desire for travel.

Some individuals may also have health issues or mobility limitations that make the advantages of travel agents difficult or impractical. Additionally, personal preferences and interests play a significant role in whether someone enjoys traveling or not.

Some people prefer the familiarity and routine of staying in their surroundings rather than venturing into new places. It’s important to respect and understand each individual’s reasons for not liking travel, as everyone has different experiences and perspectives. Here are the reasons why I don’t like travel with negative impacts.

Lack Of Interest In Exploring New Places

Some people prefer to stay closer to home and enjoy their own community, rather than going somewhere new and spending money on travel on unfamiliar activities. There is so much to do near home that they don’t need to go anywhere else for entertainment.

Some people don’t like foreign travel because of the unfamiliarity and discomfort that comes with new places. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone can be intimidating, especially when faced with different cultures, languages, and customs.

Fear Of The Unknown

The fear of the unknown can make people hesitant to explore new destinations and prefer the familiarity of their own surroundings. Additionally, some individuals may have anxiety or travel-related phobias that further contribute to their dislike of traveling. Respecting and understanding these concerns is important while encouraging individuals to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new experiences.

The fear of the unknown can be overwhelming and prevent people from fully embracing the joys and experiences that travel offers. Additionally, travel mainstream often involves stepping out of one’s comfort zone and facing new challenges, which can further exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Travel-Related Stress

Travel-related stress can be a significant deterrent for individuals like myself who do not particularly enjoy traveling. The hassle of planning and organizing day trips can quickly become overwhelming, leading to a sense of dread even before the journey begins.

From selecting the destination to arranging the transportation and accommodation, the sheer number of details to be considered can be daunting. The constant need to research and compare options and the additional pressure of making the right choices can quickly drain the joy out of the experience.

Furthermore, transportation and accommodation logistics can be a source of great stress. Coordinating flights, train schedules, or bus routes can be complex, especially when considering connecting flights or layovers. The fear of missing connections or encountering unexpected flight delays can heighten anxiety levels.

Financial constraints

Financial constraints can often hinder individuals from pursuing their travel aspirations. The inability to afford travel expenses, such as flights, accommodation, and activities, can pose significant challenges. Rising travel industry costs and limited financial resources can make it difficult for individuals to embark on their desired journeys.

The high prices of airfare, accommodation, and attractions can quickly add up, leaving potential action travelers discouraged and restricted. Moreover, prioritizing other financial commitments over travel can further exacerbate the situation.

Responsibilities such as mortgage payments, student loans, or family support may take precedence over indulging in leisurely travel experiences. Individuals may face the difficult decision to allocate their limited funds towards essential obligations rather than fulfil their wanderlust.

Health Issues

health issues can often be a cause for concern. Many individuals face physical limitations that make travel difficult or uncomfortable. For those with physical limitations, the thought of enduring long flights or navigating unfamiliar terrains can be overwhelming.

The fear of exacerbating their condition or not having access to the necessary accommodations can prevent them from fully enjoying their travel experience. However, it is essential to note that with proper planning and research. Individuals with physical limitations can still embark on memorable journeys.

Similarly, the fear of falling ill or experiencing medical emergencies while abroad is a valid concern. Different healthcare systems, foreign language barriers, and unfamiliar medical facilities can evoke anxiety in even the most seasoned travelers. However, being well-prepared by obtaining comprehensive travel insurance, and carrying essential medications. Researching medical facilities in advance can alleviate some of these concerns.

Personal Preferences And Priorities

In today’s fast-paced world, individuals have diverse personal preferences and priorities that guide their choices and lifestyles. While many people find joy and fulfilment in exploring new destinations and immersing themselves in different cultures. Some prefer to allocate their time and resources towards other hobbies or interests. These individuals understand the importance of balance and recognize there is more to life than just travel.

For some, stability and familiarity are paramount and take precedence over the excitement of travel. They value the comfort of a routine and find solace in the familiar surroundings of their home and community. Their priority is establishing deep roots and lasting relationships within their immediate environment.

Negative Past Travel Experiences

Unfortunate events during travel can take various forms. It could be as simple as encountering rude and unhelpful staff at airports or hotels, leading to frustration and disappointment. In more severe cases, travelers may find themselves caught in unexpected and dangerous situations, such as becoming a victim of theft or witnessing accidents. These experiences can be deeply unsettling, leaving individuals with a sense of vulnerability and anxiety that persists long after the journey ends.

Anxiety Demotivates Every Time

Anxiety can be a major demotivating factor for people to travel. For many individuals, navigating unfamiliar places, dealing with language barriers, and being away from their homes can trigger unease and worry.

It is important to recognize that everyone’s experience with anxiety is unique, and what may cause anxiety for one person may not affect another in the same way. If anxiety is holding you back from traveling, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional who can provide strategies and techniques to manage anxiety while still allowing you to explore the world.

I Can’t Afford Much For Traveling

One of the main reasons some people may not enjoy traveling is because they feel they can’t afford it. Traveling can be expensive, especially considering the cost of cheap flight, accommodation, meals, and activities. For those on a tight budget, the idea of spending a large sum of money on a trip may seem daunting or even impossible.

However, it’s important to remember that travel doesn’t always have to be extravagant or luxurious. There are many ways to travel on a budget, such as choosing affordable destinations, finding deals on flights and accommodations, and exploring free or low-cost activities in your chosen location. Being resourceful and planning ahead makes it possible to enjoy travel experiences without breaking the bank.

Accumulating Experiences From Other People Is Better Than Traveling

Accumulating experiences from other people is a perspective that some individuals hold when it comes to travel. While it may be true that hearing about others’ experiences can provide insight and knowledge, there are unique benefits to personal travel experiences.

Travel allows individuals to immerse themselves in different cultures, try new foods, and explore unfamiliar landscapes. It provides an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and broadening of perspectives.

Additionally, experiencing the world firsthand can create lasting memories and connections that cannot be replicated through stories alone. Ultimately, while accumulating experiences from others can be informative, there is a richness and depth to travel that second-hand accounts cannot fully capture.

They Have Children

Having children can greatly impact people’s ability and desire for actual travel to travel. Many parents find it challenging to travel with young children due to the logistical difficulties and added expenses involved. Traveling with children often requires careful planning, including finding child-friendly accommodations and activities, packing necessary supplies, and managing the needs and routines of the children.

Additionally, some parents may prioritize stability and routine for their children over the age of travel experiences. As a result, they may choose to limit or postpone their travel plans until their children are older or more independent. It is important to respect individuals’ choices and understand that personal circumstances can greatly influence their attitudes towards travel.

Why Do I Fear Plane Journeys?

For some people, the thought of traveling by plane can be anxiety-inducing. The fear of plane journeys, also known as aviophobia, can stem from a variety of reasons. One common reason is a fear of heights or being in enclosed spaces, which can be exacerbated during a flight.

Additionally, individuals’ lack of control while flying can also contribute to the fear. Turbulence and other unexpected events can make individuals feel helpless and out of control, leading to increased anxiety. It is important to remember that aviophobia is a common fear, and there are strategies and resources available to help individuals overcome this fear and enjoy the experience of traveling by plane.

Why Is The Bus Journey Always Uncomfortable For Me?

For many people, bus journeys can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. There are several reasons why this may be the case. Firstly, buses can often be crowded, especially during peak travel, making it difficult to find a seat or have enough personal space.

Bus seats are not always the most comfortable, with limited legroom and sometimes worn-out cushions. The constant stopping and starting of the bus can also lead to feelings of motion sickness for some individuals.

Finally, the lack of control over the temperature and air travel circulation on a bus can make it challenging to find a comfortable level of warmth or coolness. While bus journeys may not always be enjoyable, there are ways to make them more bearable, such as bringing a cushion or blanket for added comfort and choosing less crowded times to travel.

While traveling can be a life-changing experience for many, it is important to acknowledge that it is not for everyone. People may not enjoy traveling for various reasons, and it is essential to respect those reasons. Whether it be due to financial constraints, personal preferences, or other factors, one’s decision not to travel should be met with understanding and acceptance. We already discussed why i don’t like travel.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what brings value and fulfillment to their entire life, and travel may or may not be a part of that equation. Despite understanding all impediments, they laugh at the person without any reason. People have to understand their feelings.

Is Travel Anxiety Bad?

Yes, travel anxiety can be bad as it can cause significant distress, hinder enjoyment of the trip, and limit one’s ability to engage in new experiences fully.

Why Is Traveling So Difficult?

Travelling can be difficult for several reasons. Firstly, logistical challenges include booking transportation, finding accommodation, and navigating unfamiliar places.

Is It Unhealthy To Travel A Lot?

Traveling a lot can positively and negatively affect one’s health. On one hand, it can lead to increased stress, disrupted sleep patterns, and unhealthy eating habits.

Is It Normal To Not Like To Travel?

Yes, it is normal not to like to travel. People have different preferences and interests; not everyone enjoys or feels comfortable traveling.

How Do I Fix My Travel Anxiety?

Start by acknowledging your fears and understanding that it’s normal to feel anxious before embarking on a journey. Research and plan your trip thoroughly, ensuring you have all the necessary information and resources to feel prepared.

Michael C. Herrera

I’m a travel blogger with a focus on safety. I’ve been to all seven continents, and I love sharing my tips for staying safe while traveling. I also have a lot of experience with travel hacking and finding the best deals on airfare and hotels. My blog features reviews of restaurants, hotels, and attractions around the world.

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Top 10 reasons why people don’t travel (+ how to overcome them!)

From financial constraints to fears of the unknown, there are a myriad of reasons why people don’t travel, with each obstacle presenting a unique barrier to the transformative power of travel. Here are the top 10 reasons why people don’t travel but more importantly – how to overcome them!

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1) “I can’t afford to travel”

Now, I can’t totally debunk this reason as travelling can be expensive, but it’s all about WHERE you go and HOW you choose to travel.

The key is to be flexible. Choosing to holiday in the Maldives in a five star resort during peak season is going to be expensive, so set realistic goals for your travels if you’re on a budget!

If you are on a tighter budget, search for weekend break packages, destinations with cheap short-haul flights and staycations.

Ireland has one of the most beautiful natural landscapes I have ever seen and you know what? My return flights from Manchester cost less than £20! A train to Liverpool from Manchester costs me about that and the cities are only 30 miles a part!

If you’re looking for a summer holiday that won’t break the bank I recommend using travel companies such as Thomas Cook or TUI. They specialise in package holidays with all-inclusive and half-board deals within Europe that keep holiday expenses down.

I booked a no-fuss holiday to Crete for the end of May with TUI, which included two meals per day for eight days, return flights, transfers and a hotel on the beach for only £450! If I hadn’t asked for a beach front hotel it would have cost even less.

As soon as you have established a realistic budget for what you can afford, it’s all about the research. There are some amazing deals to be had, you just have to find the one that suits you best.

Don’t let your budget be the reason you don’t travel.

Get researching into your next dream holiday!

2) “It’s not safe to travel”

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advising you to throw all caution to the wind and set up your sun-lounger in a war zone because you got a good deal on flights!

But I do think that a lot of the time we only associate somewhere with being “unsafe” based on unreliable tabloid headlines and assumptions from people around us.

I grew up in the UAE and because there has been some unrest in surrounding countries in the Middle East in the past (and sadly the present), people have often asked me if it’s safe to travel there.

They see scary headlines, build up the fear in their heads and then decide the entire country is a write off because of it. It’s really frustrating and even more so when people then use that as an excuse not to travel.

At the end of the day, you’re responsible for your own safety so if you don’t feel comfortable going somewhere because of its reputation then don’t go, but please do some proper research first.

Websites such as www.gov.uk are a great place to start as they list every country with up-to-date current affair information and provide recommendations on whether you should travel there or not.

3) “I can’t take time off work”

Work is often one of the main reasons why people don’t travel and as someone who started this travel blog whilst working a full-time job, I can tell you it’s not an excuse!

When I first started Footsteps on the Globe I worked full-time in marketing, ran this blog, had an active social life and I still managed to travel at least once a month.

Whether it be local, within the UK or abroad, I always found the time to seek out new adventures even if I only had the weekend (and most of the time I did!).

Some of my favourite travel memories are from weekends away where I didn’t even have to take any time off work. I left on a Friday night and returned Sunday before the work week started.

I’ve stayed in a treehouse in Wales , visited Amsterdam and Northern Ireland (just to name a few) all over a weekend, without disturbing my holiday allowance or my workload.

This is also a reminder that work is not your life and we have a holiday allowance for a reason and if you haven’t got plans this weekend, go book that mini break – guilt and excuse free!

4) “I don’t have anyone to travel with”

There is a simple solution to this reason not to travel that you may not want to hear. But if you don’t have anyone to travel with, just go alone!

I have travelled solo throughout the UK, South East Asia, the UAE and India and I never would have had these experiences (many backpacking), had I waited for someone to go with me.

I absolutely love travelling solo and have done it at various times in my life, both single and in long-term relationships.

Solo travel gives you a sense of freedom and self-confidence that you don’t get when you travel with others. You also don’t have to compromise on where you go or what you do – you can literally plan your trip as you see fit!

I understand that travelling alone can seem scary and it’s not for everyone. But I would be more scared of the experiences I’d miss out on just because I was too scared to travel alone!

If you haven’t got friends or family that are free to travel with you and you still don’t want to go alone, a great alternative to pure solo travel is to book a group trip with companies like Gadventures.

This gives you the reassurance of travelling with a group (safety in numbers and all that!) with the comfort of knowing that a guide is worrying about the little stressers such as organising transport between destinations and coordinating activities.

