Let's be honest - the world feels pretty intense right now. Between endless news cycles, global conflicts, and that voice in your head asking "but what if something happens?," it's no wonder so many people are second-guessing their travel plans.

But here's the thing: there's a difference between being smart about travel and letting fear keep you home forever.

I recently sat down with Casey Hanisko, who has spent over 25 years in adventure travel leadership, including five years as President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. If anyone knows how to navigate travel in uncertain times, it's her.

Here's what Casey taught me about being a prepared traveler (not a paranoid one) in today's world…

A woman with dark hair and glasses sits cross-legged in a meditation pose on a wooden bench, smiling broadly. She wears a dark tank top and black pants, with brown boots placed beside her on the bench against a neutral wall background. — *A true travel leader—Casey Hanisko.*

First Things First: What Kind of Fear Are You Actually Dealing With?

Before you cancel that trip, Casey suggests getting honest about your fears. Are you:

Rationally concerned because you've done research and identified specific, legitimate risks?
Excited but nervous about the unknown aspects of your adventure?
Media-anxious because you've been doom-scrolling and everything feels dangerous?
Spiraling into worst-case scenarios that are statistically unlikely?

The approach for each is completely different. If it's the latter two, you might just need to step away from the news and get some actual facts.

Those Travel Advisories? They're Not Telling the Whole Story

Here's something most travelers don't realize: some destinations basically always have travel advisories. Mexico, Morocco, parts of Colombia - they're perpetually flagged, but millions of people visit safely every year.

What to actually look for:

Level 4 advisories - This is where Casey draws the line, because your government essentially says "you're on your own"
Specific regions - Often advisories apply to border areas or remote regions, not tourist destinations
Recent changes - Has the advisory been updated recently, or has it been the same level for years?

Pro tip: Don't just read U.S. State Department warnings. Check what local news sources are saying and get information from people actually on the ground.

The Secret Weapon: Local Connections

This is where working with experienced travel advisors and tour operators like us becomes invaluable. When people were worried about my Cuba trips during recent power outages, I could text my contacts there for real-time updates. When someone had LGBTQ safety concerns about Morocco, I asked my local operator about their actual experience with similar travelers.

You can't get that kind of current, nuanced information from Google or government websites. You need people who live there and work with travelers regularly.

Smart Preparation vs. Paranoid Overthinking

Smart preparation looks like:

Researching the history and culture of your destination
Understanding local customs and potential cultural sensitivities
Having appropriate insurance coverage
Knowing basic phrases in the local language
Registering with your embassy if traveling to higher-risk areas

Paranoid overthinking looks like:

Obsessing over every possible "what if" scenario
Letting statistically unlikely events dictate your decisions
Reading every negative travel story and assuming it will happen to you
Over-planning every single moment to avoid any uncertainty

The Uncomfortable Truth About Risk

Want some perspective? I live in Eau Claire, Wisconsin - one of the safest places in the United States. In 2021 and 2022, I had a random stalker who lived a block away and harassed me for four months before he finally got arrested. Meanwhile, I've led dozens of groups to places with travel advisories without a single serious incident.

Bad things can happen anywhere. The question is:

are you going to let the possibility of something bad happening prevent you from living your life?

*Casey living her best life and conquering her fear of heights.*

Why Travel Insurance is Your New Best Friend

Especially right now, travel insurance isn't just about protecting your investment - it's about peace of mind. For as little as $50, you can have coverage that lets you sleep better at night. There's even "cancel for any reason" insurance if you're really worried about changing your mind.

Think of it as the security blanket that lets you book that trip you've been dreaming about.

Get Your Trip Insured

The Magic Happens in the Unplanned Moments

Some of my best travel memories were completely unplanned: crashing a Colombian quinceañera in Bogotá, ending up at a Kurdish wedding in Turkey, putting my entire India group on the back of motorcycles to get to the Holi festival when our transport fell through.

*Our motorcycle ride on the way to Holi. From van to rickshaw to motorcycle!*

If you over-plan everything out of fear, you miss these transformative moments. Yes, there's risk in spontaneity. But there's also magic.

What About Social Media Making Everything Seem Scary?

Casey and I both agreed that social media has made people more anxious, not more informed. You're either seeing highlight reels that make everywhere look perfect or disaster stories that make everywhere seem dangerous.

Neither is reality. Most travel experiences fall somewhere in the boring middle - generally safe, occasionally challenging, often wonderful, and rarely Instagram-worthy in the moment.

How to Actually Research Like a Pro

Instead of falling down rabbit holes of worst-case scenarios:

Check multiple sources - Local news, expat blogs, recent traveler reviews
Look at timing - Is there a specific event or season driving current concerns?
Consider your identity - Some risks are higher for certain travelers, and that's worth factoring in
Talk to professionals - Travel advisors who specialize in your destination
Trust your gut - If something feels genuinely wrong, listen to that

The Bottom Line

Travel has always involved some level of risk. What's changed is our awareness of every possible thing that could go wrong, thanks to 24/7 news cycles and social media.

Casey's advice? "Sometimes you just have to quiet the noise and listen to what's most important for you and make that more important than the news."

The benefits of travel - the memories, the perspective, the personal growth, the human connections - far outweigh the statistical risks. And with smart preparation, local connections, and good insurance, you can minimize even those risks.

Remember: your passport is collecting dust, your PTO is piling up, and there's a whole world out there waiting for you. Don't let fear be the thing that keeps you from exploring it.

Casey Hanisko is a distinguished leader in the adventure travel industry, celebrated for her extensive contributions and thought leadership. With over 25 years of experience, she has held pivotal roles that have shaped the landscape of adventure tourism and business coaching for tourism leaders.

As the former President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), Casey was instrumental in expanding the organization's global influence, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering a vibrant community of adventure travel professionals. In recognition of her impact, Casey was named among the "50 Most Important Women in Travel," ranking at #26. She has been featured in prominent media outlets, including Fast Company, Outside Online, and the SKIFT Podcast, where she shares her insights on adventure travel trends and leadership.

Transitioning to coaching and consulting, Casey leverages her extensive industry knowledge to guide businesses and leaders through transformative changes. Her consultancy focuses on helping travel companies navigate complex challenges, enhance strategic planning, and implement innovative solutions. She is a certified coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the Coach Training Alliance and is trained in assessments such as EQ-i 2.0® emotional intelligence and Everything DiSC™ personality assessments. She offers a Leading People ProgramTM twice a year for people leaders looking to develop their management and leadership skills.

Casey is also a recognized thought leader, frequently sharing her perspectives through speaking engagements at major industry conferences, contributing articles to leading trade publications, and through her "Leading Naturally" LinkedIn newsletter. Her thought-provoking insights on adventure travel, business strategy, and leadership have established her as a respected voice in the field.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Casey is committed to championing women's leadership. She has organized women's leadership forums, mentored emerging leaders, and currently serves as the Senior Facilitator for Women Travel Leaders Elite Group Coaching Masterminds.

Through her multifaceted career, Casey Hanisko continues to inspire and lead, leaving a lasting impact on the adventure travel industry and beyond.