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I have been on over 20 flights and have made it as far as Thailand — so, you would think by now I’d have earned some sort of frequent flyer badge that says, “immune to airport panic.” But, contrary to popular belief, even the most seasoned travelers struggle with travel anxiety. And, if you’re planning to go on a big trip — and don’t want those big, worrisome emotions to get in the way — here are eight items to add to your travel anxiety toolkit.
Whether you’re traveling state to state or internationally, you can still feel consumed with anxiety before you even reach the TSA line. Maybe it’s because there’s no one with you to hand you a boarding pass or double-check the gate to make sure it exists — but regardless of what causes that airport stress, experiencing travel anxiety is completely normal. After all, a survey of 1,043 Americans conducted by Passport Photo Online found that 92% of respondents said travel was nerve-racking — so feeling nervous, anxious, or stressed while traveling isn’t anything out of the ordinary.
Still, having a toolkit of self-soothing items can help quell your anxiety in the car, bus, airport, or plane. So, here are seven items to add to your travel anxiety toolkit — tried, tested, and gate 43-approved.
Comfrt Fold Over Pant ($39) & Rib Tank ($25)
For me, a good day starts with the fit. This set is comfortable enough for six hours in a middle seat but put-together enough to trick your brain into thinking you have your life together. (Delusion is a coping mechanism, and I don’t make the rules.)
Caitlyn Minimalist Stacking Ring Set ($45)
I find myself constantly twisting my ring or playing with my necklace when I am nervous. These double as a fidget toy the second anxiety hits and nobody on the plane will ever have a clue. You just happen to be super accessorized. A very quiet coping mechanism that doesn’t scream, “I am spiraling in seat 14D.”
Beats Studio Pro ($199)
The DIY isolation chamber of travel. You don’t even have to have anything playing; sometimes the ability to slightly mute the world is enough to keep you going. The silence is so loud.
Béis The Small Cosmetic Pouch ($28)
I will find any excuse to buy a new pouch, and it turns out my chaotic impulse purchases have been anxiety management all along. Having a designated spot for my chapstick, meds, and gum means one less “wait, where is it” panic mid-security line. Nothing calms me down quite like a system, even if the system is just a really cute bag.
Anker 313 Portable Charger ($16)
Everyone needs a person who picks up no matter what, no context needed, but that call doesn’t happen if your phone dies. Keep this in your bag so your personal 911 stays one text away.
PAPERAGE Lined Journal ($12)
New places stir up thoughts I don’t always have the language for at the moment. Writing them down, even messy and incomplete, is how I stop them from circling my mind like a broken washer.
Aerchitect Mood Toolkit ($92)
Did you know that scents can actually ground you? This kit from Aerchitect contains three scents to help keep you calm — and they’re TSA-approved.
Altoids Mints ($6)
Something about chewing gives your nervous system a job to do that isn’t needless spiraling. Bonus points if it’s a flavor so strong it kind of shocks you back into your body. There’s truly nothing like an aggressive piece of peppermint to make you forget you were three seconds from asking a stranger if gate 43 is real.
At the end of the day, none of this completely stops the anxiety; I don’t think anything really does. But somewhere between Houston and Thailand, I learned that calm isn’t the goal; prepared is. Anxiety: 0. Toolkit: Undefeated.