I’m about to embark on a long journey, and let me tell you something, I’ve been anxious about it for days.

I’m talking trouble sleeping, lack of appetite, and even nightmares about missing my flight!

As someone who traveled extensively in my younger years without a second thought, I’ve been wondering—why does travel make me so anxious now?

It turns out that people who experience travel anxiety often share certain traits, and these characteristics can trigger the nerves that flare up before a big trip.

I can personally relate to most of these eight common traits, and if you find yourself dreading long journeys, you likely will too.

Join me as we dive into some eye-opening insights that might just help you better understand and manage your own pre-travel anxiety.

1) Overthinkers

You know the type, right?

Those who think, then rethink, and then think some more about every possible scenario that could occur on their journey.

Overthinking is a common trait among people who feel anxious before embarking on a long journey.

They meticulously plan every detail, from packing their suitcase to choosing the best route, and even preparing for potential hiccups along the way.

While it’s great to be prepared, overthinking can escalate manageable concerns into full-blown anxiety. It creates a cycle where the fear of potential problems becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

So if you find yourself worrying excessively about your upcoming journey, remember that it’s okay to let go of some control.

Try to trust in your ability to handle challenges as they come, rather than preemptively stressing about them. After all, that’s all part of the adventure!

2) Uncertainty-haters

I’ve seen it in myself.

Whenever I’m about to embark on a journey, especially a long one, I can’t stand not knowing exactly what’s going to happen. It’s the uncertainty of it all that really gets to me.

This characteristic of hating uncertainty is common among people who experience travel anxiety.

The thought of being in an unfamiliar environment, without a clear idea of what’s going to happen next, can be quite unnerving.

I remember one time when I was traveling across Europe by train. The lack of a proper schedule and the unpredictability of the journey was initially a source of great anxiety for me.

I’d find myself constantly checking the train schedule, double-checking my luggage, and worrying about missed connections.

Over time, however, I learned to embrace this uncertainty. I realized that it’s these unplanned moments, these unexpected twists and turns, that often lead to the most memorable experiences.

So if you’re like me and hate uncertainty, try to see it as an opportunity for adventure rather than a cause for anxiety.

3) Sensitivity to physical sensations

People who feel anxious before a long journey often have a heightened awareness of their physical sensations.

They may perceive normal bodily functions like heartbeats, breaths, or stomach rumbles as signs of impending doom.

A study in the Journal of Behavior Therapy found that individuals with panic disorder, a condition that often includes travel anxiety, were more aware of their bodily sensations and perceived them as more threatening than those without the disorder.

This sensitivity can turn a simple car ride or flight into an overwhelming sensory experience.

If this happens to you, try to take deep breaths and remind yourself that it’s natural to feel a bit uncomfortable during long journeys. The body is simply responding to change, and it’s not a sign of danger.

4) Perfectionists

Perfectionism is another trait commonly found among those who feel anxious before a long journey.

The desire for everything to go exactly as planned can create a lot of stress, especially when it comes to travel where unpredictability is often the norm.

Perfectionists tend to have high standards for themselves and for their experiences. They want every aspect of their journey to go smoothly, without any glitches or hiccups.

The truth is, no journey is perfect. There are always going to be minor setbacks and changes in plans.

It’s important to remind ourselves that these moments don’t ruin the whole experience, but rather add to the uniqueness of the journey.

5) Empaths

Empathy is a beautiful trait. It allows us to connect with others on a deep level, to feel their joys and their pains.

But for those of us who are highly empathic, it can also be a source of anxiety, especially when traveling.

Empaths often pick up on the emotions and energy of people around them. This can be overwhelming in crowded environments like airports or train stations.

The collective stress, excitement, and fatigue of hundreds or thousands of travelers can create a tidal wave of emotion that leaves the empath feeling drained.

If you’re an empath who gets anxious before a long journey, remember to take care of yourself.

Practice grounding techniques, carry items that bring you comfort, and don’t hesitate to take a moment for yourself when things get overwhelming.

6) Control enthusiasts

There’s something comforting about being in control, about knowing what’s going to happen next.

But travel, especially long journeys, often means surrendering some of that control.

I’m guilty of this. I love having a plan and sticking to it.

Spontaneity? Not so much.

The idea of missing a flight or losing my luggage can keep me awake at night or cause nightmares.

This need for control is common among those who feel anxious before a long journey.

The unpredictability of travel can feel threatening, especially to someone who likes to have every detail mapped out.

But here’s what I’ve learned: it’s okay to lose control sometimes. In fact, it’s often in these moments of unexpected change that we grow the most.

7) Detail-oriented

Being detail-oriented is a fantastic trait. It allows you to catch things that others might miss, to plan thoroughly, and to ensure everything is in order.

However, when it comes to long journeys, this attention to detail can sometimes morph into anxiety.

People who are detail-oriented often spend a lot of time focusing on every aspect of their journey.

From the time they should leave their house to catch the flight, to what they should pack, and even the weather forecast for their destination.

While it’s great to be prepared, obsessing over every little detail can create unnecessary stress. 

Try to focus on the big picture instead.

Remember that minor details are just that – minor. They won’t make or break your journey, and it’s okay if not everything goes exactly as planned.

8) The worrywarts

At the core of travel anxiety often lies a fundamental trait: worry.

Worry about what could go wrong, worry about the unknown, worry about leaving the comfort of the familiar.

Worrywarts, as they’re sometimes affectionately known, have a tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios and dwell on them.

This can turn even the most exciting journey into a source of stress and anxiety.

Here’s the thing though: worry is a natural response to perceived threats or uncertainties.

But it’s just that – a perception. It’s not an accurate predictor of reality.

If you’re a worrywart about to embark on a long journey, remember this: most of the things you worry about will never happen. 

Embracing the journey

If you recognize yourself in any of these eight characteristics, know that it’s okay, it’s perfectly human. 

There are ways to manage and ease those pre-travel jitters, whether it’s learning to embrace the uncertainty of travel or finding ways to soothe your mind before a trip.

The more you understand your anxiety, the more you can take control and find ways to enjoy the experience of travel once again.

It’s okay to feel nervous—just don’t let it stop you from exploring the world.