5) “I can’t travel because I have kids”

I know what you might be thinking, “you haven’t got kids so how would you know what it’s like to travel with them?”. And you would be right, I don’t have kids. But what I do know is that you can still travel but your travelling style will need to change.

You won’t be able to travel as fast paced or fit everything you need for a week in one backpack like before, but don’t let the fact you have kids deter you from travelling!

One of my long-time favourite travel bloggers, Monica from The Travel Hack is a huge advocate of travelling with kids and has written extensively about travelling whilst pregnant and postpartum with three kids. I highly recommend checking out her blog for advice on travelling with kids!

Another favourite of mine are YouTubers, Wolters World who have travelled with their two children all over the globe since they were born and have a range of videos  on tips and tricks for travelling with children of all ages, all over the world!

If you and your partner love to travel, your little one will undoubtedly too and sharing precious moments together as you introduce them to the world through travel will be one of the greatest adventures of your life!

6) “I’m worried about getting sick if I travel”

I understand that you may be worried about getting sick while travelling. It’s natural to have concerns, especially if you have underlying health issues or are more sensitive to getting sick when travelling abroad.

But rest assured, there are plenty of precautions you can take to minimise the risk of getting sick.

Before going to any destination, make sure you do your research and double check you’re up-to-date with your vaccines.

If you’re based in the UK, most vaccinations are available for free on the NHS (a part from rabies), so it’s well worth booking an appointment with your GP to make sure you’re covered.

Whilst you’re travelling, ensure to prioritise your health by staying hydrated, eating nourishing food, getting enough rest and generally just listening to your body!

Make sure to wash your hands regularly, use sanitiser, wear a mask in crowded places and depending on the destination, avoid eating street food and drinking tap water.

Remember, millions of people travel safely every day! While it’s natural to worry, try to focus on the exciting experiences and unforgettable memories you’ll make.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance that covers any unexpected accidents or illnesses just in case too!

7) “I can’t travel because i’m vegan/ vegetarian/ coeliac”

There’s a big misconception that being vegan, vegetarian or having *insert food allergy here* prevents you from travelling the world. But it’s simply not true!

As a long-time vegan traveller I absolutely love learning about new cultures and places through their vegan food!

The availability of vegan options can vary depending on the destination but I’ve shared some handy tips on this blog which will help you find vegan options wherever you travel to in the world.

If you have food allergies, be cautious of course but don’t let it prevent you from travelling!

8) “I’m just too busy to travel”

I hate to break it to you but we’re all busy! Most people’s days disappear in a blur of working, parenting, errands and house upkeep, but this isn’t your entire life!

If you’re in a hectic stage of your life as a new parent, started a new job or just bought a house, you are legitimately too busy to worry about travel – I totally get it!

All I can do is reassure you that this crazy stage in your life won’t last forever and you’ll eventually have space in your life again once the time is right to start planning your next adventure.

But if you’re constantly using the “I’m busy” reason for not travelling, you’re never going to NOT be busy and you’ll never end up going anywhere.

We prioritise what is most important to us and if travelling is never going to be part of the equation you’ll never go anywhere!

Travelling brings such immense joy and meaning to my life so it has always been a priority for me. Even from the time I started this blog as a hobby when I wasn’t making a penny from it, I prioritised travelling because it made me so happy!

No matter how often or how long you travel for, if you want to make it happen like everything else in your life, you’ll make it happen!

9) “I can’t leave my pets”

I totally get this. I have two adorable cockapoos that are like my children and I find it difficult to leave them every time!

When I went to India backpacking for five weeks, I missed my dogs so much that on days where I felt especially home sick I would ask my boyfriend to send videos of them to cheer me up. I’m such a soppy dog mum!

Having said this, as hard as it is to leave them, I don’t let the fact that I have dogs stop me from travelling and if I get to take them with me, even better!

The trick is to have a solid dog sitting arrangement that both you and your pets are comfortable with. Sites like, Trusted Housesitters offer pet sitting for free in exchange for accommodation and Rover lists hundreds of pet sitters in your area which you can vet and approach for availability.

We’ve luckily never had to pay for kennels for our dogs as we’ve either had a friend who could look after them for a few days or we’ve been able to pay a dog sitter to come and stay in our home with them.

I would recommend getting a housesitter if your pets are used to having you around a lot. They’ll be a lot less stressed once you’re gone if they’re able to stay in their usual home environment.

Pet sitters can be as cheap as £10 per night on Rover depending on the type of pet you have so I highly recommend checking them out and having a read through the reviews to find the right fit for you and your pets!

10) “I like being at home”

This is actually one of the biggest reasons why people don’t travel as often as they could, they just love being home – and that’s fine!

I’m a firm believer that travelling is one of the greatest educators we have at our disposal. It broadens our horizons, gives us a deeper understanding of different countries and cultures as well as cultivates a greater connection with the world around us.

But many people don’t crave new experiences and don’t like the discomfort and stress of travelling to new and far away places.

Regardless of whether you love to travel or not, I always recommend that people push themselves out of their comfort zones. You can’t live your life to the full by staying home in your little bubble.

So even if you don’t love to travel, please make sure you leave the house! But if you DO love to travel, what are you waiting for?  Get researching into your next dream holiday!

What prevents you from travelling – if anything? Let me know in the comments below!

Quick FYI guys – this post contains an affiliate link. I will receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for your support!

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Have you ever been on a long travel vacation having the time of your life and in the flick of a switch feel home-sick and ready to leave? It turns out, you’re not alone.

Whether we are traveling alone sipping a latte in Paris, France or with some friends on the beach touching our toes to the turquoise waters of Thailand, we have all felt this unexplained and slow moving feeling of crumminess.

What makes it so strange is that we’re happy and having fun but… something is just off. After traveling abroad and speaking to hundreds of others who have experienced these exact feelings, I’ve come to call this phenomenon “the mid-trip crisis.”

Why do we feel “the mid-trip crisis?”

A mid-trip crisis arises because the fundamental design of travel does not support a sense of belonging or a sense of purpose, which studies have shown are the two most impactful factors when measuring a meaningful life.

In the book, The Power of Meaning  by University of Pennsylvania Professor Emily Smith, evidence is shown that people who rate their lives with the most satisfaction are people with intense feelings of belonging and purpose: two things that are fundamentally missing in 95% of travel excursions.

Why Does Traveling Lack Belonging and Purpose?

As Smith describes belonging she says; “we need to feel understood, recognized and affirmed, ” and really, we just need to feel heard, by someone.

It’s no secret that traveling can be isolating.

A stereotypical getaway lasts one or two weeks and is jam packed with activities even up until the last hour. Not only does our vacation turn from relaxing to stressful but the transient nature of our vacation gives us no sense of belonging.

We stay in new places and make friendships that last for no more than a dinner or a day until we off to our next, pre-planned activity. Traveling like this guarantees our vacation to be full of surface level relationships, which subconsciously starts to eat at us.

Worse off, we likely can’t keep in touch with anyone back home be it timezone or data troubles. So there we are. Living the life on our travels until day five our brain is like, “Hey bud I want to talk to someone.”

Why hostels don’t fulfill our desire for belonging

The absence of belonging within travel isn’t anything new. This is why hostels exist, this why group travel programs exist, this is why people travel with friends. These alternatives help a lot. But, there are still fundamental flaws to all of these approaches that leave us wanting something else.

Smith’s findings cite that the greatest driver of belonging for humans is when we experience ‘close relationships. ’ Supported by world-class psychologist Roy Baumeister, Smith explains that close relationships are fulfilled through consistent and non-negative interactions.

This is where hostels just do not deliver.

In a hostel, nine out of ten people we meet will be gone in five days giving no hope for consistent intimacy. While hostels are a great place to have some connection, our mind desires consistency and something deeper.

Travel programs are one of the best alternatives but not ideal for many people. Traveling in a group will help fulfill our sense of belonging through close relationships, it makes traveling extremely limited. The fundamental flaw with traveling in groups is it generally contradicts one of the greatest desires of the modern day traveler: to wander.

The definition of wander is “to walk or move in a casual or aimless way.” There is nothing about having your itinerary pre-planned for the next four weeks that fulfills a person’s desire to “wander.”

This is also why traveling with a significant other is called the marriage test … because it’s really freakin’ hard when you both want to aimlessly wander, but in different directions.

In travel, we want the freedom to wander alone, but we also need to experience close relationships to make it past day five.

What do we do?

Let’s first investigate the lack of purpose in traveling, then we’ll tackle solutions for both.

Lacking a sense of purpose while traveling won’t be a surprise to many people, either. While the loss of belonging may be mitigated by sacrificing freedom to travel in a group or staying in a hostel, finding a sense of purpose is much more difficult.

Americans know travel lacks a sense of purpose. This is why we have a travel deficiency . A week in the islands without time spent on our career? Sounds terrifying and purposeless, so we don’t do it.

The problem begins because traveling, at its core, is just an extended weekend. Yes, even if you’re ‘growing your mind’ in southeast Asia. While travel is more socially accepted, it’s basically the same as watching television.

When broken down, travel is just a long period without any sort of work and lots of time spent as the most egregious of consumers. At the end of the day, we are in a tensionless state where all of our time and effort is spent being selfish.

I don’t say selfish in a bad way. But travel and consumption are usually about our fun, our needs, and our wants. And deep down we crave impact and service.

As Smith describes, when others count on us, we feel purposeful. Smith cites research that shows when people begin engaging in lifestyles where no one is counting on us, be it family, co-workers or strangers, our quality of life starts to drop. 

And this is exactly what happens when we travel. We consume and slowly, just as with belonging, our subconscious mind starts to say, “Hey, dude, I am over these temples here in Asia.”

Belonging & Purpose together

As discussed earlier, studies show belonging and purpose are the most influential factors when measuring quality of life. And ironically, when we go on vacation in pursuit of living a life of high quality, we lose those things.

It takes a few days or whole week but our mind picks up on the absence of these things and that’s when the mid-trip crisis will hit and suddenly you start thinking, “okay… I am ready to go home.”

How Do We Solve the Mid-Trip Crisis?

First off, I am not hating on travel. Traveling, or just taking vacation days is well-documented to be beneficial and pretty necessary to a healthy life .

But here’s the thing. The type of travel I just described above is incredibly lopsided and it is massively weighted towards self-indulgence and consumption. Which is also fine.

One of the studies Smith cites in her work actually shows that self-indulgence is critical to enjoying a life of the highest quality. However, they also found people who invest strictly into self-indulgence rated themselves as really happy… for about five days, then their quality of life dropped to the lowest of anyone in the study.

Consider this when we think about “the mid-trip crisis.” When we travel and 90% of our energy is spent self-indulging, life is great, but then after a week or so we start to feel really crappy.

So what’s missing?

In this cited study, the people who ended up having the highest quality of life were those who had both self-indulgence and some sort of purpose in their day.

If you’ve ever heard the term “work hard, play hard,” you now have evidence to support your claim.

Applying this to traveling means: have a ton of fun and do something you care about.

Let’s see what that actually looks like in practice. Below, we have put together a few sample ideas on how you can weave both purpose and belonging into your trip.

Solutions to “the Mid-Trip Crisis”

To solve the issue of the mid-trip crisis and to ensure your travels are infinitely awesome, a few things need to happen. 

First, make sure your trip allows for consistent time for building relationships (belonging). Second, make sure you schedule time for one or two activities that feel purposeful and third, have lots of fun.

As long as you deliver on these three things, you will have an unbeatable travel experience every time, whether it is two weeks or six months.

Having lots of fun while traveling isn’t hard, so I won’t really cover that. Let’s focus on belonging and purpose.

Below, I have accumulated some solutions to both purpose and belonging. Mix and match some of the ideas. Some of them can work together. Each solution delivers on purpose or belonging in a different way, it is your choice on how you want to approach this.

The Solutions:

When traveling in a group, have a defined experience planned:

Traveling in a group helps create a sense of belonging with consistent interaction. However, we lose our sense of freedom. It is shown that a lot of happiness and life satisfaction is based on our expectation of experiences. If you are traveling in a group, book a defined and controlled experience like a safari. This clearly places the expectation for traveling wandering isn’t going to happen.

Do your normal morning routine:

Having our normal morning run, breakfast or reading gives us a sense of normalcy that enables a sense of productivity and purpose for the entire day.

Work remote:

Working remote is a good way to support purpose and maybe belonging. A remote job is going to have limited interaction with coworkers, being in a new country and talking TPS Sheets with Sharon from accounting isn’t going to drive a sense of belonging. However, if you work for a company who lets you work remote for an infinite runway, this can help as you immerse into your travel locations and make friends with locals.

Volunteering is a special type of travel. It can be done on a long-term basis or short-term basis. Volunteering is going to be done in a group so a sense of belonging will arise. Putting in the elbow-grease towards a cause will also support a sense of purpose. And your volunteering doesn’t have to be something altruistic. Volunteer at a winery, restaurant or bar. Putting in hours on anything will help.

Travel for five days only:

Traveling for a shorter amount of time doesn’t really solve a sense of belonging or purpose, but completely avoids needing one. 5-day travel allows you to self-indulge like crazy and come back home before your body realizes it was missing either of the two. 

Travel for six months in 2-3 locations:

Conversely to the above solution, by traveling for long periods of time, we are able to fulfill both belonging and purpose. Traveling long-periods of time helps us feel a sense of belonging as we are able to make friends with locals. Delivering on purpose here is very doable as you will have to adopt some sort of a normal life. Having a routine, picking up a side job, volunteering or working remote will help you feel productive, impactful and purposeful.

The mid-trip crisis won’t apply to everyone. But for a lot of us, it’s a thing and hopefully today these writings are able to supply you with an understanding of why, giving you the power to create travel that fits your needs.

