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And How To Overcome Them
Firstly, let me guess what brings you to this page: You want to travel but are overcome with questions, fears, and worries. In short, you have travel anxiety.
This desire and dream to travel is wonderful, filling us with excitement and yearning for adventure. Yet it is also terrifying, facing a world of the unknown. Consequently, for many people the story ends there.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told the phrase “You’re so brave, I could never do that!”. But seriously, if I can, anyone can!
My Travel Anxiety Story
In brief, I suffer with an anxiety disorder (like so many people out there) and struggle massively with change and facing the unknown.
However, my desire to see the world is greater than any fear, and I’ve been working to overcome my travel anxiety for the past ten years. Firstly beginning with mini breaks away with friends, growing into a 3 month road trip across America, and leading to going travelling solo in China and Japan.
Check Out My Story Here 🙂
And honestly, nothing can stop me now!
Getting Started
When you first set out on your travels there are so many things to worry about.
You are venturing into the unknown, and that is terrifying for everyone. Trust me. Even the most confident, outgoing person will still worry about something, and that something is nearly always the unknown.
Travel Anxiety is a challenging mental health issue to overcome, and can be especially scary if you are going on your adventure solo.
But you are here, which means you want the tools to overcome your fears and are brave enough to believe in yourself.
Good for you!
Top 7 Travel Anxieties
In my experience all travel anxiety leads back to one of these 7 worries.
- Getting Lost
- Transportation Troubles
- Accomodation Problems
- Health Issues
- Money Worries
- Not Making Friends
- Not Having Fun / Homesickness
So let’s bust through them one by one so you can start travelling like a boss!
#1 Getting Lost
Let’s set the scene:
You’re in an unfamiliar location, have no point of reference, and quite probably don’t understand the language of any signs around.
Perhaps your phone is running out of battery, has no signal, or you’ve run out of data.
Time to panic, right?
Whilst understandable, you are not in that situation and are just imagining it. Which means there are plenty of things you can do to ease the travel anxiety of getting lost.
The number one rule for alleviating travel anxiety is to prepare.
It’s the 21st Century and Google really is the anxious travellers best friend. Thus, here are three things you MUST do before you head out bravely into that vast world:
- Invest in a good portable battery pack for your phone.
- Download an travel e-sim if your provider doesn’t cover international roaming costs.
- Take a screenshot of the map before you go offline (just in case!)
Having access to the internet really will remove most issues regarding getting lost. Google Maps is extensive and helpfully can rotate to point you in the direction you’re facing. It’s almost impossible to get truly lost.
In which case you need two things: a working phone and internet connectivity. Which is why I recommend investing in a decent power bank (aka, a portable phone charger!), and buying a data SIM if your phone provider doesn’t include data roaming.
I had a great experience using Ubigi in America. It’s easy to use and a great price!
Lost in Translation
In the rare circumstance access to a live map fails you, translation apps have advanced so much in just a few years.
Consequently, you’ll always be able to ask for help without any language barriers.
For instance, I recently spent an amazing two hours on a sunset cruise in Barcelona with skipper Luigi, an Argentinian-Italian who didn’t English! But this led to the best time practicing Spanish, Italian, and English all through Google Translate connected to a Bluetooth speaker!
Grab a Guide
If you’re still worrying, I highly recommend joining a group tour experience. Having a guide takes the pressure off and provides you with the comfort that someone will come looking for you if you do wander off and get lost.
You can sign up for a fully guided multi-day tour, or multiple day trips. Whatever suits your style and makes you the most comfortable.
I had a wonderful time with The Dragon Trip in China (somewhere I’d never have gone on my own without a guide), and it gave me the confidence to travel Japan on my own joining a couple of day tours along the way.
Embrace the Experience
Getting lost is certainly a travel anxiety, but with planning and preparation can be easily negated.
Now I embrace turning off the GPS and just wandering an unfamiliar city. You’ll stumble across hidden gems and discover your own unique travel experience by embracing getting a little lost.
For instance, my favorite restaurant in the world is a random Japanese sushi place in Arrecife, discovered only by wandering hungrily away from the beach and it appearing like a mirage out of nowhere. We never would have found it without aimless walking! It is now a must visit destination every trip back to Lanzarote.
So try getting a little turned around next time you travel, and enjoy knowing you always have Google in your back pocket for emergencies.
#2 Transportation Troubles
Like most travel anxieties, this one stems from loosing control. Consequently, transportation trouble will probably be stressful regardless of the scenario, but here’s some things you can do to prepare just in case.
First off, let’s start with the big one: What if I miss my flight?
Undeniably this is one of my biggest travel anxieties despite it never having happened to me. If anything I spend more time stranded at airports because flights are delayed!
I’ve come close twice though… both instances my own fault.
