Is “What If” Stopping You From Traveling?
“What if” is a question that can stop you from doing a lot of things in life. It can make you freeze up and get stuck in the same place day after day. I’ve had a lot of experience with this fear, and unfortunately I let it keep me from doing things I really wanted to do.
Is travel something you want to do? Are the what ifs holding you back?
Many people have fears surrounding travel. But if those fears are holding you back from trying things, they’re actually preventing you from having amazing experiences.
They aren’t protecting you. I can’t guarantee nothing bad will happen, but I can help you work through your fear and book that trip.
I won’t deny that things could go wrong. But chances are, everything will go smoothly. Instead of leaving yourself with that scary, unanswered question, come up with an answer. Squash “what if” with reason, logic and planning.
What if I get sick while traveling?
Hopefully you have some over-the-counter medicine with you for minor things. If not, find a pharmacy and buy what you need. If your illness is something a little more serious, as your hotel’s staff or manager to help you find a doctor or even a hospital if it’s that bad.
Remember that people get sick in other countries too, and they have doctors to help.
If you happen to be traveling to a country that doesn’t have great medical care, do some research ahead of time so you know what your options are. I was in Southeast Asia last year, and I knew if I got really ill in some places, Bangkok or Singapore were good options for quality care.
What if I lose my passport while traveling?
Before you even leave home, make at least two copies of the photo page of your passport. Give one copy to someone you trust who won’t be traveling with you. Take the other copy with you, and store it somewhere different from where you keep your passport.
Better yet, scan a copy onto your computer at home and email the file to yourself.
Find out where the nearest embassy or consulate is to where you’re going. Have their address and contact information with you when you start your trip.
If you lose your passport, they’re the ones who can help you get a replacement. Get in touch with them as soon as possible, and get the process started.
What if I hate it?
If you’re on your trip and find that you’re not enjoying yourself, ask yourself why.
Do you not like the climate? Are you in a big city but would rather be at the beach? Is your hotel run down? Are you traveling too quickly?
If there’s something you can do during your trip to improve the situation, do it. Nothing says you can’t change your plans halfway through your vacation.
If you can’t do anything to change your situation, at least finding the reason you’re not enjoying your trip will help you when planning the next one. If you realized traveling to northern Europe in winter is not your thing, pick a different season or destination next time.
Don’t tell yourself you hate traveling without really finding out what it is you hate and why. Chances are it’s not travel itself. It just means you need to adjust the way you travel.
What if I have amazing experiences on my trip?
Have you thought about this possibility?
Your vacation could turn out to be really fun and filled with amazing experiences.
You could see sights you’ve dreamed about for years.
You could taste delicious food.
You could enjoy gorgeous landscapes.
You could go snorkeling or take a hot air balloon ride.
You could learn interesting history about the place you’re visiting.
You could take a cooking class or learn a new language.
You could meet wonderful people who become friends for a day or a decade.
You could discover a new passion.
You could find the confidence that’s been hiding for years.
What if you missed out on all these things because you let “what if” paralyze you and stop you from traveling?
Ali Garland is a travel packing expert who loves to explore the world. She has 15+ years of experience traveling with only carry on bags. On Travel Made Simple, she shares her best tips for packing less, dealing with layovers, and more tips that will help you have the best vacation. Originally from the US, she now lives in Berlin with her husband and their Yorkie. Read more 
oyekanmi
March 30, 2014 @ 1:10 am
As for me” fear is the burial place of giants”. Nice and well written post. its a must read article for all the travel fearful chicken hearten being…
Ali Garland
March 30, 2014 @ 1:41 pm
Thanks! Fear, unfortunately, stops lots of people from doing lots of things, travel being one of them.
jill
February 8, 2013 @ 12:38 am
All I know is that I almost didn’t go for my scuba certification because I was afraid I’d drown 🙂 – it was a very major ‘what if’ for me since I’m terribly afraid of water. But I’m glad it didn’t stop me. Thanks for the great post.
Ali Garland
February 8, 2013 @ 11:45 am
Thanks Jill! I’m so glad you went for it, good to give yourself a push sometimes. I love snorkeling, but I’m sure scuba diving is awesome!
Stephen S.
