Pre travel anxiety? 9 ways to calm down before you travel
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- Pre travel anxiety is the feeling of anxiety after you’ve booked a trip but before you go away. Feeling anxious before you travel is very common, whether it’s a vacation or for work. It’s mostly due to a perceived lack of control and a fear of future possible events that causes the issue. In this video I talk about tips you can use to put you in control and therefore feel less stressed in the run up to your trip.
Some people have a fear of travel called hodophobia, that’s when you avoid traveling from home. Other people have specific fears such as a fear of flying. But pre-travel anxiety is experienced by someone who has the desire to travel but just finds it stressful in the run up to the trip. Anticipatory anxiety is the main culprit, worrying about possible bad events that may not happen.
The tips discussed in this video are:
1. Keeping a healthy routine before traveling.
2. Keeping an ongoing list of things to do.
3. Starting a travel journal before you go away.
4. Plan ahead at work and use autoreply email.
5. Search online for local restaurants and cafés to go to before getting your bearings.
6. Take photo’s of your lock-up routine before leaving for your trip.
7. Smile regularly before going away.
8. Mindfulness can relieve anticipatory anxiety.
9. Do not watch sensational news programs before your trip.
Be gentle with yourself...everyone experiences nervousness. I wish you a fantastic trip…wherever you go!
❤ Clare
Disclaimer: This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health condition or disease and is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician or healthcare provider.
Generation Calm is where you can become a master at reducing your stress and anxiety naturally in your own time, so you can keep your body and mind feeling great. Remember to hit the LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE for a new video every week @ / @generationcalm - บันเทิง
I am travelling today, and the anxiety level is up to the roof.
I hope everything went well on your travel day.
Im traveling in a couple of days and I’ve been very anxious. It always happens because I’m afraid something will go wrong with the plane, or something can happen to the people I love while we are far away from each other. Just listening to you helped me calm down so much. I need to watch all your videos. Thank you.🩷
A technique I try to use (with varying degrees of success) is to focus on what I'll have going on AFTER the trip is over. Maybe it's a heavy week of work that I'll have when I get back or a few to-dos that will need to get done. This way I can fool my brain into seeing the trip as a respite from my day-to-day instead of an interruption.
Ooh, that's a good one! It definitely takes the focus off feeling nervous about the trip.
It’s so comforting to be told it’s normal to feel anxious before a big trip. I never sleep before big trips, and I hate that. Just knowing to expect this and to sort of “embrace it” it is a big help.
I like to write a list of all the things I’m anxious about. Often it narrows down a few things or shows me “you’re only anxious about these 3 things, well you can handle 3 worries”.
This is great. I have a big “trip of a lifetime” coming up in six months. My biggest issue is not necessarily any specific fears. It’s more a feeling of laziness, like I just know I won’t want to leave my comfortable homebody routine. I also don’t want to leave my pets. I’m thinking of canceling, although I know I shouldn’t.
You can do it! A trip of a lifetime sounds amazing
I'm often calm, excited but the day before I'm edgy. I'm heading into Europe tomorrow and it's usually the being a lone traveller.
Yes, that edginess is completely normal and is what will help you keep your wits about you. Because as much as solo travel is wonderful and a great way to do exactly what you want, it does come at the cost of some added pressure. Good luck with your travel plans, and don't worry about being alone, most people are so wrapped up in themselves they won't even notice!
@@GenerationCalm Thank you, it happens before every trip but when I sit down on the plane/bus I automatically return to the excitement of the unknown
@@danielmarsden2277 Thankfully, you understand that those nerves disappear! Some people let it stop them from traveling so they never see that those annoying sensations don't last long. Enjoy your travels!
I started having this happen a few year ago. I used to be soooo excited to travel when I was younger. But now, all the necessary details that I used to overlooked is all I think about now. This video was helpful.
I have an anxiety dissorder and sometimes I randomly get panick attacks, so I'm scared that I will have panick attacks during a long trip.
