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So, this is not at all what I had planned for today’s blog post. I actually had one last winter video tour of Williamsburg scheduled and ready to go for the blog this morning, reason being that my parents and I were heading to the historic area February 25 through the 27 to see my sister in honor of my mom’s birthday.
Unfortunately, although the trip happened just as we had planned, I ended up spending the majority of the weekend in my sister’s bed, struggling through yet another bout of debilitating travel anxiety.
It’s not something I really like to talk about, but symptoms of my anxiety have been cropping up more and more lately, and it’s just not something I can ignore anymore. If you’ve been following along for any length of time, you know that Williamsburg is one of my all-time favorite places to visit, and tends to relax rather than stress me out. So, it’s especially depressing and scary to find myself feeling anxious in a place that used to bring me such joy. Honestly, “depressing and scary” hardly even covers the emotions I’m feeling.
Have you ever experienced travel anxiety before? For me, it always starts with a sense that something bad is going to happen, which ultimately turns into nausea and shortness of breath. It feels just like a panic attack, and leads to a racing heart and crushing fear—of what, I don’t know.
I’ve honestly experienced this type of anxiety on pretty much every trip I’ve taken since 2014. I figured it would be different this most recent trip to Williamsburg since my sister recently moved into a much larger house (which I figured would rule out claustrophobia), and because my parents would be there. How could I possibly feel scared and alone when my entire sweet, supportive family was there to take care of me?! Turns out I can, and I definitely, definitely did.
Of course, it could just generally have something to do with the amount of stress I’ve got on my plate right now. As you know, we’ve been pushing through some pretty crappy situations with our cars behind the scenes, and we’re still not done with our game of musical vehicles. Maybe this past weekend’s trip was just the straw that broke the camel’s back? Whatever the case, my anxiety got the best of me and my hopes for a relaxing weekend in one of my favorite places on earth (with some of my favorite people on earth!) were shattered.
Although I wish this post could be packed with things I’ve learned and tips for getting over travel anxiety if you suffer from it yourself, I’m basically right in the beginning of this acceptance phase. I’m now realizing that these panic attacks only happen while traveling, and that it’s time to figure out a solution.
So, I’m inviting you to help me start a conversation in the comments below. I’m clearly in very real need of stress-relieving suggestions, tips for battling panic attacks, and any kind of advice you might have on how to travel with ease and excitement. I don’t want to be a homebody. Do you think I need to read one of those travel guide? I want to be able to experience new places and see new sights, so anything you’re able to offer would mean the absolute world to me…
On the opposite side, if you don’t have any thoughts to add or tips to share, I just wanted to say thanks for listening and that I’m sorry I don’t have that pretty video to share after all. Also, I promise that I’m not going to be a “Debbie Downer” forever—I’ve got lots of fun crafts and exciting home updates to share in the months ahead. But until then, I’ve gotta muscle through the bad to get to the good.
I really wantedt to buy glassblunt for my friend as a gift. And I managed to find one from smokecartel.
This new year is all about staying true to me, and this stream of thought is just about as real as it gets. Thanks, as always, for the support and love, and I hope you have a great weekend, guys—no matter where you choose to go!
I tend to have travel anxiety the most the day before I leave and the first day of the trip! Because I know I am going to feel sick and not sleep any, I plan an easy first day. Usually once I can get my feet on the ground there and see that in fact things are alright and nothing bad has happened, I can go back to having a good time. Another thing that has helped me is to watch something funny or listen to a funny podcast at night. Laughing will ease up my tensions and make the anxiety subdue a bit. Best wishes as you battle this. Xoxo
Oh, this is really, really helpful!! Thanks for sharing your ideas, Maegan! I’m totally going to try those tactics the next time I venture out…
I don’t have any advice to offer sadly but I relate to this so much! I don’t have the same travel anxiety you have but I do have an incredible fear of flying. It means that anytime I travel instead of being totally excited like everyone else seems to be about travel, I have this huge dark cloud of fear that hangs over me before and during the trip. It’s the worst and hard for most people to understand. I feel the same as you, I want to see the world but the fear is crippling. My point being, you’re not alone and thank you for sharing your struggles! Hoping someone else can help you find a solution!!
