Getting out of your comfort zone can be exciting and scary at the same time. Everybody experiences some degree of anxiety when they have to travel to a different destination. The causes of anxiety differ from one individual to another. Some people get anxious out of the fear of uncertainty while others obsess about getting sick or getting lost in the course of their journey.
According to experts, some form of anxiety is healthy. Traveling can come with some challenges that make everyone get anxious. Some of them include flight delays, language barriers, worries about stepping away from regular responsibilities as well as interacting with strangers. Though anxiety may be part of traveling, the experience should reduce stress. That is why you must manage travel anxiety for your journey to be gratifying and exciting. You can do this through the following tips.
Take protective measures
Sometimes when you are traveling, some things may be beyond your control. This does not, however, mean that you cannot do anything about them. Protective measures can help you feel more secure and relieve traveling anxiety. If you get sick from traveling a lot, get health insurance and know emergency numbers that can help you in this case.
Apply for travel insurance that can help you recover your belongings in case they get misplaced during flights. You should also ensure that you have all your travel documents with you including your Kenya e-visa and passport so that nothing holds you back from your trip. Put all your documents in secure places such as using a passcode when securing them in your smartphone if you are afraid of losing them.
Plan properly
Proper planning can also boost your confidence and prevent travel anxiety. Before you visit a place, try to find out as much information as you can about the area. Thankfully different travel apps can help you with this. You can learn the safest neighborhoods to use so that you don’t have any security concerns. Learn a new language so that you don’t have to deal with language barriers.
Proper planning also prevents you from making last minute decisions. Leave home early enough when it is time to travel so that you don’t worry about traffic delaying you from getting to the airport on time. Plan to use uber or taxi services when you get to your destination to avoid getting lost on the first day. Plan to use Zurich taxi services when you get to your destination to avoid getting lost on the first day.
You can also come up with a list of the activities you wish to engage in during your journey. Establish a routine to follow on the days that you will be far from home so that nothing catches you by surprise or overwhelms you. Ensure that you have enough finances so that you don’t worry about being able to afford everything that you desire. This is why you should use the help of the professionals at Travelstart to plan your trip!
Use smart packing hacks
You should start packing early enough so that you don’t forget including important items. Last minute packing can make one anxious and cause stress. Come up with a packing list some few weeks before your journey as you keep on including things that you may need. Remember to add the things that can add comfort while traveling to help you with anxiety needs. It is also important to evaluate the things you can survive without so that you don’t have a lot of luggage.
Remain positive
Travel anxiety can come from harboring negative thoughts. You may be anxious about occurrences such as an accident especially if it is your first time on a plane. Use positive affirmation to reassure yourself that the journey will be safe and there is nothing you should be worried about. By changing your thoughts, you will help your mind relax and curb anxiety.
Use visualization techniques
You can also get away from anxiety by using the power of visualization. Think beyond the flight and try to imagine yourself like on a beach in a new country as you enjoy the cool water. By focusing on what lies ahead, you allow your mind to look forward to great moments. Visualization techniques can, therefore, lift your spirit and eliminate stress.
Try deep breathing
Breathe deeply when you get nervous. This allows you to calm down to get past anxiety. You can also practice this through yoga and meditation. Before you start flying, take some time to meditate or do yoga for you to relax your muscles. They allow you to get rid of any tension within the muscles and eliminate stress.
Try a remedy
Before setting off on your travels, take some food grade terpenes or a relaxing cup of kava tea to help reduce stress and boost your energy levels. Valerian root or St John’s wort supplements can be useful if you are on a long-haul flight and need to achieve sleep. These remedies work by relaxing you or lowering the number of stress chemicals your body produces. Thus your flight can be significantly less nerve-wrecking than if you had not taken them. If you take any medication make sure to consult your doctor and see if you will have no problems in taking an anxiety remedy.
Distract yourself
Airplanes, ships and vehicles are equipped with entertainment services for a reason. They can help you distract yourself from travel anxiety. If you are afraid of a plane taking off, try closing your eyes and listening to some soothing music. You can even enjoy your favorite movie or novel during your flight. This prevents you from obsessing over negative thoughts and make it easy for you to fly.
Talk to someone
Do not go through travel anxiety alone if a friend can help you calm down from a panic attack. You only need to share your fears with them so that they can give you advice on what to do. You can also get help from a therapist who specializes in handling anxiety cases. Expressing your concerns with a specialist can help you proper attention since they can prescribe anti-anxiety pills to help you calm down.
Take some break
Sometimes, you may be overwhelmed by strangers or large crowds. Culture shock is also a common problem that many travelers face. Feel free to take a break during such instances so that your anxiety levels don’t go up. Take some time to relax in your hotel or get a massage during your journey before you can start interacting with people.
You don’t have to mingle with others for your meals if you are nervous; there is always an option of room service. The break will help you gain back your confidence so that you can continue enjoying your expedition. You can also try journaling your traveling experiences as you catch your break.