I am a Travel Vlogger with Travel Anxiety!

Hi, I'm Jen, and I struggle with travel anxiety! It's not a fear of flying, but it's anxiety around all the logistics of traveling and even though I am the wife of a pilot and travel for work frequently, it's always a concern. Today I'm sharing how I cope and things I do to ease my travel anxiety!
#travelanxiety #jenlefforge
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[@cherylmalcolm2629]

OMG-Thank you!!! My family laughs at me because I do all the things you do. However-they also never complain when our trips go smoothly thanks to my over planning. 😂

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

THIS. I should have mentioned this but our therapist literally told Scott that he needs to allow me to do all the pre-planning because it helps me. I had an ally! LOL

[@ashlynneeley7302]

My husband waits until the morning we leave to pack his suitcase and that gives me travel anxiety.

[@tamarsnir3324]

Having a designated spot for each item is a game changer.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It's such a small thing but makes such a huge difference! Thanks for watching, Tamar!

[@karimerkley7607]

Can I just say how refreshing it is to hear you talk about this. I feel like you made this video about me. Almost every point you talked about I felt called out (in a good way), heard and validated. Many times I have an internal conflict with myself because one part of my brain knows I need to take these extra steps to ease the anxiety, while the other part shakes its head because I know how ridiculous I can be going through that process.

[@kiltedluxury]

As a fellow anxiety sufferer, these are great tips!! I get most of mine on the actual flight, since I'm also claustrophobic and always feel "trapped." I know it's not for everyone, but my doctor gives me an "emergency" Xanax prescription for flying, which is really helpful for me to calm down and relax. It also helps me sleep some on the longer international flights. I don't really need it for shorter flights, but honestly - just knowing it's there, just in case, helps ease my mind a lot. Thanks for another great video!!

[@janine36]

In my house, it’s called”packing mode.” My husband will check in with me and ask if I’m in packing mode. He knows to stay out of my way if I am. I’ve also learned to create a “ honey do” list for him on departure day. That helps both of us.He doesn’t need to interrupt my flow and I know he’s taking care of some of the details. I also keep a post it note by the door with final reminders. That helps me too.

[@jotritton1576]

Thank you Janine for the "honey do" tip! My husband drives me crazy because he leaves his packing until the very last minute & then constantly asks me questions about what to pack etc. especially right before leaving. It sends my travel anxiety through the roof and I'm in a bad mood before we even leave the house. I'll be giving him a list a week before from now on.

[@cocostrayer6667]

@@jotritton1576 I learned a few years ago to set a deadline for hubby’s questions. He can ask me anything and everything, which I will answer delightfully and without hesitation UNTIL four days before departure. At Day T-4, he is no longer allowed to ask me anything pertaining to the trip, especially not what the weather will be (no crystal ball in my suitcase!) or which clothes to pack (WTF, I made my packing list 2 months ago!). I usually create a mini-itinerary and information PDF for him a week before departure. That triggers a few questions, but once inside the 4-day “radio [static] silence” period he has to find answers himself and make his own [dubious😂] decisions.

[@alexsandrakelly7586]

I would never have thought you had travel anxiety! Every time I am on my way to a trip I think why am I doing this?? Great tips! Will definitely use these!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

YES this is why I wanted to make this video! Travel is always worth pushing past all the anxiety and I never regret doing it but it takes a lot to make me stay calm!

[@priscillanash3543]

Exactly.

[@charliehuffman326]

Oooooh, I'm definitely guilty of not clearing my slate on the days leading up to travel and trying to jam everything in ahead of time. Good reminder/advice! Last time I was still packing at midnight for a 6 a.m. flight and I burst into frustrated tears because all I really wanted to do was ease into my trip and I didn't feel at all relaxed or unwound. STUFF CAN WAIT UNTIL YOU GET BACK. 😊

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

YES I use to act like the world was ending because I was leaving town so I had to finish ALL THE THINGS and freeing myself from that was a big deal.

[@debbean6637]

I didn’t realize I suffered travel anxiety until I watched this. I do all of this because it makes me calmer. Everyone laughs at me but it makes my journey so much more enjoyable. My view is too much stuff happens that I can’t control so the stuff that I can is controlled within an inch of its life.

