Travelling means an exciting time away from home that we all look forward to. It allows us time to break from the routine and recharge our batteries. But with ever-changing travel regulations, transport strikes, and baggage requirements, this can often leave us fatigued and anxious.
What Is Travel Anxiety?
Travel anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear related to travelling, from planning to transportation, to running through all the things that can go wrong in your head, and the fear that comes from exposing yourself to new situations.
While travel anxiety isn’t an official diagnosis, it’s common and can further trigger your symptoms. These include agitation, irritability, difficulty focusing, trouble falling or staying asleep, panic attacks, muscle tension, and more. This can make planning or going on a holiday difficult and even turn your vacation into a nightmare.
We’ve rounded up the most common travel anxieties and how you can cope with them:
1. Fear Of Flying
Fear of flying is more common than one might think. In fact, between 33% and 40% of the population experience some form of flight anxiety. This can be related to worries about crashing, fear of heights, claustrophobia, or discomfort when taking off or landing.
Most sufferers experiencing generalised anxiety during a flight (and leading up to it) can easily manage it on their own, with the help of relaxation techniques such as breathing and meditation or bringing along distractions such as books and games, and or by watching movies.
Sufferers can also benefit from taking Jet Candy Plane Remedy, which contains gelsemium, to ease such symptoms as anxiety, fear of flying, trembling, drowsiness, and insomnia from exhaustion.
2. Luggage Allowance
Airlines are constantly changing luggage rules and regulations, and travellers often find it hard to keep up with them. This causes anxiety about ensuring your baggage meets the guidelines set out by airlines and avoiding any unexpected fees.
The best thing you can do in this case is to plan in advance. Research the airline’s luggage policy and restrictions, as they vary from one to another. Find out weight restrictions, the number of bags allowed, and the maximum dimensions of the luggage.
If you’re bringing sports equipment, such as skis or a snowboard, make sure you check in advance what can be accepted on board and what can’t (usually, winter sports equipment needs to be checked in at an additional fee).
3. Lost Luggage
The fear of lost luggage is another concern that adds to the stress of travellers, with the worry of not having their belongings with them during their trip.
According to data from the Air Travel Consumer Reports, about seven suitcases out of every 1,000 are classed as lost baggage. The top reasons for delayed bags include transfer mishandling (37%), failure to load onto the plane in the first place (20%), and ticketing and security errors (19%).
While you can’t prevent your checked luggage from getting lost, there are certain things you can do to ease your anxiety about it and be as prepared as possible when it happens.
Labelling your suitcase with your contact information will ensure airlines can easily identify it, so that they can return it to its rightful owner. It’s also a good idea to place a copy of your contact details inside the luggage in case the external tag is lost.
In case your checked-in luggage does get lost, packing a carry-on bag with essential items is a smart idea. This includes a change of clothes, toiletries, and any medication that may be required. It’s also a good idea to pack any valuable items in your carry-on bag, as they may not be covered by the airline’s insurance policy.
4. Missing Your Flight
The anxiety of missing a flight is a common concern for many travellers, and this can be compounded by factors such as traffic or train strikes.
Whether you’re driving to the airport or you’re taking a taxi, traffic congestion can significantly delay your journey and cause you to miss your flight. To avoid this, it is important to plan your journey in advance and factor in extra time for potential delays.
Similarly, train strikes can also create chaos for travellers, leading to delayed or cancelled trains, overcrowded stations, and a lot of frustration. If you are travelling by train, it is important to keep an eye on the news and stay updated on the status of any potential strikes. It may be helpful to book your tickets in advance, so you have more options and time to plan your journey if a strike does occur.
Once you get to the airport, you’ll then need to get to your gate. The earlier you arrive, the more time you will have to find it and relax before your flight. At bigger airports, check the airport map to identify how you need to get to your gate, as this may require taking a shuttle.
Travelling can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be a source of anxiety for many people. By addressing the common causes of anxiety and using the tips and tricks provided in this article, you can overcome your fears and enjoy your travels to the fullest. Bon voyage!
