Author: Rachel Slifka / Source: Wise Bread
Is fear holding you back from your dream of traveling the globe? You’re not alone.
Seeing the world sounds glamorous, but fear and anxiety can put a major damper on your travel plans. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 31 percent of adults in the U.
S. experience anxiety disorders at some point in their lifetime. Traveling forces you to leave the comforts of home and your daily routines and exposes you to many new situations, which can trigger anxiety.But traveling can also be good for your mind, body, and soul, and though it won’t cure your anxiety, there are many ways to prevent your anxiety from ruining your travel goals. (See also: 7 Common Travel Myths That People Need to Stop Believing)
1. Do your homework
Research is key to lessening your travel fears. The more you can learn about a place before you go, the more comfortable you’ll feel once you arrive.
Before you depart, check out the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs for information regarding your destination. They outline exactly what you need in order to enter each country and any travel advisories that are currently in effect. Further, they provide detailed instructions in the event of an emergency while abroad. While no one likes to plan for emergencies, they can happen. Ease some of your concerns by preparing yourself in advance.
Continue your research by checking out travel guides from your local library. These books, such as travel guides by Rick Steves (American author and travel expert), provide up-to-date travel information. In fact, many books will tell you which sites to see and what to avoid. And make sure you check out some travel blogs, as travel bloggers outline their trips in great detail, which can be helpful while you plan your own vacation. (See also: 5 of the Safest Countries to Visit in 2018)
2. Arm yourself with helpful apps
Nothing is worse than feeling unprepared in an unfamiliar place. For instance, maybe a local asks you a question in a different language, and you aren’t sure how to respond. You can prepare yourself by bringing a pocket-size dictionary, or…
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