BY AARDE WRITES for WEEKLY VOLCANO 5/9/25
Hey Aarde,
I’ve been having a hard time getting back out in the world after the pandemic and need help getting over the fear of going out. I feel anxiety thinking about the cost of adventure as well as being prepared. I can’t afford much, and at this point—I certainly can’t afford not to have a good time. What can I do to get past this block?
Signed,
Venturesome Novice
Hey Venturesome Novice,
Welcome to the wonderful world of the Wanderlusters!
It’s natural to feel anxious anytime you step out of your comfort zone—and our zones of comfort definitely shifted during the pandemic. If you don’t have a destination in mind already, consider starting somewhere close, as that keeps travel physically and mentally manageable as well as generally affordable.
When planning for a more distant location, I recommend spending time learning as much as you can about the area, culture, and local customs. Searching the web for info and watching travel vlogs for the specific destination you are traveling to can show others’ real-time experiences. Keep in mind to research the general seasonal trends that occur. Reading through and participating in travel message boards can help you feel less alone, as you’ll find many people share your worries—whether rational or irrational—which can be extremely validating. You’re not alone in your fears.
As far as meeting new people, staying in hostels can be a great way to connect in a comfortable setting, with your travels and plans as a natural conversation starter. You could also research and participate in local meetup groups doing things you enjoy. Perhaps sign up for an introductory regional cooking class, a sommelier-guided tasting, or a pottery or dance class. I always look for international Shut Up & Write groups—not only is it a great way to meet like-minded people, it often provides more cultural depth.
Once on a trip, it’s important to remain flexible regarding any changes in plans. It helps to have backup plans to ensure that you have an adventure, even if it isn’t the one you originally planned. And surprisingly, sometimes the backup plan ends up being better than the initial one.
There are books, blogs, vlogs, and podcasts that can help you identify inexpensive avenues while traveling. I follow a ton of budget-friendly travel guides on social media, and they often have great advice. It does seem that when you travel on a dime, you can end up meeting more locals, experiencing deeper culture, and seeing some amazing non-tourist attractions that often get overlooked.
To feel best prepared, research the area you’re traveling to for packing guides specific to that region. The top five things I always ensure I have with me are: properly worn-in footwear, a battery charger and cords, a printed map, accurate and up-to-date public transportation guides, and multiple forms of payment and ID kept in different locations (on my body and in my bag).
I commend you for reaching out to discover new ways to see the world, even if you’re hesitant. Always listen to your gut intuition and analyze its origin; fear of the unknown doesn’t mean the reality is dangerous. If you’re traveling alone, make sure someone who loves you knows your itinerary—and check in often.
The world is meant to be seen!
Got a wellness question? Send it to: Jdaarde@gmail.com