February 3, 2013 @ 7:30 pm
Great post. I use “what if” in the opposite way. When I’m not sure if i’m on the right course I say “what if’ I don’t travel or “what if” I settled down. Then I look around and get my ass back in travel mode.
Ali Garland
February 4, 2013 @ 12:32 pm
Thanks Stephen! Asking yourself “what if I don’t do this” is definitely a great way to motivate yourself to go for it. I’d hate to miss out on a great experience because I was too scared.
Kim
February 1, 2013 @ 3:41 pm
I worried *A LOT* about getting sick while traveling. But now that I’m out here I see how easy it is to manage. Of course people get sick in other countries (slap my forehead) and when they do they go to hospitals that are generally a lot more affordable than they are in the U.S. I’m glad I didn’t let this fear stop me, for sure.
Ali Garland
February 1, 2013 @ 5:07 pm
I’m glad it didn’t stop you either! And I do love how much cheaper medical care is in most of the world compared with the US. “What if” can stop you from doing a lot of things that are worth going after, as you’ve definitely proven!
Jade Johnston
February 1, 2013 @ 5:31 am
Great post! I think one of the biggest “what if” fears that hold people back though is what if I kill my career prospects by taking significant time off… would love to see you address that one in your series.
Ali Garland
February 1, 2013 @ 11:04 am
Thanks Jade! I’m mostly trying to encourage people who haven’t traveled much or at all to travel even for a week or two, so I wasn’t even thinking about that angle. But yes, I’ve definitely seen how taking a significant amount of time off or quitting your job to travel does NOT mean you’ll never find a job again.
Andrea
January 31, 2013 @ 2:18 pm
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that, in my experience, bad stuff can happen when you travel. You could have a negative experience, or not like it, or have a rough time getting back into the swing of things when you decide you don’t want to be nomadic anymore. But not only can bad stuff happen when you’re at home in your day to day routine, really awesome, life-changing stuff can (and does, in my experience) happen when you travel. And that makes it all worth it. Frankly I’d rather have taken the chance than not challenged myself to the new experiences…and never having to say, “What if I HAD gone travelling?” is also wonderful for peace of mind.
Ali Garland
January 31, 2013 @ 3:38 pm
Bad stuff can definitely happen when you travel, or at home. But I completely agree with you, that wonderful life changing stuff that can happen while you’re traveling is so worth it. I’d rather take the chance too! Thanks for the great comment Andrea!
Neil Barnes (@packsandbunks)
January 30, 2013 @ 11:10 am
Cool article! I can understand why people ask the question, but if you want to make a change in your life its all about taking the plunge, no matter what if.
Ali Garland
January 30, 2013 @ 12:45 pm
Thanks Neil! Exactly, sometimes you have to just go for it, and that’s certainly true with travel.
Jennifer
January 29, 2013 @ 7:42 pm
Another great tip is to also scan copies of your credit cards, front and back, that way if your wallet is stolen you still have the numbers and telephone contact numbers to take action.
Ali Garland
January 29, 2013 @ 10:12 pm
Definitely, I made sure to do that before my round the world trip last year. Luckily never needed it though! Thanks!
Debbie Beardsley
January 29, 2013 @ 6:58 pm
When it comes to travel, the “what if’s” don’t win out! Now in other areas of my life I do succumb to them but am getting much better at placing them on the table to deal with.
Ali Garland
January 29, 2013 @ 10:44 pm
I know what you mean Debbie! It happens to all of us, but as long as we keep facing “what if” head on, we’ll keep getting better at going for it anyway. Thanks!
Josh
January 29, 2013 @ 6:12 pm
“What if” is the worst. Just do it. Just GO.
Ali Garland
January 29, 2013 @ 10:12 pm
Exactly! Thanks Josh!
George
January 29, 2013 @ 11:27 am
Great little article and often pointed out. The only thing really stopping people from travelling is themselves, but it’s hard for them to see that.
Ali Garland
January 29, 2013 @ 3:08 pm
Thanks George! I think sometimes people get stuck. It’s hard to see that they are fully capable of doing things even if it’s different or doesn’t fit their routine, and that breaking out of your comfort zone is often a wonderful and rewarding thing.