6 Ways to Plan for an Anxiety Free Trip

Some people are planners, some enjoy being spontaneous. Can you guess which category I fall into? One reason I try to plan as much as possible (with flexibility), is to reduce my travel anxiety. It gives me a comforting feeling of control in an unfamiliar situation.

1, Book flights and hotels as early as possible.

There’s really no downside to booking these items once you have identified your destination and time frame. Most major airlines no longer charge change fees and if the fare goes down (use Google Flights tracker!), cheaper flight, or you need to adjust your travel, it can generally even be done via app. Of course, check the policies of the airline you are booking to confirm, and this benefit can be fare class dependent. It’s tempting to go with the lowest economy option to save some cash, but the stress that comes with less flexibility, the inability to choose your seats ahead of time, etc, sometimes just isn’t worth it!

For hotels, although nonrefundable prepaid reservations can be slightly cheaper, I like the flexibility of free cancellation – sometimes up until the day before! Be careful when booking to choose the correct option. When I search for an Airbnb, I always use the “free cancellation” filter.

2. Plan your itinerary

Once you’ve identified what you want to see and do, get to know the distances between sights so you can plan the most efficient routes. Be sure to account for time spent in transit, eating meals, purchasing tickets, or waiting for public transportation.

If you have any limitations (such as mobility, claustrophobia, paralyzing fear of heights, or other health issues) you will need to assess your activities with that in mind as well. You don’t want climbing a the narrow staircase of a cathedral to lead to a panic attack! That said, if your limitations are not physical, respect them but push your boundaries, even just a little at a time.

3. Research the most convenient modes of travel at your destination.

Once you get there, how will you get around? Don’t assume Uber or a solid public transportation system will be available. If you plan to walk as much as possible, pull up a map and check distance between sights. I even like watching a YouTube video of people using the public transportation at my destination if it is overseas, just so I feel more comfortable that I know what I’m doing.

If you are doing day trips that take you out of the city center where public transportation is likely to be better, it may be easier to research day tour companies/groups. Get Your Guide is a great resource for that – they compile available tours in your interest area. Using a tour company increases your cost, but having someone reliably get you to and from your destination and give you some history and information along the way can be worth it!

4. Make sure home is taken care of while you’re away from home (shameless pics of our fur babies above).

One of my biggest stressors about travel is leaving our furry friends at home. To combat that, find a pet sitter you trust well before your trip and do a trial run (a night or a weekend away). You want your pets to be comfortable with them and vice versa. I may be a little extra, but I also set up some video cameras throughout the house so I can peek in on them. Make sure you have an ample supply of everything they could possibly need (food/litter/treats).

Even if you don’t have pets, it is a good idea to have someone come by and check on things, water plants, get mail, or bring packages inside. Knowing all is well at home goes a long way in giving you a stress free vacation!

5. Learn at least the basics of the local language.

There are few things as stressful as being unable to make yourself understood or understand others. Translation apps are a huge help (try Google translate – you can even hold you phone up to a menu or sign with text in another language and it will rearrange/turn into your language before your eyes). However, sometimes you need to communicate more quickly and efficiently. At least learn the basic greetings (Hello, how are you, please, excuse me, thank you, goodbye, how much is…), how to ask for help, and how to ask where a bathroom is. And one of the most important phrases for sheer politeness – “Do you speak [insert your language here]?”. Those of us in the English speaking world are lucky that our language is so widespread across the globe, but when you are in a country that speaks a different language, don’t make assumptions. Apps like Duolingo and Babbel, or Youtube are great language learning resources.

6. Prepare for longer flights.

Does concern about traveling on a long-haul flight keep you close to home? There are many strategies you can employ to pass time and be more comfortable. Think about what YOU need for your comfort – face mask? Noise-cancelling headphones? A little extra leg room?

Compile your list of flight necessities and make sure they are easily available (perhaps in your personal item under the seat in front of you rather than your carry on packed overhead with a million others). Some things that make flights easier:

• a good travel pillow
• the aforementioned face mask and headphones (there are some very cool options out there that combine the two, like this)
• plenty of water to stay hydrated, along with electrolyte powder/tablets to help prevent jet lag, like this
• melatonin (or something stronger if prescribed by your doctor) to help you sleep and be ready to go after an overnight flight.
• downloaded games, books, or movies/TV to keep you occupied
• if you are of the taller variety, it may be worth it to spring for preferred tickets that include extra leg room

I think the older we get, the harder it is to let go of worries about the unknown. Our days are often pretty similar, so getting outside of our comfort zone can feel like an insurmountable task. PLEASE don’t let that stop you from getting out and seeing the world! For additional motivation, check out this post as well. There are strategies that will help ease your mind, but the best medicine is just to DO IT, and each time it will get easier! Happy travels!