The solutions above are samples and suggestions, there are probably infinite ways to create the travel you want and the travel you need.

Get creative. We’d love to hear what you came up with.

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• Value : The dollar does not go far in many parts of Europe. That was fine when I was partying in Sardinia and expected to pay to play (see Guns & Butter: Porto Cervo, Sardinia Travel Guide (Party Edition) ). But, I’m not motivated to shell out too many euros on gyros just because Greece is open (see Make Corfu Greek Again! How Tourism Ruined an Island ).
• Amateur Hour : The most annoying people during COVID are the ones who say that they can’t wait for this nightmare to be over so that they can get back (emphasis added) to travel. Those people never went anywhere before and the only place they’ll be getting back to is the typical tourist destination e.g., Playa del Carmen. Add in that there are only so many places open and everywhere will look like Vegas on Memorial Day. Think long lines, price gouging, and unsophisticated travelers. Or what I like to call amateur hour. Now picture a place like Dubrovnik which was already overrun by tourists even more packed. No thank you.
• Service : Given the limited options, the concentration of people going, and the need to make up for lost revenue, do you think that service will be better or worse? I would not expect to receive an upgrade at a hotel regardless of status. And I doubt my other strategy, complaining, would get me very far (see Have You Ever Not Complained? ).
• Devaluation: By not going anywhere for over a year (see NYC Twice: A Recap of My 2020 Travels ) I have amassed a small fortune of points. I thought I would be able to find all sorts of deals once the pandemic was over. I was wrong. Airlines and hotels continue to devalue their programs, making those points more precious. I’m not going to blow a night cert on a domestic stay in Chicago because Shanghai is shuttered to the outside world and I want pizza (see The World’s Best Pizza: Chicago Deep Dish Edition ).
• It’s Not First Class : Imagine flying Emirates with no shower? Imagine flying Virgin without being able to congregate around the business class bar (see Virgin Atlantic Upper Class DTW-LHR: Party in the Sky ). What about not being able to smoke a cigar in a lounge (see Champagne, Cigars, Caviar? The Most Clever Lounge Perk )? Does that sound like fun? It does not. Add in plastic cutlery and I might as well eat hummus and carrots at a Delta Sky Club and then fly a no-frills discount carrier to the aforementioned Playa del Carmen (see What’s the Worst Discount Carrier? ).
• No Partying : Some people travel to visit museums. I travel to party. If the club is closed, what will I do? (See The Best Nightclubs in the World. )
• No Socializing : If I’m not making friends at the bar (see Ganbei! The Guide to Making Friends in China ), I am socializing elsewhere. How can that happen with social distancing? There is no fun in going to a new country and not being able to interact with other travelers or local people because of social distancing in restaurants, in the streets, or public bathrooms.

I could end this post by accepting my depression and saying that I will cryogenically freeze myself until this pandemic is over. Unfortunately, I don’t see this coming to an end until the world realizes that it has to vaccinate the poorest countries with as much urgency for us to get back to normal. Instead of giving up on travel altogether, I am going to have to travel to places where these factors are not as big of an issue. These include islands in the Caribbean (see Rum Rum Caribbean Castaway ) where restrictions are lax, nature reserves where I can rediscover my Bhutan happiness , e.g., Galapagos Islands, and Vegas because some hypocrisy is acceptable (see Come See TPOL Perform in Vegas in June! ).

14 COMMENTS

Alabama is open for partying

Good. That gives me only 10 reasons why I don’t want to go there.

There are places to go. You just have to look harder. For instance, Cozumel and Belize are safe and offer value. Both may not be the partying capitals of the world, but both offer oodles of nature instead. And yes, there are travel bargains in both. They may not be sexy destinations to blog about, but there are great times to be had in both places!

Golfing driven trip? Day drinking.

I’m not in any rush to travel after hearing about that fully vaccinated New Zealander who caught COVID while servicing a plane.

If you base your travel habits on every extremely unlikely/rare instance of something bad happening (a plane crashes once in a while) you’ll never leave your home. There are tons of things far worse than catching the dreaded Covid (which odds are if you’re halfway healthy and not 90 years old you’ll never even know you have it unless you get tested) and much more likely to happen. Get a grip people and stop being manipulated by the media.

I agree with you Brady. I don’t give a shit if there’s a TPOL killer variant, I’m done staying inside.

I disagree. It is bad behavior that is spreading Covid. Covid is still spreading and doing bad stuff. When it’s much better, then maybe we can let our guard down but letting our guard down now is like doing so in February 1942 (Pearl Harbor was December 7, 1941. War did not end until 1945)

I also want to travel but I will not be traveling despite Covid vaccination. There is too much Covid out there. Also too many things closed. Also vaccinations are not 100%. If 200M people are vaccinated, 20M may be at risk to Covid and 5M vaccinated people may get it and 50,000 vaccinated people may still die.

If 175M people in the US get vaccinated, Covid will still be very bad because that would mean 165M people not vaccinated.

I respect your decision but I’m not waiting for the war to be over. I gave one year away as we learned about this pandemic. I’m happy to risk it for better or worse. Not waiting until VE day, which will never come as covid is here to stay in one form or another.

And the fact that I like to fly, I would not be able to do so due to the Covid vaccine. There is an excessive amount of Covid . There are still far too many things that have been locked. Vaccinations are still not 100 percent effective.

No vaccine is 100 percent. Enjoy staying home indefinitely

Took a short trip late last month within my country. It was great to get back on a plane. Mask wearing was strictly enforced, except when the meal was served. International travel may be more of a concern right now due to the ever changing nature of this pandemic. Would suggest you travel domestically to a place which isnt a hotbed. Sadly that rules out the party state of Florida.

No thank you. I didn’t travel domestically before. I hate Florida. I despise being told to put on a mask. So yeah, no desire lol

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I Went Traveling And It Wasn’t the Adventure I Hoped For

Are you sitting in your hostel dorm, thinking I went traveling and I don’t like it! 

If you are on a trip asking yourself “Do I hate traveling?” or “Is backpacking not for me?” you’re not alone!

As I went on many backpacking trips over the years, I met several people who didn’t really enjoy their backpacking experience to the fullest. 

Backpacking Europe or SE Asia for months looks like such a dream on social media. However, once you start traveling, you might feel overwhelmed or like the experience isn’t living up to your expectations. 

Let’s jump right into the most common problems with traveling you might experience and how to solve them before declaring you don’t like backpacking and flying back home!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!

Common Problems When Traveling 

Packing your backpack and moving cities every couple of days, realizing you forgot something in your previous accommodation, navigating transportation in a foreign language, meeting new people daily, and having no stability whatsoever.

Long term travel is not a vacation, especially if you are a solo female traveler . 

So, here are some common travel problems you should know about before going backpacking.

Moving Around All The Time Is Tiring

Constantly being on the move, unpacking and packing your backpack , and changing cities can be incredibly exhausting.

Each new location means unfamiliar terrain, different cultural nuances, and inevitable logistical challenges.

This can drain you, both physically and mentally, leaving you longing for some stability and routine.

Hostels Can Be Uncomfortable

If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll spend most nights in a hostel dorm.

Staying in a  hostel dorm means a complete lack of privacy. Even if your roommates are nice and friendly, sometimes you won’t be in the mood to socialize or greet people while heading to the bathroom.

This combination of shared space, limited privacy, and varying hygiene standards can be frustrating if you’re used to having a nice and cozy flat for yourself.

Sometimes We Don’t Meet The Right People

Meeting people as a solo traveler can be difficult.

Sometimes you meet people with whom you simply don’t click, while others can be outright unfriendly and rude. 

There were cities where I didn’t talk to anyone despite staying in a fully booked hostel dorm.

Not having someone to share these incredible experiences can make you feel lonely.  It’s a stark contrast to the vibrant social life you envision when setting off on a backpacking adventure and an aspect of travel that is rarely talked about, but part of the experience.

Some people like traveling with friends more than solo travel , and that’s ok!

Getting Sick While Traveling Sucks

Falling ill while on the road is an experience nobody wants to encounter. In unfamiliar surroundings, it’s much harder than being sick in the comfort of your home. 

Of course, having reliable travel insurance is a must, as it can also be an expensive experience.

When I went backpacking SE Asia for the first time, I got food poisoning. I was lucky to have made a friend who took care of me for the day.

Another time I was sick for almost 10 days in Bali! It took away from the experience and made me miss out on a lot of activities I had planned because I just couldn’t force myself to get out of my room.

Getting sick can make your travels feel like a relentless struggle, dampening your enthusiasm and often making you question whether the journey is worth it.

It’s Hard To Eat Healthy

Maintaining a healthy diet, especially if you’re vegan like me, is another challenge when traveling long-term.

You’ll often find that the best-rated and vegan-friendly restaurants close early or are out of budget, leaving you with limited, and often unhealthy options. When you’re out exploring all day it is easy to skip a meal or eat snacks instead of real food.

Eating out all the time means you don’t really know what is in your food, and you’ll often make unhealthy choices leaving you sluggish and not as energetic as you’d like to be.

Staying Fit Is Challenging

Staying fit while traveling can be hard, especially if you’re used to regular gym sessions or workout classes. Most people completely skip workouts to sightsee or simply due to a lack of access to fitness facilities.

This lack of physical exercise, paired with the unhealthy dietary choices often made on the road, can quickly lead to dissatisfaction with your physical condition and impact your emotional well-being.

Your Skin Can Get Bad

Traveling can also take a toll on your skin. An unhealthy diet, stress, sunscreen combined with sweat, and exposure to different climates and environments can often lead to breakouts . 

I’ve always had problematic skin, and sometimes I get hyper-aware of how bad it looks in photos.

While I don’t let it ruin my trip, these skin issues can negatively impact your self-confidence, adding another layer of stress to the travel experience.

Staying On Budget Can Be Hard

If you spent the last couple of months saving money to travel , you probably have a strict budget to follow. However, maintaining a strict budget while traveling can sometimes lead to missed opportunities.

You may have to forgo cultural experiences like local cooking classes, fun boat tours, or pub crawls due to cost constraints.

These missed opportunities, while helping save money, may rob you of the full richness of the travel experience. 

If you’re only walking around in every city you go to, it might start to feel repetitive and boring. At the same time, going over budget leads to stressing about the money.

Culture Shock Is Real

Finally, traveling to a place with different customs, traditions, and beliefs can lead to a feeling of culture shock. 

If you’re used to walking everywhere and safely crossing the street on pedestrian crossings, the hectic Vietnam traffic and absence of sidewalks might be quite a shock. 

You might feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar cultural norms and practices, which can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety or discomfort. Also, the language barrier can leave you frustrated after the simplest social interaction. 

What To Do If You Feel You Don’t Like Backpacking

Travel burnout is real, and it can happen at any point of your trip and make you feel like you hate traveling. 

So, what can you do to combat travel burnout if you find yourself in this situation? 

1. Stay In The Same Place For  A Week

Taking the time to stay in one place for a week when on a long trip can be a game-changer. It offers a sense of stability that can help recalibrate your mind and body.

I spent about a week in Pai when I was backpacking in Thailand, went on a yoga retreat in Cambodia , and came back to Canggu when I was sick in Bali because it was familiar and easy.

This break from constant motion allows you to delve deeper into the local culture, build connections, and find comfort in a routine. It’s an excellent opportunity to recharge and reflect on your journey so far.

2. Book A Hotel Instead Of A Hostel

Hostel life can be overwhelming. Booking a hotel for a night or two can give you some much-needed privacy and peace.

Getting enough sleep and having some quiet time to yourself can make a world of difference in your overall mood.

You can take a long bath, watch Netflix in bed, order room service, and just relax without any distractions. It’s a small luxury that can make all the difference before restarting your backpacking adventure.

If you can’t afford a hotel, even a private room in a hostel can provide a similar experience!

3. Book Activities You’re Actually Interested In

One thing I’ve heard from people traveling in their 30s over and over again is that they don’t make any meaningful connections with people they meet in hostels.

I think hostels are the best place to make friends as a solo traveler, but you need to stay in the right type of hostel!

Party hostels usually attract people in their early 20s on a gap year who want to party every night.

Yet, I’ve met some of my favorite travel friends in party hostels joining daytime activities organized by the hostel instead of the nightly pub crawl or the beer pong tournament.

Similarly, if you like cooking – go for a cooking class. If you’re an active traveler, book a sunrise hike or a similar activity where you’ll meet others with the same interests!

4. Focus On Eating Healthy

Eating healthy while backpacking is harder than you might expect. 

I had Oreos for breakfast more times than I can count, and I’ll always choose a wrap over a salad after a day of exploring.

However, you’ll quickly notice that if you don’t consciously choose to eat fruit or veggies, you can go days without having any!

Failing to maintain a healthy diet while traveling long-term can result in depleted energy levels, potentially hindering your ability to fully engage in exploration and adventure.

I’m vegan, so I can’t just pop in the first place I see and expect they will have a balanced vegan meal for me. Vegan food in non-vegan restaurants is usually just carbs.

I always have to do a quick research on the Happycow app to locate vegan-friendly places in the city.

I go as far as checking their menu to make sure they have healthy, balanced meals – or vegan junk food and cakes on days when I want to treat myself.

5. Book A Workout Class

If you’re used to regularly going to the gym, stopping abruptly when you’re traveling can be weird. 

An easy way to keep up with your workout routine is to book an accommodation with a gym. However, most hostels don’t have a gym.

So, a fun way to stay healthy and fit while traveling is by booking a workout class. It’s a great way to stay fit and meet locals at the same time.

