Fear of the Unknown: A Travel Obstacle Big People Can Conquer
April 18, 2022
Tiny ass airplane seats, impatient people boarding the plane, chub rub from all the walking, the travel industry isn’t easy on big people. The hardest obstacle doesn’t have anything to do with seat sizes or physical things. The hardest obstacle big people have when we travel is our own fear of the unknown.
Fear is a bitch. Everybody has some kind of fear of the unknown. It can be paralyzing, especially for big people taking a trip. Being a big person who travels a lot, I get it.
There’s a ton of information all over the internet on conquering fear. Most of it is bull. Seriously. Hell, fear has kept mankind alive for thousands of years. We weren’t running from saber tooth tigers out of curiosity. We were scared shitless and ran. That same fear pushed mankind to figure out some things. Like how to make fire. Build shelter. Make communities. All the things that make it where we don’t have to run our ass off from wild animals.
Fear is good, but you’ve got to control it. All too often we let our fears control us. The key to overcoming any travel obstacle you’ve ever faced is to turn that fear into excitement. I’m not saying you need to go out and bungee jump off a bridge. I’m talking about a state of mind. Check out some ways you can start moving your fear meter closer to the side of excitement.
The Elephant in The Room
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Body shaming. Travel makes us big people have to get in, out and through tight places that skinny people stroll through like a Sunday afternoon. Some people can be jerks about it too. The passive-aggressive comments. The looks. You know the drill.
Step one is admitting it’s there. Own it. Some people are going to think and react to you being big. Part of the fear of the unknown is what people will think. No matter how hard you try, some people won’t think differently. More important is that it’s out of your control. What is in your control is how you look at it. Why let other people’s phobia hold you back from stepping into the unknown of travel?
How you look at yourself makes a big difference. Years of giant posters of chiseled Calvin Klein models in our face doesn’t help. We might think, “damn, if that’s the definition of sexy, what the Hell am I?” First of all, that stuff isn’t even real. Most of those models are airbrushed all to Hell. Second, why compare yourself? Everybody is different. If we were all the same shapes, sizes, personalities, it would be a boring place to live here on earth.
Step two is being easy on yourself. All that pressure to be a certain size or look is in your head. You offer something to the world no one else can — you. Own it! Be you in all your glory.
The Downward Spiral
Fear is only a problem when you let it take hold. When that “what if” scenario drags your brain through the mud. Like “what if” I go on this hike and twist my ankle. Then someone would have to help my big ass back down the trail. If this is the way you think you’ll never leave the house, never-mind a badass travel experience.
Grab ahold before it gets out of whack. Your imagination can be a dangerous playground. The second you start with the “what if” scenarios, pay attention. Ask yourself, “Is this even real?” No is your answer. It’s all fake scenarios you’re dreaming up in your head to talk yourself out of doing something new. Call bullshit when your brain tries to roll down the “what if” lane. It’ll help stop the downward spiral before it starts.
Stop holding back. For real. The biggest obstacle any of us have is a fear of the unknown. We’re so quick to doubt our own ability we miss opportunities. It’s in your control to stop the cycle. The next time you feel the butterflies brewing, don’t ignore them. Face it head-on. Not only will you surprise yourself, but you’ll also start to attract what you want in all areas of your life.
