The decision to travel or not is deeply personal and must be respected because travel is not a pleasure for everyone!
- While some people love traveling, others get no pleasure from it, particularly because they don’t like the unexpected and new things.
- Unexpected changes, unfamiliar environments and loss of control can be sources of anxiety.
- If you identify with this personality type but still want to increase your openness to experience, you can cultivate this trait by including certain creative activities in your life.
While traveling is a pleasure for many people, and even a lifestyle for some, others are completely indifferent to it. Despite the means and opportunities, they prefer to stay in their familiar environment.
What do we call the “nativist trend”?
Although tourism is on the rise again in 2023 with almost 90% of its pre-pandemic levels according to the World Tourism Organization, some remain reluctant to travel. One reason may be the so-called “nativist tendency”, that is, the preference for what is known, familiar and valuing regularity.
These “non-travelers” are rather resistant to change, since they prefer known and predictable situations. They like repetition of the same habits and activities and need control to anticipate results. Past experiences, education or certain aspects of personality can influence their level of openness to experience.
Intolerance of uncertainty
Traveling involves venturing into the unknown, a prospect that can be intimidating for those with a low tolerance for uncertainty. Unexpected changes, unfamiliar environments and loss of control can be sources of anxiety.
Although careful planning can eventually help, the adjustment time to moving out of your comfort zone can be long and should begin gradually.
The influence of personality
Costa and McCrae’s famous personality model reveals that openness to experience is a key factor. People who score low in this trait are generally more conventional and conservative, preferring familiar environments and interactions.
If you identify with this personality type but still want to increase your openness to experience, you can cultivate this trait by including activities like reading, learning new skills, or engaging in creative pursuits. . Short trips or trips close to home can also be a step towards accepting new experiences.
Learn more: “The Big Leap: Dare to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone” by Gay Hendricks.
