Ways To Reduce Your Travel Anxiety | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Ways To Reduce Your Travel Anxiety

53
Ways To Reduce Your Travel Anxiety

There's no better feeling than knowing you're about to be on vacation, but, for some, it comes with an unsteady feeling in your stomach when boarding a plane or nausea that sets in hours before reaching the airport. These problems can be isolating and at times incurable, but there are ways to alleviate that anxiety and even specific techniques to overcome the feelings that overwhelm you. From personal experience, I can say that these methods really can change the angst associated with traveling.

Some of these techniques to avoid anxiety are physical. Simple things such as planning when you eat, what you eat, and how much sleep you need may seem obvious, but they really do help. I've traveled some far distances both domestically (Los Angeles) and internationally (Paris, London, and Serbia), and I know from experience that waking up an hour and a half before you are set to leave for the airport can really give you time to calm your nerves and get set for the journey ahead. Two big mistakes I have made too many times are waking up right before leaving for the airport and not eating enough before flying; you wouldn't believe how much that intensifies that nauseous feeling of nervousness before you take flight! Eating before can also relieve your stress and take your mind off of the worries that are filling your brain. Trust me, I know the feeling.

There are also ways to mentally prepare yourself for the trip. Taking the time to plan out your trip and become familiar with the “landscape” and culture of the place can be a great tool to conquering the unknown before you get there. Before I traveled to Europe I purchased books about the major sites to see and maps to become oriented with the layout before arriving at my destination. Traveling to foreign countries can be scary in itself, but anxiety can also come from the language barriers that stand between many travelers and the visited country. Now, I am not saying to learn the language of every country you plan to travel, but a simple search of keywords and phrases can help in case of emergency and alleviate confusion.

In my own personal travels, I have planned a trip to a country where English is not the dominant language spoken. In order to prepare for the trip, I found a tutor online who provided weekly tutorials and calls from outside the United States. It's safe to say that by the end, I felt prepared because of the language I learned directly from a local, all, but because I began using the Western Union app. Using the Western Union app, I would send money internationally to my tutor from the convenience of my home, which made planning for the trip basically effortless. This allowed me to easily send the money overseas and learn the language skills I needed, but also gave me comfort in knowing I had an easy way to send money if I ever needed to while on my trip! Having my trip and education paid for at the touch of a button definitely helped my travel anxiety. Stress that once masked my excitement, became excitement again towards what this trip and the rest of the world has to offer.

Travel anxiety is a real thing, and while many will not understand the stressful feelings and concerns that go along with it, there are always ways to overcome them. Things like planning ahead, taking care of yourself physically, and utilizing helpful services like the Western Union app are simple ways to overcome anxiety so you can focus on the adventures ahead. This world is a magical place filled with infinite opportunities. Don't let the fear stop you from experiencing them! And I won't either.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

618
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

418
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments