Am I going to regret this?

[Scaredycax]

I have a phobia of flying; I've flown several times in my life, even lived in another country, but I have not flown in 5 years after having a panic attack on the plane.

Since then, I've had hundreds of dreams about being in falling planes and even about planes falling on the house.

I've since had 2 DCs and seem to have made a subconscious decision to holiday in England, rather than address my phobia. I rarely holidayed in England as a child and have uncovered some beautiful places on our doorstep over the last few years with my family.

However, I love other cultures and languages, exploring new places and I am concerned that I am going to look back on my life and hugely regret this.

I have explored the options of addressing my phobia but I am worried about not having this phobia anymore, getting on a plane and it killing us. I know how crazy and far-fetched this sounds.

DS has been learning about holidays and air-travel at nursery and he keeps asking to go on a plane. Am I going to regret holding everyone back by holidaying in England? I have fond memories of spanish holidays as a child, am I robbing them of aomefhing brilliant or are English holidays enough?

Personally, I do think you need to face your phobia. Kids learn so much by seeing the world. Plus you don't want to subconsciously pass your phobia on to them. They should get used to flying from a young age.
Maybe you could start with a really short journey say to France then ferry it back? That way you can face your fear a little but enjoy the holiday by not having to fly back. Then maybe next time fly there and back? Repetition also helps. Go on holiday a couple of times to the same country with the same airline so you feel familiar and at ease with the journey.

You probably should address your phobia with a psychologist but until then you're hardly prevented from having international holidays by not being able to fly. Just jump on a train.

I'm with you op on this. I've flown loads in my life. But now since terrorism, and in the news also flights failing and crashing, the thought of falling from the sky with my children beside me horrifies me. If it were just me, I would just get in with it. I know it's highly unlikely. But it's still a possibility. I know it's statistically safer than road travel, but in a car it's more sudden and your chances of surviving are greater.
I have flown with my children but I genuinely found it stressful. By myself, it doesnt bother me at all.
I'm sure there is therapy out there to help you. Channel tunnel if not or ferry.