8 Tips to Tackle Travel Anxiety During the Holidays

Does your heart race just thinking about crowded airports, packed highways, and delayed flights during the holiday season? You’re not alone. Travel anxiety is real, and the holidays tend to amplify it. Between the pressure to be on time (with gifts in tow!) and navigating busy terminals, it can feel like a recipe for overwhelm.

But here’s the good news: travel doesn’t have to steal your joy. Even if the journey feels daunting, there are simple ways to manage those nerves and create a calmer, more enjoyable experience. Let’s dive into 8 tips that can help you get through holiday travel with a little more ease—and maybe even a smile.

1. Make Two Lists: The “Action” List & the “Worry” List

Start with what you can control. Write down tasks like booking transportation, organizing a pet sitter, or packing your essentials. Then, make a separate list of things you can’t control—like weather delays or cancellations. Seeing these worries on paper reminds you to focus your energy on what’s manageable instead of spiraling over what isn’t.

2. Pack Familiar Comforts From Home

Traveling can feel disorienting, so bring along small comforts that ground you. A cozy sweater, your favorite playlist, or a go-to book (mine is What I Know for Sure by Oprah) can remind you of the safety and warmth of home. These little things might seem trivial, but they can make unfamiliar environments feel a lot less overwhelming.

3. Breathe Like You Mean It

Your breath is like a built-in reset button, and it’s always there when you need it. If you feel panic creeping in, pause and take a few slow, deep belly breaths. Inhale through your nose, hold for a count of four, and exhale even more slowly through your mouth. It’s simple, powerful, and a great way to remind your brain that you’re safe—even in the chaos of travel.

4. Give Yourself Extra Time

If anxiety had a best friend, it would be rushing. Avoid the unnecessary stress by giving yourself way more time than you think you’ll need—whether it’s for packing, getting to the airport, or finding your gate. You’ll feel so much calmer knowing you’ve got a buffer for unexpected hiccups (like that long TSA line or realizing you left your charger at home).

5. Distract Your Mind With Something Fun

Anxiety loves an idle mind. So, pack something that can steal your focus in the best way: a gripping podcast, a Netflix series you’ve been dying to binge, or a playlist filled with your favorite songs. These little distractions can help pass the time and keep your thoughts from spinning out of control.

6. Find a Routine That Grounds You

Feeling frazzled? Take a moment to center yourself with a grounding routine. This could be as simple as a short walk around the terminal, a quick stretching session, or a few minutes of meditation (apps like Calm or Headspace can help). These small pauses can help you reset and feel more in control.

7. Don’t Forget the Basics: Food & Water

It’s shocking how much dehydration or low blood sugar can mess with your mood. Keep snacks on hand, drink plenty of water, and don’t skip meals. Prioritizing your basic needs is one of the easiest ways to set yourself up for a calmer, more capable day.

8. Let Yourself Feel Your Feelings

Here’s the truth: fighting anxiety only makes it louder. Instead of trying to push it away, try acknowledging it. Say to yourself, “Yep, I’m feeling anxious, and that’s okay.” This tiny moment of self-compassion can take away some of its power. It’s not about erasing the anxiety—it’s about making space for it without letting it take over.

Traveling during the holidays is rarely perfect, but it doesn’t have to be. What matters is how you take care of yourself along the way. Bring tools that help you feel grounded, give yourself grace, and remind yourself that you’ve handled hard things before—you can handle this, too.

And when you finally arrive at your destination, take a moment to soak it all in. The chaos of travel fades away, but the connections you make, the laughter you share, and the moments of gratitude will stick with you.

You’ve got this.

Traveling can be exciting, but let’s be honest—it can also be a lot. ✈️

Traveling can be exciting, but let’s be honest—it can also be a lot. ✈️ From airports to the unexpected chaos, anxiety can creep in and make the whole experience overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to ruin your trip.

🌟 Remember, travel anxiety is totally normal. The goal isn’t to get rid of it entirely but to find ways to care for yourself along the way.

💬 What’s your favorite way to stay calm while traveling? Follow me for more travel + mental health advice. Let’s make your next trip feel a little lighter. 🌍✨