15 Common Travel Worries (and How to Handle Them Like a Pro)

Cat is Out of the Office contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Thinking about taking your first big trip abroad but feeling a little anxious? You’re not alone. 

2. What If Something Goes Wrong?

Unexpected problems can happen anywhere, whether you’re traveling or at home. 

The key isn’t avoiding them—it’s knowing you can handle them. 

Most travel mishaps are frustrating, but they’re rarely as bad as they seem in the moment.

I’ve had my backpack lost in Sri Lanka, gotten food poisoning more times than I care to admit, and once dealt with a friend’s scooter breaking down on a blind curve in rural Thailand. That last one could have been a disaster, but within minutes, locals pulled over, called a mechanic, and got us back on the road.

The best way to manage setbacks is to prepare:

✅ Get travel insurance—it’s saved me from huge medical bills more than once.
✅ Save emergency contacts—knowing the nearest hospital and embassy makes a difference.
✅ Stay flexible—missed flights, lost bags, and broken phones are temporary setbacks, not trip-ruining events.

With a little preparation and a calm mindset, you’ll find that most problems have solutions—and sometimes, they even lead to unexpected adventures.

3. What If It’s Not Safe, Especially as a Solo Female Traveler?

This is probably the number one travel fear I get asked about. 

The media often makes it seem like everywhere outside the U.S. is dangerous, but that hasn’t been my experience. In fact, I’ve felt safer in places like Thailand and Bolivia than I have in big U.S. cities.

I almost skipped El Salvador because of all the negative news, but it became one of my favorite countries for solo travel.

You should take the U.S. Travel Advisories with a grain of salt, too.

That said, no place is 100% safe—including your hometown. 

The key to feeling secure while traveling is staying aware and making smart choices.

✅ Trust your instincts. If something feels off, listen to your gut.
✅ Ask your accommodation staff if there are areas to avoid—they know best.
✅ Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Keep valuables out of sight.
✅ Let someone know where you are if heading off-grid.

One of my best safety habits is observing what locals do. 

In Ecuador, I noticed people keeping their bags on their laps on buses instead of putting them on the floor. Later, I learned that bag-slashing thefts are common—just by paying attention, I avoided a potential issue.

Travel, especially when solo or as a woman, requires awareness—but it doesn’t have to be scary. With a little preparation, you’ll realize most places are far safer than you’ve been led to believe.

⛑️ My number one safety tip for travelers, no matter where you’re going or how long your trip is, is to buy SafetyWing insurance to protect your trip.

4. What If I Get Sick or Injured?

If you travel long enough, you will get sick or injured at some point—but it’s not as scary as it sounds. 

In fact, I’ve found that medical care abroad is often easier and cheaper than in the U.S.

I’ve had my fair share of travel mishaps—passing out from dehydration in Thailand, a bike accident in Taiwan that led to my first-ever ER visit and stitches, and a group case of severe traveler’s diarrhea in Morocco (all six of us were out of commission for days).

The good news? Most places have pharmacies on nearly every corner, and pharmacists are often more helpful than in the U.S.—many can offer advice and medication without a prescription, and in tourist areas, they usually speak some English.

Here’s how to be prepared:

✅ Get travel insurance—I use this one, and it’s saved me from huge medical bills.
✅ Research local hospitals and pharmacies before you go.
✅ Pack essential meds—pain relievers, antacids, rehydration tablets, and anything you use regularly.

If you need care, don’t panic—people get sick everywhere, and healthcare abroad is often more accessible than you’d think.

5. What If I Don’t Like the Destination?

Not every place will be a perfect match—and that’s okay. 

Sometimes, a destination doesn’t live up to expectations, whether it’s the vibe, the weather, or just bad timing. But that doesn’t mean your trip is a failure.

I felt this way in Nicaragua. So many backpackers raved about it, but it just wasn’t my favorite stop in Central America. 

Maybe I picked the wrong hostels, or maybe it was the relentless insects (I have a legit fear of bugs). But instead of forcing myself to enjoy it, I adjusted my plans. I left a party hostel I wasn’t vibing with and headed to an awesome lake island, where I made new friends, rented a quad, and had some amazing adventures.

