Travelers are experiencing heightened stress levels this fall. Here’s how to alleviate that anxiety.
Perhaps it’s the combination of recent hurricanes hitting the Southeast or the growing tensions in the Middle East. Whatever the cause, Americans appear more apprehensive about traveling than ever before.
A recent study conducted by Squaremouth indicates that three-quarters of participants express concerns regarding their upcoming trips.
The primary worries include falling ill or getting injured while traveling (64 percent), the possibility of having to cancel a trip (16 percent), and experiencing delays and missed connections (10 percent). Please note that respondents could offer multiple answers.
Squaremouth attributes the increase in travel anxiety to several factors, including the looming flu season, ongoing disruptions in airline services, and the typical hurricane risks characteristic of this time of year. Individuals experiencing travel anxiety may show signs such as nervousness, trouble sleeping, restlessness, and even panic attacks.
This issue affects business travelers as well. A recent survey conducted by World Travel Protection revealed that around one-third of regular business travelers report feelings of anxiety.
While these surveys did not evaluate travel sentiment in a historical context, it is apparent that American travelers have not experienced this level of concern since the pandemic.
So, what are the underlying causes of this anxiety? And how can you address it to ensure it doesn’t disrupt your upcoming trip?
Experts suggest that travel anxiety often stems from the unknown.
“Many of us experience it while dealing with the pressures of navigating crowded airports, seeking budget-friendly travel options, and planning for unpredictable weather conditions,” explains Salamata Waiga, a mental health therapist at Teladoc Health.
Fortunately, there are concrete steps you can take to alleviate your travel concerns.
So, how can you effectively calm your anxieties before your journey begins?
I must confess, I’ve felt a wave of anxiety regarding a few upcoming journeys. One involves an Antarctic cruise scheduled right after I suffered a pelvis injury and was still moving about with crutches. The other is a planned trip to Israel that was set before the outbreak of conflict. I found myself grappling with the persistent fear of an explosion occurring while in Jerusalem.
Adrienne Means-Christensen, a psychology instructor at Virginia Tech, suggests that contemplating your trip ahead of time can be beneficial.
“The important thing is to identify the thought that triggers your emotions,” she advises.
For instance, if your mind is preoccupied with the possibility of an airline canceling your flight, take a moment to assess the potential scenarios. What is the absolute worst outcome? How would I respond if that occurred? And could I cope with that reality?
“Anxiety often arises from fearing what we do not know,” explains Angela Williams, a psychotherapist based in Orlando, Florida.
Accessing information has never been simpler. A valuable resource is a website called Sitata, which provides insights on various topics including potential diseases, recommended vaccinations, safety issues, cultural nuances, and emergency contact numbers.
“This platform enables us to tackle various sources of anxiety, empowering users to take charge of uncertainty,” shares Adam St. John, the CEO of the company.
If you feel anxious about flying, avoid the temptation to use sedatives during your flight. “Mixing any sedating medication, from Benadryl to benzodiazepines like Valium or Xanax, with alcohol, alongside reduced cabin pressure, can lead to life-threatening situations,” warns Bob Bacheler, managing director of Flying Angels, a medical transport service. He emphasizes that he has witnessed numerous incidents and strongly recommends consulting a doctor before self-medicating while flying.
How did I conquer my fears of traveling? I first sought advice from a medical professional regarding my injury to ensure I was fit to embark on a journey to Antarctica and gathered as much information as possible about traveling to the Middle East. My Antarctic adventure went smoothly, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that I recovered quickly enough to discard my crutches midway through the trip.
While in Jerusalem, I didn’t encounter any danger, but I did discover an amazing shawarma at the Shuk, the vibrant local market. Despite the current events, I would not think twice about going back.
In these uncertain times, travel anxiety can feel like an unavoidable companion. However, a bit of knowledge, careful preparation, and a touch of bravery can help keep those travel fears from holding you back.
Keep in mind that even the greatest explorers confront their apprehensions before they make their mark on history.
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