For many of us, travelling can be a source of anxiety. Whether it's delayed transport, overcrowded streets, or encounters with officious bureaucrats, there are numerous triggers that can leave us feeling overwhelmed. According to travel expert and author, the causes of travel anxiety are far more complex and multifaceted, linked to ecological degradation, cultural miscommunication, and the complexities of personal identity and experience.
Research for the author's new book, The Years of Travelling Anxiously, has led to several writers, philosophers, and psychologists whose insights offer remedies to travel anxiety. Here are five ways to calm your nerves while travelling:
Firstly, prioritise your urban wellbeing. Psychologist Colin Ellard suggests seeking out green spaces, smooth-edged architecture, and natural light when arriving in a new place. This can help mitigate the effects of urban stress and promote mental and physical health. The French cultural theorist Paul Virilio adds that the modern metropolis' turbo pace and information overload can result in psychological dislocation, making it essential to take time to unwind and recharge.
Secondly, educate yourself against communication breakdowns. The sociologist Debbie Lisle argues that cross-cultural communication can be a significant source of anxiety, particularly for those who are not familiar with different cultures or societies. By getting familiar with accounts such as Orientalism, privileged westerners can start to acknowledge, address, and engage with their ethical and political responsibility to the other.
Thirdly, accept anxiety as a necessary condition for freedom and personal growth. The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard believed that anxiety is a necessary condition for our freedom, and that those who are too comfortable or complacent may miss out on the opportunity for personal growth and development. Tom Waits' song, 'The Ocean Doesn't Want You Back', captures this idea, suggesting that the pursuit of freedom and adventure is often more important than the destination.
Fourthly, address eco-anxiety through climate activism and awareness of human-nature dependency. Flying contributes to 2.5-3% of global carbon emissions, yet only 4-5% of the world's population travel by plane nearly every year. The economist Alessandro Capocchi and colleagues argue that overtourism brings waste, pollution, soil erosion, and destruction of natural habitats, making it essential to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainable travel practices.
Finally, recognise the complexities of personal identity and experience in travel. The author notes that travel can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth, but it can also be a source of anxiety and discomfort. By acknowledging and accepting these complexities, we can take steps to mitigate our anxiety and make the most of our travel experiences.