Why are there people who don’t like to travel?

If just a few decades ago traveling was a luxury for a large part of the population, today this activity is the Hobbie preferred by millions of people and a true lifestyle for many others. However, In some this possibility is not striking, even if they have the time and money to do it. What is special about people who don’t like to travel? We explore the answer.

If you are an avid traveler, you may not understand how someone turns down the opportunity to get out of their routine, discover new cultures and live countless adventures. On the other hand, if you are one of those who are not attracted to travel, perhaps you have felt questioned, judged or discriminated against on more than one occasion.

In reality, both positions are equally valid and legal, but the option chosen gives certain information about the person; Next, we will tell you about it.

Why don’t I like travel?

Traveling is a growing trend and tourism continues to increase: this is a fact. According to figures from the World Tourism Organization (UNTWO), in 2018 there were 1.4 billion tourists who traveled from one country to another in search of new experiences.

Given this perspective, rejecting a trip can make you seem “weird” or “boring” in the eyes of those around you, however, it is all a matter of personality. Let’s see why.

Nativist tendencies

Two tendencies coexist in human beings: one that prioritizes what is known, regularity and what is standardized (nativist) and another that seeks adventure, the novelty and the breaking of the (tourist) routine. Both coexist in all of us and alternate, but the truth is that in each one there is a predominant tendency.

In the case of people who do not like to travel, it is the nativist tendency that emerges most strongly.

Tradition, routine and security

Those who reject travel tend to be more traditional, value routine and They seek to have some control over their environment, since this gives them security. But where does this need come from? Well, as an article published in E-Review of Tourism Research suggests, this would even come from the first years of childhood.

Following the famous attachment theory of Ainsworth and Bowlby, the child, in the relationship with his main caregivers, develops a particular vision of himself and the world around him. And, specifically, he cultivates a greater or lesser sense of security.

So, Children who establish an insecure attachment tend to feel more fearful, uncomfortable and distressed when being away from home, than those who enjoy a secure attachment.

Transferring it to adult life, this explains why there are those who love to travel and those who do not enjoy it. And the perception of risk in people who do not like to travel is much higher.

Intolerance of uncertainty

In addition to the above, we cannot forget that A trip always involves a break with what is familiar and known. This depends on many variables: the language of the destination, its compatibility with the traveler, the prior information available… But, in any case, it always reports a more or less high degree of uncertainty.

For some people it is not a problem and is, instead, refreshing and stimulating. However, in others the small Unforeseen events, changes, unknown areas and elements beyond your control are torture.

For those who have a low tolerance for uncertainty, not knowing so many aspects about what their daily life will be like on the trip or how it will be resolved, is more than enough reason not to feel called to travel.

Openness to experience

Finally, there is an aspect of personality that is key when determining why there are people who do not like to travel, it is openness to experience. This is one of the Big 5 personality traits described in the Costa and McCrae model, which refers to the tendency to be imaginative, liberal, curious, and attracted to novelty and variety of experiences.

When someone scores low in this aspect appears more conventional and conservative, feeling more comfortable in familiar environments and with familiar people. Therefore, their curiosity and interest in traveling are reduced.

People who don’t like to travel alone are making a choice

Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with people who don’t like to travel. Their decision is not necessarily because they are fearful individuals, but because They prioritize and value stability, the family and their own territory.

If they want to venture more than usual and take advantage of the benefits of traveling, it is positive for them to know useful information about their destination in advance, plan in detail or return to places they already know. But let’s remember that traveling or not traveling is purely a personal choice.

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