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By Becky Mahan, Editor
Fear of…traveling alone
Traveling alone is not for everyone, but it has benefits you can’t get from travel in groups. Aside from full-fledged itinerary freedom, traveling “alone” affords you a better opportunity to meet new people, immerse yourself in local culture, and push your own boundaries. Your experience just might be life-changing. Plus, you’re never really alone.
Fear of…terrorism
There are many reasons some individuals choose to target a particular group or region, and carry out violent acts of terrorism. Despite the debates and disagreements over religion, which often play a major role in terrorist attacks, the root causes are intolerance and closed-mindedness. One of the beautiful – and most important – things about travel is that it fosters human understanding, empathy, and acceptance of those who are different than us. We aren’t suggesting that you book a trip to conflicted or politically volatile countries, but you shouldn’t let the fear of a random attack in another part of the world stop you from visiting, either.
Fear of…theft/crime
Most cases of crime in travel are petty theft. Unfortunately, pickpockets exist all over the world, particularly in large cities – and even in the safest of areas. However, the reason they thrive is because people are usually not aware of their surroundings or belongings, and make it all too easy for someone who has mastered sleight of hand to sneak away their valuables. But it’s easy to thwart them: keep your most important possessions – money, ID, passport – on your person at all times, tucked away in a neck wallet or otherwise hidden. Don’t show off your valuables and don’t keep them in your pockets. Being alert and smart goes a long way; pickpockets and thieves target people who are distracted and easily isolated. But if you are robbed, hand over anything the thief asks for. Your personal safety is much more important than material possessions.
Fear of…flying
It’s a strange and ironic notion that airplanes are the safest method of transportation on Earth, and yet more people are afraid of flying than of the other methods. According to The Economist, the probability of your airplane crashing is about one in 5.4 million; while other reports show the odds are closer to 11 million. Need some perspective? This means you are way more likely to be struck by lightning or attacked by a shark than you are to die in a plane crash. And you are 100 times more likely to die in a car crash on your way home from work than to die in a plane crash.
Fear of…disaster
Sinking ships, earthquakes, tsunamis…yes, these are all valid concerns. But not valid enough to prevent you from going somewhere. Why? Because they can all happen to you right in your own hometown. Worrying about things that are out of our control is common and easy to do, but it’s important to remember that not only is the likelihood of them happening to you very low; there’s no sense in fretting about what hasn’t happened. After all, the only guarantee you have of having a terrible trip is worrying the entire time – or not going at all.
Fear of…language barriers
Start by traveling first to places that speak your native language (or your own hometown.) And remember that many people speak English (which we assume you also do if you’re reading this!), so even if you have a conversation where you only understand half the words, you’ll be surprised how much you can really understand each other. Besides, body language is pretty universal, so don’t be afraid to use gestures and articulate what you’re trying to say with movement.
Fear of…injury and illness
Again, in most cases, injury and illness are just as likely to happen to you in your own home — but there are some cases of increased risk when traveling. For one thing, your immune system is often compromised due to the stress of travel – and especially when you travel in close quarters (like on an airplane) for extended amounts of time. Just be sure you treat your body well: drink plenty of water, take multivitamins, eat fruits and vegetables, and get lots of rest to avoid catching a bug or virus. If you do catch one while abroad, don’t stress. Remember that the locals in your destination get sick too; there are pharmacies, doctors, and hospitals if you need them. To avoid more serious situations, always check the vaccination requirements of the country you’re visiting and get properly inoculated beforehand. And traveler’s insurance is usually a good idea before going abroad, especially if you plan on participating in some adrenaline adventures or sports. As in most of these fear cases, being alert, prepared, and informed goes a long, long way.
Source: gogobot.com