Panic attacks are so tricky because they occur randomly. Many people understandably, allow the anxiety to stop them from going on vacation. But please remember that you can cope with those horrible sensation of panic. You've done it before and I have no doubt that you can cope again. And when you know that you can cope and allow the panic sensations to just wash over you, you'll be able to come through the other side feeling tired but much stronger. When you decide to plan a long trip, set up a strategy ahead of time of what would help you cope. You might not get a panic attack, but you'll feel better knowing that you know how to deal with it.
i planned a 4 month international trip last minute (3 weeks) and the stress level is thru the roof. There is SO much to make sure of, and so many issues arising. I have no idea how well I am going to pull this off! This video is so helpful. Thank you!
Hope you are doing well. And the trip went well
Thank you so much! This has been a BIG help!
Thank you so much, even just your voice helped me, calming me down
Thank you so much....i will definitely put these tips into action. I’m getting relaxed with your voice too.
You are so welcome. Glad it was helpful.
love the 'smile regularly' tip, that's such a great one - all fab tips and what a beautiful setting xxx
I cringe when someone tells me to smile, but science shows that smiling regularly really makes us feel better (even if it is through gritted teeth). Thanks for watching!
Most needed video! Thank you so much
Glad it was helpful!
This was amazing to watch and so helpful. You calmed me down straight away. Thank you for the tips!!
You're very welcome, I'm glad it helped!
This was very soothing. Your voice and attitude I swear dropped my blood pressure! Love from Boston Massachusetts ❤ thank you!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate you saying that!
Thank you so much for creating this video. You have a very loving and calm presence. I'm not leaving for my 5 day trip until 2 weeks from now, and I'm already experiencing a great deal of anticipatory anxiety. So many "what if's..." and even though I can call upon my rational mind to dispel these fears, the fear based part of me takes over. Couldn't sleep last night and already fearful that I won't sleep properly for the next 2 weeks. I could so relate to those of you who talked about feeling like they wanted to cry. I'm such a homebody, that being in a new environment (although potentially wonderful and a great experience) is so scary that now I want to cancel my vacay I know I can't because my friend that I'm going to see will be furious with me!!! Would appreciate all the advice you might have. Much love xo
I'm so glad you reached out because the last thing you'll want to do is cancel. I'm sorry to hear you're already losing sleep over it, but that can happen. Here are some extra ideas: a) see your anticipatory anxiety as an electrical charge running though your body - only you can interpret whether it's negative (anxiety) or positive (excitement). b) switch from negative to positive by changing 'I'm dreading this vacay' to 'I'm excited about this vacay'. c)How likely are your what if's? And if they are non-catastrophic predictions, how do you think you could cope? d) ramp up your positivity by using a gratitude journal for the next 2 weeks e) seek out some inspirational quotes about overcoming fear and stick them everywhere f) when you notice yourself what if'ing shift to what is ...as in what's going on right now, in this moment? g) physical exercise will keep you busy and will distract you from negative thoughts. Phew! That's a lot, I know! But I feel strongly that you can do this, and will come through the other end from your vacation feeling like an absolute warrior. Let me know how it goes.
@@GenerationCalm Thank you for your informative reply. I've been doing some work around my anxiety and today already feel better. Excited about my trip and looking forward to seeing my friend now.
I just want to cancel it all and sleep in the whole vacation but i already payed everything
I feel a guilt like feeling and fear mixed with stress
I'm sorry you're feeling so terrible about your vacation. Adding guilt to the mix can intensify those negative emotions. You already made the decision to go because you paid for it, but now experiencing the stress is giving you doubts that you can do it. There is an exercise called 'fear setting' that Tim Ferriss describes medium.com/@checkli/fear-setting-free-checklist-download-template-tim-ferriss-dd9773a270d1. It involves closely examining your fears and what could go wrong but then turns it around with 'but if you don't act what will you miss out on'. I think the fear setting exercise (it'll take about 45 minutes) will help you because if you cancel this vacation, I'm concerned what will happen next time, and the next time. Good luck!
Thank you so much
I am currently on my vacay i still get moments of fear and stress and loneliness too since im traveling alone but it has been good so far i will def try this exercise and update you
Glad you're there - and reading between the lines ... mostly enjoying your time on vacay. Traveling by yourself is tough and there will be moments just like you described. I traveled for a year by myself, so I can totally relate. There were times when I literally had to force myself to get outside of my hotel room. But when I look back those moments pale into insignificance. Enjoy this time, and be gentle with yourself when you have those moments of fear, stress and loneliness.
