“What if I fall sick when I travel?

What will I feed on if I can’t eat their foods over there?

How will I know where I’m going when I get to my destination?

How will I cope with the weather?

I do not know anyone where I’m going!”

These are some of the questions people ask themselves before they travel; due to anxiety. Anxiety can be very strong and can stop you from achieving all what you have dreamt of.

If you have an anxiety, it might be so terrifying for you to travel, especially if you want to travel alone.

There are some steps here to help you overcome your anxiety before, during and after your trip so you can have a smooth travel experience.

CONSTANTLY REMIND YOURSELF WHY YOU WANT TO MAKE THE TRIP

Anxiety can be a trap atimes. It can make you not go ahead with that trip you have always wanted to go for. Whenever you decide to make that trip and your anxiety sets in, do not think of cancelling the trip. Just keep reminding yourself of how much you have wanted to visit that destination, see a lot of beautiful attractions, try out nice dishes and all. With all the reminder you give yourself when you are about to get anxious, you gradually calm yourself down and this can help you achieve a trip free of anxiety.

PLAN YOUR ITINERARY

Many travellers do not travel with an itinerary. But as a traveler with anxiety, you should have your trip all planned out. Know where and when to go, places you think will be safe for you, things you need to see, how to get around your new environment etc. Having a detailed itinerary will help you overcome your anxiety, if not totally, but a bit because you will have a bit of confidence in yourself.

SET ASIDE SOME MONEY FOR THE BAD DAYS AHEAD 

Many travelers like to save money when traveling. It is actually very good. But as a traveler full of anxiety, before you travel, you should always set some money aside for bad days. Not having enough on you when some things go against your plan can really cause a big panic. Save yourself the stress by saving some money.

AVOID THINGS THAT TRIGGER YOUR ANXIETY

Before you travel, you should make a list of things, foods, activities that cause your anxiety. When you travel, this will help you know what to avoid so your anxiety is not triggered.

GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK

When on a trip and you feel you you are not comfortable, you are free to give yourself a break. If you traveled with a group, you can always opt out of the itinerary. Give yourself time to relax and recharge your body system.

HAVE A TRAVEL COMPANION 

When you make a solo travel, try to make friends with other travelers, locals or you can also have a buddy at that’s destination make the trip with you. As a traveler with anxiety, there should be at least one person you can feel safe and comfortable with while on the trip. Whoever you have chosen as your travel companion, let he/she know about your anxiety so you both can work on it and have a good trip. Having travel companion is what many travelers need to overcome their anxiety.

GO FOR MORE TRIPS 

If you can successfully overcome your anxiety on a trip then it shows you are ready to face and deal with any thing you come across on many other trips. Now you have to plan to travel more. The more you travel, the easier it gets to overcome anxiety. Travel experiences are actually very challenging, but if you are the type that loves to explore the world and you have the chance to travel, travel more. With time, you will get over your anxiety.

After you have successfully made that travel with little or no anxiety, you may think that’s all. But really, it doesn’t end there. You need to keep working on yourself. Leave your comfort zone and try out new challenges. Until you leave your comfort zone and try challenges you will never know what you could really do.