I think a common misconception when it comes to people who travel often is that they never have travel anxiety. While this is true for some people, many of us still struggle from time to time. I have personally struggled with this kind of anxiety quite a bit recently but have narrowed down 5 ways to combat travel anxiety.
1. Prepare everything in advance
If you’re reading this blog, you may actually be struggling with this one. In the days leading up to a trip, I can sometimes go through a bit of denial and procrastinate everything I need to do before leaving — cleaning, packing, sleeping, etc. The anxiety can leave me feeling paralyzed, and then I become more anxious because I’m behind on everything I need to do.
As a result, I’ve started preparing for a trip earlier and earlier. Sometimes this means doing research months in advance and making a flexible itinerary. Other times it means packing and repacking multiple times, weeks before I’m even able to check in for my flight. I might also start buying travel essentials as soon as I book a flight, just so I don’t have to worry about it later. This way, when I only have a week before my trip, I can focus on working as usual and resting.
Preparing everything in advance also means there’s a smaller chance I’ll forget something. Everyone has different travel essentials and things that help them feel comfortable while traveling. Some things that have made my travel experiences better include bringing snacks (even for short trips), getting water as soon as I get through security, not wearing too many layers, and not packing heavy bags if I plan to carry them everywhere.
2. Get plenty of sleep
Lack of sleep contributes to anxiety. If you’re reading this blog, you probably also know that anxiety can contribute to a lack of sleep, especially before traveling. It can be really hard to fall asleep when you’re worried about waking up on time, forgetting something important, and getting everyone where they need to be, but it’s also really important for helping you get through the next day, especially if you’re the one driving.
In order to guarantee more sleep, try to make your travel day flexible and even start later. If this isn’t realistic for your trip, it may be worth it to book a hotel 5 minutes away from the airport so you can sleep as long as possible before leaving to catch your flight. You may also want to avoid caffeine (which can also contribute to anxiety) if it gives you more energy and aim to get everything packed and ready several hours before you plan to go to sleep.
If it comes down to it, and you know you won’t be able to sleep before boarding a plane or riding in the car, make sure you have everything you need to be comfortable when the vehicle starts moving. You may need to bring a neck pillow or something bigger. Headphones and eye masks are also good for blocking out noise and light, if needed.
3. Recognize you’re not the only one
Traveling can feel incredibly more stressful when you feel like you’re the only one stressing about it. If the people you’re traveling with, whether friends or strangers, never get nervous about flying or airport security or having a place to stay, it may actually make you feel worse about worrying.
At least in my experience, I worry my nerves could take away from their excitement. Even when I’m traveling by myself, I’ve worried I’ll do something wrong (hold up the line in security, sit in the wrong seat on the airplane, eat snacks or talk on the phone too loudly in the airport, etc.) and become and inconvenience to everyone else. If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not the only one, and sometimes just knowing that can help.
In order to combat this fear, I may reach out to other friends who understand, or even talk through everything to myself just to get that stressful energy out of the way. My friends will usually make me feel better by sharing their own experiences or reminding me of how excited and fortunate I am to get to go to a certain place. I also like to remind myself that there are people working in the airport ready to comfort and assist anyone who needs it — because they know travel anxiety is so common.
4. Ask questions and do research
Along those same lines, airports can be overwhelming, especially larger airports. Even when they have directions clearly displayed everywhere, you can easily get confused if you’re battling anxiety while trying to figure out where you need to go. Fortunately, there are many people around getting paid to help you and answer any questions you have. Many times while traveling, all I have to do is look confused and someone will ask me if I need any help. I love them for this.
You can also start asking questions long before your day of departure. Especially if you’re flying to your destination, you’ll need to make sure you pack according to TSA guidelines. You can also ask experienced travelers for advice and have them tell you what to expect. With the internet, you can get information about anything, though I would also recommend finding a real person to talk to who can better understand your concerns and talk you through it (contact me!).
5. Leave with plenty of time
Finally, I always have less travel anxiety when I know I’m leaving with plenty of time. Sometimes I may even get to the airport 3-4 hours early, which is almost never necessary (almost). It’s either that or I end up wasting time at home pacing for hours. I’m always able to relax as soon as I get through security and find my gate. Sometimes I can also sit down to eat somewhere.
You may not need to get there 4 hours early but should still try to determine how long it will take you to get to the airport, find parking (if applicable), check in, get through security, and find your gate. Most will recommend getting there 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. It’s okay if you have a little time to spare.
These are just 5 ways to combat travel anxiety, but there are many more and I hope you’ll share your own. Anxiety is very real. You’re allowed to have emotions. You’re allowed to express and process them with other people.