Some fun activities to consider are Muay Thai classes in Thailand, salsa or other dance classes in Latin America, etc.

6. Join A Yoga Retreat

I like yoga, so joining a yoga retreat was always on my travel bucket list. It’s a great way to slow down and focus on yourself and your body during a long trip.

There are yoga retreats all over the world from Bali to Costa Rica, and most last 5-7 days. You can probably easily fit that when planning your trip itinerary .

I spent 3 days on a yoga retreat in Cambodia while backpacking SE Asia. It was my first retreat, so I didn’t want to overcommit.

However, it was a fantastic experience where I had time to relax and reflect on my trip, and I’m adding another one to my next trip!

7. Try Journaling

Journaling is one of my favorite relaxing activities, and it has truly changed my outlook on life.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know what to do, I suggest you find a calm spot and try writing it out.

There are many different ways to go about journaling. 

You can write down your struggles without judgment and holding back. Alternatively, you can reflect on the things you’re grateful for. You can even use guided journal prompts or prompts that focus on self-discovery and personal growth.

Whichever method you choose, putting your thoughts and feelings on paper can help bring clarity and reduce stress. Plus, it’s a great way to document your journey!

8. You Actually Like Your Everyday Life And That’s OK

While realizing you don’t like backpacking while in the middle of a multiple-month backpacking trip might be frustrating, there are also some benefits.

Maybe you’ve discovered that you prefer a more stable routine, or that you like the life you built for yourself at home. That’s okay!

Travel is all about self-discovery and learning what works best for you.

Instead of trying to force yourself to enjoy every aspect of backpacking, embrace the parts that truly make you happy and find ways to incorporate them into your everyday life at home.

So don’t be afraid to take breaks from backpacking and explore other aspects of travel that may bring you joy.

Final Thoughts

Finally, it’s not unusual to encounter challenges and feel like you’re not enjoying traveling while you’re on the road.

There are many ways you can take time to relax and regroup!

You can try journaling, changing your itinerary from popular backpacking destinations to remote yoga retreats, or even taking breaks, you can navigate through these times.

Backpacking is not for everyone, so if you realize you prefer sunset cruises in Santorini to night buses in Vietnam, that is completely fine!

So, if you feel overwhelmed or like you just don’t like traveling, remember travel is not just about exploring new regions or cultures; it’s also a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. 

Natali is the founder of She's Abroad Again. She is a solo female travel and backpacking expert who traveled to more than 30 country over 3 continents, mostly solo and on a budget! She is a lawyer turned travel blogger as she traded long office hours in Croatia for a digital nomad life and currenly calls France her home.

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I Don’t Like to Travel (Tips on Overcoming Fear of Traveling)

by Hammad Ur Rehman | Nov 29, 2021 | Travel Guide | 1 comment

If you don’t like to travel, you’re not alone. But it’s a bit of a shame since there are so many amazing and unique places to visit in this world.

Some people don’t like to travel because they think they are too boring, not adventurous enough, or simply can’t afford the trip. But in reality, it’s because of their mindset and how they view traveling. Many people think traveling is overrated or they don’t like to travel because they are afraid of the unknown.

In this article, we will talk about why some people don’t like to travel and how you can overcome your fear by changing your outlook on traveling.

Some Common Reasons People Don’t like to Travel

People don’t like to travel for a number of reasons . Here are just some of those reasons:

They hate flying:

A lot of people are afraid of flying, whether it’s because they’re scared the plane will crash or their fear of heights. Flying can be one of the most unsettling experiences for people.

They are afraid of the unknown:

People who don’t like to travel are often scared of what they might experience when traveling to a different country. They think of all the bad things that might happen and how they will have no one to help them out if something does go wrong.

Fear of getting lost:

People often don’t like to travel because they think they will get lost in a foreign country. They’re afraid that if they do get lost, no one will understand them or be able to help them get back home.

They hate the change in their routine:

People don’t like to travel because they get used to their daily routine and hate how it is disrupted when traveling. They prefer things to be consistent and when that changes, they get stressed out and overwhelmed.

They Hate Packing:

People hate to travel because they think it’s such a hassle having to pack everything for travel and make sure you have all your documents for the trip and that you have all the right clothing for each destination.

They hate planning:

Another reason for not liking traveling is that many people think that they can’t plan things out well enough. They have a difficult time figuring out where they want to travel and what things they want to do at their destination.

Too Lazy to Travel:

Another reason people don’t like to travel is that they just don’t want to. They’re too lazy and would rather stay home on the couch watching TV.

How can you overcome your fear of traveling?

Now that we know the different reasons people don’t like to travel, we’re going to talk about what you can do if that is you. If you find yourself saying “I don’t like to travel” or “I’m too afraid of traveling”, then you are not alone. Traveling can be a bit scary. But, there are ways to overcome your fear and start traveling the world!

Here are some tips to overcome the fear of traveling:

Start small:

If you’re really nervous about traveling, then start small. Travel to a nearby city or state and get rid of your fear of traveling on a plane. Then, move onto bigger and more exciting trips!

Look on the bright side:

When you’re out traveling, there’s no telling what could happen. That means it’s also impossible to know how great the experience will be until you’re already out traveling. So, why not think of traveling as a way to discover new things about yourself and the world? Also, most people who travel will tell you that even the worst trips can turn out to be great with the right mindset!

Travel with groups:

If you’re nervous about being out in a foreign country on your own, then don’t be. You can find groups through the internet or even your local travel club! This can be a great way to meet new people who are just as interested in traveling as you are.

Take one day at a time:

If you’re nervous about traveling, then don’t think about the entire trip. Instead, focus on the day you have ahead of you and take things one day at a time. This will help you stay calm and make your trip less stressful.

Be open to new things:

When you’re traveling, you’re going to be exposed to new things. That means you need to be open-minded and not judge these new things before you experience them. Try to look at the world in a different way and be okay with not having everything figured out.

Be confident:

A lot of people who don’t like to travel lack confidence. They feel as though they can’t do it and that’s why they stay home. But, when you travel, you’re taking control of your life and doing something for yourself! Be confident in your abilities and focus on the positive reasons you’re traveling and how it will benefit your life.

Be patient:

If something goes wrong when you’re traveling, don’t panic. Try to relax and keep calm. You can’t predict what will happen when you’re traveling, so just accept that there is always the chance something might go wrong.

As you can see, there is nothing to be afraid of. The world is a big place with millions of amazing experiences that are waiting to be had. You just need to get yourself out there and start traveling!

Final Thoughts

There are many reasons why people don’t like to travel. Some of them include feeling lost and confused, having a stressful and busy life, and lacking the motivation to do it. If you hate traveling you have to overcome your fear of traveling and realize that you truly can travel the world.

If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends! Also, if you have anything to add or any tips on overcoming your fear of traveling, then leave them in the comments below!

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Top 5 reasons why people don’t travel

Our most popular blog post on the site has been about the top 5 reasons why people travel . In fact, if you Google ‘why people travel’ this post is the first result.

But it got me thinking… why don’t people travel?

It can be tempting to stay at home when this is your local beach – but I managed to travel regardless!

At first I struggled to think of reasons. I mean, travelling is what I live for. There’s nothing like the excitement I feel when the plane lands in a new place to explore. All I can think, “Where do I explore first?”

But I realise that’s not the case for everyone. And I’ve been investigating why people don’t travel. So here they are.

Top 5 reasons why people don’t travel:

1. “i don’t have enough money”.

“You must be so lucky to be rich enough to travel the world all the time.”

This is the most common phrase people say to us, somewhat enviously, when we’re travelling.

But the truth is – we’re not rich! We travel on a minimal budget thanks to our house sitting assignments, love of cooking over eating out, and other money-saving schemes. In all honesty, we could probably travel even cheapier if we were more spendthrift but sometimes we enjoy ourselves too much.

We don’t have a fancy dining room like this – in fact we don’t have a dining room!

The one thing we have in common with many other long-term travellers, however, is that we made a targeted goal to save money for our trip, we put our minds to it, and we saved up the cash. Not only that, but we work hard at this blog and make a little money from it, as well as from freelance writing assignments.

The year is 2014. You don’t have to be rich to travel.

There are numerous ways to travel on a budget. There are cheap flights to take, hostels to stay in and street food vendors to buy from.

If anyone says they can’t afford to travel then they’re not trying hard enough to save.

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2. “i have children”.

OK, so we don’t have children, so I can’t speak from that point of view.

Yes, we understand, long car trips with children can certainly be tough… but do it anyway!

However, many people say that they ‘can’t travel’ because they have a baby. In fact, my mother-in-law even told me once that it’s ‘not fair’ to take a baby on a plane, for both the baby and the people on the flight.

But is that any way to live? Limiting what you can do because you have a child? Is it a reason why people don’t travel?

I have a French friend whose baby probably has more stamps in its passports than most Americans. Her and her partner have hiked mountains, road tripped through the US and relaxed on beaches around the world, all with their baby in tow.

Not to mention there are a number of travel bloggers, like Y Travel and The Nomadic Family , who travel with their children. Which is pretty inspiring and awesome.

But if they can do it, who’s to say that you can’t?

3. “I’ve got a mortgage and a job”

Some people view having a mortgage as tying them to a place, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. We know many travel bloggers like Grown Up Travel and Never-Ending Voyage who have mortgages that don’t stop them from travelling.

If you want to travel long-term, why not rent out your place? Perhaps the rent might cover your mortgage and some of your travel costs. (In fact, sometimes we do wish we were home owners for this very reason!)

Perhaps you have a fancy backyard that rivals this hotel’s. And perhaps you’d rather sit there than at a hotel’s. Fine!

Or if you’re going on a short term trip and have pets that need looking after, why not try house sitting? You can get someone to live in your house while you’re away, looking after your pad and taking care of your pets at the same time.

Recently we met a couple in Seattle who’d both taken six months off work to travel around South America for their honeymoon.

I asked them how they got their bosses to be so flexible.

Their response?

“We just asked and they said yes.”

Because the thing is, if you’re good at your job your bosses will let you take the time off to travel the world. Sure, it’ll most likely be un-paid but at least you’ll have a job to go back to upon your return.

And if your boss doesn’t let you go, quit your job and travel anyway. Don’t let your job hold you back – there will always be another job out there for you.

And who knows? Perhaps it’ll be better than the one you currently have.

Who wouldn’t want to travel when you can visit places like this? (Woodstock in New Hampshire.)

4. “I’m scared”

Fear. It really can control us if we let it. And it certainly can be a reason why people don’t travel.

I remember getting on plane to Paris as a 15 year old, going to live in France for a year on my own. It was on a student exchange programme. I didn’t know any French beyond the words, “oui” and “bonjour”.

The fear gripped me at the airport and I sobbed all the way onto the plane.

It was the best year of my life.

With my French host mum Mimi – we’re still close to this day

It sure was challenging at times but it was also life-changing and I came back focused and with my passion for travel firmly cemented inside me.

My dad says I came back “a better human being” and he’s probably right.

Nothing profound but I most likely would’ve been pregnant at 16 and dropped out of school if it wasn’t for that experience.

So don’t let fear control you. Step outside of your comfort zone. Travel the path less trodden. You’ll feel rewarded and you might just learn something too.

5. “I just don’t want to”

Fair enough. You have no desire for travel. You don’t like exploring the world and different cultures don’t interest you.

Some people just don’t have a desire for travel, and that’s ok. It’s not the path for everyone.

I used to get frustrated at my friends who didn’t travel, thinking “WHHHHHHHHHHY?!” But then I came to the conclusion that not everyone is as passionate about travelling as I am. They are passionate about other things.

And that’s completely ok too.

Why do you think people don’t travel?

About the author

Carmen has been nomadic since May 2013 and the co-founder of Double-Barrelled Travel. She loves experiencing new cultures and learning new languages. She is having the most fun when skiing down a mountain, scuba diving in the Caribbean or curled up with a good book.

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I Hate Traveling Solo—And I’m Totally Okay With That

By Candice Rainey

A couple of years ago, when I was the executive editor of Condé Nast Traveler , I copped to loathing solo travel in the middle of a meeting with several other travel editors, most of them women. This was post Women’s March, pre #metoo, and the collective reaction could only be described as “stunned.”

I get it. After all, this was a time when we were exerting independence in every facet of our lives. Moving confidently through the world felt urgent. Necessary , even. So when I admitted I wasn’t a fan of traveling by myself despite being an independent 40-year-old woman, and a travel editor no less, it came off as if I was actively dodging empowerment. Or worse, that I didn't know how to be alone. That’s not my problem. Like most writers, I require pockets of time by myself and have no trouble filling hours alone. Organizing my closet and blowing through the entire Haim catalogue on Spotify is my high church.

But for me, traveling solo has never been empowering, much less restorative. If anything it feels like painful work—like therapy that’s not going well. When I’m in an unfamiliar place by myself for a stretch, I’m hilariously incapable of exuding worldly swagger. I’ll research my brains out and make plans to experience whatever city I am in—locking in the of-the-moment restaurant reservation, figuring out what museum to hit, where to get that afternoon macchiato in that burgeoning, cool-kids neighborhood—and then promptly second guess all of those plans, with nobody to talk me out of bailing on them, and retreat to my room early to polish off a few mini bottles from the hotel mini bar and binge-watch Netflix on my iPhone.