Hhh I'm always really stressed and anxious about packing, I'm leaving for camp tomorrow (which I'm excited for) but I feel like I could cry right now
I'm glad you said you're excited for the camp, because anxiety and excitement feel the same way. Although it feels overwhelming right now, tomorrow will be full of action, which will chase away your anxieties. Take it easy tonight, be gentle with yourself. Feeling nervous before travel is a totally natural reaction to a change in your normal routine. Wishing you lots of luck for camp.
Generation Calm alrighty~ thanks ^^💓💗
Thank you for this video. It has helped me to understand what I feel. I will be traveling abroad the first time without my sister who always arranges everything.
Glad it was helpful! Have fun on your travels
I love the idea of making photo and video for checking it later
This was really helpful. I'm doing a long haul travel for the next week and have been feeling anxious and stressed which is strange as I've always been an adventurous person and been on long haul travels before. I guess because this trip I booked spontaneously. I will take on this tips, thanks.
Glad the video was helpful. And how exciting to book a spontaneous trip! I haven't had one of those in a long time. Bon voyage!
Thanks for the tips!
You're very welcome.
This was so helpful. Thank you!
I'm so glad!
I’m so glad I found this video! I’m traveling tomorrow and will be away from home for 5 days with no reception and away from my partner for the first time. All day instead of packing and preparing Ive been pacing and crying and I have no idea why 😣
Tomorrow you'll be so busy traveling that all the pacing and crying will seem like a distant memory. I wish you a wonderful and safe adventure wherever you go! And in 5 days you'll be back in the arms of your partner again with lots of tales to tell.
This video is very accurate and helpful
Thank you, I really appreciate that
Great video thank you so mich
You are very welcome
The problem is sleep for me. If I could sleep, I could manage my anxiety better and persevere through travelling as I'm good at coping, but I can't get quality sleep weeks before a trip which drives me crazy and I lose control of my emotions. I don't know why I'm anxious, perhaps because it's a big change of my routine (the fear of the unknown). I also did have a traumatic experience many years ago, where I got overwhelmed, but I was young and that was always going to happen. I was also recently diagnosed with adult autism and GAD so things are definitely harder for me. But if I could sleep, I can get through it.
I'm not travelling until another 6 months and I'm already anxious
I understand! Feeling nervous before travel is a totally natural reaction to a change in your normal routine. But getting nervous 6 months ahead of the trip can really get in the way of enjoying life. But let's see the next 6 months as the preparation to make this the best trip ever. Set goals and intentions for your travel, put together a travel planner or folder with lists of what you need to pack, travel itinerary etc., create a personal mantra or affirmation. Once you start to focus on the excitement that this trip has to offer the anxiety will start to wane (not completely - but that's OK). Check back in - I'd love to hear how it's all going - either before or after your travel.
I have just found your site and not many sites seem to address this situation. Many of the statements/themes of difficulties ring a bell with me. Your videos and viewer advice to their feedback are helpful although often they are related to a short amount of time between the holiday booking and the holiday.
My problem (one of three) is that there is a long time (months between holiday booking and the holiday) and ample time to fret about the “what-ifs”. In addition I play a sport that involves being away from home for four or five days at a time two or three times a year - the annual calendar is known a year ahead and therefore the same situation exists. Being away from home is the second problem that co-exists with the first one.
Insomnia is then the main problem to deal with in relation to these situations.
What do you think the best plan is in dealing with these problems?
