Coping with Travel Anxiety

We covered this a bit in our last article, but in case you missed it, Trace and I are heading on a pretty big trip this upcoming weekend! We’re heading to New York City as a part of a NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship student trip, and we couldn’t be more excited.

Unfortunately, I am also incredibly anxious in life, and when it comes to travel. As our trip approaches, I am increasingly plagued by airport related nightmares and generalized anxiety towards our upcoming travel date. However, excitement is very closely tied to stress, so I like to reframe this as misplaced excitement instead. So, what can we to make this misplaced excitement work for us?

Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best

I love to combat my anxiety in the most type A way possible, by planning, planning, planning! I have been making packing lists, schedules, and contact lists in advance. This has helped me recognize what I’m actually anxious about, and plan for that experience if and when it happens.

For example…

Let’s say by some crazy stroke of forgetfulness, I forget Trace’s food for the week.

“Oh no! I am a terrible service dog mom and now he has to go hungry for the week!” — my very mean anxious brain

Well actually anxiety, this problem has a very easy solution that comes in two parts. One – make sure that his food is included in my packing list, and triple check that I have it before we go. Two – if for some reason I do forget his food, I can always buy more at our destination! It is never that deep.

To combat these little anxiety ridden voices, I make packing lists. From there I highlight the things I cannot replace and absolutely need. This could be my medications, phone, ID, etc. After packing these, I usually feel so much better about the rest of my trip. From there I can simply say “I have everything I need, and can replace anything else.”

Reframe, Reframe, Reframe!

We talked a little bit about this in our introduction, but it’s important! Instead of thinking about your feelings as travel anxiety, turn it into travel excitement.

If you hear that internal voice saying “I’m so nervous, what if…”

Simply say… “I hear you. I know that you have these feelings. How can I make this easier for you?”

Then you can identify these feelings, come up with solutions, and eventually reframe into “I know that you have strong feelings, but what if these are feelings of excitement rather than feelings of dread?”

Usually journaling on this can help, rather than having some imaginary conversation in your brain.

Anxiety Relief and Calming Techniques

I just mentioned journaling, but you know what works for you in this context! Here are few ideas that you may choose to try in the days before your next big trip.

Mindfulness exercises – meditation, coloring, moving meditation, journaling, etc

Reaching out to your support system – calling family members, talking to friends, making therapy appointments

Planning – making lists and planning in advance to mitigate nerves

Rest – try to sleep well, and keep schedules regular to reduce anxiety

In summary, there are lots of ways to make sure that your trip goes as smoothly possible, and even more ways to make your days before a little calmer. Do you have any tips and trips you like to use?

Good luck on your next trip and Trailblaze on!

— Kaya and the Trailblazing Unleashed Pack