Whether you're planning a vacation to the Bahamas or shuttling cross-country for business, the nuances of travel can tarnish an otherwise enjoyable trip. Crowded airports, fear of accidents, unanticipated expenses, itinerary planning, language barriers and a host of other stresses can create mounting anxiety for travelers. Although unpleasant, apprehension doesn't have to ruin your voyage: Understanding why travel anxiety occurs and dealing with its sources can help you relish your time away from home.
Causes
As the American University Counseling Center explains, visiting a distant or unfamiliar destination can spark anxiety in multiple ways. Navigating a foreign landscape can be stressful, particularly if you don't speak a region's prevailing language. In some cases, people experience specific phobias related to travel, such as a fear of flying, claustrophobia in cars or fear of examination by security personnel at travel hubs such as airports. Separation from family or other loved ones can also arouse anxiety, and news stories about terrorism overseas can make traveling to other countries seem dangerous, leading to worries about safety.
Symptoms
Anxiety disorders--including anxiety spurred by travel--can manifest as chronic worry, tension, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, trembling, twitching, headaches and sweating, the National Mental Health Information Center says. In some cases, anxiety can produce panic attacks characterized by a pounding heart, chest pains, dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, shaking, shortness of breath, feelings of unreality, numbness, hot flashes, chills and tingling. Symptoms of panic attacks may accompany specific travel phobias, such as fear of flying on an airplane.
Time Frame
The duration of travel anxiety can vary on an individual basis. According to Nashell Barnes, longtime anxiety sufferer and owner of LivingWithAnxiety.com, travel anxiety can peak prior to your departure and lessen after you reach your destination--but moments of anxiety can still occur during the trip itself. For individuals with transportation phobias, anxiety may surge during rides in airplanes, cars, buses, boats or other modes of transit. Stressful situations arising during travel--such as difficulty communicating with natives, getting lost or facing delays--can induce temporary anxiety.
Prevention/Solution
Whether your destination is across the state or across the world, allowing yourself plenty of time to plan, pack and arrive can alleviate some of the stress associated with travel. The American University Counseling Center suggests making arrangements for house-sitters, pet care, yard maintenance, mail pick-up and other necessities well in advance of your trip rather than waiting until the last minute. Deep breathing, focusing on positive travel outcomes and making extra copies of important travel documents can also help you feel calmer about traveling. To minimize anxiety at airports, the American University Counseling Center recommends arriving early and calling ahead of time to check for flight delays. If flying itself rattles your nerves, request a seat on the aisle or in an emergency row so you have more freedom to move, and bring books or music to help you stay distracted while in the air.
Warning
As the National Mental Health Information Center explains, medications and counseling may be necessary to combat severe cases of anxiety, including fears related to travel. If you experience debilitating anxiety that interferes with your ability to function, contact a mental health professional. In some cases, physical symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks--such as chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath--can indicate a more serious medical condition; consult a physician immediately if you experience such symptoms.