If you’re not loving a place:

✅ Adjust your plans—switch accommodations, take a day trip, or move on early.
✅ Find small joys—a great café, a scenic walk, or a local market can change your perspective.
✅ Remember: It’s not just about the place, but the people and experiences. Some of my best memories come from destinations I didn’t initially love.

Even if a place isn’t what you expected, you can still make it a meaningful part of your journey. And if you truly don’t like it? There’s no rule saying you have to stay.

Book with Booking.com today to get epic deals on hotels, flights, rental cars & attractions!

6. How Do I Stay Connected While Traveling?

Staying connected while traveling isn’t just about convenience—it’s a key part of staying safe, especially as a solo traveler. 

Whether I’m navigating a new city at night, working remotely, or just letting a friend know I made it to my hostel, reliable internet is a must.

Luckily, it’s easier (and cheaper) than ever to stay online while traveling:

✅ Use an eSIM or buy a local SIM card—eSIMs like Airalo are great for short trips, while local SIMs save more money for longer stays.
✅ Check if your phone plan includes free international data—my AT&T plan worked across Central and South America, which was a nice surprise!
✅ Download maps and translations offline—Google Maps and Google Translate work without data if you save them in advance.
✅ Use free WiFi, but don’t rely on it—Cafés and hotels may offer WiFi, but not always.

Pro tip: Make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel. If you have a new iPhone from the U.S., it might not have a physical SIM slot, so an eSIM is your best bet.

7. What If I Get Lost?

Getting lost feels stressful in the moment, but it’s rarely a real problem—and sometimes, it even leads to great stories.

I once ended up in the middle of a field in Spain because Google Maps took me the wrong way. Another time, I navigated my way across two countries using only local buses and the kindness of strangers. Both times, I figured it out, just like you will.

Here’s how to avoid total disorientation:
✅ Download offline maps before leaving your hotel—Google Maps and Maps.me work without data if saved in advance.
✅ Screenshot key locations (your hotel, a nearby landmark, or the nearest bus stop) in case you can’t get online.
✅ Ask for help—locals are usually happy to point you in the right direction.

If you do take a wrong turn, don’t panic. Grab a coffee, take a breath, and embrace the detour. Some of the best travel moments happen when you stop worrying about the plan!

8. What If I Can’t Communicate Because of the Language Barrier?

English isn’t spoken everywhere, but you’ll be surprised how often you can get by without it—especially in tourist areas. 

And when it’s not? A smile, some hand gestures, and a little creativity go a long way.

I’ve ordered meals by pointing at someone else’s plate, had bus announcements translated by kind strangers, and even flapped my arms like a chicken in a market in Thailand when trying to order chicken instead of pork (it worked, and we both had a good laugh).

To make things easier:

✅ Learn a few basic phrases—hello, thank you, how much? Even small efforts are appreciated.
✅ Download Google Translate offline—it’s a lifesaver for menus, directions, and basic conversations.
✅ Embrace the miscommunications—they make for great stories later.

The key is to be patient and adaptable. Most people want to help, and language barriers are just part of the adventure. 

Plus, half the fun of travel is realizing how much you can communicate—without saying a word.

9. What If I Get Scammed or Overcharged?

Scams happen everywhere, but they’re usually more of an annoyance than a disaster. The best way to avoid them is to stay informed and trust your instincts.

Before your trip, look up common scams in your destination. 

In some places, taxi drivers will claim the meter is broken to overcharge you, or money changers will slip in a bad exchange rate while counting cash. 

I once had a taxi driver in Argentina mess with the meter so that I overpaid, and I’ve definitely been overcharged in markets where bargaining is expected. 

And in Paris, a man with a fake badge tried to “help” my mom buy train tickets—something felt off, so I walked away and asked an employee. Turns out, he didn’t work there, and by the time I turned around, he had disappeared!

✅ Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Uber to avoid taxi scams.
✅ When in doubt, trust your gut. If something feels off, walk away.
✅ If you overpay, don’t stress—it’s a lesson learned, and you’ll be savvier next time.