Which is why I now have a very simple rule: If my flight is due to leave before midday, spend the night before at the airport hotel. Yes, it’s an added expense, but worth it for peace of mind.
Staying overnight near the hotel eliminates a lot of travel anxiety caused by train strikes, traffic, car breakdowns etc. So the only thing you need to worry about is setting that alarm clock!
If my flight is later in the day I make sure I plan to arrive at the airport early. And I always have a back up plan. For instance, should there be train cancellations, I can always drive. Parking at the airport is an added expense, but ultimately it’s less stressful sometimes.
Plus most airports have discounts available on parking through loyalty schemes which are always worth checking out.
Missing a flight
If the worst happens and you do miss your flight there are some things you can do.
Call the airline asap and explain what the problem is. They will usually try to book you on a later flight that day, or the next day if that’s not an option. There may be charges involved, but not always. Thus, I urge you to have robust travel insurance which covers missing your flight for situations beyond your control.
Dealing with the unexpected
For all your planning and preparation, sometimes life happens. You car breaks down; the train is delayed; your flight is cancelled. Thus you now have to deal with the travel anxiety of getting stranded.
Which links back to the first travel anxiety. Have a working phone and internet access. There really is very little that can’t be helped by being connected. And I reiterate, get decent travel insurance.
#3 Accomodation Problems
Getting a good nights sleep is imperative to my mental health and general wellbeing. If I don’t sleep well I begin to get agitated and find it much harder to deal with anxiety.
For instance, on a trip to Paris I didn’t sleep properly for two nights and ended up falling out with my travel buddy. We haven’t spoken since that trip.
These things happen, and whilst sad I have learnt that I need to take accountability for my own needs without relying on help from others. Of course in the middle of a panic attack this is easier said than done, so I do encourage you to explain your mental health needs before going away with friends.
What I needed right there and then was sleep and to feel safe. So I booked a last minute room on Hotel Tonight, cutting my losses with the current accomodation. It cost me another £100 or so, but was worth it.
Therefore my advice here is simple: your wellbeing is more important than money. If your accomodation is bad, move on. Don’t let it ruin your trip.
Choose Wisely
Of course ideally you’ll forgo this travel anxiety by doing your due diligence before booking.
Use trusted sites like Booking.com or Hotels.com and filter by traveller ratings. I never book anywhere with less than an 8/10 review score.
Additionally, opt for hotels with Free Cancellation up till 24 hrs before your stay. This gives you peace of mind and flexibility.
Similarly, booking with Airbnb always check out reviews and cancellation options. There are a lot of scams out there. Don’t book unless you’ve managed to make contact with the host, and read through reviews (checking for the most recent ones!). I’ve had nothing but great experiences using Airbnb to travel, and highly recommend it.
Dorm Drama
For Hostels you can’t do better than Hostelworld when searching for accomodation. It’s easier to filter by dorm size, gender, and private rooms. I usually opt for a private room, but have stayed in plenty of dorms as well. If you do stay in a dorm and struggle to sleep, there are some things you can do.
Try and book beds curtains or shutters to block out lights and give you some privacy.
Invest in an eye mask, or even better, a sleep mask with built in headphones. I couldn’t have got through some of my nights in shared accomodation without my Musicozy headphones.
Lost Again
In Barcelona we walked round the block three times before finding our accomodation.
We had Google Maps up, the address was correct, and even used street view. Which is how we did eventually figure it out. If all the information is telling you you’re in the right place, then its probably correct. The hostel was inside a building with other accommodations and apartments, and only had a small sign with the logo on to indicate its existence.
However, if for some reason you do arrive and either the hotel is not there, or they have lost your reservation, being connected will once again be invaluable.
It’s very unlikely you won’t be able to find somewhere else to stay, and you can deal with insurance claims and refunds later on.
Don’t let it ruin your trip. Mishaps are stories waiting to be told after all.
#4 Health Issues
Let’s start with the big one for anxiety sufferers: Having a panic attack.
I’ve had three four five six instances of full blown panic attacks whilst travelling. It isn’t pleasant, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip or stop you from travelling.
It’s important to be aware of your triggers and try to maintain a good level of self care. For example, one of my attacks came on half way up a mountain in China. I hadn’t been taking care of myself and had been drinking more than usual for me. Alcohol is a depressant and doesn’t really mix well with my medication. Lesson learned! Now I moderate my alcohol consumption, and sometimes even forego alcohol when travelling solo.
For every panic attack through I came through it and never alone. People are kind and anxiety isn’t unusual. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, especially when you’re out there doing what you love regardless. Travelling with anxiety can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
Injuries and Ilness
I hope you never have to deal with an injury whilst travelling, but accidents do happen. I somehow busted my knew eight days into a two month trip around Australia and New Zealand.
I’m going to honest here: I didn’t follow my own advice well here.
