5 Signs You’re Afraid to Travel

Lately, I’ve noticed that I’ve change into anxious before booking a flight or traveling to a brand new place, though I really like adventure and exploration. To help unpack these feelings, I reached out to Dominique Mortier, a collaborative therapist, for some insight.

She believes that traveling generally is a wonderful experience full of anticipation and excitement, but that doesn’t negate feelings of tension. “For some people, traveling can also bring on feelings of fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. You might worry about finishing tasks at home before you leave, get lost, get sick, or be overwhelmed with planning,” Mortier says. “These emotions can make traveling a negative experience that can increase avoidance in the future. When our brain goes into a fight, flight, or freeze response, it focuses only on the immediate threat or danger.”

Travel anxiety is the fear and stress of traveling away from home. For some people, getting from one place to one other is overwhelming; for others, it’s the experience of being in an unfamiliar place. Additionally, traveling might be considered unsafe due to previous negative experiences, not knowing what to expect, or expectations of yourself or others about what traveling “should” be. This makes it incredibly difficult and may feel stifling to create space for anything in our lives.

Here are some signs that chances are you’ll be experiencing travel anxiety:

Excessive worrying about planning for each possible scenario, especially what could go fallacious.

Difficulty concentrating on every day tasks because thoughts are focused on traveling.

Physical symptoms include gastrointestinal problems, shortness of breath, tremors, and rapid heartbeat.

Guilt that we do not feel excited because the trip gets closer, and as a substitute a growing sense of dread.

Avoiding opportunities and experiences if travel away from house is obligatory.

Here’s how to do it coping with travel anxiety:

Be aware of your triggers. If you’re experiencing intense emotions, consider what is going on around you.

Cope with this by pondering of strategies that engage your five senses and might be used while you feel panic. These might be soothing objects or scents like a blanket, pictures, essential oils, etc.

Use other ways to address stressful situations which can be beyond your control, resembling flight changes or loud noises.

Seek support, resembling taking a travel companion or travel group with you.

Introduce days put aside for rest and suppleness to assist you recharge your batteries and regain your balance.