Travelling Again: How Wanderlust Chases Initial Travel Anxiety Away

Travelling Again: How Wanderlust Chases Initial Travel Anxiety Away

It’s time to start exploring the world once more!

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 25 Apr 2022.


Remember how the world seemed to come to a full stop in March 2020? Back then, we thought it would only last for a few weeks, maybe a month at worst. But lo and behold, a few months turned into nearly two years — and in between these, a lot of things have changed. This is especially true for many avid travellers, who are used to going on one adventure after another, then got abruptly left on an indefinite hiatus. (And if you’re reading this, I’ll assume from here on out that this applies to you, too.)

Full disclosure: I’m writing this as I make plans for my first vacation in years, now that more and more borders are reopening. At this point, the last trip that I took pre-pandemic feels like a lifetime ago. Every so often, I find myself with random thoughts like, How do you do this and that process again? and What are the essentials that I always pack in my suitcase again? Yet, I have also now become that person who destresses by travel planning — which, as many of you would probably agree, isn’t exactly a walk in the park either. (Although, I’d like to believe I’m not alone in this.) 

travelling again

Image credit: sorincolac via Canva Pro

Now that we’re travelling again…

Overall, it feels like having to re-learn something from scratch, which is both exciting and rather unnerving. There is a mix of relief, joy, and anxiety. Relief, because the long wait will soon be over, especially once I finally step on that jet bridge and inside the plane. Joy, because of that one-of-a-kind high you get from travelling. I also get a sort of “secondhand thrill” whenever I see social media posts from friends jetting off to different parts of the world (or even just the country), which is growing more and more abundant lately. Certainly, it’s one of those moments that assure us things are looking up.  

But with this travel restart also comes travel anxiety for some. And as early as now, I can assure you that you’re far from the only one who feels this way! 

One of the most practical ways to allay your travel anxiety is to purchase travel insurance. This is especially true if you travel frequently. After all, a good annual travel insurance package, like Tiq Travel Insurance from Etiqa, not only offers comprehensive COVID-19 coverage, but also covers you in the event of flight delays. What’s more, the insurance is also available to those with pre-existing medical conditions, allowing you to travel with peace of mind.

Also read: Our Post-Pandemic Wish List: What We Want Travel to Look Like in the Next Few Years

Image credit: RossHelen via Canva Pro

On coming to terms with your travel anxiety

Nowadays, people often joke about how “nature is healing” whenever we see recent photos and videos of popular spots — whether locally or abroad — having crowds again. True enough, the sight of these places being brought back to their old glory is refreshing. 

Unfortunately, the pandemic has instilled a sort of aversion towards any place that lacks social distancing. I used to be a total extrovert who had zero qualms about going out and socialising more than thrice a week. But since the pandemic, I often get easily exhausted after an hour-long errand run to a mall that’s just a few blocks from my house. So what more when it’s an actual vacation outside my comfort zone, right?

There is also that travel anxiety stemming from 2021 (and no, that was not a typo). For most of 2020, the entire world was on lockdown while waiting for a vaccine. The following year, when borders began reopening in varying degrees, is when the lines got blurry. Some people had an easier time travelling again, but for others, it still wasn’t worth the hassle of going through certain protocols. 

Image credit: DaniloAndjus via Canva Pro

On top of that, there were the ever-changing restrictions due to surges of COVID-19 cases, as well as the rise of new (sometimes deadlier) variants. In my own country, things felt like they were constantly going one step forward, two steps back — which is enough to exhaust you and leave you pessimistic more than ever. I distinctly remember that time when I had three consecutive trips lined up… only for my plans to get scrapped in a snap, due to once-again heightened travel restrictions. 

Even now, I still have a lingering paranoia from the confusing year that was 2021. What if the same thing happens, and I’d just have wasted my time and efforts again? In fact, I’m often hesitant about booking a trip more than a month in advance — because you never know what might happen before then. Yes, the trust issues are real, my dudes. But despite those, I’m still very much looking forward to finally travelling again. 

Also read: 10 Things to Ponder On Now That Borders Are Reopening

travelling restart

Image credit: DaniloAndjus via Canva Pro

On getting back out there to explore the world

Amid this travel restart, we are given renewed hope for brighter, adventure-filled days ahead. There’s a buzzing excitement about travelling again; this time, with fewer worries than in previous years, as well as (hopefully) better habits. Sure, some pandemic-induced habits and mindsets die hard — and that’s perfectly understandable! Depending on the individual, there’s a chance that there’ll always be travel anxiety to some extent. 

But there’s no better way to start than by actually taking the first step! If you must, feel free to take the necessary precautions that’ll give you peace of mind; whether it’s avoiding crowded places as often as possible, wearing a mask even when it’s no longer required, or getting full travel insurance. If you’re travelling with friends, let them know about your worries and preferences, so you’re on the same page. 

As with most things that we haven’t done in quite a while, it’s all about acknowledging and adjusting your mindset. At the end of the day, you’ll never know until you try! And as they say in countless songs, books, and films — travel is what makes life worth living. 

Also read: Why You Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Force a Perfect Vacation

Although, if you’d rather keep it simple and un-cheesy, then how about this: Don’t you just miss the feeling of seeing and experiencing what new destinations have to offer? That alone should give you the much-needed motivation to start travelling again this year. 

And best believe that we, here in TripZilla, are excited to hear about your next adventure! Click here to get started. 


Feature image credit: RossHelen via Canva Pro

About Author

Marcy Miniano
Marcy Miniano

A fast-talking caffeine-dependent wordsmith, Marcy has never been one to shy away from sharing a good story or two. If she’s not in a quiet coffee shop somewhere, she enjoys spending afternoons in a museum or art gallery — whether it’s around Metro Manila or a foreign city she’s visiting. She wishes to retire in a winter village someday, so she can fulfil her lifelong dream of wearing turtlenecks all year round and owning a pet penguin.

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