As we enter into 2023 travel may be on your mind. When you deal with anxiety the mere thought of travel may be too much for you to think about. So when you hear people say things like “just book that trip” it sounds good but it may be less practical for you. Here are a few things you can travel with anxiety and see the world.
Travel Style and Anxiety
One of the things you need to be aware of is your travel style. When I personally travel I do it first thing in the morning. A lot of this has to do with the fact that for instance if I am flying if an issue arises, I can possibly still get a flight to my destination without incident. I have learned that from experiences. Also I am at my personal best first thing in the morning. I travel well in the morning. So travel what makes sense. This may mean that cheaper travel may have to take a back seat to my mental capacity. If a flight is cheaper in the afternoon I am not always keen to taking it over a more expensive flight in the morning.
Compromising with Travel
This also means that flying with others become a challenge. I have taken trips with others and try to find some middle ground. However you may have to be willing to do what is best over following the crowd. It depends on the situation. I traveled with my best friends. She lives in a different state. I maintained my morning flight even if that meant I would get there before her. It worked out we ended up arriving at the same time but I did what worked for me.
Travel and Bags
One of the things that I have learned about my travel recently is specific to bags and anxiety. I never liked baggage claim but depending on the trip I am not also opposed to packing how I want either. So this means that if I can make it with a small bag I won’t check it. However when I went to my conference with SheMedia and BlogHer I could have packed light but I didn’t want to. I checked my bag although my bestie didn’t. The whole time from her, you should learn how to pack less and more.
However end of day I know how to pack less. I also have packing cubes that I could use to pack more efficient but I didn’t want to. I was okay with baggage claim. She packed and did what was best for her and I did the same. Same when I traveled with my husband to Vegas for our anniversary trip. We packed with our bigger suitcases. We had several outfit changes that we used and it worked for us.
Know yourself. Yes there are ways to work around baggage claim and more but trust yourself. Don’t follow those around you just because. Do what works for you and especially when you are willing to pay for your personal convenience.
Tools I Use when I Travel
No matter if its an app or a device, it’s all an all a tool. When I travel and for most things I use my Calmigo. I keep this device on me at all times. It’s natural and isn’t habit forming as it works with my breathing and sense of smell to keep me calm. I also make both a podcast and music playlist. Both are vital. Also make sure you download them so you can access them on airplane mode before you go. Double check the music and podcast are downloaded. Bring notepads/journals and at least 1-2 books. I pack my bags almost a week if not more before I leave. I use a master list to make sure I don’t forget anything. Life happens so have some extra funding to purchase things you did forge or need.
Be Prepared for Anything
When I went to LA I had to get some extra items because I was unprepared for the cold weather. Yes I checked the weather app before I left. However a LA 60 is different than a PA 60 or at least it used to be. I travel with 5-6 battery packs. This may be excessive for a regular person but as a Content Creator it makes all of the sense. In addition make sure you have cash, use of apps like Uber and more and a credit card for emergencies. I also move money into a different account separately from my main to use while I travel. I do this in smaller increments. That way if my card is compromised or lost I still have access to my money.
Use of Apps
Before a train pulls out, car loads, or airplane leaves out I say a prayer and use my Calm app for a self guided meditation. All of these things are to help calm my nerves. Can you just book the trip? Yes. But you have to be able to do what works for you. Also make sure to share your travel plans with at least 1-2 people. Have one or more have your location too even if its temporary. Don’t check in on social media when you are actively at locations. Never tell others you are traveling alone. If you are single or solo traveling, always get 2 keys so it looks like you have a guest on the way.
Here is some help for solo travelers!
Whether that is using an app, planning ahead, traveling as a solo traveler or more you got this. Trust yourself. Think of what you need and implement all that you need. Make plans for travel in 2023 and make some memories. Traveling can be a form of self care. When those wheels up it’s a rewarding feeling. So enjoy it!
Bonus Travel Guides:
Los Angeles
Los Angeles Dining Recommendations
Millennium Biltmore Hotel Review
