I believe it does make us less fearful, Justin, b/c I believe it brings out the adeptness in us to handle different, sometimes difficult, situations--and survive. Once we have mastered one or two out of sorts happenings, it makes us more alert, more situationally aware, and hopefully, more ready for the next challenge that life (or travel) throws our way. It's a great, thoughtful question.
Thank you Jeanine! That is well put and worth reflecting on. Something I could spell out more is that there are different types of fear, some unreasoned but some justified. I’ve been meaning to write a post about the dangers of travel so perhaps I’ll work on that soon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Yes, but...As I've aged and unwelcome changes have occurred in my body, I am more hesitant to go places where I might have difficulty managing a medical emergency. Even traveling with young children did not affect me like this. The pandemic certainly did not help with this concern. I think my solo traveling days are complete. I need at least a partner who could help me navigate any problems. Go travel while you are young(ish) and healthy.
That’s a great point Maryann. I think there are a lot of genuine concerns to consider before traveling. We’ve traveled a lot with our young son and it’s always gone fine (aside from the time he gave us a scare with an allergic reaction) but having the thought that something could go wrong while in an unfamiliar place is a legitimate concern I wouldn’t fault people for worrying about. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 😊
And take your kids! They won't remember as much as you'd hope, but you'll remember having experienced the world through their eyes. And nothing opens doors with strangers more than having a kid or two
I agree that traveling makes us less fearful. It may be hard sometimes to venture out of our comfort zone, but as Jeanine said below, it brings out the adeptness to handle uncomfortable situations. I'm not usually fearful of the places I've selected to travel, but when I have a long break from travel, it's always a little scary to do it again, but when I do, I feel more confident.
Justin, I think it depends so I cast a vote for "Unsure".
If I'm a worrier and my current fears revolve around an upcoming trip, chances are the trip will go well and those specific fears will be laid to rest. However, the same would be true if I stayed home as I suspect that most worries cooked up by most worriers are never realized.
In a similar vein, for those who worry about the fate of the USA and the world, an overseas trip can remind us that the world is filled with good people whose needs and desires echo our own. However, a trip that includes an encounter with an angry mob shouting "Death to America" or a harrowing experience in a high crime area probably won't result in a decrease in the traveler's fear level.
I believe it does make us less fearful, Justin, b/c I believe it brings out the adeptness in us to handle different, sometimes difficult, situations--and survive. Once we have mastered one or two out of sorts happenings, it makes us more alert, more situationally aware, and hopefully, more ready for the next challenge that life (or travel) throws our way. It's a great, thoughtful question.
Thank you Jeanine! That is well put and worth reflecting on. Something I could spell out more is that there are different types of fear, some unreasoned but some justified. I’ve been meaning to write a post about the dangers of travel so perhaps I’ll work on that soon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Yes, but...As I've aged and unwelcome changes have occurred in my body, I am more hesitant to go places where I might have difficulty managing a medical emergency. Even traveling with young children did not affect me like this. The pandemic certainly did not help with this concern. I think my solo traveling days are complete. I need at least a partner who could help me navigate any problems. Go travel while you are young(ish) and healthy.
That’s a great point Maryann. I think there are a lot of genuine concerns to consider before traveling. We’ve traveled a lot with our young son and it’s always gone fine (aside from the time he gave us a scare with an allergic reaction) but having the thought that something could go wrong while in an unfamiliar place is a legitimate concern I wouldn’t fault people for worrying about. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 😊
And take your kids! They won't remember as much as you'd hope, but you'll remember having experienced the world through their eyes. And nothing opens doors with strangers more than having a kid or two
In tow.
I travel to know myself, others and our world better.
I love that!
I agree that traveling makes us less fearful. It may be hard sometimes to venture out of our comfort zone, but as Jeanine said below, it brings out the adeptness to handle uncomfortable situations. I'm not usually fearful of the places I've selected to travel, but when I have a long break from travel, it's always a little scary to do it again, but when I do, I feel more confident.
Justin, I think it depends so I cast a vote for "Unsure".
If I'm a worrier and my current fears revolve around an upcoming trip, chances are the trip will go well and those specific fears will be laid to rest. However, the same would be true if I stayed home as I suspect that most worries cooked up by most worriers are never realized.
In a similar vein, for those who worry about the fate of the USA and the world, an overseas trip can remind us that the world is filled with good people whose needs and desires echo our own. However, a trip that includes an encounter with an angry mob shouting "Death to America" or a harrowing experience in a high crime area probably won't result in a decrease in the traveler's fear level.