Have you ever spent time with someone who’s never ventured far from home?

It’s not something they might openly admit, but you can sense it in little ways—their hesitation when talking about other cultures, or the way they cling to the familiar.

For some, staying put isn’t just a preference; it’s rooted in personality traits, fears, or even life circumstances that make the idea of traveling feel overwhelming.

And honestly?

We’ve all had moments of sticking to what we know.

But when I started digging into the psychology behind this, I found some surprising patterns.

In this article, we’ll dive into eight telltale signs that someone hasn’t traveled much—and why understanding these signs can help us see their perspective in a whole new way.

1) Overwhelm at the thought of leaving comfort zones

If you’ve ever suggested a trip to someone who’s never really traveled before, you might have noticed their eyes widen with a mix of fear and excitement.

This is because the thought of stepping out of their comfort zone can be overwhelming for them.

Psychologists suggest that this could be due to the fear of the unknown or lack of experience in navigating new environments.

Many non-travelers find comfort in their routines and familiar surroundings.

The idea of leaving all this behind, even temporarily, can induce anxiety and stress.

It’s not because they don’t want to experience new things, but rather it’s their psychological response to the perceived challenges that traveling might pose.

Remember, though, this isn’t a personal failing on their part.

It’s simply a different way of interacting with the world, and understanding this can help in breaking down the barriers that prevent them from exploring new horizons.

2) Lack of curiosity towards different cultures

Interestingly, the person who hasn’t really traveled before may not display much curiosity about other cultures.

This might seem unusual because one might assume that being unfamiliar with travel would spark an interest in learning about different parts of the world.

However, psychologists propose that this lack of curiosity could be a form of self-protection.

The non-traveler might unconsciously avoid learning about other cultures to reduce feelings of inadequacy about their own lack of travel experiences.

It’s not that they’re uninterested or narrow-minded.

Rather, they might be protecting themselves from feelings of envy or regret.

It’s a subtle psychological mechanism that can often go unnoticed until we take a closer look.

Understanding this can be key to encouraging these individuals to broaden their horizons and embrace the idea of travel.

3) High levels of stress when dealing with changes

Changes, big or small, can trigger a stress response in our bodies.

This is more pronounced in people who are not used to traveling.

Now, let’s talk about the stress hormone cortisol.

When we’re in a stressful situation, our bodies produce more cortisol.

Sometimes, this can be beneficial, helping us respond quickly to challenges.

But sustained high levels can be harmful and lead to health issues like anxiety and depression.

Research has shown that individuals with anxiety disorders often have dysregulated cortisol patterns, indicating a strong link between chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels.

The non-traveler’s stress response to the mere thought of travel might be their body’s way of signaling that they’re stepping into unfamiliar territory.

This is normal and part of our body’s built-in survival mechanism. 

4) Fear of flying or other modes of travel

Think about the first time you boarded a plane or stepped onto a ship.

It was probably a little scary, right?

Now, imagine feeling that fear every single time the topic of travel comes up.

For those who haven’t traveled much, the thought of flying or sailing can be downright terrifying.

This fear can stem from many places – the sensation of not having solid ground beneath their feet, the idea of being in an enclosed space for long durations, or simply the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

It’s important to remember that this fear is real and valid for them. It’s not just about being ‘brave’ or ‘adventurous’.

The world can be a pretty intimidating place if you’re not used to exploring it.

Being supportive and understanding can go a long way in helping them overcome these fears.

After all, we all have our own battles to fight and hurdles to cross – some just happen to involve jet engines and open seas.

5) Preference for familiar foods

Pizza over pad Thai?

Burgers over borscht?

It’s not just about comfort food.

For those who haven’t traveled much, sticking to familiar foods can be a way of maintaining a sense of normalcy in an unfamiliar situation.

Think about it.

When you’re uncertain or anxious about something, don’t you often seek solace in the familiar?

Food is no different. We all have that one dish that reminds us of home and brings a sense of security.

This preference for familiar foods often extends to dining out too.

Non-travelers may opt for chain restaurants they recognize over local eateries.

It’s not necessarily a dislike for trying new things, but rather a coping mechanism to handle the unfamiliarity that comes with the idea of travel.

Next time you see someone choosing fries over falafel, remember it might just be their way of dealing with the unknown.

And let’s be honest, who hasn’t sought comfort in a plate of their favorite food at some point?

6) Overpacking for short trips

Imagine this: Planning for a weekend getaway and the suitcase is brimming with enough clothes for two weeks.

Sounds a bit much, right?

A study by Trunk Club found that 62% of Americans overpack when traveling, with clothing being the most overpacked item.

For the person who hasn’t really traveled before, this can be a common scenario.

A friend of mine once packed three pairs of shoes and a week’s worth of outfits for a two-day city break.

Why?

Because they wanted to be prepared for every possible situation.

Overpacking can stem from the fear of the unexpected or the need to maintain control over their environment, even when they’re away from home.

It’s not about being high-maintenance or indecisive.

It’s more about having a security blanket in the form of their belongings when they are in an unfamiliar place.

So next time you see someone struggling with an overflowing suitcase for a short trip, it might just be their way of feeling secure and prepared.

It’s their journey—let them travel it their own way.

7) Avoidance of learning new languages

The world is a diverse place. With over 6,500 languages out there, you’re bound to encounter a few you don’t understand.

Now, for those who’ve never really traveled, the idea of learning a new language can seem daunting, if not downright impossible.

Instead of embracing the challenge and seeing it as an opportunity for growth, they might shy away, sticking to what they already know.

But let’s be clear: this isn’t a winning strategy.

By avoiding new languages, they’re not just limiting their ability to communicate when they travel.

They’re also missing out on the rich cultural experiences that come with understanding a new language.

So, to all the non-travelers out there – give it a shot!

You don’t have to be fluent. Just a few phrases can open up a world of opportunities and enrich your travel experiences.

Don’t limit yourself before you’ve even set foot outside your doorstep.

8) Resistance to stepping out of the routine

Routine offers comfort through predictability and control.

For individuals unaccustomed to travel, the prospect of disrupting their daily patterns can be daunting.

They might delay planning, hesitate to book tickets, or find reasons to postpone trips.

This reluctance often stems from a fear of the unknown rather than a lack of adventure.

Research indicates that travel can disrupt daily routines and sleep patterns, leading to increased stress and fatigue.

However, embracing these changes can lead to personal growth.

Traveling exposes us to new experiences, diverse cultures, and broadens our perspectives.

If the comfort of routine is holding you or someone you know back from exploring, consider starting with short trips close to home.

Gradually, the unfamiliar becomes familiar, revealing a world rich with possibilities and enriching experiences.

Final thoughts

Understanding these signs of a person who has never really traveled before can build empathy and patience.

We all have our own journeys and pace of growth.

This article aimed to shed light on these signs, not as flaws, but as unique human traits shaped by individual experiences.

Ultimately, the decision to step out and explore the world depends on the person.

Every moment spent understanding our fellow beings is a moment well-spent.

Being truly compassionate means respecting others’ choices, even when they seem foreign to us.

It’s about acknowledging that there’s no ‘right’ way to live life or experience the world.

Here’s to embracing diversity, understanding each other better, and celebrating the unique journeys we’re all on.

Here’s to a world that’s filled with endless possibilities, waiting for us to explore them at our own pace.