You’re not alone if you’re set to leave on a wonderful, relaxing vacation but find yourself more anxious than enthusiastic about it. Liz Sharples, lecturer in travel and tourism at the University of Portsmouth in the UK, claims that despite the fact that we look forward to our holidays all year long, research indicates that we are frequently apprehensive, agitated, and even disappointed as our vacation draws near.
Liz adds that her study thus far reveals that some individuals may even feel ill in the last few days before their holiday. Early research has indicated that some people might have emotions of regret after booking their vacation, despite frequently spending hours trying to locate the best alternative.
Women are more prone to these emotions than men, with 44 percent of women experiencing an increase in stress before the holidays compared to 31 percent of men.
Liz says, “Working women have the pressure of their job as well, and the two together can cause a decline in pre-vacation health and well-being. Without gender-stereotyping, research shows that it is often women who are organising the pre-holiday tasks such as buying new or essential items, arranging care for pets, tidying up the house, and packing — for everyone!
She does, however, add that “It’s not just women, and it may depend on your personality; some people are highly organised, but they worry about everything they have to do, and some people are just last-minute doers, but they become anxious when they realise they’ve left it too late. It implies that instead of feeling upbeat and eager, many depart for their vacation feeling fatigued.”
Here are Liz’s top suggestions for reducing anxiety before a vacation, no matter what kind of travel planner you are:
Make a “to do” list; it may seem basic, but it can help you recall the crucial details.
- Don’t be afraid to seek for assistance. So that it doesn’t rest solely on you, include your partner, friends, and family as a whole.
- If you work, try to schedule your tasks a few weeks before your holiday to avoid working stressful, extended hours in the final few days.
Check the weather, visa restrictions, and health criteria. Do you have adequate medicine if you take any? Get to the doctor or pharmacy as soon as possible to stock up on everything you require.
- Verify or set up travel insurance.
- To relieve stress, don’t wait until the last minute to pack. Start early.
- Check your tickets and documentation; if there are any mistakes, it may be difficult for you to go; it is thus preferable to address any issues as soon as possible.
- If you want to fly, review the hand luggage policies of the airline.
- And lastly, remember to enjoy yourself. You’re going on vacation, so try to focus on building up enthusiasm and anticipation rather than tension.
