What’s stopping you from traveling | Myths Debunked

I've realized that travel is so much me, quite recently in my life. And since then I keep thinking of places to travel, researching specialties and updating my log of to-be destinations, thinking of experience different cultures, meet some locals, listen to their stories and then document all of these to bring to you some of the best tips, experiences, destinations and places to visit.

Upcoming Blog: Peaceful, Serene and Mystic: Bodhgaya

When I started speaking to people about what’s on my mind, many of them were skeptical about how am I going to fund myself, I can't just give up on my bread and butter (Yes, I work for a marketing agency), is traveling to unknown countries safe; several such questions sprung in my head.

Five common reasons because of which people tend to stay back and how to overcome them:

I don’t have enough money: If you think you will save a lot of money in the coming years and then think of travel, believe me you will not. Things will keep coming and you may not be able to save enough to travel. I've realized it now, hope this is a learning for others.

You should try saving small amounts at different sources like a recurring deposit, Flexible money saving schemes (almost all the banks have these). Keep aside a portion of your salary and dedicate it to travel.

I have a lot of work, hardly got anytime: This is not even an excuse; you just need to plan your trip and pack your bags and get going. Every company provides approximately 22 annual days-off. If you plan it well and combine it with the weekends, you will easily have at least 5-7 quality vacations ready.

Taking time off from the world and exploring things by yourself will open new doors, help you know yourself better and what you really want to become.

I am afraid of traveling alone: It’s tough to sync my day-offs with my friends and I think I will get bored traveling alone.

Solitude can sometimes bring the best of the energies together and unleash hidden power. If you want to travel with your friends, don’t pick too many as it will be tough to co-ordinate and come to a mutual ground. There are a lot of travel groups and forums where you could find fellow travellers easily.

I don’t have the time to research and plan: Although, doing this yourself will give you huge sense of satisfaction, knowledge about the place, the people and will make your travel easier. (I usually start planning my travel a month in advance). But, if you don’t have enough time to plan and figure out things on your own; you could use the help of friends who have been there earlier. Going to travel planners/agents is another option but be ready to pay them for it.

Read some amazing actionable tips in my upcoming blog “Planning Essentials, Travel Like A Pro”

I am a little worried if I will be safe: In this momentary world, you don’t know what may happen with you the next moment. But that doesn’t mean that you should take chances on your safety.

Prepare a list (hard copy) of important documents that you need to carry. Keep back-up copies of scanned docs into Google Drive or any other cloud storage. Carry a utility knife, (if traveling abroad, you could look at carrying a hard plastic credit card knife) Keep cash at multiple places in your luggage.

Till then keep traveling, keep exploring and keep sharing for the love of travel.