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Summer After the Pandemic: How to Travel Safely and Without Anxiety

As COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease in countries all over the world, there are many people looking to put their restlessness into action with vacations and travel. One study (of 2,500 Americans) found that 67% are planning to travel this summer. While the tourism industry needs the boost and many people are ready to give it one, not everyone is particularly eager to travel. Traveler’s anxiety was common before the pandemic, but now it has taken on another shape.

Families and friends want to get together now that it is safe, but how do we make traveling easier for those looking to reach further destinations? Therapists agree that this kind of apprehension is normal. In this article, we will be addressing the anxiety surrounding traveling post-pandemic and how to cope with the loosened restrictions.

Why You May Be Experiencing Post-Pandemic Anxiety

This time last year no one knew when the pandemic would end. We were given unrealistic expectations and many of us felt isolated and alone. Now, we have answers, but those answers may not necessarily be easy to accept. You may find yourself nervous to interact with others, even if you are both vaccinated. This is okay! We have gotten comfortable with a certain kind of lifestyle in the last two years; it can be difficult to get comfortable with the life we led before.

For many, COVID-19 has left us with trauma. A study in China found that 13% of participants were exhibiting symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). We watched places that once felt very safe (restaurants, friends’ houses, schools) become fundamentally unsafe. It can be hard to separate that these places are safe again. COVID-19 might be going away, however, it will never really leave our awareness.

You may find yourself avoiding crowds and fearing public spaces. Just because public health officials are not requiring masks or distancing does not mean you are necessarily ready to go grocery shopping before a major holiday. There was no real sense of closure, and for that, we are left feeling uneasy about many things. This could lead to social anxiety, and that can make seeing family and friends in smaller capacities harder too. While COVID-19 likely did not give you social anxiety, if you already struggled with this, it could make symptoms resurface.

How to Cope

Traveler’s anxiety can lead to isolation. It can be difficult when we see others traveling and not feel up to it yet. However, you are not alone in this feeling. Mental health professionals are calling this “reentry anxiety”, and according to the American Psychological Association (APA), almost half of the adult population is anxious about returning to in-person activities. There was little variation between the vaccinated and unvaccinated respondents. So, here are our 5 best tips on coping with this reentry anxiety:

1. Ease Into It.

Getting exposed to traveling in a safe way is easy and can help you get more comfortable with travel anxiety. You can practice by doing activities in your local area that you would do on a trip. This could be going to restaurants in your town that you used to frequent. This way you are getting back into it in a familiar setting.

Exposure therapy can help individuals manage anxiety and conquer his or her fears. Therapists have been using this technique for a while and will often ask their clients to write stories about their experiences so they can reframe them. You can do this on your own and it could help! You could also try exposing yourself to crowded places such as malls or grocery stores with a friend or family member and then visit alone. Start small, but the more you practice, the more confident you will be.

2. Set Boundaries.

Pressure from family and friends on how to spend your summer vacation may add to existing stress. Therapists agree that it is crucial to respect your own boundaries and share them with others so they can respect them too. We all have different comfort zones right now, so keep that in mind. Communicating clear, healthy boundaries is important in any relationship, so do not feel bad for doing this now. Who knows, you may find someone in your circle who feels the same way!

3. Learn and Identify Your Triggers.

Identifying what triggers your traveler’s anxiety is a big step in coping with it. This can help you learn proper coping skills. Ask yourself what it is that you are worried about with traveling. There is an anticipated lack of control that comes with taking a plane or public transportation, and this often triggers some anxiety. Accept that certain things are out of your hands and learn to cope with what is.

4. Consider a ‘Trial Run’ Trip.

Air travel induces anxiety in many people, even before the pandemic. Pick a destination that you are familiar with, have been to before, or is not far from home. This way you feel more comfortable and in your element. These ‘trial runs’ could be a few days or as long as you are comfortable!

When it comes to travel in these large public spaces, accept that you feel anxious, book shorter and direct flights when possible, and keep practicing the same healthy habits you would at home. For your first run, try booking a seat with a little more space or a row with someone you know. This can help ease anxiety surrounding travel by making yourself as comfortable as possible.

5. Pack Tools That Will Help Reduce Anxiety.

Packing for a vacation is often stressful. Identify what extra comforts and tools you need in your bag to ease your anxiety. Taking care of your physical and mental health makes the rest of the journey much easier. Medications, music, journals, and more are great comforts.

Try to focus on something you enjoy, such as a movie or a novel. This not only makes the clock move faster but can distract you from your feelings of stress or anxiety. If you find yourself feeling anxious, acknowledge it and give yourself a moment to work through it. Remind yourself why you wanted to take this trip and how much fun it will be. Coping with this travel anxiety involves planning ahead and looking forward to the experiences.

For more helpful tips and information, please read our: Socializing After the Pandemic, How Yoga and Meditation Influence Mental Health, and Strategies to Relieve Stress articles attached.

A Word From Mental Treat

Being worried and anxious is normal, as difficult as that may be to believe. We have all come out of the pandemic a little differently. We are all relearning how to reenter society and what ‘normal’ is. Events are safer, but that fear may linger. Take your time and be sensitive and understanding with yourselves and others.

If you are struggling with feelings of trauma, anxiety, social anxiety, or agoraphobia, there are many resources available. Please check the Mental Treat website to find a list of qualified, licensed mental health professionals. You can use our filters to find the specialist who fits all of your needs. The sooner you are able to get yourself feeling more comfortable, the sooner you can get back to the things you love. Be sure to communicate your boundaries with the people around you and go at your own pace. There is no rush. Take care, and be well.

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