What is commonly referred to as travel anxiety can be brought on by the stress of making travel preparations as much as the fear of traveling to a foreign place. Travel anxiety is not a documented mental health disorder. Still, for some people, it can get terrible and might stop them from taking a trip or experiencing the bliss and excitement of traveling. Here are some tips that may make you feel more in control if you suffer from travel anxiety.
Don’t Drink Or Use Anti-Anxiety Medication Before Your Flight
Self-medication might make you feel terrible, even if it is satisfying to take a sleep medication or have a few drinks to calm your nerves. Never take anything without consulting your doctor, and carefully follow any additional directions the doctor may give.
Know What To Anticipate
While making bookings for your flight, hotel, or any other activity, you can go a little overboard with your research. You might feel things are under your control when you already know everything. It is best to know the locations of key facilities and amenities. Understand the security processes, and make sure nothing forbidden is in your luggage.
Map Out Your Route
Plan how far you intend to travel each day if you take your car to the destination. Reserve a hotel in advance and make a note of the whereabouts of neighboring eateries. Just a few days before your departure, confirm your reservations if you want to travel by ship or other public transportation. Give yourself enough time to be there early and have a backup strategy to avoid delays.
Stay Hydrated And Get Some Rest
In the days before your travel, get plenty of rest. While traveling, bring some salty snacks and water with you. It is harder to tackle challenges when you’re exhausted and dehydrated.
Find A Travel Partner
Why not bring someone along if the idea of traveling alone makes your pulse race? A companion that is willing to risk everything for you will not just make the trip more enjoyable but could also gently encourage you to explore different experiences. A friend can keep you calm and care for little things like checking baggage or calling a taxi. If you require some privacy to unwind, a companion could step in.
Visualize Your Trip Through The Virtual Space
Yes, this is a high-tech situation. However, those with travel anxiety may find significant relief after enjoying a virtual view of their hotel’s website. Imagine yourself doing each of the significant milestones on your journey in your mind. Watch as you make your way through the airport, take a seat at your terminal, and take off in those cotton clouds. Envision how easily you can navigate the city’s traffic and locate the ideal parking space. Success visualization helps people feel more confident and less stressed.
Prepare Your Methods Of Distraction
Does playing a stupid game or reading a page-turner book make you lose track of time? Take it with you whether traveling by car, train, airplane, or bus. Instead of wallowing in your worry, distractions might help you concentrate on something pleasurable. Here are a few suggestions:
- The playlist of your favorite singers.
- A book from your favorite writer.
- Engrossing mobile game (candy crush for the win!)
- Word Search, or crossword puzzle.
- Your TikTok Collection of satisfying videos.
Wrap Up
If some of these suggestions haven’t helped you in the past when you’ve traveled, think about getting treatment from a mental health expert. They may recommend drugs to reduce your travel anxiety and frequently provide programs that teach coping mechanisms you might employ if you’re afraid to fly. Some even offer virtual reality experiences that resemble flying in secure office environments in moderation so you may overcome your phobias before boarding the airplane.