10. What If I Miss My Flight or Train?

I’ve missed flights and trains, and while it’s annoying, it’s always fixable. 

When I got denied boarding for my flight to Vietnam because my visa didn’t include my middle name (a very expensive typo), I was able to correct it and get on the next flight.

Then, there was the time in Italy when a train strike left me scrambling. I had to trek across town with my backpack to find another option, missed my connection, and ended up spending the ride in the dining car sipping an Aperol Spritz instead of sitting in my reserved seat. Not the worst thing that’s ever happened, and I still got where I needed to go.

✅ Arrive early—airports and train stations can be unpredictable.
✅ Know your options—some airlines rebook missed flights for free or at a reduced cost, and many train tickets are flexible.
✅ Stay calm and problem-solve—there’s almost always another way to reach your destination.

Missing a flight or train is annoying, but it won’t ruin your trip. You’ll figure it out, and you might even end up with a good story along the way.

11. What If I Forget to Pack Something Important?

You can buy almost anything you forget.

Before one of my trips, my mom—who isn’t a big traveler—asked what I was going to do about shampoo. I laughed (sorry, Mom) because, of course, people wash their hair everywhere. The brands might be different, but that’s part of the fun.

That said, I’m Type A when it comes to packing. I always make a destination-specific list, so I don’t forget anything. But even if I do? It’s never been a big deal—except for a passport. That’s the one thing you really can’t leave behind.

✅ Check the weather and culture—knowing what to expect helps you pack smarter.
✅ Pack versatile basics—layers and neutral pieces make it easier to adapt.
✅ Leave space—shopping while traveling is part of the experience.

Forgetting something isn’t a crisis. You’ll find what you need—or discover something new to bring home.

12. What If I Get Homesick?

It happens to everyone—even experienced travelers.

Homesickness usually hits when things slow down, like on long travel days or quiet nights in a new place.

I’ve felt it, too, but I’ve learned that it always passes faster than I expect. Most trips fly by, and before you know it, you’re back home wishing you had more time.

The key is to stay present and create small comforts:

✅ Build a routine—morning coffee at a local café or a daily walk helps new places feel familiar.
✅ Stay connected—FaceTime, WhatsApp, or even a quick text can make a big difference.
✅ Remind yourself why you started—look back at your travel goals or reread your itinerary.

Feeling homesick is normal, but don’t let it overshadow the adventure. 

You’ll adjust, and soon enough, this new place might start to feel like home, too.

13. What If I Can’t Plan Every Detail in Advance?

You don’t have to—and honestly, you shouldn’t.

Planning a trip can feel overwhelming, but the good news is you don’t need to have every detail figured out before you go. 

I’m Type A by nature and love a good plan, but I’ve learned that over-planning can backfire. I used to pack my itinerary so tight that I’d come home more exhausted than when I left. 

Now, I book the essentials (flights, first few nights of accommodation, anything that might sell out) and leave the rest open.

Some of the best experiences happen spontaneously. 

In Sicily, I really wanted to hike Mount Etna, but food poisoning knocked me out for a few days. Since I hadn’t crammed my schedule, I had time to reschedule—and I still got to do it.

✅ Book the key things—flights, major tours, and accommodations that might fill up.
✅ Leave space for spontaneity—you’ll hear about cool things from other travelers.
✅ Trust that you’ll figure it out—flexibility makes for a better trip.

If planning stresses you out, start with the basics and let the rest fall into place. A little structure is great, but the best travel moments usually aren’t the ones you planned months in advance.

👉 I’ve solo-traveled all over the world and LOVE to take tours that I find on Viator. They have so many 5-star tours, and it’s easy to see which ones have the best ratings. I’ve also had to use their 24/7 customer service more than once and was helped immediately.

14. What If I Feel Lonely or Don’t Make Friends?

A common misconception is that travel is isolating—especially if you’re solo. 

But in my experience, solo travel is often more social than traveling with friends or a partner. When you’re alone, you naturally meet more people in hostels, on group tours, or even at cafés.

