7 Widespread Journey Myths Which are Utterly WRONG

Years in the past, the web site Earth Porm reposted my article “The Final Information to Touring When You’re Broke.” As I went by way of the feedback on the put up, I used to be dismayed by the imply and dismissive feedback folks shared as effectively their misconceptions about journey.

These feedback made me notice that, regardless of all of the detailed web sites and books on tips on how to make journey inexpensive and accessible, too many individuals nonetheless consider the notion that journey is dear, unsafe, and inconceivable except you might be wealthy.

Too many say, “I can’t. It’s inconceivable” and change into cynical about journey. The notion that journey is dear couldn’t be farther from the reality (I wrote a whole e-book proving that very level.)

But folks nonetheless have all types of misconceptions about funds journey and staying secure overseas.

So, as we speak, I need to debunk 7 of the commonest journey myths I’ve encountered through the years:
 

Fable #1: Journey is Costly

The whole lot prices some cash — and that features journey. However the concept that journey is simply about fancy excursions, beach-side resorts, and luxurious villas is outdated. Historically, delicate advertising language made everybody consider that “a enjoyable trip is an costly trip.” After a long time of being bombarded by these insidious advert campaigns, our collective consciousness nonetheless equates journey with luxurious. Heck, I used to consider this too.

However the very fact of the matter is you don’t want a belief fund or a high-paying job to have an incredible journey.

You’ll must discover ways to plan a visit.

You’ll want to economize.

However you don’t must be wealthy to journey. You simply must be inventive and have the best priorities.

And it might even be finished on minimal wage. Certain, it could take longer to save lots of to your journey, and you could must make sacrifices, however if you wish to journey — whether or not for 2 weeks or two years — you will discover a method to make it occur. Listed here are some beginning factors that may assist you decrease your prices and journey on a funds:

 

Fable #2: Journey Credit score Playing cards Will Damage Your Credit score

Amassing factors and miles is the artwork of utilizing journey bank cards to achieve free journey through the use of your common spending. No additional purchases. No leaping by way of loopholes. Simply incomes free journey by placing your date nights, groceries, gasoline, and different common bills on a journey card.

I can’t rely the variety of free flights and lodge stays I’ve had through the years. By accumulating factors and miles, I’ve been capable of journey for a fraction of the worth it will have value in any other case, opening up tons of potentialities for funds journey.

Whereas making use of for bank cards will trigger a short lived dip in your credit score rating, that dip will get corrected inside two months if you happen to preserve paying off your payments. Until you’re seeking to make an enormous buy (like shopping for a home) within the close to future, that minor dip is not going to have an effect on you. Over time, having extra obtainable credit score will really enhance your credit score rating. And I imply what’s the purpose of increase a credit score rating if you happen to don’t use it? You’re employed to construct a very good credit score rating for the aim of doing issues with it.

I’ve over a dozen bank cards (although I solely actively use three) and a credit score rating of 797 out of 850. So long as you pay your card off every month, you don’t want to fret.

Listed here are some assets that can assist you get began:

 

Fable #3: Couchsurfing is Unsafe

Couchsurfing is a sharing economic system app that facilitates cultural change. Locals provide a free house of their dwelling (typically only a sofa) which vacationers can use to then go to town and study in regards to the vacation spot.

Whereas staying in a stranger’s home won’t be for everybody, it’s nonetheless a secure and enjoyable method to journey (to not point out an inexpensive one). Very like Airbnb, Couchsurfing hosts have opinions and profiles you may learn to be sure to’re staying with somebody you’re feeling you’d get together with. It’s actually not a lot completely different than Airbnb (besides it’s free!).

In fact, if you happen to’re not prepared to stick with a stranger you may also use to app to fulfill folks for actions as a substitute, similar to a meal, espresso, or a museum go to. It’s a good way to learn from the app with out having to stick with somebody.

So long as you utilize widespread sense, learn opinions, and belief your intestine, you’ll have the ability to use the app safely whereas saving cash and having enjoyable. There are households who host folks, solo feminine hosts who solely host girls, in addition to expats seeking to join with fellow foreigners.

Couchsurfing and web sites prefer it have vibrant communities. As a result of, opposite to what the information and media wish to report, not everybody out there’s a secret assassin searching for their subsequent sufferer. Most individuals are good, variety folks simply seeking to make mates and study new issues. Don’t let worry restrict your alternatives.
 

Fable #4: Hitchhiking Will Get You Killed

Hitchhiking is a comparatively widespread method to journey in lots of nations around the globe. It was additionally a typical (and secure) method to journey the US and Canada for a protracted whereas too.