Instead of seeking medical help, I continued to hike, climb, and trek my way down the east coast of Australia for three weeks until finally caving in to the pain. As it turns out, in Australia you need to register for medical help even if you have insurance. So I spent a morning in an office sorting that out, and then still didn’t visit a doctor….
Instead I used Dr. Google to determine I just needed to ice, elevate, and bandage my knee.
Which I did for a week over Christmas is Byron Bay, and another week for New Year in Sydney. happily this worked and by the time I reached New Zealand was fine.
Still, the lesson here is simple: have travel insurance, check what else you might need in each country before you go, and always take a small first aid kit with you.
And whilst my experience worked out okay, don’t let FOMO stop you from taking care of yourself. I’m lucky I had a scheduled break in my travels that gave me time to heal. But really I should have rested earlier…
Similarly with getting sick: these things happen.
It’s frustrating and upsetting, but ultimately outside your control. Be kind to yourself.
#5 Money Worries
Hopefully you’ve done a budget before heading off travelling.
Depending on the duration and destination, your needs are going to be very different.
But one thing remains true. Always have a back up fund for emergencies. Running out of money is a travel anxiety you can do without .
Personally I have two savings accounts: one for travelling, and one for home emergencies. So even if I do somehow go over my travel budget, there is a backup fund available. Staying within a budget might not sound fun, but trust me, being broke is MUCH less fun!
Pre Booking
A lot of money can be saved by booking in advance. Advanced train fares from The Trainline or Omio are well worth utilising, even if they remove some flexibility in your trip. For example, on my trip to Italy I used the railway to get around and saved a bunch by booking ahead.
Since Covid, its also worth booking attraction tickets ahead of time as numbers remain limited in many popular tourist locations.
Fee Free Travelling
I have two awesome bank cards I use both at home and abroad.
One is a debit card with Chase which doesn’t charge any fees for currency conversion or use abroad (including cash withdraws!). The other is a Halifax Clarity credit card which also has no foreign transaction fees. So I never pay more by using a card abroad.
I also google which ATMs have the lowest (or ideally none) fees for cash withdraws from foreign cards. In Barcelona I tried five ATMs before figuring out this little travel tip. Every ATM I went to wanted to add on a fee between £3-8 just to get cash out. A quick search led me to a back which wouldn’t charge me anything, and by pure fluke, it was across the street.
Be Smart
So that’s all I really have to say on money matters. Stick to your budget, and avoid paying fees. Travel smart and you’ll travel longer!
#6 Making Friends
Travelling solo can sound lonely, and I won’t lie, at times it can be.
But this is actually the oddity, not the norm.
I have never gone on a solo trip and actually been on my own for longer than a day.
Between hostel kitchens, dorm rooms, and group tours there really is very little time by yourself.
I promise you won’t be the only person travelling solo anywhere you go, and simply by joining in a group activity you’ll make friends.
I went to Lisbon on my own and joined a walking tour on my first morning there. I met a bunch of other solo travellers and we formed a little crew, ending up spending the whole rest of our time there together.
I even met back up with one of them when I visited her home town a year later on another trip.
Group Tours
Opting to join a Group Tour, for multiple days or just a quick excursion/activity, is a great way to meet people. Even if you only spend the duration of the tour together it’s a nice break change from being alone.
I enjoy being by myself, but its also nice to meet different people. I love sharing a meal with people I met just that day, and chances are we’ll never see each other again. But sometimes you’ll make good friends and have many adventures together. Its all part of the travelling journey.
So I urge you do take a city segway tour, join a cycling excursion, and just strike up a conversation in the kitchen. What’s the worst that can happen?
And if you really are anxious or shy, don’t worry. Someone will inevitably start talking to you first!
#7 Not Having Fun & Getting Homesick
We’re onto the last point, and it’s not an easy one to tackle.
Travelling is exciting, fun, and truly my favourite thing to do. But I also get homesick and amidst anxiety attacks, do not enjoy every moment. Which is why this blog is called Stumbling Across the World, not Soaring Across the World.
Life is not always joyful, but that doesn’t take away from the experience.
If you find yourself longing for family, friends, and home you are not failing your travel journey. I got into a dark state during Mardi Gras just six weeks into a three month trip across America. I got a text from a friends and just immediately felt homesick.
I didn’t have a working phone on that trip, and could only access the internet through WiFi. I’ve since learned this is not good for me. It’s important to stay connected so I now always have a Ubigi e-sim when I travel now, meaning I can send messages and call home at all times.
Taking time out to video chat with friends and family before any homesickness sets in is really important. It alleviates any loneliness and keeps you connected.
And if you still find yourself not having a good time, that’s ok.
Go for a walk. Spend a day reading a book. Treat yourself to a spa day.
Whatever you need to do to make yourself feel good, just do it.
There’s only one constant in life and that is change. All things will pass, good and bad, you just need to learn how to ride out the low points to get to the good again.
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