There are many reasons why some people think they cannot do the type of travelling that does not entail a couple of weeks at a resort. Yet we also know of no one who has traveled, say, around the world, but regretted it after. Think you can’t do it? Think you can’t get away? Let’s put it another way: Are you worried that on your death bed you’re gonna say, “Boy, I sure wish I’d spent more time at the office!”?

Here are a few of the common myths of travel, and what we at BootsnAll think of them:

All the responses to these questions are our take on things, but we’ve also talked to dozens of people – solo men and women, couples, even entire families – who have traveled or are about to travel the world. Read about them, and their take on the myths of travel, here.

Myth: “I don’t have time to travel around the world!”
We reckon that if you think it’s worthwhile, you’ll make the time. That’s how everything in life is, and travel is no exception.

You can make your RTW trip as long or as short as you want. There is no magic schedule. Yes, we know travelers who take 6 months or a year for their trip, but we also know many people who take a month or two, or even a couple of weeks, and have an amazing trip. You can hit major cities and destinations all over the world, in as little as a few weeks. Time is as much of a factor as you make it. To look at it another way, a job or career might last 30-odd years, but the experiences gained from some time spent outside your comfort zone will last a lifetime. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “There is more to life than increasing its speed.”

Back to Top

Myth: “I can’t afford that kind of trip!”
We reckon that you can travel around the world for a fraction of the cost you’re imagining.

Look at it another way. In the U.S., the average compact car costs, what, $8,000 bucks or so? And I think the average cost for one year of college is a few grand as well – unless you go private, of course, in which case you’re talking tens of thousands of dollars. It’s actually cheaper to travel the world, than it is to buy these things.

When you break down the 3 main things you spend money on while traveling – food, accommodation and transportation – you find it’s possible to spend very little while travelling. Local markets and food vendors often have deals you can’t find at home. Accommodation is almost always available, despite what travel agencies say; local guest houses and hostels are often very affordable; and having a local invite you to stay with them for a while is a great way to save money and really meet people. An RTW ticket can cost as little as $1,000, and local transport (buses, train, boats) provides affordable means of getting around and seeing a country as the locals do.

If you’re willing to try to be smart with your money – you know, budget, like you would for a car or an education – you can travel around the world. Go where cars are unnecessary; learn and gain experiences that you could never get in a classroom. Traveling around the world is something that just about anyone can do, and that just about anyone can afford.

Back to Top

Myth: “You need to plan your trip from start to finish. There’s just too much planning involved!”
We reckon there is only as much planning as you really want to do.

Remember not to plan too much though; let me tell you, your plan might get a little wrinkled in a place like Rajastan, India, where life definitely does not run according to a schedule. Read about the places you’re going, learn about the culture, and pencil in areas you’d like to visit. After that, your best bet is to relax and enjoy your trip, without stressing over the itinerary. The biggest part of the planning will be buying your RTW ticket, but once you’re in a country you’ll find transport to get you to where you want to go. You will have the space to explore and adventures will happen more freely – and we also hear that the best things happened when people did things they actually had not planned to do.

We’ve talked to lots of people who have traveled around the world. Some travelers say they plan, prepare and research down to the nth degree; we’ve also heard of people packing their pack, buying a ticket, and just going. If you have just the most basic idea of where you want to go – or at least where you want to leave from – then you’re already on your way.

Back to Top

Myth: “There’s no way to pack everything you need into one pack.”
We reckon you need to look closely at what you’re taking.

Some folks buy every fancy gizmo, from self-inflating bus pillows to re-usable toilet paper, and wonder why their pack weighs 50kg. Just take the basics, and buy what you need while you’re there. Especially when it comes to clothes. The second you stop moving, clothes will magically appear in your pack – you rarely have to look far for cheap t-shirts and such. And remember that if you can’t find a particular something, but the millions of people around you get by without it just fine, you probably will too.

Back to Top

Myth: “You can’t eat the food or drink the water without getting sick.”
We reckon common sense plays a large part.

People who live in those areas have to eat the food and drink the water, so it can’t be all bad. Find out what the dangers are, and be careful. The water in London goes through eight people before it gets to the tap, and people assume it’s clean.

Back to Top

Myth: “The world is too scary to travel all over it!”
We reckon the world is no more scary, than it is friendly and welcoming.

There are some trouble spots you want to avoid (here’s where a touch of research comes in), but generally people are friendly and hold no grudge against individuals of other countries. In developing countries you’ll see women and children walking around at night without fear, and there’s no reason to think you are in any more danger. Keep your wits, follow your instincts, and simply think – these alone will help keep you out of trouble and harm.

