From language barriers to getting lost in unfamiliar streets, challenges of travel shape our journeys and provide valuable lessons along the way. But hey, that’s the beauty of traveling – the unexpected twists and turns that make for the best travel stories.
Whether you’re adventuring solo or trekking into the unknown as a group, understanding the potential challenges of travel you may face beforehand allows you to be better prepared and equipped to handle them when they arise.
Join me below as I explore 15 common challenges of travel, providing insights and practical tips on how to overcome them. We can turn our travel woes into memorable tales that we’ll recount with laughter and a sense of accomplishment.
1. Jet Lag / New Sleep Patterns
Ah, jet lag, the unwanted side effect of long-distance travel. To conquer jet lag like a pro, take charge of your sleep schedule before you embark on your trip. If you can start going to bed a few minutes later (or earlier) a week before you travel, do it. This will help your body sync to your destination’s time zone more quickly.
Keeping hydrated and staying clear of caffeine and alcohol before traveling will also help reduce the symptoms of jet lag. It might sound a bit unconventional, but fasting is known to help, too. Just be sure to consult with your health professional before doing anything drastic.
2. Language Barriers
When planning a trip to a destination with a language barrier, learning a few key phrases in the local language can go a long way. This will help you show respect and make a good impression with locals. If you have access, a pocket dictionary or a phone with translation apps like Google Translate or iTranslate can also be useful for a quick reference.
Finally, resort to non-verbal communication, if you have no other way to express yourself. Gestures, body language, even a hand-drawn map can be effective in conveying your needs. Just, be mindful that some gestures you’re used to using may be offensive in certain areas of the world. (e.g. making the OK sign with your hand is a no-go in places like Brazil and Turkey.) So, tread lightly!
3. Medical Emergencies
Challenges of travel can sometimes include having to navigate medical emergencies while abroad or away from home. Carrying a basic first aid kit with essential supplies will help you handle minor injuries or illnesses during your trip. But, it’s crucial to be prepared for larger emergencies (just in case!) by researching local emergency numbers and healthcare options nearest you. And, don’t forget to secure travel insurance that covers medical expenses!
4. Adapting to Different Climates
Preparation is key to overcoming the challenge of adapting to different climates while traveling. A little research before you go will help you understand the typical weather patterns and temperatures you may expect to face while visiting. This will help you pack appropriate clothing and accessories like a jacket, sunscreen, or scarf.
We all know the weather forecasters never get it right 100% of the time, though. So, check the forecast a few days before your trip to make any last-minute adjustments to your packing.
Bringing along adaptable clothing (pants that zip off to shorts? Yes, please!) and wearing layers are also helpful strategies for dealing with different climates while traveling. If you’re planning on layering your clothes, start with a base layer that wicks away moisture, add a mid-layer for insulation, and top it off with a lightweight outer layer to protect against wind or rain in cooler areas.
5. Cultural Differences
The best thing to do when faced with cultural differences when traveling is to keep an open mind. Be aware that traveling will push your boundaries and present you with new situations. It’s all part of the journey! Do destination research before you go, stay respectful of “how things are done”, and be willing to learn from the locals. You may just surprise yourself!
6. Finding Reliable Transportation
A challenge of travel that can be particularly stressful is finding reliable transportation. You don’t know the area, you’re unfamiliar with the roads, you may not even speak the host language. Consider using public transportation, like buses and trains, to get around. These options tend to be the most affordable and efficient. You can also download ride-sharing apps like BlaBlaCar and Uber or hire a private driver for added convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, try renting a bike, scooter or car to explore the area on your own terms. Be sure to familiarize yourself with local road signs and that your travel insurance is up to date before doing so.
7. Inadequate Accommodation
The last thing you want to do when you get to a new place after a day spent traveling is realize you have a hotel problem to deal with. Or, worse, realizing you don’t have a place to stay at all.
Avoid this challenge of travel by setting yourself up to find suitable accommodation from the start. Set a budget and decide what type of accommodation you prefer, like a hotel, hostel or vacation rental. Then, research different options and read reviews from other travelers to get an idea of what to expect. Finally, consider the location and amenities that are important to you, like proximity to public transportation or access to a kitchen or laundry facilities.