I'm not travelling on holiday or going on a trip, but I use this to help my anxiety when I have to travel to work (I walk) :)
Though I am a regular traveler still it’s beautiful 😍 tips n tricks really awesome
Glad you liked it
The annoying thing I just dread dreading it. Once it starts I’m fine with things
Hello! I’m going on vacation for about 6 days on Saturday (3 days from now). We’ll be driving there instead of a plane. I’m having a lot of anxiety about it and could just cry about it now. Vacations, for whatever reason, make me really uncomfortable, sick, and anxious, and that seems to be the main problem. I even have trouble just sleeping in a bed that isn’t mine. I know nothing bad could happen, it’s just the fact that I’m going to be away from home I think. As someone who’s been homeschooled their whole life too, I’ve always stayed at home a lot, so it’s become my safe space. I also have to bring my school with me on vacation, so it’s a bit nerve racking even though I’m very used to online school. What I’m feeling is really confusing me, and I physically feel like everything is caving in on me. It’s frustrating as a 14 year old girl. Any tips? Anything at all is appreciated. Thank you :) ♡
It sounds like the most difficult thing to deal with is how different it will be compared to what you're used to. Being out of your comfort zone is going to be uncomfortable but it will make you a stronger, more resilient person. And you can definitely cope a lot better than you think you can. So what could you do to make the trip more comfortable? Take something that reminds you of home (a pillow, or favorite book). Keep to your usual schedule as much as you can (sounds like schoolwork will help with that). Get outside everyday. The fact that you've taken a step back and noticed yourself getting anxious about this trip is a good sign that you are self-aware and so keeping a journal (even a vacation journal) will be a good way to deal with your anxious thoughts. And one final idea is to switch up what you're telling yourself about this vacation from 'I'm anxious about this trip' to 'I'm excited for this trip'. Your body reacts in the same way to excitement as it does to anxiety so it's easy for your mind to make this mental switch. Enjoy your vacay!
I study abroad and I'm going back home for the first time in 4 months tomorrow. My flight fot canceled, I found another one but now my travel anxiety is getting worse than usual (I'm always a little anxious when travelling).
Before going anywhere I need to pack 4/3 days before and I make lists over lists of what to bring and what to do to the littlest detail. Before departure I have to check everything thousands of time and until I've arrived to destination I experience palpitation and anxiety (not great when you have a 12 hours trip ahead of you).
If something goes wrong I don't usually panic but my stress levles rise like hell!
The worst part, however is the whole time until getting on a plane.
Tomorrow I have to take 2 trains, get to the airport, take my flight and then take other two trains and with the whole Covid-19 situation and the fact that I had to replan my trip just the day before I can't sleep, I'm nervous eating and I can't relax!
I really don't understand why I'm so anxious when travelling, I'm 20 now and have been travelling my whole life to either short and long distance destinations but I'm still stressed out when I travel
Oh Lucy, this trip is going to be a strange one (because of the restrictions from Covid). And is likely to make you feel even more anxious than usual. With that in mind, please be gentle with yourself. Lower your expectations or judgements of yourself, I think you're doing a really brave thing. Know that palpitations and other sensations from anxiety will lessen if you can slow down your breath. And keep the end point in mind ... you get to go home! Safe travels.
losing my meds, getting lost, losing my phone, having seizures and getting arrested mistaken for being a drug addict, forgetting really expensive items. I've done all of these.
Thanks for the video its really helpful tomorrow i'm going on a 14 day roadtrip through France with a friend its the first time i'm travelling alone ( I just graduated high school)
What an amazing adventure you're going on. Have fun!
@@GenerationCalm thank you I'm currently on day 2 of the trip and its amazing 😊
I couldn’t figure out how to access the poll but my biggest fear is getting sick while traveling and that ruining the trip for me or my traveling companions, plus lots of other anticipatory anxiety. I also feel a lot of guilt over leaving my cat.
I think TH-cam took away polls since I uploaded this video 🙄 But I understand the getting sick part, that is a worry!
I feel like I'm fainting. I've never been far away from my home and never to other countries and tomorrow I'll be going to Germany and after that Slovenia which is a 15 hour drive and I am crying and freaking out. I'll try your tips when I am done freaking out🥺 thank you
What an amazing opportunity. It may not feel like it while you're thinking and building up to the trip. But you you're traveling, my guess is that you'll be too busy to be worried.
I’m usually okay before traveling but I am really stressed out and anxious about going to Hawaii
Sometimes we build it up in our minds to be worse than it actually is. I bet once you get on your way your nervousness will go away. And ... lucky you to be going to Hawaii!
