Despite the availability of the detailed information about traveling, websites, and books that speak of affordable traveling, many people still believe that travel is expensive, impossible, and unsafe unless you have a lot of money.
Now, there are many ways to travel for less and longer periods. It is time to put the myths and the common beliefs to rest about traveling.
Myth 1: Traveling is expensive, and unless you have a fund set aside for it, you cannot do it
DigitalNomadMag via Foter.com / CC BY-SA
No travel is free. However, many people who hold the idea of the journey is due to the result of the advertisements, commercial magazines, and commercials that promote luxurious tours. They often use fancy language to capture the attention of the traveler. Due to this continuous bombardment of advertisements, people consciously started combining traveling with luxury.
Any beginner would begin saving for a two-week trip and even work overtime to save handsomely for a journey! However, you do not require a separate fund or a high paying job to travel. It is possible to travel even when you have a minimum paying job. It may take a while to save for the trip, but you can travel. There is always a way to make it happen. You just need to make some sacrifices. The presence of websites, information, and apps provide an excellent opportunity to plan for an inexpensive trip.
Myth 2: Credit cards are a ridiculous financial investment
mighty.travels via Foter.com / CC BY
In fact, credit cards are smarter financial assets when used properly. These cards have the ability to earn you hundreds and thousands of miles per annum, which entitle you to travel without paying a penny. It is important to see that you do not spend excessively using the credit cards and cross the limit.
Interestingly, the credit score improves if you have multiple credit cards. The biggest factor is the credit-to-debt ratio, which increases with the number of cards you possess. For instance, your score will be better when you have $10,000 as a credit over ten cards and spent only $1,000 than having $4,000 as a credit over two cards and spent $1,000.
You will notice a slip in the score when you apply for multiple cards, which is temporary. You can correct within a few months by paying the bills on time.
Myth 3: Staying at a strangers house is unsafe – No Couchsurfing, please!
jinxmcc via Foter.com / CC BY-ND
People on Couchsurfing are helpful and kind. They take the opportunity to show the best their homes could provide. Furthermore, it is possible to rely on the kindness of strangers!
As people believe the world to be unsafe and dangerous, they think staying with strangers is the same. It has become hard to trust people. It is this fear that is mistrusting the hospitality websites such as the Couchsurfing. Nonetheless, these sites provide you an insight into the host’s house through images, study the reviews, and back out even at the last minute. The website provides plenty of options to choose from, making it feasible to search for a preferable host. When people understand the concept and accept the services offered by such websites, staying with a stranger will no longer be the fear.
Myth 4: Is hitchhiking safe?
Christiaan Triebert via Foter.com / CC BY
Hitchhiking is safe. However, it was during the 1950’s that FBI spread the word about the dangers involved with hitchhiking. The aim was to stop people from practicing the idea because civil rights activists participated in rallies through hitchhiking. The campaign led by the FBI became a permanent remark on hitchhiking, which even until today has a negative vibe. The activity, combined with the notion that the world is a dangerous place, continues to put hitchhiking as an unsafe commotion.
However, hitchhiking is all about using common sense. Not everybody ends in a ditch by the road. The process also provides an opportunity to meet interesting and wonderful people across the globe. You do not have to get into any car that stops on your side. Use your judgment and rely on your senses. At the same time, do not see everyone as a psychopathic killer.
Myth 5: It is unsafe for women to travel.
Moyan_Brenn via Foter.com / CC BY
Both men and women face risks while traveling. However, women face additional risks than their counterparts, and it is important to be cautious. Nonetheless, reports on the negative stories bolster the insights that the world is unsafe for women and that murderer’s creep around every corner. Believe what other women, those who traveled say, before you think the world is unsafe to travel solo.
Myth 6: It is only useful if you are single and young.
Zogeba via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
People often believe that traveling is always that someone does when they are younger or in their teens. It is quite common that when you become older, you think about luxury and careful planning is necessary to accommodate every member of your family. Nonetheless, travel itself is not only for the young. Age has a negative role when it comes to the will and the passion for traveling across the globe. All it requires is careful planning because you will be traveling with your family, unlike alone or with a group of friends where you share the expenses. There is no limitation on the age; it is about the way you perceive things and see. Many seniors and families travel each year, stay in hostels, and drive RVs. You have to change your mindset to change the way you look at traveling.
Myth 7: You cannot work when you are traveling in a different country.
Snugg- via Foter.com / CC BY-NC
Of course, it is quite not possible to work while traveling and that too in a different country. Nevertheless, it is never the end of the world. You still have the options to work overseas. New Zealand and Australia offer one-year working holiday visa. You can work on a cruise ship or get a freelancer visa in Germany.
These persistent traveling myths arise because people consider traveling as expensive and the world a dangerous place. Ignore all the naysayers and begin planning for your next holiday. Remember you can always travel irrespective of your budget.
Updated: March 4, 2016