8. Budgeting Concerns
Budgeting for travel can be tricky! When planning a trip and beyond, it’s important to be realistic about your expenses and to track where you want your money to go. Try using a budgeting app like YNAB, Mint, or TravelSpend, and looking into currency exchange rates before you go. Also, consider cutting back on non-essential expenses and finding other ways to save money, like cooking at home instead of eating out or canceling unnecessary subscriptions, like Netflix or Hulu, back home if they won’t be used. All those pennies saved can really add up!
9. Adapting to New Foods/Traveling with Allergies
Adjusting to a new cuisine can be a challenging part of travel, but it’s also an opportunity to try something new. Start by tasting small portions of new dishes and gradually working your way up. And don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations they may have. Afterall, they know the cuisine best!
On the other hand, if you’re traveling with an allergy where adapting to new foods isn’t realistic, be prepared. Bring necessary medications and inform your travel companions and appropriate staff about your dietary restrictions. If you need to communicate across languages, my friend Emily found it helpful to learn and have a Google Translate print-out of the sentence “I am allergic to peanuts.” in the host language. Alternatively, an image of, say, a peanut with a red ‘X’ on it (or whatever you might be allergic to), can go a long way in getting the point across and making sure you stay safe.
10. Staying Safe
While on the topic of personal safety, it’s important to stay safe while traveling. To overcome safety concerns, consider traveling with a friend or family member or joining a group tour. Researching local customs and attire beforehand can also help you avoid unwanted attention while visiting. Finally, and especially if you are taking a solo trip, trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you think something’s wrong, you’re probably right!
11. Anxiety and Fear When Trying New Activities
Fear of flying? Can’t stomach heights? Anxiety or nervousness are common challenges of travel. Acknowledge and understand your fears and take small steps to gradually expose yourself to them to incrementally build self-confidence. Seek support from friends or local guides who can provide guidance and reassurance and, remember, personal growth can happen at your own pace.
12. Homesickness
Even the most adventurous of souls will begin to miss home at some point. To prevent that “homesick” feeling, pack a piece of your home with you, whether that be a cozy blanket, a playlist of familiar tunes, or your mom’s chicken noodle soup recipe. Keeping in touch with loved ones with routine FaceTimes or phone calls, however mundane, can also help alleviate those “FOMO” thoughts. If that doesn’t work, seeking out a local spot that reminds you of what you miss most about home—a cozy coffee shop or a serene park—may also help. Remember, homesickness is just a temporary feeling and you can overcome this challenge of travel!
13. Tourist Traps
While some tourist traps can be fun, they can also leave you feeling like you got scammed, especially if you feel they’re too overcrowded or overpriced for their value. Instead of going to the most popular spots, try exploring lesser-known areas and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods to get a better feel of an area’s culture (within reason – stay safe!). If you do want to visit a popular destination, make it a priority to go early in the morning or later at night to avoid peak crowds.
14. Losing Passports, Travel Documents or Visas
Losing your passport, travel documents or visa can be a major challenge of traveling. To avoid problems, stay up to date on your destination’s entry requirements and keep a copy of your passport and documents in a secure location, like a hotel safe or cloud-based storage. Consider enrolling in a trusted traveler program like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, as well, to expedite the traveling process. And if you’re in a really tough spot where you have no ID at all, contact your nearest embassy or consulate for assistance.
15. Finding WiFi
Yes, some areas of the world (and, arguably, the best) still don’t have WiFi. If you’re a techie and can’t live without it for a few days, identify places near you that offer WiFi. Cafes, libraries, public spaces, and hotels will usually have internet available either for free or a small fee. Alternatively, you can invest in portable WiFi devices or SIM cards to access the internet on the go. Don’t forget the power of offline information, too. Maps and travel apps that don’t need internet connection to work are still incredibly useful in providing essential information when you’re in a pinch!
Embracing the Challenges of Travel
Despite being testing at the moment, embracing the challenges of travel is what truly enriches our journeys. From navigating language barriers to feeling the discomfort of being off-grid, these obstacles push us out of our comfort zones, allowing us to grow as individuals.
It’s through these moments of triumph that we unlock the true rewards of travel, experiencing a sense of accomplishment and discovering newfound strengths within ourselves.
So, pack your bags. Embrace the unknown. Embark on your next adventure. The world awaits!
