While the majority of us enjoy holidays and travel, many struggle to cope with the accompanying travel anxiety. Travel anxiety is more of a fear of the unknown than an illness. Travel phobia is typically brought on by a number of things. While some may have had negative travel experiences in the past, other people may worry about their home and pets while they are away. Some people fear flying.
1. Know Your Destination
Before traveling anywhere, make sure you know where you’re going. If you don’t have a destination planned out yet, take some time to think about what you want to do while you’re away. You may even want to write down a list of things you want to accomplish before leaving. Once you know where you‘re going, you can start planning how you’ll get there.
2. Keep Yourself Busy
If you’re feeling anxious about traveling, try keeping yourself busy. Find something fun to do while you‘re waiting for your flight. Take a walk around the airport, read a book, or watch a movie. Don’t let yourself sit around and feel nervous!
3. Pack Lightly
When packing for travel, pack only what you need. Make sure everything you bring fits in your carry-on bag. Bring clothes that you won’t mind getting dirty or wrinkled. Also, bring items that you can easily wash if they get dirty.
4. Relax Before Going Through Security
Going through security at the airport can be stressful, especially if you’ve never been through it before. Try not to worry about anything until you’re actually at the gate. When you get to the gate, relax and enjoy the ride.
5. Enjoy the Flight
Once you arrive at your destination, find a comfortable seat and enjoy the rest of your trip. If you’re flying somewhere cold, put on layers of clothing. If you’ve got a window seat, open the blinds and enjoy the view. If you’d rather stay inside, turn on some music and close your eyes.
6. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is important no matter where you go, but it’s especially important when you’re traveling. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid drinking alcohol before flights, since it dehydrates you.
Traveling is always exciting, but sometimes people get anxious about being away from home. Try to avoid thinking negatively about your trip. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your experience.
