How To Get Used To The Idea Of Traveling
Travel is life-changing. It has definitely changed my life. But I can also understand how it can seem intimidating, especially if you have to go it alone. However, do not let it overwhelm you or give you anxiety. Here is your guide on how to get used to the idea of traveling!
Traveling In Bite-Sized Pieces
Whenever I have a large project in front of me, I have to break it down into bite-sized pieces. The same goes for traveling. If you’ve never done it before, of course, it would be scary to book a one-way ticket and backpack throughout Southeast Asia. It’s scary because you don’t know where to begin, nor do you have anything to compare it to.
Instead, start small. Take yourself out on a date. You may laugh, but some people find it hard to go spend time alone, publicly.
Go A Few Hours A Way
Once you’ve mastered feeling comfortable going on solo dates, find a destination that you’ve never been to a few hours away from home. It can be a few towns over or a neighboring state. Stay overnight or book a weekend getaway.
This is important because it starts to get you into the traveling mindset. In order to make this overnight stay successful, you have to choose a place to stay and what you’re going to do. This is the foundation of traveling.
The good thing about staying a few hours away is you are technically still traveling, but the differences shouldn’t be too drastic.
Traveling Across The Country
Now that you’ve mastered going a few hours away from home, go somewhere across the country. Again there won’t be a drastic change, but you’ll get to experience a different part of the U.S.
Book Your First International Trip…On A Resort
Now, you can start to take off your training wheels with your first international trip. When you get ready for your first trip overseas, in terms of logistics, it will be a little different. You will need to get a passport. To find you how to get your first passport click here.
Also, you may need a visa. For every country, the visa process is different. You will not need a visa for some countries. In other countries, you will need one. Be sure to check your host destination embassy’s website for more information.
The reason why I suggest staying at a resort for your first international trip. You will have the experience of traveling to another country without the stress. At this point, you’re still dipping your toes.
Traveling With A Tour
If you don’t want to go the resort route for your first international trip, booking a tour or excursion might be a great way to go. The tour guides organize all of the logistics so the only thing you have to do is show up. You don’t have to worry about where to go, train itineraries, not speaking the language. You can still see the country without the worries.
Choose A Country That Feels Similar To The U.S.
As you begin to branch outside of tours and resorts, choose a country that is similar to the U.S. in terms of infrastructure, language, conveniences, etc. This will help you begin to navigate a place that is unfamiliar.
Keep Traveling
As you travel, like anything in life, it’s just going to take time and practice. Yes, if you feel comfortable, you can book a trip to [insert country] and probably will be fine. But, if you are nervous or overwhelmed by the idea of travel it’s best to explore bit by bit. The goal is once you start exploring the more comfortable travel gets. Then hopefully you will get the travel bug and want to see more. It all just takes one trip to get started.
In Case You’ve Missed It, Check Out
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Why You Should Travel Solo
How To Pack Toiletries For A Carryon
9 Experiences You May Have As A Black Woman Traveling Overseas
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