No matter where I go in the world, there are three words I hear almost every time I tell someone that I’ve been traveling the world solo for the last four years:
“You’re so brave.”
It always catches me off guard because, to me, traveling solo isn’t about bravery—it’s about curiosity, exploration, and the willingness to see the world through my own eyes. But what it does remind me of is just how much fear is embedded into the way we think about the world, often shaped by the media, outdated narratives, or secondhand opinions from people who have never even set foot in the places they warn us about.
Fear vs. Reality: Who’s Controlling the Narrative?
There’s a well-crafted illusion that convinces people the world is far more dangerous than it really is. Governments, media, and even well-meaning friends and family often paint entire countries or cultures with a broad brush, focusing on the worst-case scenarios.
But here’s what I’ve learned after four years of solo travel:
You don’t know anything until you’ve lived it yourself. No article, no news segment, and no one else’s opinion can replace your lived experience.
The world isn’t as scary as we’re led to believe. Yes, risks exist everywhere (including your own hometown), but so do kindness, beauty, and opportunities for connection.
Most people warning you haven’t actually lived there. They’re often just repeating stories they’ve heard, rather than speaking from firsthand knowledge.
That’s why I’ve never allowed outside opinions to dictate where I go and what I do. Instead, I practice what I call “common sense precautions.”
The Power of Street Smarts & Common Sense
Some people assume that traveling alone means throwing caution to the wind, but in reality, it’s about being aware, not afraid. I grew up in a city, so street smarts come naturally to me, and I apply the same instincts no matter where I am in the world:
I don’t walk down back alleys at night by myself.
I stay aware of my surroundings instead of burying my head in my phone.
I trust my intuition when something doesn’t feel right.
These aren’t extraordinary acts of courage—they’re simple, practical ways to stay safe anywhere in the world, whether at home or abroad.
Are You Letting Fear Hold You Back?
The bigger question here isn’t just about travel. It’s about where else in life you might be limiting yourself based on other people’s fears.
- Have you ever hesitated to take a leap because of what your family, friends, or colleagues might say?
- Are you holding back from pursuing a dream because society has told you it’s “too risky”?
- Are you letting other people’s perceptions define what’s possible for you?
The truth is, bravery isn’t about ignoring risks—it’s about being willing to explore, to be curious, and to make decisions based on your own experience rather than someone else’s fears.
So, what’s one thing you can do today to step outside of those limiting narratives? Maybe it’s finally planning that trip. Maybe it’s starting the business you’ve been thinking about for years. Maybe it’s something as simple as questioning the stories you’ve been told about what’s possible for you.
Because the reality is, the world—and your life—has so much more to offer when you stop letting fear decide for you.
Want to take the first step? Download my FREE Freedom Lifestyle Guide here.