Once, when I was in London on assignment, I decided last minute to head to Somerset by train (which is saying a lot since cracking train travel has never been my strong suit). The plan was to stay one night at a pretty country-estate hotel surrounded by seemingly endless fields of tall grass and hulking majestic trees that looked more like hyperrealistic drawings. It was all painfully beautiful and it was a privilege to be there, but no matter what I did—drank a pint by myself in the bar, read a book on an overstuffed lawn chair, swam in the indoor/outdoor infinity pool—I couldn’t...settle. I kept thinking about what it would be like to come back here with my daughter and husband, and dedicated way too much headspace to what my dog was doing (sleeping on my side of the bed most likely, not thinking about me). I skipped dinner, holed up in my room, and stayed up far too late watching a bad movie before leaving early the next morning, not even giving the claw-foot soaking tub a whirl.

It hasn’t gone like that on every trip—sometimes I’ll go somewhere alone, muscle through, and come back feeling wrung out, in a good way, because I was able to take care of myself and all of my appendages, including my iPhone. Feeling capable is utterly satisfying. But I’ve also not taken assignments, like gorilla trekking in Rwanda , because the thought of preparing for and experiencing that kind of herculean adventure by my lonesome fills me with paralyzing, mood-killing dread. Whereas if I have someone to share the anticipation and fear with—and stoke my Gorilla-loving fires—well, go ahead and count me in.

As the number of female solo travelers continues to rise (in 2018 British Airways found that more than 50 percent of the 9,000 women surveyed had taken a solo vacation, with 75 percent planning solo trips in the near future) it’s embarrassing to admit you’re a reluctant solo traveler in a time when other women seem to be ticking off their bucket list destinations on their own—and with a palpable fervor. But I don’t apologize anymore for it. What I realized is that I love to travel because it imprints you in a way that a million hot yoga classes, or juice cleanses, or work or whatever else we are organizing our lives around at the moment never can. And for me, to really sink into a place and come back changed, jolted even, I need someone to share it with. If that makes me less of a badass explorer, I can live with that.

In fact, I’ve given myself permission to never have to travel solo again if I don’t want to. Which is exactly why, when I landed a dream assignment to drive 1,200 miles around Portugal —in an Alfa Romeo, no less—I did what any respectable, independent woman would do. I called my mom.

My mom and I drank too much Port and held our breaths as we inched our way down medieval cobblestone streets in a very expensive rental, where we definitely left pastry crumbs behind. That’s a trip I’ll remember for the rest of my life. And isn’t that the whole point of going anywhere? To remember it not solely for the anxiety or loneliness you felt awash in, but for the connection you made to other humans. One that would have never happened had you not been some other place than home.

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The Middle of Somewhere: Why I Hate to Travel

It’s a little early to call it a phenomenon or a syndrome or even a drift, but when i admit, sign up for our daily newsletter.

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Ten years ago, disliking travel branded you under some dullard’s version of Megan’s Law. The admission hot-wired people’s nervous systems: eyes zoomed in and dollied out on you; delete buttons fired in whatever part of the brain controls dinner-party invitations; body language suddenly spoke fluent English: You hate travel? You hate travel? You hate travel ?

Yes and yes and yes but … times are changing. People seem more tolerant of the hunkered down. They’ve gained an empathy for inertia freaks. Some have even slouched toward the “staycation,” a handy detour around the shame of parochialism. Not long ago at a super-high-thread-count dinner party in Martha’s Vineyard (O.K., I went to Martha’s Vineyard—I’ll explain later), a woman said to me, “I still like travelling but sometimes it’s like marriage … not all it’s cracked up to be.” I half-jokingly, or three-eighths jokingly, said I didn’t know that either were cracked up to be much and … she smiled. No really, I’m pretty sure she smiled.

At first knee-jerk, reasons for a travel backlash are splashing everywhere: recession, 9/11, gas, brawny euros, scrawny dollars, malaria, aisle seat fees, security-gate shoe-removal. “ One wacko booby-traps his Nikes and we have to remove our shoes for eternity? It’s sick. ” Yes, getting there is half the agony. Being there is the other half.

Popular bothers aside, my travel problem is more internal: I just don’t like going anywhere. As an aspiring agoraphobic, I like being home. The sweet habit of home holds life’s potential. Preferring to be available to my own life, I’m pretty sure news about an optioned screenplay won’t reach me in Tuscany. It doesn’t reach me at home, either, but at least here, self-delusion makes some sense. Other people may like being in the middle of nowhere. Not me. And my atlas shows maybe four places in the world that aren’t in the middle of nowhere.

And yet, people continue to ask, what about daring adventure? Well, when wars break out, I do envy those action-junkie photojournalists snapping away through sniper fire then hurdling headlong into desperate combat romances, but those aren’t the adventures we’re discussing here. We’re on the level of an Antarctic eco-tour, which is just running away from oneself for two weeks of life on gelid hold. And anyway, as Eudora Welty said, “… all serious daring starts from within.” Granted, just because Eudora Welty said it doesn’t mean it’s true, but in this case, I really think she was on to something.

People then ask about the oxymoronic concept of a pleasure trip (and I’m not so sure of the oxy part). Here, the implications are twofold: Home lacks pleasure, a dreary scenario only exacerbated by resorts with better amenities than your own home; and that a change of scenery does a person good. In Normandy (O.K., I went to Normandy), I learned that the French refer to such travel as a way to “ change les idées ”—change your ideas. Granted, just because the French say it doesn’t mean it’s wrong, but in this case, I really think they’re wrong.

Case in point, a few years ago, yoga freaks everywhere seemed to be lugging their purple mats to India precisely to “change les idées.” I was asked along on several such trips but declined. India is no doubt fascinating and the people sound very nice over the phone but … thanks for asking and godspeed. As it turned out, the only changes in ideas I heard from returning travelers dealt with multiplying the recommended dosage of Imodium. The best idea was an advanced formula called Explodium.

On the upside, I learned enough about India to close my eyes and convince myself I went there and never needed to go back. One imagined trip was enough. Really, it’s staggering how much you can learn about the world by avoiding it. Without moving a muscle, I know St. Bart’s is “so restful,” Machu Picchu “so transcendent” and the Masai “so cheerful.” I don’t see why I have to confirm it all firsthand. You’ve rated the hotels, reviewed the meals, described the felonious cab drivers … why see the movie? Which exposes another dimly lit truth: The high point of any trip is when it’s over . People like travel but they love saying, “I just got back from Uruguay.” With open access to exotic locales, travel has become a seedy form of exhibitionism, more something to recount than experience. I know this because I’m as guilty as anyone.

A few years ago I went on what others referred to as “a vacation” to Vietnam. (O.K., I also went to Vietnam.) Back home, everyone got a dose of “I just got back from Vietnam.” They’d ask how I enjoyed the trip and I’d say, “Actually, I don’t know what all those Vietnam veterans were whining about…I had a great time.”

• SEE ALSO : Flockhill Unveils the Latest Vision in Ultra-Luxe New Zealand Lodging

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I Don't Want To Travel

Author, Farmer, Falconer

If you want to feel out of place tell your friends you don’t want to travel. The looks you’ll receive in return will run the gamut from shock and disgust to quiet pity. Admitting this is pretty much declaring ignorance and isolationism. It’s tripping down the stairs while crawling back into your doomsday bunker. Good, self-actualized people travel. If they don’t, they want to.

Somehow getting on a plane and going far away became the highest form of purchasable enlightenment. To experience real life is to experience it somewhere else. As a homesteader I chose the opposite. I haven’t left this farm for a single night in over five years, but I think my experiences have been just as life changing as the inkiest passport.

To love travel is to love the feeling of being uncomfortable in a controlled environment. It’s a very expensive roller coaster ride. You board the plane knowing that maybe some new experiences will slide out of your comfort zone, but they are still choices you made. We’ve all seen the Instagram feeds of zip lines, SCUBA dives, long hikes, and drinks on the beach. Whatever the itinerary it’s understood there’s a safe hotel room booked, plenty of cash set aside for meals, and soon they’ll be home again to explain how the temperature of beer served in restaurants varies based on country.

I see these pictures and feel no sense of envy or desire. I always saw travel as something anyone can do with enough money, time, and the wits to book a flight. By its nature travel is flirting. There is no commitment to the destination, only pleasure. Guest is a title travelers learn to accept. That word makes me cringe.

If travel is being recreationally uncomfortable in a controlled environment ― I chose the opposite. I’ve spent half a decade being cozy in a very volatile environment. I nested hard on a few acres on the side of a mountain. I run a four-season livestock farm alone.

“If travel is being recreationally uncomfortable in a controlled environment -- I chose the opposite.”

Imagine taking yourself out of your regular career and landing on a mountain farm with a flock of sheep. You have lambs to raise, a horse to ride, pigs to butcher, poultry to sell, vegetables to grow, honey to harvest. All without a spouse, children, or family members. It’s just you and the network of fellow farmers and friends you managed to cultivate. Now throw in hobbies like falconry, fly fishing, river swimming, archery, home brewing and the fiddle. Welcome to your new jobcation! Now don’t leave for 20 seasons and see what kind of person you turned into after all that. Beer temperatures vary based on exhaustion levels.

Both sides sound romantic and unrealistic to most people. Few can afford the time or money to travel the world or buy Heidi’s Grandfather’s place on the side of a mountain and get rid of their cell phone. The traveler and the homesteader are two sides of the same escape fantasy. Rivendell or the Shire? Do you want to relax around a different culture without responsibility or dig into your own so deep you’re weeding your tomatoes for fun?

I see how people could assume my farm is a cage. Some bluntly call it that to my face, which is a funny thing to hear from grown humans who will get in trouble with another adult if they aren’t sitting in a particular chair on Monday morning...

I don’t want to work a job I tolerate just to afford two weeks of entertained distraction from the previous fifty. If that means choosing this life that doesn’t allow travel, so be it. This place feeds me, needs me, and keeps me learning from mistakes while celebrating constant resourcefulness. It taught me what I am capable of and how strong I can be.

My vacations instead come two hours at a time every day. I can leave my computer to ride my horse up mountain trails or gear up for a hunt with my hawk . I can choose to take a ten mile run across the landscape I know as well as the sidewalks I strolled to school on as a child. I can nap in a hammock, pour a drink, or watch a movie. Not as sexy as a story about band I loved in a Dublin bar, but tangible every single day. I chose commitment over flirtation. I am not a guest.

“Travel if you want to. Don't travel if your couch makes you happier. No one is winning if they're chasing someone else's idea of happiness even if they were tricked into thinking it was their own”

Travel if you want to. Don’t travel if your couch and a Game of Thrones marathon makes you happier. No one is winning if they’re chasing someone else’s idea of happiness even if they were tricked into thinking it was their own.

The truth is you can’t buy enlightenment from a travel agent or harvest it from vegetables in your own backyard. We grow slowly over time. It doesn’t matter if you’re in an Ashram or Akron ― becoming a better person is putting in the work of getting older. For some it’s raising babies. For others it’s taking up politics, art, athletic endeavor or public service. Finding what you want out of life and working to keep it is the trick, without being sold any fantasy as salvation. You can’t speed up life lessons by changing your coordinates or refusing to chart them in the first place. But you can feel happiness if you learn how to eventually read your own damn compass.

Mine points to here.

Jenna Woginrich farms in upstate New York and blogs regularly at Barnheart.com

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Hate Traveling Alone? Great Tips to Save Your Trip

January 26, 2024 by Tracey Nesbitt

Let's be honest: not everyone is going to love solo travel. Some people are going to hate traveling alone–at least in the beginning.

There are lots of reasons for this but they don't all have to do with the solo part of travel. Not every destination is going to meet our expectations. Not every hotel or resort will be as good as it looks online. And sometimes, things just don't go according to plan.

What then? What do you do if you're not enjoying your trip? Here are some factors to consider, some common situations that are easily remedied, and some tips to help you salvage your trip.

Table of Contents

Do You Really Hate Traveling Alone or Could It Be Something Else?

It's possible solo travel is not for you but it's also possible that there are other issues at play. Check in with yourself. What is really going on?

• Are you under the weather? Travel can take a toll on the body. From the dehydration that can come from air travel to jet lag (more on that below) to eating unfamiliar foods and from lack of sleep to drastic weather changes to hunger, there are all sorts of things that could be unsettling your system while also affecting your mood. Take care of yourself so you can focus on enjoying your journey.
• Not sure where to start? When arriving in a new destination it can be hard to choose from all the options for things to see and do. You want to see it all, but where to begin? Try a hop on-hop off bus tour. They are great for allowing you to get the lay of the land in a new city. They also require very little of you: just sit back; listen to the commentary, whether live or recorded; watch the city unfold in front of you; and make mental notes of places you will return to later to explore in depth.
• Could you be experiencing jet lag? Crossing time zones can wreak havoc on your system, and the more time zones crossed, the worse the potential impact. It's not just disrupted sleep patterns you may have to contend with but also trouble concentrating or staying alert, upset stomach, headache, fatigue, and just a general feeling of not being well. Go easy on yourself, check out our tips for dealing with jet lag , and things may look much brighter once you've adjusted to your new time zone.
• Are you worried that things are not going according to plan? I'm going to let you in on a secret; they often don't. And that's okay! Flexibility is key . If you have laid out a structured itinerary for your trip, try making space for spontaneity. Let go of some of your expectations and go with the flow, see what the day brings.
• Is it loneliness? It happens! Of course it does. Whether it's your first solo trip or your twenty-first, loneliness can creep up out of the blue. Maybe you need a moment to connect with someone at home, to make you feel less alone. Text a friend or set up a Zoom call with a family member–an encouraging one. Or put yourself in a position to meet new people. Taking a walking tour or a cooking class will introduce you to other travelers (maybe ones who are feeling as you are), new ideas, and people to share a meal or a coffee with. It might be just what you need! You may discover that you don't hate traveling alone at all. You'll find lots more tips in this article: How to Travel Alone Without Being Lonely: 10 Tips and 6 Short Stories .
• Overwhelmed? Not sure where to start? Although this can feel isolating in the moment, rest assured that this is very common, even for experienced solo travelers who love traveling alone. Ironically, I sometimes have trouble getting myself out of bed on the first day of a trip I have looked forward to for a long time. You want to make the most of it, experience every wonderful thing about a destination–it's almost like you're afraid you won't do it perfectly. I have found that the best solution to this is to throw yourself into something structured that gives you a time and place to be, where someone else will direct things and you can go with the flow. In my case, it is often a food walking tour. It gets me out onto the streets, I start to get a feel for the layout of the city, I meet other travelers, and I learn a lot about the culture through the history and anecdotes provided by the guide. By talking to the other travelers, you get ideas for things to see and do; you can pick the brain of the leader to get local recommendations; and your meals for the day are sorted, because after a food tour, I've never been able to eat for the rest of the day. Choose something you're passionate about and I guarantee it will shake you out of that initial frozen state and set you on a course to enjoy the rest of your trip.

