Go Away Alex Travel Design

In the US especially, we have a moral panic about travel. Our parents are worried about us. We watch only terrible news coming from every other country. We end up taking fake, idyllic vacations to white washed resort towns in other countries and end up disappointed with lack of culture, feeling as if we could have just taken that vacation in the US (DUH!).

So how do we let go of that moral panic and get comfortable traveling to less “comfortable” places?

We all have to start somewhere. Even though my first international trip was to France, I was with a school group and there was a sense of chaperoned safety. When I decided to do a semester abroad, a requirement of mine was that the country spoke English, so I picked London. I have no regrets over this, but in looking back, it is interesting to notice my comfort level and how much I have expanded.

Maybe it’s a little bit like riding a bike. You need to start with training wheels. But maybe I can help you ease the training wheels of your mind and help you to explore less traveled places a little sooner than starting with the “easy” places.

Find Comfort in the Discomfort

There’s a lot of growth that comes from travel, and that’s because a lot of it can be uncomfortable. You’re not in your familiar places, doing your familiar things. You’re exploring new territory, meeting new people, seeing new ways of life. And even though, it can feel uncomfortable, it will become all that more meaningful in your memory and life experience. Find ways to self soothe, take breaks if you need, plan alone time in your accommodations. Write in a journal about your experience. You will treasure this for a lifetime.

Ask Yourself, Is it a Moral Panic?

When I went to East and South Africa, everyone was concerned. When I arrived in these places, I wondered why. Yes, life there looks different, but it’s not all death and disease. It’s not just poverty and naked tribes dancing. What we are fed by the media in the United States regarding Africa is basically only these things. It’s that we need to go white savior them and build them unnecessary and unusable structures, teach them Christianity, force them to name their children from the Bible and then leave them with no real resources forever. I could go on about this, but I’ll save that for another post.

What I’m saying is: most places are NOT the grain of salt we see or hear about in our popular culture. They are SO much more rich and diverse than those few images we have in our brains. Did I feel 100% safe my entire trip to Africa? No. Do I feel 100% safe in my home in the United States? NO!

You have to understand, there is crime everywhere. There are bad people everywhere. But there are also GOOD people everywhere. And people tend to be more good than bad. You’ll see that if you venture out into the world and actually find yourself in need of help.

The world’s view of ‘Africa’ (the continent) is a moral panic. Which is a shame. It’s a whole continent. It has incredible diversity of land, people, wildlife, and energy.

But this isn’t just about Africa. This is about EVERYWHERE. I’ve had folks “worry me” over every place I’ve ever been. Mexico, Spain, India, Japan, Argentina, the list goes on. Did I have perfect experiences everywhere on earth? No! But would I go back? YA! 100% safety is an illusion. You can’t predict the future, so you shouldn’t hide from life. You only get 100 years or less on this planet, and I believe you should explore it if you feel compelled to do so.

Do Your Research

Share Your Journey

If you’re still concerned about your future trip. Consider inviting a friend or family member. Group travel is an option. And always share your plans and whereabouts with your loved ones.

I can’t write you into building confidence.

I can only share what mental tools I’ve learned to help me get over the fear of travel. One of those is asking if the people who are concerned about me know much about the destination. Have they been there? Are they from there? Those are the ones you should listen to. Do not listen to the news. It’s never going to be good.

Let go of expectations. That’s a big one for me. You have to let go of that image you think you have of a place and wipe the slate clean. Get your own experience in a place before making a judgement about it.

For example, I had 0 knowledge of Albania until I drove into the country and almost got swindled by children. I hated the driving style there, and it swayed my opinion of a country I knew nothing about.

In reverse, I had high expectations of Singapore. All the travel photos look incredible. It seems green and fun and exciting. I was not lit up by this country. I probably wouldn’t go back.

In India, I had so many people, Americans and Indians tell me to be worried and guarded. And there were definitely times I needed to have my guard up. It was a culturally intimidating trip full of sensory overload. Would I take it back? No. Did I learn a ton about the country and myself? Yes.

What I’m really getting at is that even though not every place is perfect, you will learn and it is worth it.

Stop going to resort towns in Mexico and the Caribbean and expecting culture and experiences. They’ve just brought America to you and it’s not worth the price tag. I’m not saying not to visit these places, but there are ways to explore that give you a more deep experience. Trying local food. Walking around in local areas (off resorts). Asking a local to show you what they get up to or where they eat or how they spend their free time.

This is why I want to help people plan their travels. I believe every trip should be meaningful. You should grow from it, get something out of it. Have memories to hold for your lifetime. Stories to share with your children. And please know that your weekend at Sandals isn’t going to yield very compelling stories.

PS. A podcast that has really helped me realize what 90s and early 2000’s moral panics are burned into my brain is “You’re Wrong About”. I highly recommend it if you carry anxiety for things like “stranger danger” and “sharps in Halloween candy”, etc. It probably inspired this blog.