How do you travel with social anxiety?

Here are some ways to meet people when solo traveling:
  1. Sign up for tour groups.
  2. Ask your friends if they know anyone in the area.
  3. Talk with your waiter or waitress and see if there are any local attractions you should visit or attend.
  4. Chat with people next to you on the plane, train, or in a restaurant.




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3 ways to reduce flying with social anxiety:
  1. Avoid eye contact. I did this to stay sane. ...
  2. Accept help. If someone notices you're in distress, it's best to accept their support – especially if you're alone and unsure how to manage the situation. ...
  3. Show your emotions. Don't pretend everything is ok.


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If someone has an anxiety disorder, they could experience symptoms while traveling. For example, research from 2017 suggests people with generalized anxiety disorder may have difficulty concentrating while driving or making other decisions during travel. As a result, they may feel less than confident.

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First, Take a Breath
  1. Take a walk. It doesn't have to be far, but leaving your room for a walk within the vicinity of your accommodation will give you a start. ...
  2. Take a bus. ...
  3. Do something you'd do at home. ...
  4. Understand that solo travel anxiety is normal. ...
  5. Get some rest. ...
  6. Take a tour. ...
  7. Take lots of photos. ...
  8. Take a class.


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Many nervous flyers find that the loud noises of the plane trigger anxious thoughts. You may find it helpful to bring along earplugs to reduce these sounds. You can also bring headphones and listen to your favorite music or a relaxation guide to help you feel calmer.

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The sights and roads are unfamiliar, and it's easy to get turned around or lost. When you travel, this kind of experience is repeated and amplified. Whether it's a new city, state or country, the unfamiliar can trigger anxiety or a panic attack. One way to manage these experiences is to plan ahead as much as possible.

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People often come to us requesting the doctor or nurse to prescribe diazepam for fear of flying or assist with sleep during flights. Diazepam is a sedative, which means it makes you sleepy and more relaxed.

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Hodophobia is the medical term for an extreme fear of traveling. Some people call it “trip-a-phobia.” It's often a heightened fear of a particular mode of transportation, such as airplanes.

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The key symptoms of travel phobia are excessive fear and avoidance of travel situations. These symptoms overlap with those of PTSD. In particular, persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and fear and other negative emotions in response to trauma reminders are common PTSD symptoms.

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Pharmacological treatment Medication is sometimes prescribed on a temporary basis to treat the symptoms of a flying phobia, such as anxiety and nausea. These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax).

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Xanax, a member of the same pharmaceutical family (benzodiazepines) as diazepam, is a strong one. Take it about two to three hours before you fly, and do not mix it with alcohol. There is a risk of dependency, though, with these benzodiazepines, but only if you are taking them more than once a week.

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Flight attendants are trained in first aid – and this covers panic attacks and supporting people with anxiety on a flight. This training includes the questions they should ask someone having a panic attack and how to manage you out of one.

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So many travelers struggle with this fear, so the best way to cope is to find a seat with plenty of space. The least crowded section of the plane is first or business class. But if upgraded flying isn't in your budget there are still options. Try sitting in an aisle seat in an exit row towards the front of the plane.

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