If You Don't Like the Destination

Maybe the issue is less that you hate traveling alone and more the destination. No one is going to love every place they go. Here are some things you can do if you're just not feeling it.

• Be patient . Sometimes it just takes a little time to find your way into a destination. There's no obligation to hit the ground running as soon as you land. There is much to be said for sitting back and observing a new place for a while before plunging in.
• Conversely, act quickly . Now this may sound quite contrary to my first piece of advice but under certain circumstances it makes perfect sense. If you are a seasoned traveler and have a multicity itinerary, just move on. There's lots to see within any country as well as on every continent. If you you find yourself in a place that, for whatever reason, is not to your liking and you have the means (a car or rail pass) move on. Don't waste precious travel time in a place you don't like.
• Do some quick research. This is where those 10-Best lists can really come in handy. The Internet is full of posts offering the 10 best of this and the 10 best of that. Google the top things to do in your destination and you'll likely find something that catches your interest. Scroll to the top of this page and do a search on your destination to see if we or one of our readers has been there and made suggestions. Grab a local newspaper or entertainment publication and look for local events. I once saw a play at a community center in Belfast that rocketed me into what was happening around me and gave me a peak into local life. While big productions can also be wonderful, this really made an emotional connection to the destination for me.
• Get off the resort . If you're on a resort holiday for a little R & R, maybe you have found that the resort is not what was promised. Humidity in resort islands demands a lot of upkeep in resorts. If yours hasn’t been maintained as well as it should be, it can be a little depressing. Being surrounded by couples and families might make you feel like you hate traveling alone, but don't fret! Get off the resort and explore. People warned me that I would hate spending a week at a resort in Cancun, but I didn't have a chance to because I balanced relaxation with exploration. Here are some tips you may find useful, along with a list of resorts with minimal or no single supplements: Going to a Resort Alone: How to Enjoy an All-Inclusive Solo .
• Find what the locals love . Ask everyone you meet what they love about their home town, and what they love to do there. I once asked this question of a server at a cafe in Dublin and he took a break to sit down with me for ten minutes and recommend his favorite things to do in the city. He even circled them on a map for me! That's how I came to discover that the Museum of Literature Ireland is much more than just the exhibits. You can read more about that here: Solo in Dublin: A Fantastic Destination to Explore .
• Speak up. If there's a problem that can be addressed right away, speak up and ask for it to be fixed. Ask for a room away from that noisy party or reschedule your excursion for when you've recovered from jet lag. If a fix isn't possible but compensation is, do the leg work you need for that.

What If You Don't Like Solo Travel?

• Be patient. Again, patience helps. If this is your first time traveling solo you have to get used to being by yourself, to taking care of everything by yourself, eating alone, and more. It takes a little time to get used to that. You need enough time to get there, be excited, wonder what you were thinking going solo, and then come out on the other side – as you almost certainly will. With a bit of patience you will be able to relax into the solo experience. Read  First Time Solo Travel: Tips for Newbies .
• Join a tour. It could be for a couple of hours or a few days–whatever suits you. You could take a different day tour every day, according to your interests. If you feel that you hate traveling alone but you're not ready to abandon it altogether, try going solo on a group tour for your next trip. We have so many options right here on our site, and the list is updated every month. And the best thing about this list? Each of the trips has from zero to a maximum 20% single supplement, a far cry from the typical double charge. Browse the full list on our deals page , search according to your specific criteria here , or sign up for our mailing list and we'll send it directly to your inbox as soon as it's updated each month.
• Ask for help. Reach out through your network and on social media for support. Connect with our Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Here's a post that was inspired by a reader who did just that: Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Conquer First-Day Solo Travel Anxiety .
• Know that you're not alone . Solo travel is many wonderful things. But it can also be challenging and difficult at times. Many people find solo travel a bit stressful but our community has shared their solutions. Here are some expert tips: Stress-Free Solo Travel: Advice from Experienced Travelers .

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Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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What To Do When Your Partner Doesn’t Like Traveling (But You Do)

What do you do when your partner doesn’t want to travel? This article will show you four straight-forward things you can do if your partner doesn’t like traveling.

It can be difficult for us, travel addicts and adventure lovers, to understand why not everyone sees our lifestyle’s appeal. Who wouldn’t love to see new sights every day, to see a different country each week, or to meet new people from all over the world? As hard as it may be for us to relate, many people just don’t enjoy traveling. 

If you are in a relationship with someone who doesn’t like traveling, this can cause a few issues. However, there are still ways to make things work for both of you! In this guide, we have explored what to do when your partner hasn’t caught the travel bug!

1. Test the water with a short getaway together

If your partner has never traveled before or traveled very little, he might have preconceived notions of what it is like. He may have the idea that travel is not much fun , tiring, or boring. While this may simply be a matter of opinion, he might have simply never had the chance to try it!

There are plenty of things that I assumed I wouldn’t like until I was persuaded to try them. I’m sure you can think of examples where this has happened to you. For instance, until I was twenty-one, I thought I hated electronic music . Since reluctantly agreeing to tag along with a friend to see a techno set at a festival in Spain , I’ve been a regular raver and end up dancing on a podium with glow sticks at least once a month!

If your partner has low expectations of traveling, you might be able to prove otherwise. You probably shouldn’t dive straight into a months-long expedition with them. Still, you can probably persuade them to test the waters a little. Why not start with a short day trip with a romantic picnic surrounded by nature? Or a week away somewhere a little more adventurous than they are used to can give your partner a taste of the travel life without asking him (*see note on gender) to make a big commitment. 

This exact thing happened to me with my current partner: when we met, he had never traveled abroad, and the idea had never appealed to him. However, when we went for our first weekend trip together, it was a real eye-opener for him. I made sure that we chose a destination with things that he liked (such as good BBQ restaurants and craft beer breweries) and we took it very easy—mainly chilling and having short walks while enjoying the small provincial town.

On the second day of our trip, my partner was already showing initiative himself and making suggestions of things to see and do. After that trip, our weekend getaways became frequent, and we went on a week-long trip together that we both enjoyed. In fact, we’re currently planning a month-long tour around Europe next year!

2. Talk to him about his traveling worries

There may be personal reasons that your partner is reluctant to go traveling. Working out what these reasons are can help you to find solutions.

He may have the idea that traveling is tiring, and think that all he wants is a beach holiday . This is not a huge obstacle! If this is the case, why not plan a trip somewhere where there is the option of either relaxing on a beach or taking part in more adventurous activities? That way, he can decide what he wants to do at the time. 

Don’t panic if you don’t always want to do the same thing. You can compromise by taking it in turns to choose the activity, or even take a few hours apart every now and then to pursue your own interests. If you prefer more active time, you can always have short day trips yourself while he is chilling under the palm trees with a book and a cold beer!

He may have a misconception about traveling. He may believe that it is more dangerous than it actually is or is always very expensive. He may have heard horror stories from friends, family, or in the news, and believe that this represents the danger of traveling in general. If this is the case, you can debunk some of the myths and explain how to avoid these potential pitfalls. Share your own experiences with him, tell him your travel stories, and show him photos and videos , and he might change his mind. 

In rare cases, he may have been traveling before and had a bad travel experience . Depending on the severity of this experience, it may be inconsiderate to be too pushy when trying to convince him to go on a trip together.

He may also suffer from anxiety problems and find it difficult to leave his comfort zone and experience unfamiliar places and situations. Again, this doesn’t mean that you should necessarily give up on the idea of him ever traveling with you, but it definitely means you need to show understanding and empathy to help overcome travel anxiety . Showing understanding, encouragement, and support at the same time is the best way to strengthen your bond and trust in you.

Ask what aspects of traveling do not appeal to him and see if you can find a compromise. Don’t be pushy, and try to convert him into a nomad in a day. Respect his views and needs and try to see if you find any common grounds for traveling.

3. Ask yourself if it is a deal-breaker for you

If you are in a long-term relationship,  you have probably discussed your future goals and expectations in life. However, it is best to touch upon them every now and then to see if anything has changed for either of you. This relates to traveling as much as any other aspect of life. 

If all you want is to live a nomad life cruising in a van across South America , and your partner sees himself in his current job and apartment for the rest of his life, finding a compromise could be tricky. However, this is an extreme example, and most couples will be able to compromise through healthy discussion. 

Although my current partner has come to love traveling sometimes, he is still a lot more of a “ homebody ” than I am. While I would quite happily live the nomad life all year round, he needs plenty of time to recuperate and recharge with home comforts before heading out traveling again. We managed to come to an understanding that suited both of us. We go on a few short trips a year, one larger trip once every year or two, and I have been on a few short solo trips without him when I really felt the wanderlust kick in.

For most couples, having a home base and going on a few trips a year is ideal. Here’s why .

4. Enjoy your solo time while apart

If you decide to head out on solo trips while your partner stays at home, this does not need to lead to a conflict. Healthy relationships include both trust and personal space, and spending a little time apart every once in a while is no bad thing.

Traveling solo can give you and your partner some much-needed personal space . Make the best out of your solo trips: meet people, make new friends, and have fun . Traveling solo has a notable advantage—you don’t have to compromise with anyone on where to go or what to do. If you feel like an impromptu mountain hike, you don’t have to convince anyone. If, on the other hand, you decide at the last minute you would rather have a day on the beach than do any planned activities, the choice is yours and only yours. Traveling solo offers a sense of freedom that no other pastime can match.

There is some truth in the common saying, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” While your partner might relish the chance to relax on his own for a while, it probably won’t be long before he starts to look forward to having you around again. During your time away, you will miss each other, and it can even improve your relationship in the long run! When you come back home after your trip, you will have stories to tell, photos to show, and some presents for your partner will surely melt his heart.  

When I returned from a two-week trip to Chile last year, coming home to my partner was one of the highlights of the trip! While spending time alone was great, missing him made me eager to share stories with him and made me appreciate having him in my life even more. He told me that a week of playing video games and eating pizza on the couch was more than enough (I choose to believe him!), and he was thrilled to see me when I came in through the door!

While different traveling views can cause obstacles in a relationship, these obstacles are usually by no means impossible to overcome. Even if you spend some time apart, you can still have fun in each other’s company while not traveling.

If you have always dreamed of having a partner who shares your love of traveling and accompanies you every step of the way, you should assess the relationship and determine if not being able to travel together is going to work. For most people, this is not likely to be a deal-breaker. If you want to persuade your partner to join you on your adventures , it is important to be open to compromise and to listen to his suggestions as much as you hope he listens to yours.

Emma Jones enjoys observing and exploring the world around her and writing about her discoveries. Human relationships are her favorite topic, and she likes to analyze them from a psychological perspective. She is a contributing author at Thought Catalog, GoDates , and several other media outlets.

* Note: In this article, she referred to a partner as “him” since she wrote from her own perspective. Nonetheless, her tips apply to everyone and anyone that has a partner, regardless of gender. Click here to go back up and keep reading.

I Don’t Like to Travel

Did you know that half of all working Americans don’t take their vacation days, and more than 10 percent never leave the state in which they were born?

Seems that the Americans are non-travelers by nature. This is strange considering that it was travelers that founded the U.S.

Imagine this: back in 1492, when Columbus was ready to sail, what if he had a change of heart:

-Man, I don’t like it. This is hard, and I don’t know where I’m going. Maybe I should stay home with Filipa, play hide and seek and make some babies.

Luckily he didn’t do that.

“I don’t like traveling.”

I’ve heard that statement more times than I can count.

But there is usually another statement after it. “I don’t like traveling because…” And after that “because” or “but” comes the real reason. Most of the time, that reason sounds like an excuse to me.

If you came here expecting to find an epiphany or some switch you can press, and then all of a sudden, you start enjoying traveling, I’ll have to disappoint you.

We humans just don’t work like this.

Related: Is Traveling an Investment?

A lot of people don’t like to travel the world. That’s ok. 

I bet you know some hardcore travelers. The kind that travels more than six months a year.

The opposite is also possible: people who don’t leave their neighborhood at all. 

When Non-Travelers Ruled the World 

There was a time in our evolution as a human society when traveling for pleasure was not accepted. 

In 1336 Francesco Petrarca, also known as Petrarch, decided without any acceptable reason that he would climb Mont Ventoux just for the joy of doing it. History remembers Francesco Petrarca as being a scholar and a poet, but not as an avid traveler.

So one day in 1336, Petrarch and three others started climbing Mont Ventoux. It was good that they left early in the morning because the townspeople were searching for him and his accomplices.

They weren’t in a hurry to congratulate him on his decision; instead, they wanted to put him in the nuthouse. It was that bad. 

People back then couldn’t understand why someone would travel without any reason.

That was not possible.

