We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through Instagram, watching people explore new places, taste exotic foods, and dive headfirst into adventure.
You get that little pang of jealousy. You imagine yourself there, living your dream journey, but then something stops you. You sigh, close the app, and go back to your routine.
But why? What’s holding you back from your dream journey?
Here’s the thing: whatever is keeping you from taking that leap is not as big or insurmountable as it seems. I know it can feel overwhelming, but trust me—your dream is closer than you think. Let’s break down what’s really stopping you and how to overcome those barriers.
Fear of the Unknown
Let’s start with the big one: fear. Fear of the unknown is a huge reason why people hold off on traveling. You don’t know what’s out there, how things will go, or whether you can handle it. What if something goes wrong? What if you get lost, or worse, feel lonely?
Here’s the truth: Fear is normal. Every single traveler out there has felt some form of fear before hitting the road. But the thing about fear? It’s just your mind’s way of keeping you safe, but not necessarily happy.
The best way to tackle fear is to face it head-on. Do your research. Know your destination. Read blogs, watch YouTube videos, and talk to others who have been where you want to go. The more you familiarize yourself with the unknown, the less unknown it becomes. And that fear? It’ll shrink down into something manageable.
Lack of Time
“I just don’t have the time right now.”
Sound familiar? Whether it’s work, family obligations, or just the never-ending list of things to do, time is one of the biggest excuses for not pursuing travel. Life is busy—we get it. But here’s the secret: you make time for the things that matter.
Start by shifting your perspective. Do you have a week of vacation time? Use it to take a short trip. Even a weekend getaway can scratch that travel itch and remind you why it’s important to prioritize yourself sometimes.
If you’re really committed to long-term travel, take a hard look at your schedule. What’s taking up most of your time? Is it possible to rearrange things? Maybe you can negotiate time off with your employer, or take a sabbatical. It might mean saying no to some things, but saying yes to yourself is what’s really important.
Money Worries
Okay, this is a big one, right? Money is often the #1 reason people put off their dream journey. “I can’t afford it,” is something you hear a lot.
But here’s the kicker—travel doesn’t have to be expensive. There are endless ways to travel on a budget, and plenty of destinations where your money can stretch further than you’d imagine. Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and parts of Central and South America are all very affordable. You can stay in hostels, couch-surf, or even exchange work for accommodation.
And you don’t need to go all-out right away. Start small. Build a travel fund. Set aside a little bit of money each week or month—whatever you can manage. Sell some things you don’t use. Cut back on unnecessary expenses like take-out or new clothes. Before you know it, you’ll have enough to book that plane ticket.
Waiting for the “Perfect Time”
Let’s clear something up: there is no “perfect” time to travel. Life will always throw things at you. There will always be something that seems like a good reason to wait—maybe you’re waiting for a promotion, to pay off some debt, or until your kids are older. The reality is, life never stops. There’s no magic moment when all your ducks will line up perfectly.
The key? Stop waiting for everything to be just right. Instead, focus on creating opportunities. Don’t wait for the perfect time—make the time perfect for you.
Family Responsibilities
This one can be tough, especially if you’re juggling kids, a partner, or even aging parents. Family responsibilities are real, but they don’t have to stop you from traveling.
If you have kids, why not make travel a family affair? There are plenty of families out there who have made long-term travel work with children. It’s an amazing way to give them life experiences they won’t find in a classroom.
If you’re caring for a partner or parent, start by communicating your needs. Talk about why this journey is important to you. You may be surprised by how supportive they can be, or how you can find a way to make travel happen without neglecting your responsibilities.
Lack of Confidence
Maybe you’re holding yourself back because you don’t think you’re “ready” for a big trip. You’ve never traveled solo. You’ve never been outside of your country. You’re not sure you can handle the logistics, the language barriers, or the cultural differences.
Guess what? You’re more capable than you think. No one starts out as an expert traveler. It’s all about learning as you go. Start small if that helps—take a solo trip to a nearby city or another state. As you get more comfortable, push yourself a little further.
And remember, you don’t have to know everything right away. Traveling is a learning experience. You’ll pick up skills as you go, figure things out, and become more confident with each step.
Overwhelm from Too Much Information
In the age of the internet, information overload is real. There are blogs, travel guides, YouTube videos, and Instagram posts telling you where to go, what to do, and how to do it. It can be overwhelming.
Here’s the solution: simplify. Start with just one destination. Focus on one thing at a time—research the basics, like visas, accommodation, and transportation. Once you have a general idea, stop overthinking it. You don’t need to know everything before you go. Sometimes, the best part of traveling is discovering things as you get there.
Work Commitments
Work is often the biggest hurdle when it comes to taking time off to travel. The thought of leaving behind a steady paycheck or taking time off can be daunting. But ask yourself this: is your job really the only thing keeping you from living your dream?
Many companies are becoming more open to flexible work arrangements. If you’re not ready to quit, consider negotiating remote work or asking for a sabbatical. You might be surprised at what’s possible if you approach the conversation with a clear plan.
And if your current job doesn’t allow flexibility, ask yourself if it’s worth it to put your dreams on hold indefinitely. There will always be other jobs, but the experiences you gain from traveling? Priceless.
Feeling Guilty
Guilt can be a sneaky reason why people don’t go after their dreams. You might feel guilty for spending money on travel instead of saving for something “practical,” or for taking time off work when others can’t. You might feel like traveling is a selfish act when you have responsibilities at home.
Let me tell you something: prioritizing yourself is not selfish. In fact, taking time to travel can make you a better version of yourself. You come back more energized, more open-minded, and with a new perspective on life. And that benefits everyone around you.
Comparing Yourself to Others
It’s so easy to fall into the comparison trap. You see influencers traveling to five-star resorts, digital nomads working from the beach, or bloggers who seem to have it all figured out. And then you think, “I can’t do that.”
But here’s the thing: everyone’s journey is different. Your dream journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Maybe your trip is a month-long backpacking adventure, or maybe it’s a weekend in a neighboring city. Both are valid, and both are worth it.
Stop comparing your journey to someone else’s. Focus on what excites you and what works for you. Your dream is unique, and that’s what makes it special.
Lack of Support
Sometimes, the people around us unintentionally hold us back. Maybe your friends or family don’t understand why you want to travel. They might even discourage you by saying it’s too risky or impractical.
It can be tough to pursue your dream when those closest to you don’t fully support it. But at the end of the day, this is your life. You don’t need everyone’s approval to chase your dreams. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, whether that’s other travelers, an online community, or close friends who get it.
So, What’s Really Holding You Back?
Now that we’ve broken down the common barriers, take a moment to reflect on what’s truly holding you back. Is it fear? Time? Money? Confidence? The truth is, once you identify the root of the problem, it becomes easier to tackle.
Start Small, Dream Big
You don’t have to drop everything and book a one-way ticket tomorrow (unless you want to!). Start small. Set aside time each week to plan. Save a little money here and there. Push yourself out of your comfort zone bit by bit. And most importantly, stop waiting for the “right” time.
Travel isn’t about escaping your life; it’s about expanding it. It’s about seeing the world through new eyes, experiencing different cultures, and growing in ways you never thought possible.
So, what’s holding you back? Whatever it is, I promise it’s not as big as your dream. You’ve got this. The world is waiting for you—take that first step. You won’t regret it.
Ready to Chase Your Dream Journey?
Let this be your sign to stop hesitating. Start planning, start saving, and most importantly, start believing that your dream journey is not only possible, it’s within reach. The only thing holding you back is you.
Now, go make it happen. You’ve got the whole world ahead of you!