Thanks for opening up about your own similar struggles, Kelly! I’ve been thinking so much about this over the last week, trying to pin it down to a specific event…I’m pretty sure my fears actually stem from a really terrifying plane ride back at the tail end of 2014…I can totally relate to the way you’re feeling about air travel, and am so hopeful that you and I BOTH find a work-around since travel is meant to be a blast!! Thanks again for the sweet comment… xo
I’ve never heard of travel anxiety before but it sounds devastating. Stay brave, you’ll find a way through.
Thank you!! That honestly means the world!
Carrie, first off thank you so much for sharing your experience! It’s so important that we as a society give ourselves space for these feelings and troubles, which everyone has in some form or another. Talking and sharing is the best way to break stigma. Second, I am so sorry you’re dealing with this, it sounds truly hellish. While my anxiety is not tied to travel, I do have PTSD which has been crippling at times. I did have panic attacks when I was younger, and it definitely sounds like you’re having them. The thing that helped me overcome them the most was to truly notice when it was happening/starting and to stop and allow myself to acknowledge it. Literally saying to myself “I’m having a panic attack” helped calm my nervous system over time. I would definitely recommend seeing a therapist who specializes in trauma (referring to the flight you mentioned in 2014). Every person has a different threshold of what is traumatic for them (my therapist told me she has a patient who has PTSD because her parents got a divorce). There is no shame at all in struggling and seeking help, it will empower you to feel like you have some control over the anxiety. I’ve found “parts” therapy (or Internal Family System) to be particularly helpful. And lastly, definitely, definitely try meditation or deep breathing! Many people who’ve suffered a trauma find it hard to meditate because our bodies literally want to stay vigilant and unrelaxed to anticipate danger. For that reason meditation practices that focus on breath awareness rather than body awareness have worked the best for me. Try to slow and deepen your breathing whenever you think of it throughout your day, it will start to help after a while! Ok sorry to write you a novel! Hugs to you, girl, you will get through this! Remember, it is a symptom, not a failing! xoxo
You’re so sweet, Marlene!! I can’t thank you enough for writing your comment and for sharing your side of things. I also had no idea that PTSD could actually be a factor here, but it sounds like it definitely could be based on your experience. I appreciate your opening my eyes there, and for your awesome support!!! It helps a ton knowing that you (and so many others!) have my back 🙂
I have struggled with general anxiety my entire life, and travel anxiety as an adult, especially when it comest to flying.
I tend to operate like Maegan does, in that I allow a lot of extra time around travel time. If that means I go to the airport two full hours early so I can be sitting by the gate instead of running through the concourse, then that is what I do. If it means getting up super early to avoid driving through rush hour in cities, I’ll do that too. I just try to be really mindful of my schedule so that I’m not pressed for time, which will induce my nervousness. I used to set a time, say 3pm to leave, and even if we didn’t HAVE to leave at 3, I would start to get anxious if my husband was dillydallying, or if we were late leaving. I then made the decision that I wouldn’t hold us to a time unless we NEEDED to be somewhere by a certain time. It has really helped.As far as general anxiety goes, I have had to constantly talk to myself over the years. I have to force myself to be calm and know that if something does happen, it’s out of my hands and was going to happen, regardless. I know that’s easier said than done, but it’s something I’ve had to put into practice and continue to give myself pep talks about. Being aware is the real, first step. From here on out, it’s practice, practice, practice. I hope it gets better for you. <3
I do the exact same thing! I tend to go to the airport at LEAST a couple hours ahead of time so I can avoid that dreaded (though often inevitable) rushed feeling…I’m glad to know I’m not alone in that tendency. I think most people think I’m being excessive, but if getting someplace early helps keep my anxiety down, then I just have to learn to ignore the judgement. Thank you for making me realize that I’m not so alone in this as I thought!! Your advice is really helpful!