People were allowed to travel for necessities and to Holy Places but not to “haunt” the land for the sake of it.

After Mont Ventoux was “conquered,” Francesco Petrarca wrote a short story about it, explaining his action.

He stated that he had lived near Mont Ventoux for most of his childhood and always wondered what his native land would look like from an elevated position. He wanted a new perspective of the world.

He should definitely have been put in jail for his transgression.

Francesco Petrarca didn’t stop, though. During a time when the black plague was raging through Europe, he traveled to Belgium, France, Holland, and Germany.

History doesn’t give Francesco Petrarca enough credit. By traveling and writing about it, he inspired others.

He showed ordinary people that everyone can do “extraordinary” things.

With his ideas, he pushed the world forward. Not long after his death, traveling became the norm. 

It seems that was the best time period for folks who hated traveling.

People call me a weirdo because I don’t like traveling.

Let me start by saying that you are not a weirdo if you don’t like to travel.

I didn’t travel for over ten years of my career. Not because I didn’t want to, but I was working and didn’t have the necessary time. Going on vacation was the last thing on my mind.

You need to understand something: traveling is a habit.

Binge-watching Netflix and eating potato chips is a habit. Working out is also a habit. Some people enjoy working out. Do you call people who don’t enjoy working out weirdos?

Not wanting to travel is not a medical condition, and there’s nothing wrong with you.

The main reasons why people hate traveling:

• Procrastination
• Traveling with someone
• Traveling alone
• The travel industry

Let’s check them one by one.

The fear of traveling is something that many people experience.

As a species, we evolved by conserving energy and moving around only for necessities. Being away from the tribe meant that we were vulnerable to wild animals and all kinds of dangers.

Today, T.V. and the Internet are doing a good job showing us all kinds of bad things happening elsewhere.

But if you look at the crime statistics worldwide, you will realize that the U.S. is not the best country to live in.

The way our parents raised us also has a say in how we perceive fear.

Repeat to a child enough times that staying home is the best way to protect himself, and the child, even after growing into adulthood, will believe that too.

You are sheltered at home. You know how to navigate the environment, and in your mind, you own the place.

How to tackle fear

There is an entire industry about overcoming fear. Three steps, seven steps, eleven steps, god knows how many steps to get rid of fear if you buy their books and courses.

There is a simple trick to deal with the fear that won’t cost you a penny.

Fear as a feeling is short lived.

Remember the first time you experienced fear?

The adrenaline rush and the way the blood pumped through to your veins? You thought you weren’t going to escape that feeling, but you did.

Every time you feel fear or anxiety about something, write your thoughts on a notepad – the reasons you feel fear and other thoughts you are experiencing. Give it a couple of hours, then read it.

Most of the time, the reasons you wrote are not valid ones. Read it again after a couple of days.

You will probably laugh at the crazy things you wrote down.

It will feel like the words on the notepad don’t make any sense.

Why would you be scared of things that make no sense?

Read a travel book.

I’ve only read a few travel books.

I feel that anything I read can’t capture the joy of traveling.

It is nearly impossible for an author to describe the sounds of the jungle or how the air feels in different corners of the world.

Reading a book helps you realize something: you are not the first one to try what you’re reading about.

The path you are going to take was already taken by someone else.

So it’s not like you are going to a new island to debark, claim the land for yourself, and then fight the natives.

Join a dedicated travel forum

You can do this for two main reasons: one, to research future travel destinations; two, to let your mind get accustomed to the idea of traveling. After all, we are what we think.

Say it out loud: I am a traveler!

How did that make you feel?

That’s because you’re not a member of a travel forum. 🙂

When you first start to travel, you will experience fear again, and the one that hit me hardest was the fear of losing control. Without realizing it, the world transforms us into control freaks.

When we are working, surfing social media, shopping, watching movies, driving the car, or playing games, we are in control; even our language gives us a sense of control.

As soon as you land at a foreign airport, you will lose that control. You will feel exposed out there and think that everybody is out to get you.

Nothing will work the way you are accustomed to, or almost nothing. However, the U.S. dollar seems to be in its element in every country on the globe. It doesn’t need an explanation or translation either.

It would be best to try to relax because whatever feelings you experience on your first trip will soon pass. 

2. Procrastination

This vice tends to hit every aspect of our life. But our free time often gets hit hardest.

Think about it – when you go to work or school, you feel an obligation to go.

But once you’ve got yourself some free time, what do you do with it?

You waste it by doing nothing – well, nothing that truly matters anyway.

Doing nothing is easy and comfortable, and you don’t want to stop doing what’s comfortable.

The fact that our brain is wired to look for the path of least resistance isn’t helpful either.

If you have your favorite potato chips near your couch, you will devour them for sure.

But if those chips were on the peak of Mount Everest, what then?

You would “travel” to the nearest shop because you are not crazy enough to climb Mount Everest for a pack of chips.

One clear sign of procrastination is when you start making “trades” in your mind: “I worked hard this week. I deserve some me-time.”

You should ask yourself how much free time you’re spending in the Doing Nothing area. If it’s too much, then you should take action.

How to tackle travel procrastination

Easy: travel for 10 minutes every day.

You might say, what, only 10 minutes?

Yes, but you do need to travel.

That means going to a street or place where you haven’t been before without a specific objective in mind. Going to the local market to buy groceries is not traveling.

There is a natural rhythm to our lives or at least we consider it natural; we tend to do the same things every day… Meet the same people, eat the same foods, but when you delve into it, you realize something: they are all learned behaviors. You weren’t born with them. 

The purpose of this 10 minute trip is to break out of your everyday habits.

Breaking this vicious cycle is a hard thing to do, but not impossible.

A journey of a thousand miles does begin with a single step and, in your case, it can start with a 10 minute trip.

Once you do this a couple of times, you will notice that you tend to travel more than 10 minutes, and after a few more times, you will feel comfortable with it.

Not to mention that you will run out of “10 minutes away” places to visit after a while.

Travel this way for a couple of weeks and after that strange thoughts might pop up, like thinking about going to the nearest city for a day trip.

3. You hate traveling with someone else.

Sometimes, people don’t want their spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband, friend/friends, and so on near them at all times.

Some folks need some me-time. If you are one of those people, then you need to be clear about this aspect of your personality.

Tell this person that you want to travel alone for a few days and be done with it. You should explain your actions clearly because you don’t want your spouse/the other person to get the wrong idea.

If your relationship is solid, then you should have no problem explaining yourself. If you are not in a solid relationship, then you need to make it solid.

It would be best if you didn’t get caught in a complacent relationship anyway. Life is too damn short.

Explain to your partner or friend that it’s okay to travel without him/her and that you don’t want to get rid of him/her. We are not living in the 1800’s, so you don’t need a chaperone.

Be careful, though; your spouse might accept that you are traveling alone but will get anxious if you are traveling with someone else.

4. You hate traveling alone.

Solo travel is not for everyone. As a species, we are bound to each other.

We spend time together and learn from each other. When we are traveling, we acquire new experiences and feel the need to share them.

This is hard to do when you are alone.

Of course, you could record yourself and send the video to your friends, but having them around is way better.

Finding a travel buddy is easy nowadays – social media can be your best tool to help you find a travel companion.

5. Travel Industry

The travel industry as a whole is a big mess.

Bloggers, influencers, and YouTubers, paid or not, present an idyllic perspective on traveling; even regular people get caught up in this game by posting photoshopped pictures and saying how extraordinary they felt on their trips.

It seems that nobody wants to share anything bad that happens on their travels. And to be honest, even their audience doesn’t want to hear about it.

Would you watch a travel video showing someone who has to sleep in the airport for two days because he can’t get his visa, although he was assured he would receive it at the airport?

I don’t think you would.

Creating higher expectations is what the travel industry does best, which confuses the hell out of first-time travelers.

They were expecting paradise, and they end up in purgatory and, in some rare instances, even in hell.

You can’t really escape the travel industry’s influence.

Still, you can reduce it by thoroughly researching locations and accommodations and then carefully picking what you want.

How long until I develop the habit of traveling?

Only 66 days.

I didn’t come up with this number.

In 2009, Phillippa Lally, a researcher from the University of London, made a study with the help of 95 volunteers trying to understand human habits.

She found that, on average, it takes 66 days for a person to acquire a new habit. The full range was 18 to 254 days.

Yes, some people can truly change something about themselves in 18 days, but, unfortunately, the chances that you will be that person are rather small.

The interesting fact is that some habits tend to speed up the acquisition of other habits. Working out is one of them.

Once physical exercise becomes a routine, it will take you fewer days to acquire another habit.

Keep in mind that you will need to stick with only a new habit at a time to be successful.

Trying to quit smoking, eating healthily, traveling more, and working out, all at the same time, will end up in failure.

That’s why New Year’s resolutions fail. Focus on one thing at a time.

After you acquire one habit, you move on to the next one, and so on. So in one year, you should be able to acquire a few good habits. 

As you can see, when you hear that someone dislikes traveling, there are usually deeper reasons behind this statement.

If that person is you, you can tackle those reasons if you want.

The choice is yours.

Please remember that you shouldn’t use traveling as a means to escape problems at home.

Chances are that they will still be there when you return.

Should I travel even if I don’t like it?

Yes, you should travel even if you don’t like it.

However, keep it short, only a day or two, and choose a popular destination. One or two days outside of your comfort zone isn’t going to kill you. But you know that already.

Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures. If you post a photo once in a while during your trip, you should be safe from overly curious friends and family for a good while.

What about people who have never traveled but don’t like it?

They are a mystery to me.

How can you say you don’t like traveling when you’ve never traveled before?

I didn’t like going fishing, or so I thought. After going fishing a couple of times, I realized that I liked it but did not love it, so I stopped.

If some of my friends invite me to go fishing, I’ll go with them, mostly for the free beer, but that’s about it. I didn’t buy any fishing gear either.

“Travel” is a noun but is used more as a verb.

A verb requires action.

If you are in this position, then take action and start traveling, and after that, you will be able to point out the specific reasons for not wanting to visit places.

Most of the time, you won’t find any.

How to convince someone to travel

If you want to encourage your spouse or friend to start traveling, here is an easy idea to implement.

Everybody has hobbies.

It could be gardening, cars, fashion, or music; the list of hobbies a person might have is endless.

Travel to those hobbies.

For example, if he likes cars – there are plenty of car collections inside and outside the U.S.; travel to those.

If she likes gardening, then there are plenty of castles in Europe with superb gardens.

Fashion? Plenty of fashion events to choose from all over the world. Paris’ Fashion Week gets you covered, and it’s Paris.

For gamblers, I don’t recommend Last Vegas, though.

I want to travel but don’t know where to go.

I don’t know if something like information overload exists in travel, but you should stop looking up travel destination after travel destination.

The perfect location doesn’t exist, and I’m happy this is the case.

Making pros and cons lists and still not landing on a place to travel next means you have paralysis by analysis.

My advice is to pick one location that seems suitable for you and go.

Maybe you will like it, maybe not, but you won’t know that unless you go there and see for yourself.

I don’t want to travel to Barcelona, Spain.

You are very specific.

Can you pinpoint the exact street and house in Barcelona where you don’t want to go?

I am not trying to mock you, but you shouldn’t go if you don’t want to travel to Barcelona.

If someone close to you is pushing this on you, then you should clearly explain yourself.

There are travel locations in this world that are similar; choose a different one.

Why don’t cats want to travel?

Felines are territorial creatures.

When you take your cat on a trip, you literally take the world out from underneath their paws. Cats do not see this as a like or don’t like situation.

Their survival is threatened. Rest assured, cats will remember the perpetrator for a long time.

I don’t like to travel anymore.

Reading this means that you are not happy that you don’t like to travel anymore. You are not the first to experience this, and unfortunately, an easy fix doesn’t exist.

You may not have realized this, but you are like a child when you start to travel for the first time. Everything is new and interesting. But the more you travel, the more you change.

So you change year after year, and you see the world with different eyes. But without realizing it, you are drawing parallels between places.

Don’t believe me?

There is a simple way to find out the truth. Travel to a location that you visited previously.

You will see that this doesn’t make you feel better. The best time was the first time you were there; still, the location hasn’t changed.

You’ve changed, though, and you have to deal with it.

Luckily there is a solution. Take a break from traveling. And I don’t mean staying home in front of the TV.

Spend some time with your friends and don’t think about going on trips.

The more you spend time with your people, the more you will feel as if everything stays the same, and the thought of traveling again will make its way into your mind.

Admit it. Nothing exciting happens at home.

After six months or more, your feet will be itching to get out in the world again.

Can I refuse to travel for work?

One of my friends from France was offered a managerial position at a store in Romania.

The offer implied that if he wouldn’t accept the job, the corporation that owned the supermarket store would fire him.

He didn’t want to go, but after some negotiations about his pay, he accepted. After five years in Romania, he now says that accepting this position was the best decision of his life.

I asked him why he initially didn’t want to work there, and he said that he had heard only bad things about the country and that the French media spouted all kinds of crap about Romania.

Of course, you can refuse to travel for work. Life is all about choices. You might have family and friends that you can’t just pick up and leave.

The good news is that an employer can’t force you. Not directly anyway, but if you refuse, you might have to find yourself another job.

“All states in the United States, except Montana, can have “at-will” policies, meaning that, unless an employee has an employment contract that states otherwise, an employer can fire an employee for any reason.” If you want to know more about this, you can read it here .

What if you are unsure what to do?

Go visit the location first.

There is nothing that I or anybody else can say to help you make such a big decision.

Take some time off, find some accommodations online, and stay there for a few days.

Visit shops, museums, make small talk with the locals, and most importantly, stop by your maybe-future workplace.

