How many of you desperately want to travel, but just the mere thought of embarking on a getaway induces immediate palm-sweating, thoughts of worst-case scenarios, heart palpitations, and even panic attacks? For most people and especially anxiety sufferers, there is so much to think about…deciding on a destination, booking flights and accommodations, setting alarms to ensure that you don’t miss your flight.
Phew! That’s a lot, and when you add babies and kids to the mix, your travel anxiety can increase tenfold! Let’s help you get into your comfort zone with these tips and relaxation techniques!
Best Tips To Get You Through The Airport, Anxiety-Free
Oftentimes one of the most stressful parts of travel is the fear of missing a flight to your perfectly planned travel destination. Many people instantly envision the worst-case scenario that they miss their flight and then the whole vacation is ruined. A few simple pointers can help you stay on time and ensure you arrive at your boarding gate feeling calm, cool, and collected.
1. Use a GPS App
Use a GPS App such as WAZE to help you get an idea of traffic conditions – and how much time you will need to get to the airport.
2. Get Organized
Have all of your bags packed and ready to be loaded into the car at least one day prior to travel. How many of us are guilty of waiting until the morning of travel to finish packing? Leaving packing to the last minute can lead to a panicked state of frenzy, (especially for those that have a fear of flying) and may result in forgetting crucial items, such as passports, tickets, and confirmation codes. By having bags packed in advance, you can quickly throw everything in the trunk of your car and head to the airport feeling confident that you have everything you need!
3. Rent Baby Gear
If you are traveling with babies or small children, avoid the unnecessary headache of lugging a trolley full of baby gear through TSA by renting baby essentials such as car seats and strollers from a BabyQuip Quality Provider once you have arrived at your destination. A local Quality Provider can even deliver these items to you at the airport. That is literally a load off your back!
Best Way To Avoid Travel Anxiety When Flying With Kids
1. Pack Snacks
Pack your child’s favorite snacks to munch on during the flight. You won’t have to flag down a flight attendant when your child is getting hungry and agitated. Not sure what to pack? Get a list of the best (simple and healthy) travel snacks.
2. Use Noise Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are great for both your child as well as surrounding passengers – your little one gets to listen to their favorite shows, without distracting other passengers.
3. Download Apps
Download popular interactive age-appropriate apps to keep young children entertained and to give parents a much-needed break! Along with keeping kids entertained there are many family apps that can make family travel easier.
4. Watch A Movie
Most flights have in-flight movies and headphones available to pass the time and keep little ones entertained. You can also download your kids’ favorite movie to watch in-flight.
5. Pack A Surprise
Pack small books or toys that your children don’t already have at home and “surprise” them with these new gadgets before crankiness or temper tantrums kick in!
Best Tips For Cost-Effective and Family-Friendly Travel
In the past, family travel was often considered to be an out-of-reach luxury due to the ever-rising cost of hotels and resorts. Fortunately, with the introduction of more affordable and family-friendly options, we don’t need to have a fear of traveling.
1. Book Accommodations From A Rental Platform
Rental platforms such as Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO have made family travel a much more realistic endeavor that doesn’t have to eat up your life savings. You generally have much more space than a hotel room and at a fraction of the cost.
2. Recreate The Comforts Of Home
One main perk of securing a short-term rental property is that it allows you the freedom to recreate the comforts of home while you are away. Many property hosts work with baby gear rental companies such as BabyQuip to offer items for babies and children that can be ready for you when you arrive. Items may include toys to keep kids entertained, cribs and white noise machines to ensure baby gets restful sleep, high chairs and booster chairs for infants and toddlers, as well as helpful items such as sippy cups and bottle warmers. You can even rent water tables and outdoor toys to provide your little ones with hours of imaginative play!
3. Use Air Miles
This is the time to use all of those airline miles you have been saving up! Avoid the financial stress of travel and book your flight using airline miles.
Common Questions About Travel Anxiety
1. What Is Travel Anxiety?
According to Calm Clinic, “travel anxiety is a very common and complex issue, causing people to feel anxious or depressed when preparing for a trip and the subsequent weeks leading it up to it. Some people have an underlying fear of travel, which manifests as anxiety in the lead-up to a trip. Some travelers have an open fear of flying that causes stress, others are influenced by travel ‘horror’ stories they’ve heard from others, and some people worry about things like packing or missing home. If you experience general anxiety, that can also increase your chances of experiencing pre-travel anxiety.”
2. Is Travel Anxiety Common?
Travel anxiety is fairly common, with the fear of flying generally being the number one source of travel anxiety.
3. Can Travel Anxiety Cause Diarrhea?
Anxiety symptoms are different for everyone, however, travel anxiety can lead to diarrhea as well as nausea, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, restlessness, agitation and chest pain, and even panic attacks. If you are experiencing severe diarrhea, contact your primary care physician to rule anything serious out.
Jennifer O’Neill is an Independent Quality Provider with BabyQuip, helping families travel lighter and happier. She is a mother of two boys and enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends and of course, traveling.
This is helpful. My son, even though he’s still pretty young is terrified of flying. I have tried several things. This is helpful.
People who really have travel anxiety know how hard it is to travel. It’s almost debilitating but I’m willing to try these suggestions.
I think it is also important to note that getting to the airport far enough in advance is essential to relieving some anxiety. It is bad stressing about getting to the gate in time.