I’ve never experience travel anxiety, but I did have anxiety and panic attacks for a few years about 10 years ago. And when I am tired and stressed, It sneaks up on me. I’m so sorry you are going through this. I went and did counseling, because I was determined not to be on any drugs. And it did help. I got some great tools and worked through the worst of it. It’s so hard to explain to other people, because the anxiety doesn’t make sense. Thank you for your transparency and honesty here. I’ll be praying that you find some peace and rest.
Thank you for the kind words and support, Jeran! I agree that drugs aren’t the right path (at least not for me), so I’m encouraged to know that the help you received has allowed you to keep things in check. Thanks again for the tips, advice, and prayers!
Prayers to you sweet friend! Have you thought about alternative medicine? I’m not sure how it works with specific anxieties but I can imagine it wouldn’t make it worse! Love and miss you bunches!
Thanks, love!!! I hadn’t thought of medicine until posting this, but it sounds like it has worked for others…Maybe I’ll give it some thought. Love and miss you, too!!
Thank you for sharing this! I experience frequent anxiety/panic attacks and I’m a bit worried how it’s going to effect our upcoming vacation. I’m already super stressed about the trip for no particular reason. Know that you’re not alone and hang in there!
The only things that semi help me are prioritizing comfort and routine. I bring my comfiest clothing (aka not stylish but still my fav lol) and try to stick to my morning routine I follow at home- quiet, a little movement like a walk and the same foods I would eat for breakfast at home. In the past on vacation I’ve tried to simplify things, even small things like washing my face. At home I use coconut oil and baking soda and I have an extra moisturizer I use. On vacation though I tried just using something quick and easy, it back fired and made me feel rushed and therefore stressed. We really are creatures of habit and when we get taken out of our normal environment it can be super disorienting. I’d say stick to your fav products when you travel or find some travel products you really fall in love with so you look forward to using them. Take care!
Thanks for the thoughtful comments, Jackie! I think you’re right on the money about being creatures of habit. That’s such a good point and I hadn’t thought of it before…I really appreciate the tips, and hope you find out how to manage your own anxiety soon as well!
I am so very sorry, you are brave to share your struggles. I have horrible anxiety when it comes to flying. Mine started due to a horrible flight (where they pointed out our emergency exits during the flight…). I gave up a free round trip excursion to Rome for a week over my anxiety because I was so fearful of another long flight. Ever since it has been a struggle and it didn’t matter how early I arrived at the airport or prepared ahead. I have tried everything, because this started for me 18 years ago…A few years ago I broke down and talked to my doctor. She gave me medication to take right before I got on flight, and only at that time. It has been a life saver for me and frankly I had no idea it would help so very much. Now I get to fly (only on short flights for my comfort) and every time I fly my anxiety is getting less and less. It’s been a lifesaver for me. I am NOT saying a prescription is the answer, but that it’s an option I never considered and it has worked for me so very well.
Oh, my gosh…That sounds so scary, Angela! I’m really relieved that you and your doctor have found a way to help your anxiety…Thanks for sharing your story with us!
I recently started using the app Aura to help manage daily stress and anxiety. There are some great meditations that you can listen to that help you focus your breathing and awareness. I’ve used it everyday since downloading it.
Such a good tip!! I’ll definitely check that out. Thanks so much for sharing!
I’ve never commented here before but felt compelled to share with you what seems (fingers crossed) to have helped me. I have what I can only explain as panic attacks at concerts and strangely a particular church in my hometown. I just start feeling hot and nauseous and have even passed out. It’s happened to me several times and seems like the fear of it makes it happen even more. I’ve found that if I really pay attention to how I’m feeling and acknowledge it right away instead of hoping it’s not going to happen again I can usually get a handle on it. I take very deliberate deep breaths and count them until the feeling isn’t so overwhelming. I also tell myself it’s just a feeling and I have lots of feelings that I don’t let control me so I won’t let this one either. I’ve been to three concerts with no attacks lately and I’m feeling really hopeful about things!
I can’t thank you enough for leaving your comment, Shelly—really!! Knowing that you’re going through something similar helps, especially since it sounds like you’ve been able to successfully work through things…I really appreciate you sharing your advice and perspective, and will definitely try to put those same types of practices into place in my own life. Thank you!!