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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is it normal to feel this anxious before a holiday

57 replies

goggly20 · 04/08/2026 09:56

Due to go abroad this Saturday. I feel so anxious that something might go wrong this week to prevent us going. This morning my dd said she had a sore throat and already I’ve catastrophised this into the start of some terrible illness that will stop us going (she is fine within herself). I am constantly on edge thinking someone will get ill or something will go wrong and we won’t be able to go. Logically I know this is completely pointless and worrying won’t solve or prevent anything.

I think because it’s our one holiday of the year and we all look forward to it so much it just plays on my mind. Also a bit overwhelmed from trying to get everyone packed and ready while working. Is anyone else like this? What can I do to just chill and look forward to it? At the moment the lead up to it is the worst part when I should be excited and happy to go.

OP posts:
thenewaveragebear1983 · 04/08/2026 18:20

I’m breaking up on Friday for 2 weeks and I have been really tearful all day, I think I am just so tired and just looking forward to it so much that it just becomes a bit overwhelming. And yes, I catastrophise about every possible thing that could go wrong, more because I don’t want my kids to be disappointed

YorkshirePuddingsGreatestFan · 04/08/2026 18:39

I do this. So far I've worried about:

Being booted out of our pre-booked plane seats to accommodate a family who didn't bother paying for seats.

Luggage not arriving with us.

Delays on the journey so we arrive really late and miss something we've got booked on the first evening.

Pre-booked taxi not turning up to collect us after an evening event in a nearby city, leaving us stranded.

Checked which hospital takes the UK Global Health card just in case.

I've travelled loads and nothing serious has ever happened. Even on the trip where the luggage didn't make it until the following day, I managed with the clean undies, spare t-shirt and mini toiletries that I always take in my hand luggage just in case!

wildnwilde · 04/08/2026 18:54

Ahhh this is me I always worry Sen child will find passports and rip /draw in them 😬🙄 tbh I spend most of the holiday being anxious then book another as soon as I'm home 🫣

MerryUmberHedgehog · 04/08/2026 18:55

Big glass of wine!

malificent7 · 04/08/2026 19:14

I feel like this...i want nothing to get in my way and I worry in case we have an accident/ fire or the like.
This year I had my pre holiday meltdown about driving early to the airport in case we were too tired and crashed!

goggly20 · 04/08/2026 20:37

MerryUmberHedgehog · 04/08/2026 18:55

Big glass of wine!

Excellent advice. I’m glad it’s not just me. I hope I can level myself out. I’m still worried about dd sore throat even though she seems fine now, and I also had some dental issues recently so I’m scared that will flare up again soon. I’m sure I’ll be fine once we get there but it’s such a shame I can’t just enjoy the build up to it like a normal person.

OP posts:
PrincessHoneysuckle · 04/08/2026 21:27

Netcurtainnelly · 04/08/2026 13:30

No pain no gain.

True.

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