Travelers male and female, old and young, rich and poor, from every country and flag and strip and walk of life, have told us over and over of the friendliness, hospitality and welcome they have received from people the world over. Traveling can be scary, yes, especially when you’ve never taken such a trip before. But it can be done. We know thousands of people who have traveled around the world – and we know that you can do it too, and come home talking about all the wonderful, amazing and friendly folk you met on your way.

There’s a similar myth to this:

Back to Top

Myth: “A woman cannot, should not and must not travel alone – who knows what will happen to her!”
We reckon that’s as outdated and incorrect as the idea that women shouldn’t vote or do any work that doesn’t involve kitchens and child-rearing.

Women can and women do travel alone, and they have for a long time. We know of dozens, if not hundreds, of women who travel solo, and do so just fine. And a woman should travel alone – if that is what she wants to do. It’s your trip, remember?

The key here, is to think, to keep your wits about you, just as you would at home. No matter how light you travel, always pack your brain and your common sense. Yes, there are dodgy people in the world, and yes some of them should be avoided. There are also dodgy people in your hometown, but that doesn’t keep you from going to the grocery store or from having a night out on the town, does it? Exercise caution; avoid/leave dangerous situations (and people); trust your instincts. A woman can travel alone in complete safety, and usually all that happens to her is that she has the time of her life.

Back to Top

Myth: “It’s more dangerous for Americans to travel in some parts of the world.”
We reckon that you should get a grip!

Sure, if you go around proclaiming your American-ness like it offers you some special godlike privileges, you’ll get negative reactions. If you aren’t boasting about your nationality every time you open your mouth, there is no reason to target you – and you won’t have problems. There’s nothing wrong with being an American, or a Brit, or an Aussie, etc., but think about it: who really wants to hear nothing from a person but boasts about how great their home country is?

We know American travelers who have made great friends in Pakistan and Iran – while they were there after the tragedies of September 11. We know Americans who have been welcomed into homes the world over, and who have made friends the world over, simply because people make friends with friendly people, no matter where they come from.

Back to Top

Myth: “Traveling for so long will leave a huge gap in my resume that will hurt my career when I get back.”
We reckon that when you look at the work world today, companies that succeed have to have employees who understand the entire world, not just their little native corner of it.

Many people have left traditional jobs to try new and different things. Travelling is an education. Some employers might not fully understand your reasons for going, but what that employer thinks of your trip depends on how you explain it. Say that you spent two years smoking hash on a beach in Thailand, and yeah, that might not go down too well. So leave that part out. But explain how you’ve developed your communication skills, how you are excited to start work again, and how you can apply your knowledge and experience to help the company succeed – and let me tell you, we think you’re going to land yourself a sweet job. In the end, traveling can help your career, not harm it.

Back to Top

Myth: “All foreigners are out to rip you off.”
We reckon that stereotypes like this may have a grain of truth, but it’s been exaggerated into a boulder.

Just because someone has a bad experience with one person in X country, does not mean that the entire population of X country is a jerk or out to swipe your cash. You are far more likely to have those kinds of problems if you walk around with your money in plain view, wear designer clothes and carry your expensive camera around your neck – then of course you’ll be targeted by criminal entrepreneurs. Dress for the occasion, country and culture; keep your crown jewels of travel – tickets, passport, and all money but the day’s spending cash – in a concealed money belt; have some common sense; and don’t say yes to everything. You’ll find more friends than thieves, in those foreigners.

There’s a similar stereotype to this:

Back to Top

Myth: “All backpackers are beer-swilling, pot-smoking oddballs that rarely shower and are always borrowing stuff.”
We reckon that there are definitely some of those binging, mooching types out there, but just because some are, doesn’t mean all are.

There are many more people who consider themselves “backpackers” who are nothing like this. Bankers, teetotalers, students, social drinkers, waitresses, doctors, writers, casual smokers… you name it. They travel – as backpackers. For some, the only difference between how they are on the road, and how they are at home, is they’re carrying their “home” on their back. And they usually don’t wear suits – which makes sense: jackets and blazers lose their shape under backpack straps. People who are backpackers, are no more normal, and no stranger, than you are.

Back to Top

Myth: If you don’t speak the language, you can’t communicate.
We reckon there’s a lot to be said for gestures, a smile, and at least a little effort on your part to try.

It doesn’t hurt to try and learn a few words, and you will probably pick up some of the language on the way. However, if you try hard enough, with enough patience there is no reason why you won’t get your point across. Here’s a communication tip for you: There is nothing more universal than a smile. That alone can help you open doors, when you can’t open your mouth.

Back to Top