You know that moment at the airport when you’re standing there, passport in hand, and you suddenly realize—oh right, I actually made it happen. That’s the part a lot of travel myths try to steal before you even book anything.
Misryoum newsroom reported on how deeply these misconceptions stick, even when plenty of travelers clearly prove the opposite: that travel can be affordable, that it doesn’t automatically turn unsafe, and that “impossible” is usually just fear wearing a confident hat. The myths below—seven of the most common—show up again and again in conversations, comment sections, and trip-planning debates.
First up is the classic: “Travel is expensive.” Everything costs money, sure. But the idea that travel only means fancy tours, beach-side resorts, and luxurious villas is outdated. Misryoum editorial desk noted that the marketing messaging around “a fun vacation is an expensive vacation” has trained people to equate travel with luxury. The reality, in practice, is more basic: you plan, you save, and you get a little creative with priorities. And yes, it can take longer to save—maybe you do it over time instead of all at once—but “two weeks or two years,” there’s usually a way.
Another myth Misryoum analysis indicates is stubbornly repeated is, “Travel credit cards will ruin your credit.” The argument sounds scary, but the version Misryoum newsroom is seeing from experienced travelers is more nuanced: applying can cause a temporary dip, and then it corrects within two months if bills are paid on time. Over time, having more available credit can actually help. One traveler-style example includes having over a dozen credit cards (with only three actively used) and a credit score of 797 out of 850—plus the key detail: paying off each month. Misryoum editorial team stated that the whole point is to use credit responsibly, not to chase free trips by overspending.
Then there’s the safety theme, which gets turned into absolutes pretty fast. “Couchsurfing is unsafe” is one. Misryoum newsroom reported that couchsurfing is framed as a cultural exchange where locals offer a free space in their home—sometimes literally a couch—so travelers can see the destination. Like Airbnb, hosts have reviews and profiles. And if staying with a stranger doesn’t feel right, Misryoum analysis also flags that people can use the app to meet locals for activities like a meal, coffee, or a museum visit. The recurring advice: read reviews, use common sense, and trust your gut.
Hitchhiking gets the same treatment, with the myth, “Hitchhiking will get you killed.” The fear story goes back decades, including a scare campaign in the 1950s that embedded the idea that hitchhikers were murderers. Misryoum editorial desk noted that this perception lingers, while the practical reality is that hitchhiking, like couchsurfing, is about judgment—knowing your limits, making sure you have a phone for emergencies, noting license plates, and not getting into any car that stops if it doesn’t feel right. Misryoum also includes the simple human truth: you can do it carefully, or you can choose not to.
A related myth says, “Travel is dangerous for women,” and Misryoum newsroom reported that the narrative gets amplified by the kind of reporting that spotlights negative stories while ignoring the broader picture. The editorial perspective is blunt: there’s often a higher chance of getting hit by a bus than ending up like in a movie. Misryoum editorial team stated that women don’t need to stay home, and research plus trustworthy advice matters—because fear can travel faster than facts. Another misconception tagged in Misryoum reporting: “Budget travel is only possible if you are young and single.” Actually not. Age, relationship status, and family needs change the logistics, but they don’t erase the possibility of traveling on a budget.
Finally, “You can’t work overseas” and “You need a polished résumé” are where Misryoum sees people get trapped in their heads. Misryoum analysis indicates that working abroad can be simpler than imagined for flexible travelers: working holidays in countries like Australia or New Zealand, au pair roles, teaching English, or volunteering in exchange for room and board. Sure, it may not be fancy or high-paying, but if the priority is travel, that tradeoff is the whole point. And when you’re in the thick of it, you learn quickly—like the smell of coffee in a hostel lobby or the buzz of a new route plan—that the world is out there, waiting, not asking permission.
Andaz Lisbon opens in Baixa with views