“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide.
This poignant reminder from Andre Gide captures the essence of adventure, inspiring many to dream of embarking on life-changing travel experiences. Yet, despite the allure of exploring ancient ruins, lush landscapes, and vibrant cities, a daunting barrier often holds dreamers back: anxiety and fear of the unknown. For some, the call of the unknown remains just that—a call unanswered, as overwhelming unease keeps these dreams unfulfilled.
In contrast, Joelle and Ryan, the seasoned travelers and co-owners of Wanderers Compass, offer an inspiring counterpoint: “Travel is not just about seeing new things, but about opening our minds to the world’s vast wonders.” With their combined backgrounds—Ryan as a Military Police Officer and Joelle as a retired Clinical Research Nurse—they have explored over 55 countries across six continents.
The duo chronicles their adventures on their blog, where they delve deep into the cultural experiences that define their journeys. More than just travel enthusiasts, Joelle and Ryan are dedicated to helping others overcome travel anxiety.
Their blog shares personal stories and practical tips to empower readers to push past their fears and embark on their own transformative adventures.
Here’s some insight from the Wanderers Compass handbook for fellow travelers to cast aside their doubts and set forth on their epic journeys.
Understanding and Overcoming Travel Anxiety
Understanding travel anxiety is crucial—it can feel like standing at the base of a towering mountain, looking up at the peak. Common fears such as safety concerns, language barriers, or fear of the unknown can turn the initial excitement of planning a trip into a nerve-wracking ordeal.
Joelle and Ryan share from their early experiences: “Our first overseas trip was a cocktail of excitement and dread. It’s normal, but acknowledging our fears was the first step toward overcoming them.”
These fears are often intensified by misconceptions and myths about travel—dangerous destinations, horrific food poisoning, or insurmountable language barriers. Addressing these myths head-on, the duo advocates for a mindset shift: reframing anxiety as excitement. “When you start seeing anxiety as a natural part of the adventure, it becomes a signal that you’re about to do something truly transformative,” explains Ryan.
Strategies for Building Confidence in Travel
Preparation is the antidote to fear. Extensive research, planning, and setting realistic expectations are vital for reducing travel-related anxiety.
Joelle and Ryan emphasize starting with manageable trips to build confidence. “We began with short, local excursions, gradually expanding our horizons as our comfort with travel grew,” Joelle recalls. They also highlight the importance of leveraging resources like travel blogs, social media communities, and expert advice, which can provide both support and practical information.
To manage travel anxiety, Joelle and Ryan suggest packing well in advance, learning key phrases in the local language, and creating detailed itineraries with plenty of room for spontaneous exploration.
“Maintaining a sense of control over your travel plans while allowing some flexibility can make a huge difference,” Ryan notes.
Resilience is another crucial component. Travel inevitably involves challenges and setbacks, but each obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow. “Every mishap has taught us something valuable about ourselves and the world,” Joelle shares. Celebrating each small victory, from navigating a foreign subway to ordering a meal in another language, builds confidence and paves the way for more complex travel experiences.
To embark on your travel dreams, it begins by acknowledging and understanding your fears. Joelle and Ryan urge aspiring travelers to take that initial leap, no matter how modest: “Embrace courage, confidence, and wonder as you wander.”
By embracing both the trials and the triumphs of travel, you expose yourself to experiences that can deeply alter not only your outlook but your entire life. Let the journey reshape you, guided by the encouragement and wisdom of those who have journeyed before you.
Dianne is an adventurer who grew up traversing the globe, first through the pages of books, and then in reality. She lives the clichéd life of working at a cafe and writing. When she’s not surrounding herself with words you can find her visiting art musuems and historical places .Dianne lives in Boston.
