Myth 1: Travelling is Always Costly
We begin with the big one. "You need a lot of money to travel."
A truth bomb: One doesn't have to be wealthy to travel the world; one just needs to think creatively.
Yes, luxury resorts and star-rated hotels are available, but so are hostels, homestays, travel rewards points, and budget airlines. And with online booking and reputable low-cost airlines, you can travel cheaply. I spent three weeks in Vietnam for under $500 on food and transport, and all.
Travel tips such as flying incognito and traveling out of season should assist your wallet. And don't neglect to eat at local street food stalls (which, incidentally, are usually far superior in taste to expensive restaurants).
Myth 2: Solo travel is unsafe (particularly for women)
This is a common issue, and as a female who has solo backpacked through, trust me, safety is important, but solo travel does not necessarily equate to danger.
What it ultimately provides is freedom! Freedom to do things your way, encounter new individuals, identify your strengths, and fall in love with yourself.
Sure enough, it pays to be cautious and take measures (as you would anywhere), but branding solo travel as unsafe in itself is one of the travel myths out there and is the opposite of the truth.
Travel tips for solo travelers:
Always let somebody back home know your itinerary.
Book the accommodations with excellent reviews.
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
Myth 3: You Have to Quit Your Job to See the World
You have seen the influencers barefoot on a mountaintop, sipping espresso in Rome, "living the dream" 24/7. And while that's great for them, most of us have full-time jobs, responsibilities, and monthly bills.
One of those travel myths is the belief that you need to resign from your job in order to travel. But you do not have to leave your job in order to travel. Consider the possibility of long weekends, national holidays, or remote working possibilities.
Travel tip: Take those unused vacation days! Even a quick 4-day weekend getaway can be a mini-retreat if organized properly. And good news slow travel, where you dive deeply into a location rather than experience many in a rush, is both rewarding and economically savvy.
Myth 4: You Will Get Sick from Street Food
Let's debunk this spicy myth, shall we?
Some of the best meals I have had in my life came from street vendors. Pad Thai on a street corner in Bangkok. Churros in Mexico. Momos in Kathmandu. And yes, I lived to tell the tale.
The truth is travel hygiene tips go a long way. Street food is often made fresh in front of you, unlike food sitting on a buffet tray for hours.
Just follow these tips:
Eat where the locals eat.
Watch how the food is handled.
Avoid food that's been sitting out too long.
Carry hand sanitizer and stay hydrated.
So no, street food isn't automatically a gamble. Sometimes, it's your ticket to culinary heaven.
Myth 5: You Must Plan Every Minute of Your Trip
This is a trap for Type A personalities (guilty as charged until I learned the hard way).
Yes, it is helpful to have a rough outline, but attempting to micromanage every minute or two sucks the fun out of travel. The best travel memories are usually the unplanned ones: the little side street with live music, the spontaneous hike with fellow breakfast diners you befriended, or the detour that reveals a secret beach.
The best travel ideas are born from curiosity, not control.
Travel tip:Simply plan your priorities ahead. Accommodation, principal transportation, and must-see attractions may be planned but keep the rest loose for spontaneity. Let the magic take its course!
Myth 6: Traveling Is Not for Families with Kids
Alright, even though I don't have children myself, I have made trips with my nieces and nephews, and let me tell you this: traveling with children is not only feasible, but it can be very rewarding. Children are inquisitive and truthful and tend to view the world in ways we no longer remember.
Of course, there is more planning. You will have snacks, games, comfort objects, and perhaps a little more patience. But families worldwide travel successfully every day. The secret? Pace yourself, choose kid-friendly places, and have flexible expectations.
Pro tip:Get your children involved in planning. Have them select activities. It makes the adventure more interesting for them and less complicated for you.
Myth 7: Only Foreign Destinations Are True Travel
This one used to trap me, too. I used to believe that unless I was headed somewhere outrageously distant, it wasn't "true travel."
But let me tell you, there's culture and beauty in your own neighborhood. Whether it's a city close by that you've never visited or a quaint little town with something to hide, travel doesn't have to be foreign to be real.
When the pandemic struck, I began to hike on local trails and visit historic places in my home state, and it was just as rewarding as any foreign trip.
Travel idea:Create a list of local places you have never visited: parks, towns, museums. You may be amazed at the treasures you have missed.
Myth 8: Travel is Unsafe in Certain Countries
We all know the saying, "Don't go there; it's not safe." And to be sure, there are some areas with genuine safety issues. But many times, these advisories are more about stereotypes than up-to-date realities.
Each nation has safe zones and not-so-safe zones, including yours. It's not fair and restrictive to make a whole country's reputation based on some news or rumors.
Travel advice:
Monitor government travel advisories.
Participate in traveler forums for up-to-date information.
Speak to locals upon arrival; they are the experts.
Research, common sense, and respect can take one far in keeping any place safer and more enjoyable.
Myth 9: You Can't Maintain Good Hygiene While Traveling
Now, here's one that rings true, especially after 2020.
Though travel does expose you to new places, it doesn't imply that you will have to give up on cleanliness. A little planning can keep you clean and healthy while traveling.
Travel hygiene tips:
Always have a small travel package with sanitizer, tissues, and disinfectant wipes.
Bring a microfiber towel, a refillable water bottle, and spare underwear (believe me on this).
Select accommodations with high cleanliness ratings.
Wash hands before each meal; simple but effective.
Never ever take hygiene for granted; just be proactive, and it will serve you well during your travels.
Myth 10: Travel Isn't Worth the Hassle
Packing suitcases, waiting in airport lines, and zone confusion can leave you thinking about all the troubles of traveling. These are all overwhelming, particularly if you are just starting out.
But this is the thing: the experiences you accumulate, the people you encounter, the stories you accumulate, the new points of view that you discover. They are way more than the small frustrations.
Travel puts us in our place and reminds us that we're just a small piece of something immense. It humbles, educates, and revives in a way that little else can.
When I reflect on viewing the sunrise over Angkor Wat, dining with a host family in Morocco, or trekking the Swiss Alps in misty quiet, no amount of hassle enters my mind. Only awe.