I’m always afraid before my next trip.

You might think, since I’ve travelled to nearly 40 countries, most of them alone, that I don’t feel scared when travelling.

That’s not true. I do feel nervous, anxious and, sometimes, just plain scared.

Not All Fear Is Bad

I think it’s natural to feel afraid when attempting something new or uncomfortable. Even though travelling itself isn’t new to me, on every trip, there are new obstacles to overcome, things that might go wrong, and inherent risk and dangers you don’t face when staying safe at home.

You might feel one of these fears:

What if I get lost? What if my luggage gets lost?

What if I get hurt or sick?

What if I can’t understand the language or culture?

What if something bad happens to me?

What if I’m lonely or miss home?

There are so many “what if’s,” it can seem overwhelming to even think about travelling.

Having some fear makes sense: it’s wise to arrive in a new destination before dark, share your location and plans with a trusted friend, and listen to your intuition and gut when it warns you.

But I do all of those things when I’m at home in Canada, too.

When travelling, people fear flying, health issues in foreign medical hospitals, scams, homesickness, wildlife, and simply… the unknown.

I think some fear is good, as it keeps you alert to potential dangers and aware of your surroundings. But I also think some fear is irrational, statistically unlikely and can stop you from trying the things you want to.

The reality is that I’m probably in more danger walking in downtown Vancouver than I am solo hiking in the English countryside. All risks must be measured, but just because you feel scared, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do something.

In fact, it may mean the opposite: it might be the gateway to an experience that can improve your life.

Overcoming Your Fright

Even when I’m travelling with a friend, family member or partner, I feel stressed before I travel. I overcome this in a few ways.

First, I make lists of everything I need far in advance. I pack days early. I book my flights, hotels, restaurant reservations and any other necessary activities or arrangements as soon as possible to feel prepared.

Of course, I like to leave room for flexibility, freedom and spontaneity; to discover what I want to do when I’m there. But once I’ve researched and found something I think I will regret missing out on, I book it in advance. It might sound simple, but it helps.

However, I usually still feel nervous, especially when I’m traveling solo or going on press trips with other journalists, where I might not know anyone. I worry: what if I don’t make any friends? What if no one likes me?

A Simple Solution

Most of my worries can be quashed with one simple reminder: I’ve been okay before.

Therefore, I’ll be okay again.

Because I’ve travelled so much, I have empirical evidence and great memories to fall back on: everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve had fun, made friends, experienced something new and, most importantly, I’ve been okay.

Even when I fractured my spine snowboarding in France, I enjoyed my travels immensely before that. My freak fall does not overshadow the joy I felt backpacking through Europe for six months. The truth is, that sudden accident could have happened anywhere, including my hometown. I don’t regret any of my travels beforehand (although I wish I hadn’t taken that jump on the ski hill).

On every press trip, I’ve arrived nervous and sick to my stomach, and then I’ve made great friends and connections. Everyone is in the same boat when you’re travelling solo or joining a group where you don’t know anyone. The type of travellers who join organized group trips with strangers are typically open to having conversations and meeting new people.

As I continue to travel, even though I stay less in hostel dorm rooms and more in private hotel rooms, I continue to be okay. Despite experiencing major trauma while travelling, I still challenge myself to face my fears, because I know travelling—experiencing new people, places and cultures, and learning about the world—is worth it to me.

Go Where You Feel Good

You don’t have to travel to far-off locales or countries that seem intimidating to be a “real” traveller. While a vastly different destination may push you and change your worldview, if you feel too afraid or uncomfortable, travel somewhere closer to home or with a similar culture to your own.

Personally, I love travelling in Europe. I feel safe, I can blend in and, as a solo woman, I don’t feel out of place. Since I’m six feet tall, I’ve stuck out in places like India and China, and I’ve decided there are some places I don’t want to go.

And that’s okay.

At the end of the day, it’s your trip. While I’d encourage you to try the local food, meet people who live there and push yourself out of your comfort zone, it’s okay and valid to want some McDonald’s fries to feel connected to home when you’re in Mumbai (I’m speaking from my personal experience here). It’s also okay to travel somewhere nearby on a weekend road trip if that’s still scary, new and boundary-pushing for you.

Travel should be fun. And yes, it might be a little scary, but I don’t think it should be terrifying, unless you want to visit a haunted mansion or get spooked on a ghost tour.

The bottom line is: don’t berate yourself for feeling afraid. It’s normal. Even travel writers like me feel it.

Instead, lean into the fear that feels like a challenge, rather than a warning.

Be afraid. Do it anyways.

I firmly believe the rewards of travel outweigh the risks.

And as I call my Uber to take me to the airport, that knowledge helps me feel a little less scared.