Prime travel season is just around the corner and while you’re in need of a break from your normal life, there’s this inner fear or panic that prevents you from getting as excited as you should be. The idea of traveling outside of your comfort zone makes you apprehensive. Whether it’s the thought of getting on a plane, meeting new people, or even trying new things, it can make you feel insecure, afraid, and, unfortunately, not thrilled about getting away.

Canceling your trip or avoiding far off destinations, however, deprives you of being able to get the full experience of a vacation. You miss out on the opportunity to learn more about the world around you and quite frankly, discover more about yourself. Traveling helps to improve your mood, reduce stress, ignite creativity, and cultivate bonds. If your anxiety has been holding you back, here are some tips to get past it so that you can have an amazing time:

Travel with Friends or Family

For someone with travel anxiety, going it alone only makes you a bit more fearful. Instead, try planning trips with individuals you feel comfortable with like your friends and family. Not only will their presence help to ease your nerves, but if they’re aware of your anxieties, they can be a source of help when you get fearful.

Bring Things That Provide Comfort

Try to prepare for your anxiety or panic attacks in advance by bringing things with you that provide comfort. If you’re afraid of flying, for instance, you might take a CBD supplement before boarding the plane to calm your nerves. (Does CBD show up on drug tests? Don’t worry, your job is safe as CBD is not a drug that is tested for.) You might also download your favorite list of music to listen to while traveling to your destination or bring along your favorite pillow and comforter for a better night sleep. Whatever helps to calm your nerves during travel (within reason) bring it with you.

Learn Relaxation Techniques

Having a few relaxation techniques up your sleeve is a good idea with travel anxiety. You never know when you might feel triggered, but you want to have a safe way to recenter and calm down. Meditation and positive affirmations are just two concepts that can be used to help reduce your anxieties. Taking a few deep breaths, refocusing your attention, and positively stating that everything is just fine can make a huge difference.

Plan a Detailed Trip

One of the biggest triggers for anxiety is fear of the unknown or lack of control. Though you can’t control every aspect of traveling, there are a lot of elements you can. Create an itinerary of things you’re going to do once you arrive, review the location’s public transportation schedules to get a clear idea of how you’ll get around, and learn as much as you can about the hotel you’re staying in or attractions you plan to visit. Knowing in advance where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, how to get around, what the culture is like, and more can greatly reduce your fears.

Whether you’ve been in an accident while traveling, are nervous about meeting new people, or are fearful of leaving where you’re most familiar, there are ways to get past it. There’s so much to benefit from by getting away from the norm, and you don’t want to let your anxiety get in the way. Utilizing the above-mentioned tips will help to ease some of those fears so that you can get away and have a great time.

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Getting the opportunity to travel outside of your native country is an amazing experience. It’s an occasion for you to explore a new culture and learn about the citizens. Yet, in order for you to truly enjoy your international journey, you’ll need to know in advance how to travel in a manner that is respectful to their customs. As you’re a guest in a foreign country, you don’t want to do anything that would offend locals or get you in any trouble. Therefore, here are some basic travel etiquette tips to keep in mind.

Learn the Lingo

You don’t have to become an expert in a foreign language but having some of the basic phrases down would be to your advantage. You should start by learning words like hello, goodbye, please, and thank you.

Watch Your Body Language

When there’s a communication barrier sometimes body language can be a great way to get across what you’re trying to say. That being said, your movements can be perceived differently depending on where you’re traveling. If you’re not sure what to say, silence or using objects may be the best way to work it out.

Be Mindful While Commuting

Whether you’re taking a bus, subway, or train it is important to be polite. Minimize phone conversations, cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze, keep available seating free and clear, allow elderly and pregnant passengers to get first dibs on seating, and allow passengers to get off and on the train without blocking their path.

Remember Manners at Restaurants

When eating at restaurants keep your table manners in mind. No slurping, belching, elbows on the table, or using the mobile phone during your meal. If you order something, do the best you can to finish the entire meal as it can be viewed as disrespectful to not finish what food is given to you in certain countries. If you happened to pack a vape starter kit, make sure you find a designated area to smoke (if it’s allowed at all).

Watch What You Wear

Depending on which country you’re traveling to, there are some things you should never wear. It is ideal to dress as modest and conservatively as possible. For women, wearing things like tank tops, shorts, skirts, or short-sleeve shirts may be an issue. Just as wearing country flags or attire with political statements on it isn’t recommended. Sneakers and open-toed shoes are also an issue in certain countries.

Mum’s the Word on Controversial Views

Every country is different when it comes to political, religious, and personal views. Most countries have their own histories and sensitivities. When talking out in public, it is recommended that you keep any controversial views to yourself. Whether you don’t agree with their practices, leadership, or way of life, this is not something to be discussed in front of locals who may become offended or infuriated.

International travel is truly an experience to broaden your horizons and see the world from a different point of view. Whether you’re traveling to Mexico, Africa, or the UK, it is important to make sure that you practice travel etiquette. Though it may seem like a lot to learn, the truth is you’re a guest in someone else’s home country and it is imperative that you respect it. Being a polite traveler not only keeps you safe but it ensures that you’re able to get a more positive traveling experience.

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