I have never liked to travel. Let me rephrase that: I have never liked the process of traveling. As in, actually getting from point A to point B. I really like exploring new cities and museums and whatnot, but I have always hated to fly, despised long car rides, and let’s not even talk about buses or other forms of public transportation. But this past summer, I made it through two major flights (all the way from Chicago to Bangkok and back again). And I want to keep going places and exploring and seeing new things. One of the goals I’ve had for a while now is to visit all 50 states before I turn 50. I have quite a few more to get to, so I can’t stop traveling now!
Here are my secrets for effectively dealing with travel anxiety:
- Travel with someone you trust
I have a hard time traveling alone, but when I’m traveling with T, most of my worries are gone. Traveling with someone you wholeheartedly trust makes a huge difference – if you can do so! - Journal
I rarely leave for a trip without a journal. I have a terrible memory (I seriously cannot remember what I had for my last meal most times…) and I like to keep track of where I went, what I did, and the experiences during each trip. It’s fun to read back years later! Pick a pretty one that has some character so you can differentiate between each trip’s journal! - Peppermint oil
Last Spring I heard that peppermint oil helped alleviate nerves, and because I will legitimately try anything when it comes to being anxious, I Primed a small bottle. If anything, it gives you something else to focus on – and smells good! - Wrist bands
I get motion sickness in any vehicle, including a plane, so I make sure to bring my wrist bands with me. I wear a long sleeved shirt so no one sees them, but they are there and I really think they make a difference! - Relax
However you can, try to relax. For me that means having a travel routine, which involves having certain items with me when I board a plane. There was one time recently that I didn’t stop after security to get my obligatory bottle of water, and the plane was so, so dry, and it felt like forever until beverage service happened.I also got TSA Pre-Check, which means less scrambling in the security line (keep your shoes on, holler!) and, usually, shorter lines. If you travel a couple of times a year, it’s definitely worth it.
Do you have any tips for dealing with travel anxiety?
I relieve travel anxiety by having a list of everything I need, making sure I have all confirmations and travel documents in hand and getting to the airport early. I like to have a plan. It makes things less stressful if something goes wrong when you still have time to fix it.
My anxiety always finds me. It would be great to wake up and having even half a day I don’t feel anxious. I get car sick too, im.going to have to check out those wrist bands.
I love peppermint oil for so many things! Also great for cramps and other aches and pains!
I have super bad anxiety, but for some reason road trips don’t worry me whatsoever. I’ve done 15+ hour road trips all on my own many tomes and love it haha HOWEVER, I did have to fly by myself ONE time and it was the most stressful thing in the entire world. It wouldn’t have been so bad if it was a straight flight from point A to point B, but the connecting flight really worried me. Plus I was scared of the airline losing my luggage! Thankfully, I survived haha