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The top 10 reasons why your fears may be holding you back from traveling...


I like talking to people about their goals, their dreams and the things they truly want out of life. I often survey my social media friends, my co-workers, and random people I meet in everyday life just to get feedback and have a better understanding of why people don't just "go for it". These are the top 10 reasons I hear from most people about why they're afraid of doing the things they dream about-- and my opinion of why they should!

10- They're afraid of failing.

Most people are afraid of failing, so they don't even bother to try. Which is actually the ultimate failure. But understand that failure is a part of life and once you grasp onto that concept, you'll be better equipped to deal with it. If you aren't failing at something, you aren't trying hard enough. Nobody becomes successful without failure. Failing at something doesn't make you a failure, it makes you a "try-er", and if you aren't trying, you'll never know what can happen. Everyone goes through failure at one point or another in their lives. But strong people don't let their failures keep them from trying. If you're afraid to fail, you'll never succeed. 

9- They're afraid something will happen to them.

I often hear this when it comes to people wanting to travel. They seem disturbed or afraid of something going wrong, instead of focusing their mind on the many things that can actually go right. The media, negative images, and incomplete information are what stop people from experiencing the world and what it has to offer. By thinking negatively, you manifest negative things to happen. Change your mindset and your focus, and the world won't seem like such a scary place to you. 

8- They're afraid of going alone.  

Doing anything alone can sometimes be a daunting task, especially when it comes to boarding a flight and leaving your city, state, or even the country. This is a rational fear to have and a completely understandable one. However, it isn't a reason not to do it. Traveling alone can quite possibly be one of the most rewarding things you can ever do with your life. My suggestion: start small. Book a trip to a nearby city and get a feel for it. No flight necessary. This way-- you'll see how you feel about leaving home, and you'll still be close enough to go back if it doesn't suit you. But having the experience is better than not giving it a chance. You'll never know if you don't try!

7- They're afraid they can't afford it. 

Sometimes traveling can be more affordable than you think if you're willing to take your time and plan ahead. Most people think that they need to fly first class, and stay at the Ritz-Carlton when traveling- which will definitely prove to be out of their budget. But if you do your homework, and set a budget for yourself, you'll come to find that traveling can be more affordable than you think. Fly on budget airlines and be flexible with your travel dates. Look up hotels that include amenities such as continental breakfast, and airport transfers. Those are just a few ways that'll help you save some of those costly expenses that make a difference when you travel. 

6- They're afraid of leaving their state. 

This goes back to the topic of booking yourself a small getaway locally. Find a hotel or resort within your state and book yourself a couple of nights there. Take a short road trip and enjoy yourself for the weekend. It'll help you determine if taking a further trip away from home is worth it to you or not. 

5- They're afraid that people won't speak their language. 

This one makes me chuckle a bit because most times, no matter where you're going- there will always be someone that speaks English. Especially in touristy parts of town. This is just one of the ways international countries make their revenue. Hosting and accommodating tourist. 9 times out of 10, the people at your hotel will speak English if you're staying in a popular tourist area, also- the tour guides will likely speak English as well in order to assist you. For this reason, you have nothing to fear about there being a language barrier. 

4- They're afraid to fly. 

This too is a common, rational fear. Flying is simply not for everybody. Don't force yourself to do something you may regret or have a panic attack about. You can travel by train, boat, bus or car in order to enjoy a vacation. Traveling isn't exclusive to flying. However, when it comes to exploring many international countries, flying is sometimes the fastest and most direct way to get there. 

3- They're afraid of being lost. 

Another rational fear to have, but certainly not a reason not to go. Being lost is only part of the adventure. The newness and unknown are what make traveling worthwhile. But we have these handy gadgets called smart phones that offer us infinite amounts of data in which to determine pretty much everything we need to know, and they do more than just make phone calls! Use them for what they're worth and you'll never have to worry about being lost, no matter where in the world you may end up. 

2- They're afraid they won't enjoy themselves. 

My opinion about this is that everybody enjoys themselves in different ways. You may like hanging by the pool, or staying in your room ordering room service. Others may like getting out and going to bars or restaurants. Some may want to plan different tours around the city to see the sights. There is no one way, or wrong way to enjoy yourself. Just go, and do what makes you feel good. Even if that means sleeping in your hotel bed the entire trip. Do you!

1- They're afraid of people being jealous. 

For people that know me and know what I think about jealousy and other people's thoughts-- they know that I would say something like "screw what they think!" And honestly, they would be right. My attitude towards jealousy is this: if they were able to do it for themselves, they wouldn't have a need to be jealous of you for doing it. Never let anyone's jealousy, hate, negativity, envy or anything else stop you from living and enjoying the life you want to live! Go for it and to hell with what they think or how they feel! We only live once!!

I wrote this blog with the hopes of inspiring just 1 person to do what's in their heart. If you find yourself inspired, feel free to share this blog with your friends and hopefully they can find inspiration in it too! Go after what you believe in and never let anything hold you back. Fear is never an excuse to not experience all that life has to offer! 

Be blessed in your endeavors!! 

- Xoxo

Ashawna Lane 

Traveler, Designer, Entrepreneur

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