Near or far, tropical or industrial, alone or with family, I love to travel. Escaping Singapore and discovering fresh territories, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and learning new ways to say “thank you,” “cheers”, and “where are the toilets?” fills me with a wanderlust-fuelled joy that has not abated since my early teens. However, until I’m safely ensconced at my new destination, with my bags unpacked and a clear idea of all fire exits, I am a veritable bag of nerves. Heading on a trip – big or small – induces a pre-travel anxiety that is widely disproportionate to holidaying in the first place.
The flight-booking phase is usually a breezy affair. Living on the red dot, there are so many fabulous destinations within close proximity that there’s always somewhere you’ll want to escape to. Not to mention the wider world where the choices are literally endless. (The same does not apply to my budget, unfortunately).
But once flights are secured and I’ve announced that I’m about to take flight, my excitement and organisational skills take a turn. Rather than living in the moment and wallowing in the privilege of being able to fly anywhere at all, I begin to feel anxious about every single little thing ahead that has even the slightest connection to my getaway.
According to Clinical Psychologist at Self Space, Kate Minsora (selfspace.sg), “Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It’s a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. However, when worry about an upcoming event such as travel becomes so persistent it interferes with daily life, it can become a problem.” She continues, “While a love of travel is common, it doesn’t guarantee a stress-free experience, either in the lead-up or during it. In general, going on any kind of trip can involve uncertainty, which can be a major source of uneasiness and apprehension for many people.”
Kate is right. The uncertainty about what lies ahead once I’ve forked out to fly seems to take on a force of its own. Decision fatigue hits when I look at accommodation, sleepless nights are spent weighing up what I’ll do if I accidentally twist my ankle on a cobbled European street, and I break out in hives when contemplating potential family day trips. Don’t get me started on the time a stranger called Gary took off with our suitcase from the carousel at Darwin International Airport by accident . . .
“The appeal of travel often lies in exploring new environments, but a disruption of routine can be a source of fear,” Kate continues. “This new or different location often comes with a lack of control. For example, travellers are at the mercy of airlines, hotels, or tour guides, and unexpected changes to plans, such as delays or disappointments like an underwhelming hotel, can significantly impact a holiday experience and contribute to anxiety. Not to mention past negative memories or prior travel mishaps which can trigger concern about similar issues happening again.” (Pretty sure Kate’s referring to Gary here).
What doesn’t help is that while my husband is extremely chilled out (read: disorganised), my travel-induced anxiety has sadly been inherited by our two children, aged 13 and nine.
Despite the angst mentioned above, once we’re actually on holiday, we have a fantastic time. As the final days roll around, I usually have a pretty clear idea of where we’ll be escaping to next, because the family needs something to look forward to. Once home, I get straight onto booking the next getaway as soon as possible, all recollections of my pre-travel worries having miraculously disappeared. Until the flights are secured, and you know what happens next . . .
Your anti-anxiety travel toolkit: Kate’s advice for no-stress sojourns
- PREP
Preparation is a powerful tool in calming travel anxiety. By planning your trip, you significantly reduce feelings of uncertainty. Careful planning allows you to anticipate potential issues, such as flight delays, lost luggage, or unexpected weather conditions, enabling you to develop contingency plans and reduce the likelihood of significant disruptions. - LIST IT
Keep an ongoing packing list in the Notes app on your phone to help you remember everything. Doing this is particularly handy if heading on a longer trip abroad or to a cold destination where you need different kit. Knowing it’s there can banish overwhelm.
“Do laundry up to one week before travelling so you can sort clean clothes directly into luggage “
- SUSS YOUR SELF-TALK
Effective self-talk can be valuable for managing worries. Challenge negative thoughts, such as “I’m going to miss my flight” or “I’m going to get lost,” by replacing them with positive affirmations like “I am capable of navigating this travel experience” or “I am excited to explore this new destination.” Doing so will also boost your confidence by reinforcing your ability to handle travel challenges. - CREATE BENEFICIAL DISTRACTIONS
When you feel stressed, engaging in activities that shift your focus away from worries can decrease anxiety levels. Listen to calming music or watch a movie. Step away from the situation for a few moments to engage in mindfulness meditation, or simply observe your surroundings to bring you back to the present moment. - KEEP THE KIDS CALM
Preparation and communication will keep your child relaxed during travel. This involves talking about the trip beforehand and involving them in planning – whether it’s choosing an activity or packing their own bag. Use visual aids, maps, pictures and videos to familiarise kids with the destination you’re travelling to. - FAMILIARITY RULES
Distraction is a useful technique when travelling with a child. Pack travel-friendly activities such as books and games to keep them entertained during long travel days and plan for breaks too. Pack familiar items such as toys, blankets, and books to provide a sense of comfort. Schedule stops during long car rides or flights to allow for helpful distractions. - UTILISE YOUR ANTI-ANXIETY TOOLKIT
Creating a personalised collection of coping mechanisms provides a sense of control and preparedness, empowering you to navigate challenges with greater ease. By adhering to this list, or creating your own version, you can feel equipped and enabled to manage your anxiety as you go.
