It’s no secret that we have not travelled as extensively with the events of the last few years, and this led to travel anxiety in myself and people I know.
What was once a welcome reprieve has now become an effort in stress. The rules are different around the country, and around the world. Modes of transportation are now unreliable, and cancellations of events are the norm. Of course, travel is (usually) more of a luxury than a necessity, but it still comes up.
Here’s some things to keep in mind, if travel in in your future.
Be Of Good Health
The first thing before heading out on any trip is to ensure that you are feeling well. If you’re under the weather, make sure to postpone, or test negative for COVID before you head out. It’s the considerate thing to do, even if it’s disappointing or inconvenient to call things off.
Keep It Close
For the time being, I’m sticking to a perimeter of about three to four hours by car. Having access to your own vehicle gives you control over coming and going. It means you won’t be at the mercy of the airlines, staffing shortages, rental scarcities, or uncomfortable situations. If you arrive at your destination, and things don’t feel right, you don’t have to wait to leave, and you have much more flexibility to change plans on the fly.
Research The Rules
Before you head out, it’s a wise idea to research your destination. Will you need reservations for tours or dining?: Do indoor attractions require masks? Will you need to show your vaccine card to gain entry to landmarks or restaurants? Knowing this in advance will take the pressure off, and also ensure that you don’t get shut out of or turned away from things you hope to enjoy.
Go With Your Gut
Right now, I think it’s so important to honor your instincts. In short, go with your gut. If you don’t feel your hotel meets your sanitation standards, or social distancing isn’t going quite as well as you would hope, feel comfortable enough to walk away. You don’t need to compromise your comfort level, and no one should judge you for needing to redirect last minute. Do what feels right.
Really Get Away From It All
If it helps, switch your travel destinations to more remote areas. Choose a quiet cabin rental, or a distant campsite. You’ll still be able to get away, but you can be outside or away from it all, and more in control of your surroundings and encounters. You can pack in your own food, do your own cooking, and venture out (or not) as you please. I do love a nice hotel and bustling city, but there’s something about grilling a meal under the open sky and falling asleep while counting the stars in the sky.
I am hopeful that the world will settle down sooner rather than later, so travel anxiety (and other anxieties) can take a literal hike. Until then, we will continue to tiptoe out as safely and cautiously as possible.
Do you feel travel anxiety in recent years? How are you coping?
Of course I feel very anxious. But isolating is worse for people.
I have traveled and I just do my best to stay safe. You have to live life.
I’m going to nyc in a few weeks and next month Florida and then back to nyc. Back to Florida in May.
I did the same last year when things were worse. So I’m optimistic that things will go well.
You do have to live life, for sure. I’m not a creature who des well with the unknown, so having as much control of my circumstances as possible helps me get through it.
I think this post will help a lot of people! Traveling can be stressful in the best of times, but now with Covid it’s super complicated. I have friends who went to Costa Rica over the holidays and all the testing protocols they had to go through were daunting. But if you’re in good health and take precautions, it’s a good thing to get away. Thanks for the tips.
There is no way I can personally do international travel right now. From the ever changing protocols, to being terrified of not being able t get home to A … my heart can’t take it.
With the exception of my husband’s visit to his mom, we have only done trips by car. I also prefer to stay in an Airbnb over a hotel (even if it costs more) because I can bring food, and also reheat leftovers when we order in.
I do wish we lived in a warmer area so outdoor dining would be available more of the year!
I also had a friend who went to Costa Rica over the holidays. They had a great time! Luckily they didn’t get caught in the mess of cancellations!
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