Hey, I found the tips very helpful but my family and I might go to Florida soon and we live in Illinois so it's a long road trip. Part of my fear is being away from my home. Even when I'm one hour away from it I still get scared even though I am completely safe and happy. What do you recommend because it's a long drive and I'm not sure if I can handle it.
Sounds like a fun trip to Florida, but yes, a long journey. Planning ahead will help. Making sure you've got what you need with you in a day pack near to hand. And plenty of distractions to help pass the time, like books, podcasts etc. And bring a little something from home.
I’ve just booked a trip to Dubai with my boyfriend which is a holiday that I really pushed for us to go on. Since we booked it I’ve had a huge meltdown and anxiety attack. All I can think of if what happened if I have an anxiety attack when I’m on the flight or there
That sounds like an amazing trip, but I can see you're starting to think into the future. You can be in charge of your anxiety by practicing slowing down your breathing, distracting yourself with music, books, films and planning to have everything in your handbag that will make you feel comfortable on the flight.
I find the uncertainty of it all stressful. Plus my first overseas flight. Anxiety is strong the past week.
You're right, the uncertainty is a big factor when traveling. How exciting that you're going on your first overseas flight. Sometimes we need to reframe our anxiety as excitement to convince our brain that this type of uncertainty is fun. I hope you have a wonderful trip
@@GenerationCalm It went well. I think i discovered the flight itself isn't the issue but rather the airport. The busyness and anticipation of the flight gives more anxiety than the actual flight which is okay
I have such like anxiety but in a sense it's like much severe thn what you are describing. I had some panic attacks in the past and that experience is not letting me to travel to some hilly area,or any area which is like in shape of small town. The one thing which comes into my mind just thinking about the travel is that what if I get the panic attack again? Coz I had so fast palpitation and shortness of breath and twitching in my abdomen. I am facing for like 6 or 7 years.
Panic attacks are so horrible that most of us will do anything to avoid having them again. For you, that is traveling somewhere hilly or remote. What is important to remember is that a panic attack will not hurt you. And those horrible sensations will fade away if you allow them to run their course. I have a couple of video's on panic attacks that you may find helpful. th-cam.com/video/yg18ubcMCQQ/w-d-xo.html, th-cam.com/video/yVmjcwVJjU8/w-d-xo.html, th-cam.com/video/5etqf1LNa1A/w-d-xo.html.
This Saturday im going on vacation for the first time and I have to travel by plain and for two weeks I have been stressing about anything and everything that could go wrong
I'm wondering how your plane journey was ... I'm sure even if things didn't go exactly to plan, you took it in your stride
Update?? How did it go
Hi! When we camp far away from home i am excited when its 5 weeks until we go too camping but when its tommow or 3 days until we go i feel sick and have anxiety all the way where we are camping.
Yes, that anxiety can make us feel really sick. But it's good to remember that the excitement you have 5 weeks leading up to the camping and the anxiety when it's 3 days away create the same sensations in your body. We just interpret them differently
This is especially bad when traveling with an abusive narcissist or when you have pets to leave with others. Mine get sick or injured right before I leave. It only reinforces the fears.
That definitely adds stress to an already tense situation
That one rock looks like it’s about to fall into the river which is stressing me out lol
Now that's going to stress me out!
Generation Calm lol I actually just got home from a 5 day trip to Pennsylvania!
Thanks for watching. Don't forget to click on the poll above to indicate what stresses you out most before you travel.
When I get ready or start packing to go somewhere, I always have to go to the bathroom all the time. Hope you can help me out!!!
When we get nervous, we have to go to the bathroom more often ... it's very normal! If you can calm your nervousness, it will settle down.
I normally get anxious every time i have to go anywhere to the point where I had to stop school and I cant really go anywhere to meet friends or just to shop
I'm sorry to hear that. I wonder if you had this anxiety before the pandemic or whether it has increased during this time.
@@GenerationCalm i have been having it since i was a kid, its just getting worse after the years
I'm travelling in 4 days, and my commitments at work are the leading factors of me freaking out prior to my departure.