[@jotritton1576]

Hello Jen, I've always been an over-planner but I never associated it with my travel anxiety. Watching your video made me realise that planning down to the very last detail is the way I keep my anxiety in check (I married into a notoriously under-planning family...eeek! who don't understand my methods). Everything you spoke about is totally me and I always, always carry a print out of everything with me. I get a hard time from my family for being so "anal" but thank you for the realisation that I'm not the only one and that my planning methods are totally justified. Never trust technology!

[@claudiamiller7730]

Anxious flyers unite - we are a BIG community! I am generally a pretty chill person except when it comes to an approaching airplane trip…then I turn into Ms. Uber OCD Lady and have to have everything just so to make myself comfortable! I go so far as to mentally divide my in-plane time into portions… 30 minutes to read my book… 30 minutes to listen to music… 30 minutes to watch ridiculous pre-recorded videos… 30 minutes of zen peace, organizing my picture files and anticipating the fun that awaits me….repeat as necessary. Helps to turn off the “How fricking LONG is this stinking flight” part of my brain! Happy travels, everyone!💕

[@cocostrayer6667]

I could have written the script for this video! Everything you described - from the anxiety symptoms to the prep & travel behaviors intended to soothe the anxiety - is how I feel, how I prepare for trips, and what I do during travel. We have two month-long trips upcoming in the next four months. My current anxiety level is at a rolling boil with a rattling lid. No surprise there! I always make several lists (‘to do’ for the trip, packing, checklist before walking out of the door, instructions - four pets and two different petsitters) and remind myself that I have successfully survived many complex trips in the past; this next trip is the same as those that came before, only the specifics are different. I am comforted to know that someone else experiences the same anxieties and copes with identical strategies. My hubby does NOT understand my travel anxiety and thinks that I am a one-of-a-kind weirdo. I am sharing the link to this video with him and will insist that he watch it. His travel contributions are lifting/rolling the heavier bag and changing the pre-written info labels in our luggage tags as we move from point to point during our trips. I remind him that I could be as casual and unprepared as he is if I had someone (like me) who sees to all of the details, reservations, supplies, and adjustments as the inevitable hiccups occur. This evening hubby was dining out with friends without me. The friends started quizzing him about our exciting travels in the next few months. He could tell them only that we were going to South America, Antarctica, and Asia but he didn’t know which trip was when or where exactly we were going or what we will be doing. 😄😄😄 BTW I forward ALL reservations to him and frequently ask about his preferences. He “suffers from” whatever the OPPOSITE of travel anxiety is… Travel Apathy, maybe?!?! He likes to *have* traveled… past tense. Pre-trip planning and choosing where & what holds the same interest for him as watching a baseball or football game does for me. But he enjoys seeing articles and photos of places that he has been. Thanks for the advice on splurges and saves. My bins of travel gear, travel bags, and luggage can fill a room, although I am always looking for the next “essential”. 😂 Just today a 5x7 travel mirror arrived after I saw flight attendant Lacey Cassady using hers in a recent KZbin video. Search “travel makeup mirror with magnifying mirror 80LEDS”. Tip: find a travel mirror (thankfully 1x) with a 5x accessory mirror because the 10x is absolutely scary!

[@elainearvidson1918]

I thought the crazy over-planning was just a me thing! My non-anxiety filled husband thinks I'm nuts. Glad to hear I'm not alone.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

TOTALLY not alone, Elaine!

[@emilyjohannes7007]

I always over-plan my travel too! The anxiety is real. Even if my luggage fits in an overhead carryon sized bag, I ALWAYS check it, just because I hate the pressure of finding space for your bag and people rushing you to get off the plane. Thanks for all the tips!

[@juliedi2]

I love these tips! I already follow most of these, but I learned so much that I will definitely be putting in place. I will still never forget when I landed in Chicago for a work trip, got to my hotel and found out that my check-in day was…”tomorrow”, and there were no rooms available because of the Stanley playoffs! That will never happen again! 😂😂

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Seriously nothing worse! UGH! Thanks for watching, Julie!

[@nancytaylor7525]

Yes. I have the same problem. My husband has finally (25 years on Monday) realized it doesn’t help to question my craziness. I need to be at the airport at least 2 hours before my flight. I carry anxiety medicine. I have never had to take it. Just having helps me.

