![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/1-Plane-Window.jpg\" "\\"It")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWe’re all been longing for exotic destinations but hopping on a plane might feel overwhelming. Image: Jag_cz<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n International flights are set to resume on December 18th, 2021. According to the most recent announcement, the focus will initially be on low-risk countries. Australians will be able to travel to London<\/a>, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Vancouver<\/a>, Singapore, Tokyo, and Fiji. The travel bubble to New Zealand<\/a> will also be reinstated around this time, with other destinations<\/a> opening up in the new year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This excitement will bring with it a mixed bag of emotions \u2013 and likely, more questions than answers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Booking flights, accommodation, or even a table in a restaurant can trigger feelings of uncertainty.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of whether you’ve spent months in lockdown or are grieving the loss of your unattained plans, this is a confusing time! Most of us are ready to leave this chapter behind and reignite those itineraries to far-flung destinations. On the other hand, we’re nervous about putting time, money<\/a>, and hope into planning a trip that might not happen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s a lot to navigate and it’s normal to feel apprehension about getting out on the road, booking a flight or surrounding yourself with strangers again. Take your time reintegrating, don\u2019t rush it until you feel comfortable, and remember that we\u2019re all going through this \u2013 so, there\u2019s a collective understanding and level of respect. We all just want to get on with life again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a good opportunity to practice surrendering. You can\u2019t control others or potential lockdowns, so we need to accept \u2018what is<\/em>‘ in whatever way that looks. Take the necessary precautions and do everything in your power to feel safe. When making travel<\/a> arrangements, remain optimistic but flexible – create contingency plans to cover all possibilities and relieve the stress of the unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start small and ease gently back into travel.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re experiencing uncertainty and heightened emotions, these strategies might help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take some time to explore the reasons why you\u2019re feeling anxious. Is it because you haven\u2019t gone far from home since the start of Covid? Are you concerned about getting sick or losing money if a trip is cancelled? Interrogate your emotions, unpack them, and discover what\u2019s behind the fear. Talking to someone or journaling are useful tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask yourself: what am I worried about when it comes to travelling?<\/em> Most likely, it\u2019s the fear of the unknown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you start to plan to travel, it\u2019s important to know your limits. Maybe you\u2019re comfortable with domestic travel and getting to places by road<\/a>. Boarding a flight or being in large crowds might feel too ambitious for you right now. Once you know your level of comfort, making decisions will be easier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Create the space you need to reintegrate in the way that’s right for you. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel with people who you trust and feel safe with, at least for the first few trips. This will alleviate some of that pre-departure stress. Be honest with your travelling companions and share with them where you’re at – your mental health and what you are or are not willing to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The greatest joys of travel are hidden within its spontaneity. If you decide to plan a trip<\/a>, do your best to relinquish some control. Yes, be as safe as possible, but don\u2019t cut yourself off from the wonders of travel. Start small, ease into it, build up that confidence again, and let your love for travel open you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Self-care 101: pack tools that support your wellbeing.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve probably developed a few rituals that\u2019ve helped you get through the last couple of years. Bring these outlets with you. It might be a notebook and pen, a meditation app, a good book, a yoga practice, hiking<\/a>, access to a close friend, or connecting with nature<\/a>. Instead of planning your days ahead of time, you can also go with the flow on these early trips. Allow yourself to sync with the rhythm of travel, without being pulled in different directions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You also might find comfort in creating a routine in new places. It helps with the increased uncertainty that you might feel, even if you\u2019re an experienced traveller. Think about the rituals that you do every day at home that ground you. These activities can bring a sense of structure and something familiar to your travel days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2-Cafe-in-Batemans-Bay.jpg\" "\\"We")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnxiety is normal\u2026 and you\u2019re not alone <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3-Start-Small.jpg\" "\\"Booking")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCoping with travel anxiety <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Know your triggers <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Set your boundaries <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/4-Self-Care.jpg\" "\\"A")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCommunicate your limits with travel buddies <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Release what you can\u2019t control <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/5-Hammock.jpg\" "\\"If")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u2018Pack\u2019 self-care practices <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/6-New-City.jpg\" "\\"Let's")
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