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What is Travel Anxiety?
And some gentle reminders
About a week or so before any given trip, I experience something known as Travel Anxiety, or “the fear of visiting an unfamiliar place.”
What is most difficult for me, is being away from home and without my things, things I might need for the thousands of scenarios I’ve made up in my head.
Aside from overthinking and dealing with intrusive thoughts, other symptoms of travel anxiety include:
- Loss of sleep as the trip date approaches
- Stomachaches, headaches, muscle tension
- Loss of appetite, or overeating
- Pacing or fidgeting
- Making lists of what is needed far in advance
- Starting to pack far in advance
Aside from trouble sleeping, I experience all of these symptoms and more.
The onset of my travel anxiety
I first noticed my travel anxiety in college. While living in my studio apartment, it was the first time all of my belongings were with me…safe and protected; it was the first time I had a home to call my own — a sanctuary I could escape to whenever I needed.
Anytime I left for holidays, or even small getaways, I’d feel restless and…
