11 Reasons People Don’t Travel (And How to Overcome Them)
“One day.”
It’s probably the phrase I hear most when talking to people about travel.
“One day I’ll visit Japan.”
“One day I’ll see the pyramids.”
“One day I’ll go on safari.”
The trouble is, “one day” has a habit of becoming “never.”
Over the years, I’ve met countless people who dream of travelling but never actually book the trip. Genuine circumstances hold some back, but many are stopped by worries or assumptions that, with a little planning, can often be overcome.
Travel has given me some of the happiest memories of my life, and I’d love more people to experience that for themselves.
Think about what’s stopping you. Some obstacles are real, but others may be easier to overcome than you think.
1. I will go there later
Many people believe they will travel one day but just not now. They tell themselves they will travel when they retire, when the children are grown up or are a bit older or when they have more money. Sadly, for many, it will never be the right time.
Fifteen years ago, my husband woke up one morning and could barely see. By the end of the day, he’d lost most of his vision. It was terrifying. After a week of tests, we learned it wasn’t life-threatening, but it completely changed how we viewed the future.
I can remember as a child, my mum told me that the neighbour across the road had died, and it was sad because he always wanted to travel when he retired, but he died only weeks after his retirement. This planted the seed that I shouldn’t leave things too late.
It reminded me that none of us knows what tomorrow brings. If there’s somewhere you’ve always dreamed of visiting, don’t assume there will always be time.
2.Travel isn’t for people like me
Sometimes when people say they would love to see a place, I ask them why they don’t go. They then pull a face as if I had made a ridiculous suggestion. It is depressing how some people put self-imposed restrictions on places they can visit.
I must confess I never thought about going on a safari; I don’t know why. None of my friends or relations had gone on one, and I suppose I thought it was only for those with lots of money and who are willing to sleep with spiders and snakes. Not for people like me. What was the point of spending a lot of money to see animals you can see at the zoo? I no longer enjoy sleeping in a tent.
Thanks to a chance conversation with a couple who had been on a safari the year before, my interest was awakened, and the following year, we went on our first safari and loved it. I didn’t see a single spider or snake and slept in a lodge. We enjoyed it so much we went on more safaris. I even ended up sleeping in a safari tent (with proper beds and fixed plumbing).
My aunt said she always wanted to go to Machu Picchu but didn’t think she could make the trail. She was surprised when we told her we went by train and bus. Because everyone talks about the trail to Machu Picchu, she thought that was the only option.
If you see a place you fancy going to on television or in a magazine, don’t dismiss the idea straight away. Do a bit of research, and you may find that destination is ideal for you.
3. It feels too different or dangerous
For those who have never travelled or travelled very little, the idea of going somewhere very different from home can be worrying. They speak a different language, eat different food, and you might not understand the currency or know where to go. You see on television how dangerous the world can be.
If you are worried, pick a tour or a cruise. You will see a lot without having to worry about the logistics. Or pick a package holiday that has a holiday rep at the hotel who can help you out if you get into difficulties; then the only thing you need to worry about is which swimsuit to bring.
There are indeed some dangerous places in the world, but you don’t have to choose them. Try somewhere like Switzerland, Iceland or Singapore.
Look at the Global Peace Index to see which countries are the most peaceful, although it doesn’t show natural hazards.
4. It’s too hot
Somebody told me they couldn’t go to Egypt as it is too hot. In December, it is about 21°C (69°F), and in January it might be 18°C (66°F); it might even rain. If you are avoiding a country because you think it is too hot, have a look at the temperature in their winter or see if there is a cooler region, maybe in the mountains.
We went to Dubai in the summer and were surprised by how manageable it felt because almost everywhere was air-conditioned, and most outdoor activities took place in the evening.
Many hot countries don’t have air conditioning everywhere, but you can choose a hotel that does, and museums often are kept at a cool temperature.
5. I am scared of flying
A friend of mine told me she loved dolphins; she had every dolphin soft toy, statue, and book she could find. She said she would love to go to Florida one day to swim with dolphins, but she couldn’t because she was scared of flying after a bumpy flight. I told her about a couple of courses the airlines run for those who fear flying. That was 15 years ago, and she has done nothing about her phobia, and she probably never will.
If you have a phobia of something, then avoidance is the easiest option. The phobia doesn’t go away on its own, and in time it gets embedded in your life.
Of course, you don’t have to fly to go on holiday abroad. Why not take a cruise or a train trip?
6. What if I don’t like the food
I didn’t put China high on my list of places to visit as I didn’t like Chinese food. In the end we went to China twice. I found I liked some of the food, and there was Western food available in many cities as a backup.
If you are worried about foreign food, then you have a few options. With my fussy children, I made sure there was a fast-food chain they enjoyed near our hotel. I am not suggesting going there every day, but when our severely underweight child refused most food in the USA, it was reassuring to know we could take her somewhere every few days.
You could take a few food items with you. I often take pot noodles for my daughter as a backup in case she can’t find anything else to eat, and it is allowed in most countries.
Maybe you are a vegetarian and are worried you won’t be able to find vegetarian meals. Choose a country like India, where nearly 40% of its population are vegetarians.
Another option could be a cruise. Large cruises offer a wide range of cuisines, so you will have plenty of choices and will not be limited to local food. Cruises are also a good idea for those with dietary requirements, as they are well equipped to accommodate them. You could talk to the chef and discuss your requirements, so you don’t need to worry for the rest of your holiday.
Don’t let food stop you discovering an amazing country. Most destinations now cater for every taste and dietary requirement, and you may even discover a new favourite dish along the way.