More from
Big Guy Big World: Bahamas Adventure
April 18, 2025
Welcome to paradise! Our Big Guy Big World Bahamas Adventure began in Nassau, the vibrant capital city. Pastel-colored colonial buildings in Parliament Square set the scene for a day full of island charm. From there, we wandered through Bay Street, buzzing with duty-free shops, street vendors, and the lively rhythm of Bahamian life. Eventually, we…
Colombia Caribbean Travel Guide: Mud, Magic, and Coastal Vibes
April 12, 2025
This Colombia Caribbean travel guide is packed with adventure, culture, and tropical magic. During our Big Guy Big World journey along Colombia’s northern coast, we floated in volcanic mud, sailed the Caribbean Sea, and explored Cartagena’s rich history. Every moment reminded us why Colombia belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. Luxury in Cartagena: Art, Elegance,…
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Feel the Rhythm of the City
March 2, 2025
There’s a pulse to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil that you feel the moment you arrive. It vibrates through the echo of drums from a nearby samba school, drifts in the scent of grilled cheese from beach carts, and rolls through the hills stretching between forest and sea. Rather than observing from the outside, we were…
Dubai: Exploring the Beauty and Luxe of the City
February 25, 2025
Our latest journey took us to the City of Dubai, a metropolis where futuristic skylines meet desert blooms, and luxury lives around every corner. From iconic resorts and underwater suites to sky-high landmarks and floral wonderlands, Dubai is a destination that constantly surprises, delights, and redefines what travel can be. A Stay Like No Other:…
An Epic Trip to Egypt
February 21, 2025
Standing in the Shadow of the Pyramids No photo or textbook can prepare you for the moment you stand before the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Towering above the golden desert, it’s a surreal reminder of the ingenuity of ancient Egypt. We explored the Giza Plateau, where the three main pyramids—Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure—stand proudly as…
Big Guy Big World Explores Peru: A Journey Through Incan History
January 31, 2025
Peru, a country rich in history, beautiful landscapes, and rich culture. It is home to one of the world’s greatest wonders—Machu Picchu. This ancient Incan city, perched high in the Andes Mountains, has long captivated travelers, historians, and adventurers alike. For me, this journey was all about stepping into the past, exploring Cusco, and meeting…
Chile: From the Colorful Streets of Valparaíso to the Rapids of Maipo
January 15, 2025
Our journey through Chile was an unforgettable blend of culture, history, fine wine, and high-adrenaline adventure. Few countries offer such diversity in experience, and in just a few days, we explored its coastal cities, tasted world-class wine in the Casablanca Valley, and rode the roaring waters of the Maipo River in the Andes foothills. Here’s…
Touching Down on the White Continent: Antarctica
January 11, 2025
Our adventure to the bottom of the world began in Chile. After landing in the southern city of Punta Arenas, we got our first taste of life near the edge of the Earth. Known as the gateway to Antarctica, Punta Arenas is perched on the Strait of Magellan and serves as a launch point for…
Inside Sydney’s Crown Jewel
December 22, 2024
Sydney is a city filled with iconic landmarks, stunning harbors, and top-tier luxury, but nothing caught my eye quite like the Crown Sydney—an enormous, gleaming glass skyscraper that stands out against the skyline. It looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie… or, let’s be honest, a giant, sparkly dildo in the middle of…
Sydney, Australia: A City That Feels Like a Giant Postcard
Sydney, Australia, is not just beautiful—it’s a whole vibe. The city is packed with great landmarks, stunning landscapes, and a buzzing atmosphere. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a real-life postcard, this is it. Iconic Places You Can’t Miss Sydney is full of must-see spots. Here are some of the top places we explored:…
Landing in Sydney and Wildlife Encounters
December 21, 2024
From Time Zones to Travel Goals When we landed in Sydney, Australia, we had already crossed three different time zones in less than a week. Sleep? Who needs it when you can travel the world like a jet-setting pro? Our journey had taken us from the US to South Korea, then to Indonesia, and now,…
A Wild Adventure in Jakarta, Indonesia
December 19, 2024
Jakarta is a city of nonstop energy, towering skyscrapers, and vibrant street life, yet just outside its bustling core lies an entirely different world—one filled with roaring lions, towering giraffes, and massive elephants. Our trip to Taman Safari Indonesia was a thrill ride from start to finish, complete with a police escort, a touching roadside…
Jakarta: Our Stay at the Grand Hyatt Presidential Suite
During our Big Guy Big World adventures, we’ve had the opportunity to stay in some of the world’s most incredible hotels. But our experience at the Grand Hyatt Jakarta was on a whole new level. From the stunning Presidential Suite to the unparalleled service, this stay in the heart of Indonesia’s bustling capital was truly…
Share This Post
Big Guy Big World is a travel blog, following Mark Jacoby’s journey as a big guy on a bigger journey, exploring the world during a global pandemic. Follow along as we experience some of the world’s most beautiful and exotic places.