There are people in the world who are hesitant to leave their home country to seek out new experiences. I have met a few of these folks over the years and I always try to talk to them and get to the bottom of why they have this hesitation. The responses can tell you a lot about the inner workings of the person and how they see the world and themselves.

I completely understand fearing the unknown, but that fear has never been enough to douse my curiosity. If there were one thing I could say to these hesitant many, it is that the payoff is worth the risk.

The world has hundreds of countries. There are some that may be similar to where you call home and these will be the best choices to try your hand. If you’re ready to take a calculated risk, it’s a lot easier when you won’t have to surmount a language barrier, for instance. For this reason, it can be wise to make your first international trip to one of the “safe” spots. My first solo international adventure was to the U.K. and it felt like a starter course to me. I didn’t end up trying to drive on that trip but I think that would have been the only thing I’d have had any issues with. The rest of the experience was similar enough to what I’ve seen around the States that I never felt lost.

My unsolicited wisdom to those weary of crossing a border is that on the other side of your doubts is where you’ll find all of the glory. The simple act of setting foot in a strange new land can propel you into a world you had no idea was waiting inside you. All you have to do is be brave enough to take that step.