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Champion June 2019

Honeymoon with a lot of travel anxiety?

Gen, on July 3, 2018 at 4:25 PM Posted in Honeymoon 0 11

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So I love love love being on vacation in new places but I also hate the act of traveling itself... I have really bad anxiety and the stress of traveling always gets to me really badly. We’re trying to figure out what to do about our honeymoon, and I’m so torn. On one hand, I want to go somewhere adventurous where I’ve never been before (we’re thinking maybe Italy) but on the other hand, the idea of traveling so far, to somewhere new and with a language I don’t speak is feeling like it may cause me more anxiety than relaxation, and I want to be able to relax on my honeymoon! I’m wondering if we should do some sort of tropical destination instead... will still have to deal with air travel but at least it’ll be relaxing when we’re there.

On the other hand, FFIL is giving us a huge amount of miles to cover our flight wherever we want to go, and I feel like this is a rare occurrence where our bosses would be ok with us actually taking a full 2 weeks off, since it’s our honeymoon. I feel like we should take advantage of the free flights and the 2 weeks off, and go somewhere far and adventurous! But at the same time, it’s causing me so much stress 😥

Any suggestions about what to do?

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11 Comments

Latest activity by Kate, on July 6, 2018 at 11:12 AM

Super October 2017
Raina · on July 3, 2018 at 4:29 PM
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My FIL really hates traveling in general and has a lot of anxiety when it comes to flying. He also suffers from claustrophobia. He went to his doctor and he prescribed him a pill to calm down the anxiety as well as get rid of his claustrophobia. See if maybe your doctor could have insights to help ease you when it comes to travelling. I would really hate to see your honeymoon take a back seat because of it.
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Master August 2018
Kristina · on July 3, 2018 at 4:33 PM
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I'm sorry you suffer from travel anxiety- I do too! My digestive system ALWAYS gets messed up when flying and I always get so nervous before I get on the plane!
I don't normally like to advocate for pills, but have you tried taking anything to curb your anxiety? My mom is actually giving my half a xanax on the wedding day because I know I'll be super nervous and that'll help relax me. She has bad anxiety and so do I, and she says this stuff works SO well. And I'm sure there's alternatives to that particular pill, but maybe, since you want to go somewhere new, you can take something just to take the edge off and enjoy yourself!
Of course, please consult with a doctor before starting any new medication, but it's something to think about! Essential oils like lavender are also pretty calming and can be applied to the skin with a roller. See if you and FH can think of games or something to do on the flight to calm your nerves, anything to keep your mind active and away from your worries.
And if you do decide on going somewhere foreign, invest in a language 101 book that will help you learn common phrases and such, and if you go to a more tourist-y part of the country, many locals may speak English too!
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Super October 2017
Raina · on July 3, 2018 at 4:39 PM
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Agree pill would be the last option unless the doctor has other ways to help your anxiety. Also agree with investing in a book. No matter where you go there is bound to be at least one person who will understand you. Don't overthink it too much, I know that easier said than done. I have GAD so I suffer with this, you just have to find what works for you.
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Dedicated December 2019
Nina · on July 3, 2018 at 4:51 PM
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Why don’t you travel to a country where English is mostly spoken? This will likely make you feel more comfortable. Two of my favorites are Iceland and Sweden! The people are calm and welcoming and both countries are very easy to navigate. London is also a fun destination. FYI, if you are mostly visiting big cities, you will find many that many of those in other countries speak English very well (Italy included).
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Expert June 2019
Angela · on July 3, 2018 at 4:59 PM
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First of all, you are not alone! I suffer from travel anxiety too and I must say, it feels absolutely exhilarating to get through it and get to do the things you wanna do it. You’ve gotta push yourself and earn it but it’s so much more worthwhile in the end. I agree, look into anti anxiety meds. You could probably even take something that’d make you sleep if it’s a Long overseas flight. Also they make weighted blankets that are travel size that can help with plane anxiety that I’ve used before too. Good luck! I really hope you get to experience your dream honeymoon! 🤞🏻
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Devoted August 2018
Melissa · on July 3, 2018 at 5:21 PM
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There are some far away places where English is spoken. It’s actually what we are trying to do because we feel the same way. We want something exotic but navigating a foreign country where we don’t speak the language is not our ideal honeymoon. We decided to go to Fiji. The also speak English in Belize and while Costa Rica is Spanish speaking when I went there several years ago it was pretty easy to get by with English. You could check out one of the areas that are really known for their Resorts like Bali, Bora Bora or the Maldives. You’ll be able to get by with English at places like that.
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VIP December 2018
Casey · on July 3, 2018 at 9:32 PM
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Fiji is lovely!! I stayed on Nadi back in 2016 for a research trip but was able to visit a resort on our last day. The people are so friendly and kind. On our day at the resort, the people usually don’t let day pass-ers use the bikes and paddle boats, but when we talked about the work we were doing there (installing clean water filters on the mainland and in the villages), they let us use everything for free all day!

Try the Kava!
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VIP December 2018
Casey · on July 3, 2018 at 9:33 PM
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Have you considered a cruise? Or would that be equally anxiety inducing?
I don’t get travel anxiety but I am so happy to be traveling by cruise ship to the Caribbean rather than a flight (the port is easy driving distance).
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Champion June 2019
Gen · on July 3, 2018 at 9:51 PM
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In theory that’d be great but one of the reasons I get plane anxiety is because I’m really claustrophobic so I know being trapped on a cruise ship would be literal hell to me, despite me liking the idea of it hahaha
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VIP December 2018
Casey · on July 3, 2018 at 9:56 PM
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Interesting- cruise ships are honestly huge haha. The staterooms can be small but the balcony ones are a nice size. I’ve read that most people who have claustrophobia so just fine on cruise ships, but you know yourself best!
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Just Said Yes July 2022
Kate · on July 6, 2018 at 11:12 AM
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Have you considered looking into an American owned or larger chain resort? You'll lose some of the local charm, but then most of the staff will speak English.

I also have huge travel anxiety. I feel your pain, and I'm so sorry this is adding stress to your honeymoon experience. I find that if I make lists on lists on lists and plan every detail I can, my anxiety is more manageable. Of course, every person's anxiety is different, but I find when I have a plan, back up plan, and alternate back up plan I am more at ease.
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