3 Biggest Challenges in Travelling the World

As a self-proclaimed travel expert, I would have to say that the 3 biggest challenges to travelling the world involve language barriers, budget issues, and the isolationism travel causes. Yes, I bet you didn't think that one of the biggest challenges would be isolationism, but if you continue reading on I'll let you know a little bit on why these are my top 3.

1) Language Barriers in Travelling the World

While it is estimated that anywhere from 500 million to 1.8 billion people worldwide speak English, chances are that if you are travelling anywhere off the beaten track, you will still encounter language barriers. Language barriers when travelling the world are extremely frustrating and can result in issues of ordering the wrong food or being late for a plane.

I've had my fair share of interesting experiences with people who didn't speak the same language. Even though I often carry a language guide, or try to refer to the language section in the back of Lonely Planet guidebooks, if the question I'm asking involves more than a yes or no answer, I'm generally out of luck.

A way to overcome language barriers when travelling the world is to get really good at miming. I know this sounds silly, but universal signals go a long way. If that doesn't seem like your optimal approach, then carrying a picture guide is the way to go. I received a guide from my travel health clinic and it was a fold-up booklet with images of everything from beds and toilets to food and personal products. If I'm ever somewhere struggling to communicate, all I have to do is whip out my picture guide and point!

2) Budget Issues in Travelling the World

Most people let budget issues get in the way of travelling the world. First off, most people think that they cannot afford to attempt long-term travel, or they just don't make a solid plan. As I recently commented over at Saving Money for a RTW Trip, the first step to making travel happen is to SET A TRAVEL GOAL. Without the clear goal, such as "I AM going to Nepal for 6 weeks in December", the saving will not happen, along with everything else for that matter.

Once you set the goal, it is time to evaluate your income and spending habits to see what can be cut out, downsized or upgraded (work hours). The funny part of travelling the world is that the budget can often be extremely lower than living for a full year in your home country, especially if you play your cards right and possibly take up a short job here and there. So, because of this, I definitely proclaim budget misconceptions a challenge in travelling the world.

In addition, a lot of people lose track of their spending once they hit the road, thus leaving them without the proper funds to continue their journey. Keep a money journal to keep tabs on it all, and you'll overcome this challenge.

3) Isolationism Issues in Travelling the World

I've done most of my world travels alone, so I completely understand how isolated someone can feel when taking on this big adventure on their own. Even though hostels more than not provide the perfect setting to meet people, there have been some places where I went days without saying more than a few words to anyone.

Being alone and not having anyone to talk to can take its toll and make someone feel completely isolated. Besides the isolationism that is caused by language barriers, there is also the isolationism that is caused by not being able to relate your travel stories to your friends and family back home. While you are away, their lives continue on as normal, and even though they might be excited about your ability to globetrot, they just won't truly understand how it has changed you as a person. Heck, they may not even want to hear your stories at all! These feelings of not really belonging anywhere can be a big challenge for quite some time.

Personally, these have been the 3 Biggest Challenges in Travelling the World, but I'd love to see what you all consider yours!