How To Talk To Worried Family And Friends About Travel

When I tell certain people in my life that I am traveling to [insert country name] I get mixed reactions. Some people are excited and ask that I take them with them. Others…let’s just say aren’t as enthusiastic.

The ones who aren’t enthusiastic about my travels usually ask me questions or say things like:

Aren’t you scared?
Why would you want to travel?
What’s wrong with staying in the United States?
Isn’t it dangerous out there?
I saw on the news that…
I remember that girl who never came home…do you remember that case?

 

And when people say these things, sometimes they have good intentions. Sometimes they are just worried because they don’t know what it’s like outside of their country. All they’ve heard about living overseas is that it’s dangerous and something to avoid.

Your loved ones who truly care, want to see you healthy and safe.

Before You Talk To Them, Do Your Research. Don’t Have Any Holes In Your Plans

Before you tell your parents (or family members) you want to travel, you have to be armed with information. You shouldn’t have any holes in your travel plans. If you come to them without a plan and just say you’re going to travel the world, it might not go over too well. They’ll feel unease and nervous. You’ll leave the conversation feeling frustrated and trapped. When you’re doing your research here are some things to consider:

• The Safety Of The Country– Your loved ones are going to want to know you’re safe. You can get an idea of a country’s safety by going to the State Department’s Travel Advisory page. On the State Department’s Travel Advisory list, countries are put into four categories from level one- exercise normal precautions, to level four- do not travel. Each country also has a Safety and Security Tab under the Country Information page. Under this section, you learn about the safety and security situation in the country you want to visit.Also, you can stay up to date with what is happening in the country you wish to visit by reading the news and doing further research. The more information you have, the better.
• Where You Plan To Stay– know where you are going to be staying. Have an address of where you think you’ll be staying. Show them the website of your potential lodging.
  
• Create A Sample Itinerary – Share with your family what you plan on doing during your time at your destination.
• Communication– Let your family know that you’ll have consistent communication with them while you’re away. Research ways you can stay in touch with them while overseas. Tell your family that you will contact them when you arrive and will stay in contact throughout your trip

• Be Prepared With Visuals – Sometimes when we think of a certain country we don’t have an accurate picture of its reality. Showing them the area you’ll be staying in could alleviate fears

Have Your Pitch Ready

When you approach your parents about your travel plans, you have to come to them as an adult. When you prepare your pitch don’t say things like:

• I hate it here. I need to get out. I’m going to go on a trip
• I’m never allowed to go anywhere
• I’m going to quit my job and go backpacking

And even when you present your pitch, don’t whine or pout. Instead, include that this is something you’ve been thinking about for a while and have done a ton of research.

You should also try to highlight the benefits of your potential trip. Some benefits could include:

• It will give you a chance to be immersed in another language.
• You will supplement your education. You can learn about a new culture. It will give you a chance to learn about a country’s history and politics.
• You will be able to maximize your time and broaden your horizons before returning to further your education or entering the job market.
  

Listen To What They Have To Say

Your parents (or family members) care about you, so it’s natural they have concerns. Respectfully listen to their concerns, even though it may be hard. Let them know that you hear what they are saying.

When you’ve heard their concerns, let them know you’ve thought about their worries. Find solutions to their worries and share them as apart of your travel plans.

Let Them Know You Thought About All The What-ifs

What if your luggage gets stolen? What if there’s a terrorist attack? What if you get sick? What if there’s a natural disaster? What if you get robbed?

There will be a solid chance that nothing will happen to you and you will enjoy your experience overseas. However, life happens. There may be unexpected situations that occur no matter your level of preparation. Acknowledge that. But also point out that you’ve:

Enrolled in the U.S. State Department STEP program
Made copies of important documents like your passport and credit cards
Researched emergency numbers in your host country
Will get the proper immunizations and medication needed (if applicable)
Looked into travel insurance 

You want to show them that you’ve thought about worst-case scenarios and what you would do in case they happened. You also want to show them you’ve taken preventative measures just in case.

Show Them You Don’t Have To Go Alone

If traveling solo is an issue, find friends to go with you. If you can’t find any friends to travel with, research tour companies that will allow you to go to your destination with a group. With a tour group, not only are you traveling with other people, but you will have guides that will take you to each destination.

If you are in college, perhaps look into study abroad opportunities.

And although it might not be your preferred choice, you can always invite your parents/family members.

Have A Financial Plan

If you want your parents (or family members) to take you seriously, show them how you are going to finance your trip. If you’re a student, check out How To Afford Study Abroad. If you aren’t in school, show ways you can pay for your own trip. If you need some ideas about how to save for your trip, check out 21 Ways To Travel On A Limited Budget

If Your Parents Still Refuse

There is a real chance that your parents still may not be on board, no matter how detailed and soundproof your plan is. And that’s understandable because they’re your parents. They love you.

I never want to advocate bringing tension or division within families.

You might have to wait until you’re a full-grown adult, with a life of your own (ie., not under the legal custody of your parents, living with them, or receiving any financial support). Until then, you may have to just respect your parent’s wishes.

 

In Case You’ve Missed It, Check Out 

How To Stay Healthy Abroad
11 Solo Travel Tips That Could Save Your Life
How I Landed A Job In International Affairs