3 popular travel myths that keep you from leaving (and why they’re wrong)
Despite tons of detailed websites and books on how to travel cheaply and safely, many still have the belief that traveling is expensive, dangerous, and only for the rich.
You can travel without a million dollar fortune.
Below are the debunking of the three most persistent myths (I begin with those that occur most often).
Myth #1: Travel is expensive
Everything costs money, including travel. But to consider travel automatically equal to "luxury tour, beach resort and villa" is a relic of advertising. For years, we have been taught that “a good vacation is an expensive vacation,” and it works on the subconscious mind. I used to think the same thing.
You don’t really need a trust fund or a high-paying job to travel. You need to be able to plan, be able to save and prioritize. Sometimes you have to save or save longer, but even at the minimum wage with the right approach, you can go on a trip - at least for two weeks, at least for two years.
Start with simple tricks: use the Sharing economy, look for cheap air tickets, choose budget accommodation or hostels, cook some of the food yourself.
And a little life hack: chatting with locals (or taking a walk with a local guide) often gives you much more of an experience for the same money - they will show you inexpensive places that are not in the guidebooks.
Myth #2: Traveler credit cards will ruin your credit history
Collecting miles and points is the art of turning ordinary expenses into free rides. I'm talking about what you're already spending on food, gas, entertainment - just shifting that to a card that returns points. No unnecessary purchases and complex frauds - only ordinary expenses.
Over the years, I have been able to get a lot of free flights and overnight stays, making travel much more affordable. Yes, applying for a new card can temporarily lower your credit score, but with proper payment, this drop is usually corrected within a couple of months.
Unless you’re going to take out a big loan soon (like a home), such a temporary downturn is unlikely to create problems. Over time, an affordable loan even increases the rating - it makes sense to build it if you do not use it.
Myth #3: Couchsurfing is unsafe
Couchsurfing is a platform of “share economy” for cultural exchange: locals offer a corner in the house (sometimes just a sofa), and travelers get the opportunity to live with a person and get acquainted with the city through the eyes of the local.
Staying in a stranger’s apartment isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But you can’t say that it’s unsafe.
Safety is enhanced if you:
Read reviews and ratings carefully;
communicate with the owner in advance by messengers or by phone;
Arrange a meeting in a public place first and trust your intuition.
Couchsurfing often turns into a real acquaintance with local life: the hosts show the nooks of the city, lead to their favorite cafes and share stories that you will not find in the guidebook. If you want a more structured and secure experience, a local guide or a proven host is a great alternative: they will give context and help you see the place deeper.
Text and photo: personalguide
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