6 Reasons Why People Don’t Travel

Traveling is really not my cup of tea. But…

We’ve read a gazillion of post about why people should travel and the initial response from most readers is WOW, plus an inspiration to explore other places as well. It serves as a good kick especially when we see a realistic but affordable tabulation of cost whenever we travel. It gives us an emotional high too whenever we imagine ourselves marveling at the wonders of the world or taking an epic selfie by The Pyramids of Egypt, whale watching in Oslob, Cebu, or just sunbathing in the gorgeous beach in Maldives. For those who preferred bold adventures, there’s the steepest zipline in the Alps of Slovenia, the rocky climb in Mount Apo in Digos, Davao del Sur and some water sports in Bali, Indonesia. Those mentioned are very much appealing, but hey, what’s keeping you stuck?

There can be many reasons and maybe one of the 6 listed below is your very excuse.

Here are some of the common reasons why most people don’t travel in no particular order:

1. Traveling is expensive.

Yes, it is arguably pricey if you want to do it internationally and although I promote a budget friendly excursion by doing a DO IT YOURSELF travel, I’m no hypocrite to sugar coat my expenses. To be honest, my traveling spree is courtesy of my 3-year savings as an expat nurse. Although there are occasional airline seat promotions, you have to consider your terminal fees, travel tax fees, visa application fees ( This one is for international trips and I only travel to visa-free countries right now to cut cost.), accommodation and food expenses and your budget for souvenirs.

Without a savings, how then can you fund your travels? You just can’t beg from anybody because you run broke, be responsible with your finances and don’t spend more than you earn.

It’s important to travel to places that you can afford to rather than go big-time on a single costly destination and be stuck for a year due to loans and collaterals.

If you’re not financially ready to go the “extra mile” literally, why not hop on a local excursion and wear that smokin hot one piece swimwear in Boracay, Malay, Aklan or experience strawberry picking and horseback riding in Baguio City.

Go cheap but be creative.

Chip in a few bucks and you’re off to one of the world’s best beaches.

2. Commitment to your family.

You have the means to travel but you just can’t go anytime and anywhere because you are looking after your toddlers, your 80-year old mother, your diabetic father or your invalid husband. Admit it, your feet are itching to go places and you have already made plans, however, you felt guilty at the last minute because you will be enjoying the outdoors while you leave your loved ones alone and unattended. Oh, you might ask a house help to look after them, but it’s still difficult to go seeing pained looks behind.

When you have to choose between family and leisure.

Photo credits: parents.com

Be a responsible family member, but at the same time, do not compromise your happiness. Too much exhaustion at home can be overwhelmingly stressful. Have a leeway. Try going at the nearby park or town where you can bring along your family for a great holiday camping or picnic. Luneta Park is a top pick because aside from enjoying the landscape, you get to go down memory lane as you stroll along the Walls of Intramuros and the Monument of Jose Rizal, The Philippines National Hero.

“Traveling is not always wandering far, but wandering contentedly in a happy place with your loved ones.” Entertain them with your corny jokes and catch up with what’s going on with each others life.

3. You have a regular job.
Argh. This is one of the most painful response I’ve ever heard. And true enough, professionals working 5 days a week find it hard to explore their dream destinations. Two days a week is hardly called a vacation for regular employees who need to wash their laundry, iron their uniforms, shop for weekly necessities and clean the house or room on a weekend.

I need a day off.

Photo credits: hellebelle

But here’s the gist workaholics, print the holiday calendar and pack your bags for that long weekend. Bring a friend or a co-worker to brush that overfatigue away. Puerto Princesa in Palawan is a great weekend getaway with a visit to the Unesco World Heritage Site, The Underground River. If you have extra cash and extra day off, why not sail farther to Coron or El Nido?

Photo Credits: The Philippine Star

4. Fear.

“I’m aftaid to go somewhere unfamiliar.” Dear, you are not alone. I feel you, every new travelers or even experienced ones have underwent that anxiety stage particularly if they travel solo in a place where language is the main barrier when communicating. It could also be the case in a place stereotyped for robbery, sex tourism and scams. Knock knock buddy, it’s 2018. Download Google Translate App offline and research thoroughly about the place if there are terrorism warnings issued.

I don’t want to preach because I haven’t done extensive solo travels yet, but,

I believe that fear is a positive feeling.

And so I did my very first solo train ride to Houfuf, Saudi Arabia. No sweat.

When I went to Houfuf, Saudi Arabia from Dammam by train last year, I was alone and scared. It made me hyper aware of my surroundings and I clung to my bag tightly, afraid of losing my passport and my valuables. It’s the same fear that brought me back to Dammam safely because I never slept on my way despite my lethargy and drowsiness until I stepped at the safety of the hospital lobby.

5. I am sick and old, so traveling wears me out.

Photo credits: oetkb.files

Sadly, social media transformed the very meaning of traveling by emphasizing your travel mileage and posting your destination’s iconic tourist spot. Well, it’s given and those postcard perfect snaps are the evidence of your leisure getaway, but remember the days when smartphones and cameras are not what matters most?

I recounted many years ago when our family went to the beach with our grandparents and relatives. We enjoyed swimming, grilling BBQs and seafoods and running along the shore. Our grandparents though able had rheumatoid arthritis so they were just content on sitting by the corner while talking with our parents.

We smiled and laughed without selfies and chatted without cellphones.

That beach was approximately 15-minute away from our place by car. I defined it as traveling. Bliss! ♥️

6. It‘s really not my cup of tea.

Thanks, but no thanks.

Photo credits: tourismtech.files

OK. Can’t complain with that answer. It’s a personal decision and something that is the hardest to change. I will never convince you to travel too, what for? You’re ironclad on your resolution to stay at home so anything that I will say, will only be heard or read, but never digested. Argh! Lol. I respect you though. I’ve spent 27 years of my life at the comfort of my home and I’ve been fed, clothed, educated and sheltered well. 😉 Peace be with you.

What’s the reason why you don’t want to travel? Care to tell?

Hmmm.. If a miracle happened, and you decided to book that ticket and pack your luggage, I will be super stoked about it. Don’t forget to share your journey. I’m here at the other side of the world, waiting.