5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Let Your Fear of Traveling Stop You From Going

I was afraid. Wait, let me rephrase that -- I was terrified my first time I went abroad.

Why you ask? Well for starters it was something new for me -- going abroad that is. New things scare
me, but also excite me at the same time. Along with that, the stories you hear about terrible things happening in the world freaked me out. I kept getting into my own head, which was NO good.

You see once I looked past the scary things that could happen -- telling myself they can happen anywhere, I realized that there is so much joy in traveling. Let me share.

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Let Your Fear of Traveling Stop You From Going

 

1. Learning the Culture

Streets of Ireland

La Segrada Familia in Barcelona

From the food and entertainment, to the transportation and architecture -- each destination offers something unique. Just in this past trip alone, it was awesome to see the difference between Ireland and Barcelona. In learning these differences, we learn to adapt and appreciate how we live and how people of the world live each and every day.

 2. Interactions that Last a Lifetime

One of the cozy restaurants we visited, tucked behind the streets in Barcelona

 At each of the destinations we have been lucky enough to travel to, we have had many interactions with different people -- however, at each place there has been at least one major reaction that has impacted us in some way.

One in particular that comes to mind is from this past trip to Barcelona. As we struggled to decide on a place to eat one night, we left our hotel a bit later that usual and encountered one of the Concierge workers in the elevator on our way out of the hotel. As he got on to the elevator he asked us our dinner plans and we asked if he had any suggestions. He instantly got excited. One of the first things he said was "I like simple." (Music to my ears!)

Long story short, he shared with us a couple of restaurants that he likes to go frequently and even called a few and made reservations for us for the rest of the time that we were there. He said he doesn't normally tell many people about these places because he doesn't want them to become touristy because then they lose their charm.

I must say those restaurants were two of our favorites during our trip there. It's crazy to think that our interaction with a local who was a stranger to us impacted our trip so greatly. It's even crazier to think that we will continue to share this story with friends and family, however we will probably never get to interact with him again. If anything it just makes us appreciate each interaction at different destinations even more.

3. Experiences to Share

Octopus in Barcelona

 

Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland

Visiting the Guinness Factory

Some experiences we found and did on our own, while others were shared because of interactions as I mentioned above. I always try to experience a few new things as each destination we go to. Whether it's learning how the metro works in London, going on a Safari in South Africa, walking on the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland, learning how Guinness is made and having one for the first time, or trying Octopus for the first time in Barcelona -- these were all new things for me that I ended up enjoying. Not all experiences may be good ones, but it's still good to try while you're immersed in the culture.

4. Helps You Grow

Before crossing the Rope Bridge

Right after we made it to the other side of the Rope Bridge

Views from the other side of the Rope Bridge

Situations we often avoid are the ones we are uncomfortable in. By taking a leap and traveling, I have learned and grown so much. One event in particular abroad is this past trip. I faced my fear of heights crossed the rope bridge in Northern Ireland.

I wasn't sure if I would be able to make it across and I definitely was shaking the whole time I was walking, however I did it! Once I crossed I was actually proud of myself for overcoming a huge fear -- and if I hadn't crossed I would have missed out on some beautiful views! It took me stepping outside of my comfort zone to learn more about myself and to be able to realize that we are able to conquer things we may not think we're able to.

5. You Leave a Piece of Yourself at Each Destination

Admiring the beauty of Porto, Portugal

Whether it's signing a guest book or a huge moment that you know a piece of your heart will always be -- you learn that with each place you visit, you'll leave a piece of yourself.

London has a piece of my heart because it was my first country to ever visit abroad. South Africa will always have a piece of my heart because it's where we got engaged. And I lost a piece of myself in Ireland when I overcame my fear of heights. Those are just a few examples of how different places have impacted me.

Yes, it's scary thinking that you'll lose a piece of yourself. BUT, what you gain from the experience is 10 times greater than you could ever imagine.

The next time you are faced with your fear of traveling or are hesitant to book a trip to explore the world, I have two key words of advice for you -- just go.