Some of my best travel memories come from the people I met along the way. I now have friends from all over the world—many of whom I’ve met up with in multiple countries! 

Even couples I’ve met love making new friends because, let’s be honest, you can only spend so much time just the two of you.

✅ Stay in social accommodations—hostels and guesthouses make it easy to meet others.
✅ Join group activities—walking tours and day trips bring travelers together.
✅ Use social media—destination-specific Facebook groups are great for meeting up with people.

Not sure how to start a conversation? My go-to questions:
➡️ “Where are you from?”
➡️ “How long are you traveling for?”

That said, I also love spending time alone. Some of my favorite solo moments have been sitting in a café with my Kindle or wandering a new city with my headphones in. 

Travel gives you the best of both worlds—connection when you want it, solitude when you need it.

Pro Tip: Read reviews on Hostelworld – one of the best hostel booking sites – to see what the hostel serves for breakfast. 

15. What If I Can’t Afford It?

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive—but it does require prioritization.

I used to think long-term travel was only for people with trust funds or endless savings. 

But once I started tracking my expenses, I realized I was spending less while traveling than I did living in NYC. No $15 cocktails, no overpriced rent—just budgeting smartly and choosing affordable destinations.

If travel is important to you, make it part of your financial plan.

✅ Open a separate savings account just for travel and contribute regularly.
✅ Use travel credit cards for points (but only if you pay them off each month).
✅ Pick budget-friendly destinations—Southeast Asia and Central America stretch your money further.
✅ Travel slow—staying longer means cheaper accommodations and fewer transport costs.
✅ Take advantage of budget hacks—house-sitting, off-season travel, street food, and hostels all save money.

You don’t need to be rich to travel—just be intentional about where your money goes. 

For me, I’d rather save for my next trip than spend on things like new clothes or fancy lattes. It’s all about what matters most to you.

Tips for Overcoming Travel Anxiety

If travel anxiety feels bigger than just pre-trip jitters, a few simple techniques can help. Learning how to overcome a fear of traveling takes practice, but small steps can make a big difference.

✅ Practice breathing exercises—slow, deep breaths help calm your nervous system and reduce stress. Try the 4-7-8 method: inhale for four seconds, hold for seven, exhale for eight.

✅ Use visualization—picture yourself confidently navigating your trip, enjoying new experiences, and handling any challenges with ease.

✅ Write down your fears—journaling helps put anxious thoughts into perspective and makes them feel more manageable.

✅ Take it one step at a time—instead of thinking about the whole trip, focus on the next small step (booking the flight, packing your bag, getting to the airport).

✅ Have a comfort routine—whether it’s listening to your favorite playlist, meditating, or having a familiar snack, small rituals can make unfamiliar places feel easier.

✅ Plan “safe zones”—if uncertainty is overwhelming, research a few go-to places in advance (a quiet café, a park, a bookstore) where you can take a breather.

✅ Give yourself permission to adjust—if you need more rest days or slower travel, that’s okay. There’s no “right” way to travel.

The key is to ease into it. The more you travel, the more confident you’ll feel—and those anxious thoughts won’t seem so big anymore.

Final Thoughts: Travel Worries Are Normal—Confidence Comes With Time

It’s completely normal to feel nervous before a big trip—especially if you’re traveling solo, worried about getting lost or stressing over things going wrong. 

Every traveler, no matter how experienced, has had those same thoughts. 

But the truth is, you don’t have to be fearless to travel. You just have to go.

Most travel concerns, like missing a flight, getting sick, or feeling homesick, sound scarier in your head than they actually are in real life. 

And once you’ve faced those fears a few times, they stop feeling so big. 

You’ll learn that you can handle delays, adjust your plans, and even laugh about the mishaps later. Before long, you’ll be the one giving advice to another nervous first-time traveler.

Still feeling unsure? Sometimes, the biggest travel fears come from things that aren’t even true.

A lot of common travel myths make people afraid to travel when they don’t need to be. If that’s what’s holding you back, check out these common travel myths that might be keeping you from your next adventure. You might find that the thing you’re most worried about isn’t actually a problem at all.