I am leaving for Jamaica Friday, and today the travel anxiety kicked in full force.
I have a twinge of travel anxiety. Not the actual traveling part. I love to fly, I would fly home from work every day if they would let me. Turbulence doesn’t bother me as long as I have an in-flight movie and a cocktail.
My anxiety comes the few days before I leave. Which means today…
I’m really writing this post for myself , but maybe it will be helpful to others when they travel. Here are some of the things I get crazy anxiety about, and how I try to cope with them.
Problem: This Quart-Sized Bag NonsenseThe Quart-Size bag thing is hard enough by itself. However, when you are practically transparent, it is impossible. PALE PEOPLE WANT TO FLY TOO, OK! I need two quart size bags to accommodate all my sunscreen and need to speak to someone in TSA immediately.
Solution: Pack your quart-size bag a few days early.
(Like I did today.) Make sure it all fits and then DON’T put anything else in there. You don’t need the extra bottle of hairspray. (I’m talking to myself here.)
Problem: Packing One Carry-On
I always try to pack in a carry-on unless I’m going international for two months. However, I get anxiety every time about packing. I am a classic over packer, and I’m always worried my stuff won’t fit.
Solution: Lay everything out ahead of time.
Don’t add anything to your suitcase except the things you laid out. You planned ahead and strategically hand selected what you are going to wear every day. So at the last minute do not throw in two extra pairs of jeans and a fur vest. It won’t fit. Also, make sure that whatever you wear on the way there will fit in the carry-on on the way back.
Problem: Missing your flight.This is especially important for this trip, because if I miss my flight, I don’t get to go! I won this trip, so there are no refunds, replacements, or anything else.
Solution: Check in early!Most flights let you check in the day before, so you should do that. Also, print your boarding pass early. Oh and get there early.
Problem: Anything else that could go wrong.
Solution: Call your mom. She fixes everything.
What gives you anxiety about traveling and how do you fix it?
I used to get the worst anxiety for flights but I've been a lot better now that I have to travel for work each month. I am always early for things. I will spend an extra hour waiting in the airport to alleviate the stress of rushing to a flight.
Me too! I have to get there two hours early to feel calm…
Enjoy Jamaica!
Haha Good for you for taking only a carry-on! My style of packing consists of throwing everything I own into a suitcase. No way to forget something if I pack everything, right!? I think my biggest fear is being late. I feel so much better once I'm through security on time and can just relax and start to enjoy my holiday!
So many good tips!! Laying everything out ahead of time is so important!
That is how I pack for road trips. I try to do better when I'm flying…it doesn't always work. I flew this summer and had to sit on my carry-on to get it to close. I wouldn't recommend it…
It definitely makes it easier!