The concept that hitchhiking is harmful dates again to the Nineteen Fifties when the FBI led a scare marketing campaign to get folks to cease the apply, partly as a result of civil rights activists have been hitchhiking to rallies. The FBI’s marketing campaign completely embedded within the thoughts of those that hitchhiking is harmful by claiming that the majority hitchhikers have been murderers.

Mixed with a story pushed by the media that the world is unsafe, hitchhiking continues to be perceived as a harmful exercise — even when it’s not.

My good friend hitchhiked solo across the US.

Kristin from Be My Journey Muse hitchhiked round China

I’ve hitchhiked in Europe, the Caribbean, and Central America and met fantastic, attention-grabbing folks within the course of.

Hitchhiking, like Couchsurfing, is about utilizing widespread sense. Make an observation of license plates, have a telephone in case of an emergency, and journey with a good friend if you happen to’re not comfy going solo. And keep in mind, you don’t need to get into any automobile that stops. Use your judgment and comply with your instincts and also you’ll have the ability to meet numerous attention-grabbing folks whereas nonetheless staying secure.
 

Fable #5: Journey is Harmful for Ladies

Whereas each women and men face dangers on the highway, girls typically encounter extra hazards that require warning and consciousness. However that doesn’t imply girls want to remain dwelling or solely go to super-safe locations.

The “if it bleeds, it leads” method to reporting through the years has highlighted solely the damaging tales of feminine vacationers. This model of reporting bolsters the perceptions that the world is so scary that solo feminine journey could be very, very unsafe and needs to be averted.

Thankfully, that’s not true in any respect. You may have a better likelihood of getting hit by a bus than you do of ending up like within the film Taken.

However don’t simply take my phrase for it. Right here’s an excerpt from a put up on girls’s security:

If I look again on the instances when folks have advised me “Don’t go there!” or “You may die!” it’s largely recommendation from individuals who have by no means been to these locations and have by no means finished any analysis on them. The press is massively influential. I can’t inform you what number of instances I’ve learn worldwide press protection that’s flat-out incorrect. That you must discover reliable sources and recommendation from individuals who know what they’re speaking about. I as soon as talked about to my dad and mom that I had plans to go to Rwanda. My involved father advised me, “You’re not going.” He was clearly apprehensive about Rwanda’s tumultuous previous. Had he finished his analysis, he would have identified that Rwanda is the most secure nation in East Africa. As soon as he researched it, I by no means heard one other phrase about it. The crime charges in your yard may be simply as dangerous because the vacation spot you’re headed to, if not worse.

As of late, there are tons of highly effective, impartial feminine creators touring to all corners of the world — together with off-the-beaten-path nations. Heck, a lot of them are extra adventurous than I’m! Listed here are some to comply with for inspiration:

 

Fable 6: Price range Journey is Solely Potential if You might be Younger and Single

Too many individuals consider journey is one thing you are able to do provided that you’re younger or single. That couldn’t be farther from the reality. I perceive that when you’re older, it’s your decision extra luxurious than a funds backpacker. And I do know that household journey requires extra planning than solo journey. B

ut journey will not be solely the purview of the younger.

On the finish of the day, age doesn’t matter. I’ve seen households and seniors backpacking around the globe, staying in hostels, or driving RVs.

You don’t must be restricted by age or your relationship standing. Listed here are some articles that show each households and seniors can journey on a funds:

 

Fable #7: You Can’t Work Abroad.

We regularly consider working overseas as an difficult course of not well worth the effort. It’s one thing that requires interviews, visas, and a sophisticated résumé. However, for the type of jobs that you simply’ll get as a traveler, that’s not true.

If you wish to work and are versatile about what you’re keen to do, you will discover employment virtually wherever. You may get a working vacation in nations like Australia or New Zealand, change into an au pair, train English, and even volunteer in change for room and board.

Certain, you won’t get a flowery or well-paying job. But when your precedence is journey then what does that matter?

Farms, colleges, bars, eating places, cafes, and the tourism business are virtually at all times searching for employees — particularly in areas with a seasonal inflow of vacationers. You gained’t get wealthy, however you’ll get to see the world. If you wish to study extra about your choices, listed below are some weblog posts to get you began:

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These journey myths come from years of being indoctrinated with the idea that journey must be costly and the world is horrifying.

That couldn’t be farther from the reality.

With a little analysis, you’ll uncover that touring the world is way safer — and rather more inexpensive — than most individuals assume.