You will probably reach a decision easily, and it will be an informed decision.

Is traveling bad for the environment?

Yes, overall, traveling is bad for the environment. Most of the time, the culprits are the ways of transportation we choose.

Cars, airplanes, and boats consume tons of fossil fuels. There are ways to reduce your carbon footprint, though.

Traveling by train is more environmentally friendly than traveling by airplane. And, of course, traveling by foot makes no impact whatsoever.

You can also improve the environment by traveling. If, for example, you travel in order to remove plastics from rivers before it reaches our oceans, you help the environment.

Same thing goes for traveling to plant trees.

However, these are rare instances. More than 99% of travelers will do more harm than good to the environment.

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FinanceBuzz

12 Types of People Who Should Never Travel to Europe

Posted: March 10, 2024 | Last updated: March 11, 2024

You’ve finally reached a point where you’re ready to start traveling more . “Where should I start?” is a great question to ask yourself.

Plenty of fellow globetrotters might recommend Europe. The continent is definitely a top travel destination (after all, Paris was the world’s most-visited city in 2022). But just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you. So, if any of the following descriptors apply to you, we recommend skipping Europe entirely.

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People who don’t want to deal with the hassle of passport renewal

If you have difficulty keeping up with paperwork and tend to miss crucial deadlines, international travel might not be for you.

Having your travel documents in order is crucial when planning to travel internationally. Passport processing takes seven to ten weeks, not including the time your passport spends in the mail.

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People who haven't saved up

You could travel to Europe on a budget, staying in hostels and using a top travel credit card to travel for almost free .

But no matter how many excess costs you cut out, a trip to Europe is inherently expensive — if for no other reason than the currency exchange rate and passport or visa fees.

People who don't like jet lag

After your seven-hour flight across the Atlantic, you’ll land in a time zone at least five hours ahead of the one you left.

For every one to one-and-a-half hours you leap ahead in time, your body requires about a day to adjust. You won’t feel quite like yourself again until five days into your European vacation.

And you can expect to take at least five days to recover once you’re back home, too.

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People who hate flying

A non-stop flight from New York City to London is six hours and 55 minutes long. If you’re on the West Coast, it's closer to 11 hours (from LA to NYC) — not accounting for layovers or weather delays.

Luckily for the flight-averse, the United States is a remarkably road-trip-friendly country with plenty of beautiful new places you can explore within seven hours (by car) of your home.

People who don’t have much vacation time

If you can actually take a few weeks off, you might have enough to see the best sights Europe has to offer. But if you only get a week or so, a journey across the Atlantic just isn’t worth it.

You’ll have enough time to adjust to the new time zone before you fly home and start readjusting.

People who don’t like walking

If spending a lot of time on your feet isn’t your idea of a good time, save your money by skipping Europe.

Touring the Colosseum, wandering London’s vast Natural History Museum, and exploring the Louvre all demand quite a bit of walking.

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People who don’t want to spend a fortune on plane tickets alone

Plane ticket prices can vary depending on when you’re flying and how far in advance you manage to snag tickets.

No matter how early you get your tickets, expect to pay quite a bit for a round trip to Europe in this post-pandemic world: In the summer of 2023, the average plane ticket to the continent cost around $1,200.

People who aren't willing to pay more for gas

A trip outside the country can help put domestic gas pump costs into perspective. In Italy, for instance, a gallon costs around $5.96. In France, $5.54. And in the Netherlands, $6.48.

And that’s after gas prices stabilized, as they doubled during summer, coming to an all-time high. Needless to say, if you were planning on a Euro road trip, it could cost you a pretty penny.

People who aren't huge history fans

Europe’s cities are much older than America’s. Some by a thousand years or more. For instance, the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv has been continuously inhabited for around eight millennia!

While you can certainly find modern activities in any European city, your overall experience might be more interesting if you're passionate about the past.

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People who hate public transit

Because Europe is both old and densely populated, most cities have robust public transit systems.

Sure, as long as you don’t mind the high petrol prices, you can get around many European cities by car.

While you can save a lot of time and money, navigating subways, buses, and trains has a high learning curve, especially for visitors who don’t speak a country’s native language.

People who aren’t multi-lingual

Many Europeans speak English, so even if you don’t speak a second language, you can likely manage in many metropolitan areas in Europe.

However, you shouldn’t count on those around you speaking the same language as you.

And even if you’re surrounded by English speakers, it can be frustrating to constantly ask for translations for menu items or street signs.

People who aren't interested in museums

For many people, Europe’s biggest draw is its museums. The Louvre alone has 652,300 square feet to explore, which can take up to 65 days!

You can avoid wasting money by taking a trip closer to home. Spend half a day at a famous museum like Seattle’s Pop Culture Museum or New York’s Museum of Modern Art and devote the rest of your trip to other activities. Or, if you prefer a more active, outdoorsy vacation, a national park or a mountain town like Asheville, NC, could be just what you’re looking for.

Bottom line

For some people, traveling to Europe is the dream of a lifetime, but if you identify with any of the issues we listed above, you probably aren’t one of them.

Instead of visiting the region out of obligation or to fit in with the crowd, focus on finding travel opportunities closer to home to  earn miles and travel more  to places you want to go.

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Protect Your Trip »

What to do if your flight is canceled.

Follow these steps in the event your flight is canceled.

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Getty Images

Key Takeaways

• If your flight has been canceled, you are entitled to a full cash refund per federal law.
• Using the airline's app or calling an international airline number is often the quickest way to get help.
• The DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard shows what each major domestic airline will or will not provide in the event of a cancellation or delay.

If your flight has been canceled, read on for step-by-step instructions on how to rearrange your travel plans and/or claim compensation.

What to do if your flight is canceled

1. get on the airline's app – or make an international call.

First, pull up the airline's app on your phone. Most airline apps allow you to easily rebook your flight for free, provided you can supply your six-character reservation code. Getting in line to speak with an agent and calling the airline while you wait is also a good idea (albeit slower than using an app), and social media messaging, texting or WhatsApp may prove helpful. "During times of mass travel disruption, you should try all different avenues for getting help," says Nick Ewen, director of content at The Points Guy.

Ewen also recommends a lesser-known tactic: calling the airline's international numbers. Airlines have offices in Canada, Mexico, the U.K. and more. "While it can be costly, you can often get through to an agent more quickly," Ewen says.

Note that, depending on why your flight was canceled, finding seats on a new flight may alter your travel plans considerably.

2. Book a hotel

Next, determine if you need overnight accommodations. "If you were originally booked on the last flight of the night and there are no other options, grab a hotel room near the airport before they're all taken," Ewen advises.

3. Ask for a refund

If the airline cancels your flight or it's "significantly delayed" (a term currently defined on a case-by-case basis) and you're forced to change your travel plans, the Department of Transportation requires airlines to provide a full refund. Unfortunately, getting a refund can be a lengthy and frustrating process. Most airlines will instead offer a credit for future travel, but be wary of these, since they often come with limitations such as blackout and expiration dates.

When you're able to get a refund, note that it covers the total cost of airfare only and does not include other expenses associated with your trip.

If you believe you're entitled to a refund and the airline denies it to you, you can and should file a complaint with the DOT .

4. Reference the DOT Cancellation and Delay Dashboard

While you're entitled to a full refund, other flight cancellation policies may vary by airline. Go to the DOT's Cancellation and Delay Dashboard to see what each major airline will and will not offer in the event of a controllable cancellation.

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What to do if your flight is delayed

In the event your flight is delayed, airlines are not legally obligated to give you a refund unless the DOT determines the delay to be "significant." But here's what you can do:

Research other flights

Investigate what other flights on that airline are headed to your destination and ask an agent if they can get you on one of them (without charging change fees). Also be sure to look into what's available on other airlines: If your original airline doesn't have any flights available on your departure date, an agent may be able to book you on a flight with a different carrier at no additional cost to you. Note, however, that airlines are not legally required to do this.

Inquire about other compensation

If you've been stranded at the airport for several hours, check in with an agent and reference the Commitments for Controllable Delays section on the DOT's Cancellation and Delay Dashboard – regardless of whether you're able to get on another flight. Some airlines may provide amenities such as vouchers for meals or overnight accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

"The main causes for flight disruptions are bad weather, understaffed air traffic control, and factors within the airline’s control,"  says Katy Nastro, a spokesperson at Going.com, formerly Scott's Cheap Flights. She explains the following:

• Weather:  This is outside of the airline's control and is the single biggest reason for why we see flight disruptions. We saw this play out over the winter holidays in 2022, and even to some extent during the 2023 holiday season. Even if the weather is accurately predicted, it cannot be controlled, which means at times flight disruptions are unavoidable.
• Understaffed air traffic control:  The U.S. air travel industry has made strides in pilot hiring year over year, but when it comes to air traffic control, we are still down roughly 1,000 fewer air traffic controllers from a decade ago. New York metro area airports specifically have felt the brunt of this deficit, so much so that airlines were permitted to reduce schedules without penalty from the summer until the end of Q4 in 2023. At its lowest, the decrease in flights in the New York metro area resulted in about 11% fewer flights per day. With less trained staff, current air traffic controllers are stretched to the limit, and schedule reductions only temporarily solve this problem. Even with aggressive hiring efforts, training takes time and will not be a quick fix.

It's almost impossible to avoid canceled or delayed flights these days. But there are a few things you can do when booking flights to lessen your chances for travel disruptions.

Keep tabs on your aircraft: On your departure date, check your flight information before heading to the airport. You can keep a watchful eye on the flight's status – including the aircraft scheduled to operate your flight – using the airline's app or a third-party app such as FlightAware Flight Tracker (which also offers a website ), FlightRadar24 or TripIt Pro.

"As an example, if you're flying from Orlando to New York, and your plane is flying in from Chicago, the initial flight from Chicago to Orlando might be delayed (or canceled) before yours is," Ewen explains. "Airlines will try to find replacement aircraft in that case, but if you can identify a potential cancellation before it officially happens, you may be able to get rebooked ahead of the other 100-plus passengers on your flight."

Consider an alternate airport: When booking your flight, you may consider flying out of a different airport than the one you typically depart from. For example, a small regional airport with limited routes may mean less travel delays and hassle overall – or it may be worth driving further to another international airport for a nonstop flight to your destination rather than opting for a connecting flight close to home.

Fly in the morning: While flight disruptions are unpredictable, historically fewer cancellations and delays occur in the morning.

Avoid weekend travel: Fly on off-peak days like Tuesday or Wednesday. You'll often find cheaper flights on these days, too.

Opt for longer layovers: If you need to take more than one flight to reach your destination, book a flight with a longer layover to provide enough time to make your connecting flight. Keep in mind that at some airports you may need to go through security or customs for your connection. For longer journeys, you can reduce the risk of missing connecting flights by planning a city stopover. For example, Icelandair offers Iceland stopovers for no additional airfare.

Consider a credit card with travel protections: You don't need to be a frequent traveler to take advantage of credit card travel protections and perks. Here are a couple options to consider:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred :  This travel credit card ($95 annually) provides coverage for delays and cancellations when used to book flights. It also provides other travel protections such as delayed baggage coverage. "Even someone who travels just once or twice a year can still get phenomenal value from this card," Ewen says.
• American Express Platinum Card :  This card ($695 annually) offers travel insurance that reimburses some nonrefundable expenses like hotel accommodations, meals and other essentials as long as the trip was purchased using the card.

When choosing a travel credit card, you should also pay attention to other benefits. Even the most basic airline credit cards can offer travel perks like discounts on in-flight purchases and waived baggage fees, while premium travel credit cards (which require a higher annual fee) can include access to an airport lounge with food, drinks and Wi-Fi. Some also provide a concierge service to rebook flights or built-in trip insurance to cover unforeseen expenses.

Purchase travel insurance: If your credit card doesn't include travel protections, consider purchasing insurance with flight coverages – even a cheap travel policy can help protect your investment. Covered reasons include a travel carrier delay and loss or theft of travel documents, among other scenarios. If you're interested in purchasing a policy, you can browse the best travel insurance companies here .

Talk to a travel advisor: "Booking directly with your travel advisor provides more leverage and support if something goes wrong," explains Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer . "We can advocate for a better outcome should there be cancellations or hiccups in the itinerary."

Charlotte French, owner of Cavatica Luxury Travel , agrees, sharing this recent example: "My clients were booked on a nonstop United Flight from Tokyo (HND) to EWR (Newark) in business class, when it was canceled (due to technical issues). The clients were waiting in line to find other options for their return flight home; however, these were very limited. In parallel, I was able to speak to the United Airlines corporate desk (as a travel advisor) and was able to secure them in business class on a flight out of Tokyo the same day."

Avoid checking luggage: Travelers who only travel with a carry-on bag and/or personal item (such as a backpack or purse) that meet carry-on size restrictions will have the most flexibility in rebooking – and will also avoid the chance of lost luggage, another common issue. Some carriers will try to move checked luggage to a later flight for you and will make every effort to keep you and your belongings together. However, when airlines don't have interline agreements with other carriers, you'll have to allow enough time to retrieve and recheck your own luggage.

The number of canceled flights recently fell to its lowest rate in at least a decade — a welcome change for air travelers, especially following COVID-19-era travel disruptions.

Still, flight cancellations will always be inevitable, especially during the busy summer travel season. Summer 2024 is shaping up to be especially busy. "It was the busiest March on record for air travel according to the TSA," explains Nastro. "It also had the tenth busiest day on record, which is pretty significant since it is not a 'peak period' and is generally considered off-season in the Northern Hemisphere. If this trend continues, we are likely in for the busiest summer on record when it comes to air travel."

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Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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