Going on holiday tomorrow...why oh why do I feel so anxious??

[SweetPotatoAndPeanutStew]

I'm excited about the holiday. Been planned for ages and looking forward to it.

But since Covid times I've become increasingly anxious being away from home overnight. I guess home just became our safe space and I am a home bird at heart.

We're leaving early in the morning and (ridiculous I know), I just feel increasingly anxious...about the journey, about something happening to one of us whilst we're away, about the weather, you name it.

I am a long time anxiety sufferer but normally have it very well controlled and haven't felt anxious in many many months.

I know it's ridiculous and I can't do much about some elements, but I'm just sat here feeling like I want to just stay home.

Anyone else feel the same?! It is it just me

Nope - me too. Currently on holiday but find the whole thing stressful! I love my routine

I'm always the same, the more stages to the journey the worse I get - more chances or delay or losing luggage, or a child! Packing and forgetting something stress me too. I always suss out medical clinics and hospitals too before I arrive for peace of mind. Unfortunately I've had to avail before so it gives me peace of mind now to know how far we are, what hours they open etc.

I often feel like I'd rather be anywhere but on holiday before going away, but then once away I really want to go back

*don't want to go back because the time away is so special with the family!!!

I'm dreadful before holidays, visiting all the what ifs you can think of. I don't sleep for a couple of nights before we go. I'm usually fine once we arrive. Good luck.

I'm exactly the same. It's a horrible start to the holiday. It's why we tend to go to the same places as I know when the flights are, I'm familiar with the destination airport and for coming home.

Yes this is me every single time, whether we are staying in the UK or going further afield. Once I am actually there I am fine but during the 48 hours leading up to it the stress builds.

Be kind to yourself, going on holiday is stressful for a lot of us, so try to just roll with it. I find planning and organising as much as I can helps, and dont feel silly, it's perfectly natural to feel like this as far as I am concerned!

Thanks all.

I feel so silly - I'm mid 40s, a job where I'm required to be sensible and grown up...mother of two...several pets.

Why can't I chill the fuck out about a holiday to a very well developed country in Europe?!

Glad I'm not the only one though. You've all been very reassuring thank you.

I'm sure it'll all be fabulous!

I've never been on holiday but I get like this even if I'm just away from home for two nights. I worry about delays, the hotel being overbooked, injuring myself (I have a health condition which means I fall over a lot), something happening at home while I'm away... God knows what I'd be like if I went on an actual holiday, or abroad. I'd be so anxious I probably wouldn't even enjoy it!

I also think it's so much worse since I've had kids. They're late primary/early secondary now so in theory much easier etc but I still worry!!!

I used to adore travelling/holidays and since COVID I've gone a bit mad and booked a ton of holidays - 2 long-hauls last year, a few shorter ones (<5 days), then a big road trip round Europe this year. However, I've increasingly noticed I feel anxious before and during the holiday, and I'm enjoying them less and less. It's basically because I just want to stay home. I'm not normally an anxious person either.

I think it's a combination of COVID, accommodation seeming to get crapper every year for more money (has anyone else noticed this?), extending our house to be just how we want it, already live in a lovely location, got a job I actually enjoy for the first time ever (at the age of 49!), older DD leaving home so our hols no longer feel like "family" hols, but still need to cater for younger DD. The vagaries of the weather (too hot, too cold) - just don't have to worry about it if I stay home.

I'm actually quite pleased that I've gone off holidays - it should save me a ton of money and help the environment.

You’re not alone! I think Covid got us used to a smaller life and made us more risk averse. I was anxious before I went on a plane earlier this year but once I experienced it, everything was fine and I realised how much I’d missed travelling abroad. Try some box breathing (in and hold, out and hold) and see if that helps calm you.

I am deranged for the day or two before a holiday. I always feel a huge weight of responsibility, because I’ve always booked everything, and I suddenly worry it’s going to go wrong/be awful. Am always fine after my first night’s sleep.

I can be like this, and know plenty of other people like it too. I also have friends & family who go away all the time, they love it.

I don't think this I feel so silly - I'm mid 40s, a job where I'm required to be sensible and grown up...mother of two...several pets has anything to do with it. Some people just like their routines.

I am the same. I never used to be like this - even holidays with my two when they were younger (baby and toddler years) never phased me.
now, post covid I hate going abroad - packing and flights and airports and transfers etc are all
such a hassle I’d rather stay at home. But then I force myself to get a grip and tell myself I’ll enjoy it when I’m there. Usually after I’ve had a glass of wine :).

I needed to read this, thank you. I was previously a holiday lover through and through. But after taking ill last year and now worrying about a sick parent the joy seems to have been robbed, we are about to embark on a longer trip and u really don't want to go. But holidays are my joy. Or they always were.

I'm the same before a holiday and even though I've organised everything I still can't help have a KEVIN!! moment at least once. Fine once the plane takes off.

I know...it's just I feel so silly and like I need to man up! I can manage pretty much all areas of my life, I just wish I could be excited like many others manage to be!

My mum is sick actually which I don't think has helped...there's no reason by anything at all should happen to her in the week we are away but I think it is in the back of my mind...and adds to the whole life is fragile mindset. Gah!

A holiday is not something to manage! It is an optional thing humans do if they feel they want to.

Also you can't force excitement.

I'm sure you'll have a fine time but don't bully yourself emotionally, if you're not feeling it that's OK.

@IcanandIwill Yes this is how I feel, and for the past 18 months I've been booking more and more holidays thinking that I must have just booked the wrong place/accommodation/unlucky weather on the last one. But then on my latest holiday I had an epiphany, and realised I've changed, and I just want to stay home, and that's OK. I'm actually really pleased that this realisation has dawned on me. Life will be so much easier without holidays.

@calmcoco the stupid thing is, I also have a strong urge to see more of the world!! It's like opposing forces

Yep, going on holiday practically gives me a nervous breakdown. Worse if there's an airport involved.

I’m exactly the same. I get so anxious I could be sick. I love holidays and I’m fine once I get there, it’s just the build up.

I think there are so many things that could go wrong, get the flight time wrong, can’t find the car park, stuck at security for hours. And I do worry about the house too.

I'm the same. I always really look forward to my holidays, until they arrive and suddenly I'm an anxious mess. Then I find myself counting down the days to get back home to my own bed 🙈