I'm late getting to this comment, which means you must already be on your trip! Hope everything is going well
I’m afraid of leaving far away from home(as I barely ever leave home), and home is where i feel safe. I’m afraid of being around crowds of people I don’t know(cause of my social anxiety), I’m scared for something super bad to happen to me far from home on vacation like me getting super sick from something (as I’m super scared of getting sick and have ocd), or getting a bad panic attack that makes me feel sick... while far from home.
Like, I love traveling! And seeing new places. It’s super fun! But I also get overwhelmed because, I’m scared for something super bad to happen to me out of nowhere
Yes, I totally understand the getting sick thing, especially when you're far from the comfort of your own home.
What stresses me out is, I’m going on a trip in like 2 weeks and it’s 4 hours in the CAR 🚗 and I’m worried I will get carsick.
I don't know if you've already had the trip or not. I'm not someone who gets carsick, but I always take mint gum for occasions I'm feeling nauseous, it helps me calm down.
I'm stressed about what I leave behind, most of all because I usually have anxiety when I'm leaving for year-long periods
Me too.....
Missing the flight...
i always get anxious and panic when im about to travel by flight. heart beats faster unable to sleep when i think of my trip by air. dont know how to calm down
It's normal to get anxious before a flight. Keeping yourself busy and making sure you plan ahead can help ease some of the worries.
Hello mam! I just have fear of going to some adventurous places fr trekking hill Stations mountains .. Fear of what might go wrong! And am very sensitive about it.. Plz help with this
I can understand your fears especially when going somewhere remote or particularly adventurous. Try getting your thoughts down on paper. What exactly is it you're afraid is going to happen? If you don't write it down, often those thoughts just keeping whirring around in your head and make you overthink about the dangers. Once you know what your actual fears are, consider how you could prevent them or, if your worst case scenario happens, how could you cope? Normally we hide away from our fears, but examining them like this, brings them into the open and can help your mind feel more calm. I hope this helps!
@@GenerationCalm thank you so much ma'am!
i have this type of anxiety and specially when traveling with family , otherwise i dont feel that
Yes, other people can make you feel more nervous
Tomorrow I‘m going on vacation and i am so scared and i feel so uncomfortable but not because of all this planing or packing. The thought of being away from home for a week, not being able to see my boyfriend and dog and just break out of my Routine makes me sooo uncomfortable:( Its the same everyday :( i could cry :((
I know you're about halfway through your trip now, I hope things are going well!
@@GenerationCalm thank you, i love it here :]
Leaving tomorrow morning for my first solo backpacking trip in Costa Rica and I am so fucking stressed out 🤯
I start thinking that don’t want to go anymore, like why the hell am I doing this while I can have a comfortable cozy Tim at my parents house? God knows I hate thinking like that but I can’t help myself.
What an amazing opportunity. You got this ... yes, you're going to be nervous. But once you get going you'll see that it was just excitement. I backpacked by myself for a year and I remember being so stressed the night before too. Enjoy it!!
@@GenerationCalm Thanks for the answer! Yeah I’m pretty sure once on the plane this feeling will vanish to let only excitement be there, and your video helped a looot.
(By the way I have to say this, you have so many facial similarities with Keira knightley haha!)
I booked then last min i cancelled 😢
I actually went camping and didn't bring any pants
I don't even know why I'm anxious
You'll be amazed at what you do know if you get quiet enough to tune into what your body is telling you. Journaling can help so much with getting quiet and listening to your thoughts and feelings. Starting a journal practice is quite a fun hobby that has a side-effect of helping you.
My anxiety starts 3 days before flying lol.
I know, it's frustrating. Three days of anxiety, anticipating the worst case scenario ... then you probably wonder what you were worrying about once you land at your destination.
Generation Calm exactly right, same case with my mom as well. Is it genetics ?
@@kbasit65 That's an interesting question that I get asked a lot. There's a genetic link to developing anxiety but there are other factors such as your environment, encounters with traumatic or stressful situations, learning certain behaviors from parents that all play a role too. Teasing out which contributes the most to a person's anxiety is a minefield. But with so much genetic research these days we might get a more exact answer very soon.
Generation Calm yeah thats exactly right.
I get car sick
being afraid that the dog the plants the house will catch on fire
Well, traveling in the middle of a pandemic is not helping
😬 I know what you mean!!