Life & travel are very much a balance between dangers we perceive, & the knowledge & experience that reduces those danger’s risks. 

Foreign travel means leaving the comfortable, confident security of our  home for something often very unfamiliar: different streets, language, rules, mannerisms, foods, clothing, etc.  

I suggest that all travelers (me) suffer travel anxiety to some degree of anxiety.  

Travelers, both domesticand foreign, by definition, leave the comfortable, confident security of their home environment for something often very unfamiliar: different streets, rules, mannerisms, foods, clothing, etc.   

A foreign country’s culture can differ radically from USA’s and even more so, between other foreign countries. An American in Europe will feel more comfortable than in Asia because the American culture is a somewhat familiar mishmash of the European. 

Anecdote: Egypt 1: Cairo: The Revolution Begins: I arrived at my Cairo, Egypt hotel on 1st day of Egypt’s “25 January Revolution” as tanks began rolling down the street below my window. I was initially very anxious walking in Cairo’s tank-barricaded streets with soldiers everywhere; bearded men & hijab-covered women, both in flowing robes.                                                                      YT VID: EGY

Walking its streets, I respectfully smiled, nodded slightly & uttered “As-salaam alaykum” (hello) to those who met my eyes. Women, I was particularly respectful toward for fear of somehow offending. Men responded naturally; women with a subtle gentle nod. 

Anecdote: Egypt 2: Cairo’s dark narrow street: Walking along a main street. I looked down what was clearly a dark, & to me, an ominous looking street with high buildings that closed the narrow street's shadows.  I strongly debated walking down it, then I did, & it was a great experience seeing the underbelly of Cairo.

One group of men seated on a stoop came unglued when, in passing, I politely said ‘As-salamu alaykum’ (hello), en masse inviting me over to chat for several minutes.” 

After a few days, I realized my presence attracted very little notice presumably because I was just one of millions of foreign tourists who had traveled through Cairo. 

                                                                                                                                     YT VID: EGY

In Asia, the differences in a culture’s language, history, customs, etc. can be even more dramatic: China versus India versus Bali.

Ironically, it is EXACTLY this anxious uncertainty that is an exciting travel benefit, not only testing you, but providing novel, rich experiences. OTOH, it is your knowledge, preparation, experience, character, and prudence that guides & protects you safely. 

I hope my information & personal anecdotes from my experience will reduce your travel anxiety. 😀

Dig Deeper: My Anxiety-reduction Strategy.