7. I’ve got nobody to travel with
Some people don’t travel because they are single or their partner doesn’t enjoy flying, prefers to stay home, or isn’t as interested in seeing the world.
But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. If travelling is something you’ve always wanted to do, there’s no reason to put your dreams on hold. Going on your own can be incredibly rewarding, and it’s far better than looking back with regret because you waited for someone else.
If the idea of solo travel feels daunting, you don’t have to do everything alone. There are plenty of tours designed specifically for solo travellers, making it easy to explore new places while meeting like-minded people. In fact, solo travel is one of the fastest-growing travel trends, and many solo travellers are happily married or in relationships—they have partners who don’t share their passion for travel. I spotted one women-only tour that goes to some unique places and meets other women to understand their communities and lives better.
Another option is to choose a holiday built around something you already enjoy. Whether it’s painting, fishing, photography, hiking, a spa retreat, or a wellness break, shared interests make it easy to connect with others.
If you’d rather travel independently, that’s perfectly fine too. Sometimes eating alone in restaurants puts people off. You can get around this by booking accommodation with room service, ordering food in, or choosing a self-catering apartment or hotel room with a kitchenette. There are plenty of ways to make solo travel comfortable, enjoyable, and completely your own.
8. I have to look after someone
Commitment to looking after someone is a big issue to deal with, but not impossible. You might have young children, a partner with health issues or elderly parents whom you care for.
Firstly, travelling with young children is not impossible, just a bit harder, but if you are up for it, you could travel without them.
I know a divorced lady with two young boys who is very keen to travel the world. Every 3 or 4 months, when it is her ex-husband’s weekend to look after the boys, she gets a cheap flight to a European city, stays at an Airbnb, and eats supermarket food to keep the price down. She doesn’t have much money to spend on travel, but the weekend breaks help her stay sane.
Don’t be reluctant to ask for help; you can ask friends or relatives to keep an eye on elderly parents. Maybe your child has Down syndrome; did you know that there are cruises for families with Down syndrome? Ask around; you might be surprised what you find.
If your relatives work, can they do the evenings and you get a carer in during the day? I appreciate that you might feel too tired to look for solutions, but you need a break from caring. You will be better at looking after your loved one if you are fresh and relaxed rather than stressed out and downtrodden.
9. I am too busy
It’s easy for work to become your whole life, especially during busy periods.
There are times when work must take priority, such as when you are starting a new business, but if you haven’t had a break for ages, a holiday could help recharge your batteries.
Work is important, but consider whether you would be happier if you also spent a small amount of your time on holiday, making memories to share with your family or friends. Who knows, the break might improve your mental ability then you will do better at your work.
10. I’m not very fit, or I have a medical issue
Some people think they are not fit enough to travel or that a medical condition will make a holiday too difficult. While some health issues do require extra planning, they do not automatically mean you have to give up travelling.
If trekking through the Amazon rainforest or hiking in the Alps sounds too demanding, remember there are other ways to experience these amazing places. You could take a river cruise through the Amazon or enjoy the spectacular Alpine scenery on a train journey instead.
Cruises are particularly popular with older travellers and those with limited mobility because you can visit several destinations without constantly packing, unpacking or walking long distances. Some cruise companies, such as Sage Holidays in the UK, even offer a doorstep pick-up service, making the journey even easier by avoiding the stress of travelling to the port yourself.
If walking is difficult, airports can assist with check-in and boarding, and many destinations offer accessible transport and accommodation. Wheelchair travel may require more planning in some places, but it should not stop you from exploring the world. If you are blind or visually impaired, travelling with a companion can make the experience much easier.
Travel insurance can become expensive as you get older or if you have a medical condition. However, specialist insurers often provide cover for people with cancer and other serious health conditions, so it is worth shopping around rather than assuming insurance will be impossible to obtain.
The key is to choose a holiday that suits your abilities and interests. There are countless travel options, and with a little planning, many people still enjoy memorable adventures. I once heard about a gentleman who went on a river cruise at the age of 101 and had a wonderful time—a reminder that travel is often more about finding the right type of holiday than giving up on the idea altogether.
11. I can’t afford it
Money is the most common reason people don’t go on holiday, and I understand why. Most people don’t have enough money to do everything they’d like to. For years I didn’t work; my husband earned an average wage, and we had four children. Even so, we still managed to travel. We did it by saving every penny we could and hunting down the best deals.
I would never suggest taking a holiday if you have significant debt—you need to deal with that first. It is surprising, though, how a few small lifestyle changes can gradually add up to a little extra money.
That extra money could be enough for a weekend away during the shoulder season, when prices are often much lower. If you prioritise how you spend your money, travelling for enjoyment can become part of your life. With careful planning, even a modest budget can go much further.
Summary
As a child, I would spend hours looking through the travel magazines my parents always had around the house. I was fascinated by places like Easter Island, Machu Picchu, Victoria Falls, and the Amazon rainforest. Back then, I never imagined I would one day stand in those places myself.
Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t keep putting those dreams off until “one day”.
Don’t let challenges stop your dreams from becoming reality. A few months from now, you could be enjoying a coffee in a Roman café or watching the world drift by as you cruise along the River Nile. Once you experience the joy of travelling, you’ll probably wonder why you waited so long.
The world is full of extraordinary places, and the perfect time to travel rarely arrives. Life will always find ways to fill your diary and empty your bank account.
If there’s somewhere you’ve always dreamed of visiting, start planning. It doesn’t have to be next month, or even next year. Just take the first step.
Because “one day” has a habit of becoming “never.”
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