[@klharndt]

You were speaking directly to me! I'm flying to Mexico City next week and plan to carry-on, no checked luggage. I already have overhead space anxiety about whether there will be room for my carry-on. OMG, it's real!!

[@suzievision]

As someone that suffers with anxiety in general (although not specifically travel anxiety) this was so interesting to me because a lot of the things that you mention doing I've done subconsciously. One thing that you didn't say was what you do with your various print outs. I find putting them in a specific folder that I can very quickly grab, and then ordering them by when I'll need them super helpful, especially when travelling with someone else because the bit of paper you'll need is the first thing they come to. I'm a big fan of the airplane pouch too! As you said, its so much easier than rifling through everything just to find a pen or whatever. As always a great video!

[@4lifeinnh978]

Wow, you are speaking my language, Jen! Two other tips I always do… 1. if I can’t get a direct flight, I always book my connection with no less than a 90 minute layover. So if my first flight is a bit late, I’m ok (and I have time for a bathroom stop) and I don’t have that anxiety of having to jump up, grab my bags, get off the plane and run across the terminal to my connection. 2. If I have to rent a car and drive to my destination, I make sure I arrive when I have plenty of daylight left to find my way (can’t control late flights that get me there late but…). It’s so scary for me to rent a car and drive in unfamiliar places but in the dark? Super anxiety inducing to almost paralyzing! Thanks again for the tips!

[@barbarabradbury807]

90 minutes seems two short. What about international? I fear 2 hours may not be enough.

[@jahnar4964]

Thank you so much for making this video! I'm an anxious person by nature, so travel anxiety just seems to come with the territory. I just booked my first solo trip to Disney and I am so excited -- this came at just the right time. I'm going to use so much of what I learned in this video to help me with that trip.

[@KBHNJ]

Yes yes yes!!! I do so many of the same things. Paper copies of my reservation numbers have saved me more than once(Disney). I'm claustrophobic so I am actually one of the people who get up and out ASAP when the plane lands. I usually sit at the front of the plane so I can avoid being a pain to anyone else. I do my best to avoid affecting others with my anxieties. Every day is an adventure 🙃

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

YES I think Disney's IT is what broke me LOL

[@rachelspollett3930]

I’ve been using the cabin bag since watching your channel and it is a total game changer! Especially when it took a 19 hour trip to Hawaii! In addition to having travel anxiety, I also experience claustrophobia. I ALWAYS wear a zip up hoodie- and I usually put up the hood. In addition to keeping me warm, it also helps me “tune out” and kind of help me feel like I have my own space so I can meditate. I also use as small a bag as possible for my personal item, only for essential items like my cabin bag, water bottle, and comfort items. I have very long legs and being able to extend them under the seat in front of me really helps with the claustrophobia.

[@debrathomason9949]

Thank you. I am also an over planner/organizer. I actually enjoy the planning stages of the adventure. I can relate to "a place for everything and everything in it's place." That is how my everyday life is. I never put away my wallet until all items are back in it.

[@Bambi12-764]

My husband is also a pilot and I have major fly anxiety. I am really bad at over planning. Even listening to this video is making me anxious because it is about travel! I do all the tips already and do pack too much. I start planning what to take way ahead of time! I don’t know how you travel so much!

[@SpatchG]

Wow, I'm rather late to this party, but thank you for this post, and to all those who've commented saying that they feel the same way! I'm an experienced traveller but I do all these things to help reduce my stress. Great to have this articulated, and it's nice to know I'm not the only overplanner out there!

[@patcarter4607]

i definitely can identify with what you go through. i've had travel anxiety for my whole life. one thing i've found helpful is to put my ID, passport, tickets, $ for the airport coffee, a pen, and my phone in a small wristlet that i wear on my arm until i'm in my seat on the plane. then i put it in my carryon or personal item bag, until i arrive at my final destination. it's also been a bit easier since i got tsa precheck and global entry, thereby reducing the stress even more. and over the past several years, i find it SO much less stressful to fly first class or business class. less noise, less people, less crowding, more relaxing altogether.

