Navigating Pre-Travel Nerves: Transforming Fear into Excitement

When fear overrides the excitement of your upcoming trip.

Embarking on a journey, whether it’s to a nearby city or an exotic destination, can sometimes be accompanied by those familiar pre-travel nerves. The questions and doubts start to surface, making us wonder if we’ve made the right decisions in planning our adventure.

In the realm of modern travel, information is both our ally and adversary.

 Safety concerns from International Safe Travel websites, unsettling stories from Google searches, and the ever-growing list of entry requirements for different countries can create a daunting landscape. But fear not, these are just the realities of our time, not roadblocks to your journey. Embrace them as integral parts of your travel experience.

Even as a seasoned traveler, I sometimes find myself burring my head in my hands with the overwhelming details of planning a trip.

It’s in those moments that I realize the power of connecting with someone who has experience in the destination I’m heading to. Engaging in conversation, seeking firsthand knowledge, gaining perspective, and receiving a reassuring pep talk can be invaluable tools in your travel resource kit.

Break it down into chunks.

Here are some strategies to tackle the pre-trip doubts and uncertainties:

• Safety; Check any safety concerns and whether the issues on “safe travel” websites are political rather than “personal” safety related. Many countries can be listed with travel warnings (including tourist hot-spots like Indonesia and Thailand), but these can relate sometimes to just certain regions or territories within that country and not the whole country, or to do with more in depth politics. Go into travel groups and ask your peers directly their experiences about traveling to your destination, especially if you are traveling solo as a female. Don’t forget:*please read the travel warnings and be informed, make sure your travel insurance company covers for all the regions within the country/countries you are traveling to.

• Get good reliable information;  When doing a google search look for reputable websites and sources, such as Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor, and read the reviews. Use a travel agent or advisor with experience with the country you are going to.

• Get your travel documents in order; Write a list of the travel documents you will need and dates they are required by. Check requirements as these are quite often updated regularly. This includes entry visas, custom clearance QR codes/forms, any tourist taxes (e.g-Bali has a new tourist tax from FEB 2024 find out more here:https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/ ), and use official government websites to find out the correct visa and entrance requirements. Make sure you have at least 6 months valid on your passport from your travel date and that it has no damaged pages.

• Find your confidence; Get support if you need it and don’t feel like you shouldn’t ask a tone of questions! I quite often have someone say to me  “Oh I have a silly question” when wanting travel advice. There is no such thing as a silly question, so ask away. Build up that confidence by practicing getting out on adventures locally, dine out solo, get involved with community events and connect online with travel groups. Organize to go on a small group tour even for a few days to help you acclimatize to where you are, go on a free walking tour to help you navigate a new city, and that is also a great way to make new travel buddies.

Travel may initially appear complex, especially when venturing into new exotic locations. However, these off-the-beaten-path destinations sometimes can be the most culturally and personally rewarding.

Remember the mantra: “Don’t be afraid to take the unfamiliar or difficult path. Sometimes they’re the ones that take you to the best place.”

If you find yourself in need of a travel support person to enhance your journey, reach out. Let’s chat and see how I can assist in making your adventure less daunting and more delightful.

Your dream journey awaits!

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Whether you’re seeking a room-sharing adventure or a solo escape, my tours and retreats are designed to cater to the diverse needs of all women. Or maybe you just need help in guiding you to plan your next journey? Let’s map-out an exciting, purposeful adventure for you!

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