Travel anxiety can keep you from experiencing some amazing moments and learning interesting things about the world. But it doesn’t have to. Here’s how to shift your perspective, take it step by step, and get ready to widen your horizons.
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The idea of solo travelling has been romanticised lately – and it can indeed be a profound experience. But what if your nerves have stopped you from exploring new places? It’s a different story when you’re not a confident traveller: booking your own ticket and accommodation, navigating an unfamiliar airport, culture differences can all feel immensely overwhelming.
The great news is that you’re not expected to be a fearless explorer overnight. The only way to travel when you’re nervous is to start small and gradually build confidence.
Start with a trip that feels manageable
Let’s leave the long-haul flight or an unfamiliar country for now. Start with a weekend away relatively close to home; a place where you’ll be able to access familiar comforts easily. Plan everything to your preference and budget.
A short trip can help you practise being away from home without feeling overwhelmed. Once you’ve successfully managed the experience, you might feel more confident planning a bigger trip, perhaps to another province.
Plan to feel prepared
The antidote to anxiety is planning and preparation! Research everything: how you’ll get to your destination, where you’ll stay and what you’ll do when you arrive. Save important documents digitally. And make sure your essentials like medication and chargers are easily accessible.
Do keep in mind, though, that’s you can’t plan every minute. Travelling inevitably comes with unexpected and unplanned moments – accept this early on and believe that you’ll be able to handle these moments if and when they arrive.
Identify what you’re actually nervous about
Are you worried about flying? Getting lost? Safety? Being alone? Travel anxiety can mean different things to different people. Identify exactly what you’re afraid of so you can find practical ways to address them.
If you’re nervous about navigating a new city, download maps before you leave. If you’re anxious about flying, learn breathing techniques to use before and during the journey.
Build familiarity into your trip
You don’t have to abandon all familiarity to have a meaningful trip. Look for good reviews before booking accommodation or choose organised tours to make the experience feel less overwhelming and intimidating.
It’s also fine if you want to schedule downtime. Not every moment has to be scheduled for sightseeing.
Remember that confidence comes afterwards
Keep your desire to travel in the first place as the most important driving force. Confidence doesn’t always arrive before you do something scary – it develops because of it.
Start wherever you are. Choose a trip that gently stretches you and the nerves don’t feel insurmountable. Being anxious and capable can absolutely exist at the same time.
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