7 Reasons Not to Travel That do Not Compute ...

By far the most popular excuse not to travel is lack of money, but it’s also one of the silliest reasons not to travel. Keep in mind that traveling doesn’t have to be to far-off exotic destinations in 5-star hotels while sipping on expensive cocktails. There may be wonders in your own state to explore. Traveling abroad usually requires dedication to savings, meaning you will have to cut out any non-essentials like eating out or buying a coffee every morning. Or, you could collect all your change in a jar; you’d be surprised how fast it adds up. While travelling, choose low-cost destinations like Thailand, Nepal, Nicaragua or Portugal. Consider cooking instead of eating out, camping instead of a hotel or snag a cheap place to stay by surfing websites like Airbnb or Couchsurfing. There are lots of articles on AWS about traveling on a limited budget and how to make savings on travel costs.

Granted, it’s difficult when you’re in an executive position or run your own business. But if you have any vacation time at all, not only is it good for you to take it, it’s good for the company too. The US Travel Association’s survey results show that workers who use all their vacation time are generally much happier, and almost all senior business leaders say that when employees return from vacation they are renewed and ready to work more effectively. Many companies have a “slow” period, and if you can’t slip away for a longer period, try taking a 3 or 4 day weekend.

It’s great to travel when you’re older. Several travel companies cater to just such groups. Also, more and more people sell their family homes, move into a smaller dwelling, buy a travel trailer and take to the road for their vacations. Older people have an advantage over younger ones, because they tend to have more cultural understanding and maturity than younger travelers.

There are multitudes of travel companies that cater to the solo traveler. This doesn’t always mean “singles” cruises. But it does mean you don’t have to travel alone if you don’t want to, and you’ll make friends along the way. If you have a partner that doesn’t like to travel, go alone. It could help you avoid future resentment when you think about the places you could have seen. If you feel the need, keep up with those back home through Facebook or Skype.

Sure, traveling to some locations is not recommended. However, there are a number of things you can do and avoid doing to make your trip safe. When in any strange country, it might not be a good idea to get drunk, wander the streets at night or badmouth the locals and their ways. Do understand that you are in their country and must abide by their rules and respect their traditions even if you don’t agree. Also, you don’t need to travel to far off destinations that are unfamiliar. There are lots of places in your own country that are fascinating travel destinations.

This is one of the shakiest excuses, because there are travel agents who would love to plan your trip for you! Just give them an idea of the kinds of things you are interested in seeing, and leave the planning to them. Or, just put “vacation packages” in your search engine and see how many responses pop up. The only thing you have to plan is what you’ll pack in your suitcase.

If you don’t think you have anything to gain from traveling, you probably haven’t traveled much. Traveling changes the way you think about the world and increases your global awareness. And the Travel Channel or National Geographic will not offer you true experiences. For example, watching people go on safari is nothing like seeing wild animals right in front of you, and you may see the streets of Paris on TV but you won’t smell the street corner crepe stand. Traveling engages all the senses. Watching it and living it are not the same.

So 'fess up! Which of these reasons not to travel have prevented you discovering our wonderful world?