I feel so anxious about going on holiday

[Sadsister224]

I only go on holiday about once a year but I get like this every time and I'm sick of it. I feel so anxious about everything.

• getting to the airport
• missing the flight
• forgetting to pack something
• not being fun/good enough company for whoever I'm going with

To name a few. How can I stop being like this??? I'm already on anti depressants and in counselling.

Don't go if you don't enjoy it.

I enjoy it when I'm there

Isn't it just a normal part of life?

Make plans that have wiggle room e.g airport hotel the night before, enough money to buy anything you forgot to bring, make a packing list and pack well in advance so its not as stressful.

The company one is trickier to plan for, but if you're more relaxed then I'm sure you'll be fine. Maybe the odd game - have a deck of cards for instance.

Go to the airport the day before
Stay at an airport hotel
Anything you get, you can buy at yiur destinatio
If you enjoy it when you get there so will your companions.

No. Going on holiday is one of the most exciting days of my year.

(Or used to be; now it's rubbish as we only ever go to the UK due to various family issues - including DH ruining foreign holidays due to his travel anxiety)

Maybe break it down i to small parts eg.
Worrying about paperwork. Just concentrate on that. Make a list and date when things need to be done by. Set alarms if you need to. Ti k off when they are done.
Same with packing. Make a list. Write where things are eg medication in main suitcase. Passport in handbag.
Next thing. Concentrate on getting to the airport. Work back wards with timings. Eg gate shuts at 16:00hrs., need to get through security 1 hour to airport,1 hour to park and get the shuttle , airport one hour away therefore need to leave at 12:30 ( or whatever, you get the jist)

Don't over plan but have some ideas of what you would like to do eg have a look on get your guide or use AI trip planner for ideas. Ask friend/ partner /whoever what they fancy doing.
Finally relax and enjoy.
Do t look at the whole picture, just manageable bits.
Always go and have a fab time.
Also travel when ever you can! It'll get easier.

Also the things you've listed can all be fixed.....what if you miss your flight? Okay then maybe you get put on a later flight.

What if you forget to pack something? Well you can probably source it in the airport or at your destination

Also, make lists of essentials, do them on the computer so you can carry them forward from trip to trip.

Print off several copies and reference and tick off, keep one in your purse so if you think of something that needs added to your list you can.

I always get a bit anxious too when travelling. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport early and then you can chill and have a meal/coffee/do a bit of shopping and take your time.

Forgetting to pack something - as long as you've got passport/relevant paperwork (I always have a little clear plastic envelope and check a million times that I've got everything in there!) anything else you've forgotten to pack can be bought either at the airport or at your destination. I used to get so stressed on family trips to visit PIL abroad for 3 weeks. Then I just thought, bugger packing toiletries/toothbrushes/toothpaste etc for a family of 7, I'll just go to the supermarket and buy it when I get there! Saved me a lot of stress!

Finally, I'm sure that whoever you're going away with is going on holiday with you because they like you and enjoy your company - just be yourself and try not to think you have to be a superfun person all the time! It's your anxious brain telling you you're not good enough company - remember that and keep affirming to yourself that you are good company and you're going to have a good time when you get there!

I think acceptance of the nerves, acceptance of the thoughts and just try and be ok with being nervous and being worried.

It's perfectly ok, it's normal to feel anxious, so when the thoughts pop into your head just sit and listen and let them. You don't need to act on the thoughts or do anything.

I feel so much better if I'm in a panic if I just sit down chat to my brain and say "what, what do you want" and just maybe focus on why you feel this way, instead of trying to shut the thoughts down. Let them be ok.

Who are u travelling with? I'm anxious by myself but not if I'm travelling with DH or friends. My issue is being solely responsible for everything especially at an airport.

I think the fact you recognise what you’re like before, but also that you enjoy it once there, is helpful. Just accept that you get all stressy because you’re going to be that way no matter how organised and prepared you are.

i could list all of the things that have happened to us regarding travel over the years, from stolen money and passports to missed flights. And everything in between. None of them drastically spoiled anything.

Yes this - it is for many, OP! I worry about disasters etc (actual disasters, not simply forgetting passport etc). As you enjoy it once you’re there, just power through.

Why are you worrying about a completely normal pre-holiday feeling? It’s normal to feel nervous/excited before a holiday. It’s completely normal to have a nervous/excited feeling in your tummy every time you think about a holiday on the build up. It’s this kind of feeling that spurs us on to check and re-check passports, insurance etc - it’s a useful feeling.

It sounds like you’re interpreting this feeling as harmful or irregular when it’s neither.

As others have said I think it is part of the build up to the holiday and travelling. I am very similar but have got a little better by prior planning:
Be realistic about travelling time to the airport and/or stay overnight the night before
Create a list of must have items that you need to take including outfits, toiletries etc. think through one day at a time and what will you need
Remind yourself that you can usually buy most things at your destination (if you've forgotten something) or pre-order things that can be picked up air side from Boots
Don't worry about being entertaining - make sure you have things that will entertain and relax you eg books, podcasts downloaded etc
Set boundaries with those you are going with - if you don't want to walk 5kms a day tell them, if you want to lie and read a book all day tell them, if you aren't up for late nights let them know.

Holidays are luxuries and well earned so need to be enjoyed