So, you’re going to be heading out on your first tour abroad soon. It’s all so exciting, and there are a lot of things to prepare beforehand. In addition to getting what you need, packing, making sure everything is ready to go with your tour – well, that stuff is easy. After all, once this stuff is already prepared, all you need to do is wait until the day of departure. Unfortunately, that’s not as easy as it sounds. It’s one thing to pack your suitcase and double check your flight times. It’s another thing to tell your nerves to settle down.
We’ve all been there. Whenever there’s a big trip planned, it can make people anxious in all sorts of ways. While excitement is part of it, anxiety can often take over, causing the body to do some weird things. Anxiety – even if it’s good – can be stressful on the body. Of course, stress can weaken the immune system and ultimately cause you to not feel your best self, and even get sick. And, that’s the last thing anyone needs before going on a tour.
Does this sound like you? Then, here’s how to cope with the pre-tour anxiety.
Get the Easy Stuff Out of the Way
Some people stress about packing, but really, that’s the easiest part. If you’re someone who starts to panic whenever it comes time to pack for a trip, then there is really only one solution – pack as early as possible. Make tons of checklists and make a rule for yourself that you’ll have the suitcase by the door, ready to go, at least two days before your trip. There are too many people that pack the night before they go somewhere, and although experienced travelers may be used to this, it’s not wise for someone who tends to experience a lot of anxiety before a trip.
Keep Yourself Distracted
It’s probably hard not to think about going on your trip every waking moment of the day. You’re probably dreaming about it in your sleep, too – that’s if you can even manage to sleep at all. While some of these thoughts are nice to have, other thoughts can cause you to feel worrisome.
“What if something goes wrong?”
“What if I oversleep the day of my flight?”
These thoughts aren’t fun to have and can increase the amount of stress on your body. To avoid them, keep yourself distracted with other activities as much as possible.
Take Some Vitamin C
Since anxiety can take a toll on you, you need to keep your defenses strong. Take some Vitamin C tablets, stock up on the tea, get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, and do daily exercise. You’re going to be tired the day you depart, and you need to put your health first no matter what. The more you rest now, the less likely it is that you will get sick later on.
RELAX!
Okay, you’ve likely already heard this too much. But, it’s important. Everything is going to go just fine, and you’re going to have an AMAZING time. Try to keep remembering this as much as you can, and if you start to feel anxious, take a few deep breaths, remind yourself of happy thoughts, and keep it cool!
Do you experience a lot of anxiety before going on a trip, even if you’ve traveled countless times?
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in Mexico and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