[@kcamozzi67]

Thank you so much for this video! For years and years I have been an over planner for trips. I always felt the need to plan, pack, prepare far in advance - and if I don’t, I’m a stressed out mess and not pleasant for my family to be around. I never understood why I’m like this. I love to travel, but I’m not lovely to travel with unless I get to do what I feel I need to do in preparation. This video made me realize that I have anxiety in travel! I now get why my over preparation helps me. My family has written it off as stress working. Thank you for giving me an “ah ha” moment! It makes me feel better to understand that I’m not being crazy and there is a reason why I feel this way - I just never associated it with anxiety, but in listening to your story , I realized that’s exactly what it is. Love your videos! Thank you for all the great content. 😊

[@ashleyabbott2547]

I also HATE the time after the plane gets to the gate to when I get off the plane! I always do aisle seats and I once had someone in the middle seat climb over me (before the doors of the plane were even opened) to get to the aisle. And it wasn’t because she had a connecting flight. 🤬

[@gaillittle1700]

You sound actually like me. As soon as the trip is planned I start thinking of what I am wearing, packing lists starts, plus the what do I needed to buy. Also since hubby doesn't go with me on most trips, he does the cooking so don't worry about food, but I make sure the house is clean, all laundry done, the cats have everything. I don't him want for anything.

[@Peggy-Kay]

I loved this video because I do travel just like you, to the letter. And it validated all of my overthinking and endless prep!

[@bethifoody]

I recently had to fly to FL. I had a 10a flight. I have precheck. I live an hour from the airport. We left our house at 7am. And were rear ended on the way to the airport. Bc I built in that extra time, I got to the airport with plenty of time to spare. I'm thankful that I figured out years ago that I'd rather wait at the gate than risk being late, lol. I also do lots of the things you mention. Oddly enough, I've never thought of it as anxiety, but it clearly is! Thanks for this.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Beth, truly, allowing the space is a game changer for me and I used to allow the people who are OK with less margin decide and realized it was making things FAR worse so now we default to my clock;).

[@bethifoody]

Yep. My hubby learned right along with me that we have a better trip when I'm not stressed out. I'm the planner and things go awry if I'm stressed, lol. I'm thankful he's on the same page as me.

[@Dy8632]

@@bethifoody hello 👋🏻

[@bronquinn5891]

Love love this! I always thought I was kooky, the amount of stress I feel when going on a trip….but I so identify with so much of the prep you have outlined …thank you!

[@Ardagarda]

Thank you for validating my travel anxiety and giving it a name!!

[@samuelwebb9963]

Loved this video! Thank you.

[@trishsp3160]

Wow, Jen! I can't adequately express how much I appreciate this vlog. it was comforting just to hear you share your travel anxiety to know that I am not alone - and your tips are spot on. Thank you very much!

[@deancoffman9164]

For years I kept an emergency Xanax in my carryon. I never used it but just knowing it was there kept be calmer.

[@TheresaD235]

Great video!!! We are not alone. TY!!

[@clairec5290]

Great video. So many tips I plan to try.

[@connierauch7983]

Love your channel 💗

[@deborahconkle6822]

Yes,yes,yes,and yes!!! Great video❣️

[@brooklyncoles8291]

I am leaving today for a London/Paris/Disneyland Paris trip and have been re-watching all of your travel-Paris content. I appreciate everything you do! Now. That video about FLIGHT anxiety. You should do one...

[@nadefaz]

Wow, I thought I was the only one! I used to prepare like crazy but then kind of go into a funk and procrastinate in the days leading up to a trip. I just got back from a trip to Costa Rica. I went in very prepared, but I wanted to challenge myself to "go with the flow". I ended up having to respond to a medical emergency mid-flight (I am in healthcare), then was sick in the 3 hour bus ride to our hotel. At the end of a great week we had our room flood and had to move to another hotel at 9pm, and then I had covid testing problems before returning. I practiced not panicking, taking one thing at a time, and in the end I had a great trip and learned a lot. My new plan- be overly prepared, but also relax, because you have to leave mental room for the unexpected.

[@cori4872]

Great advice and tips! Thanks, Jen! And I see you sweet Walter! 💕

[@jcool4358]

Great video. You really get ME.

[@Lucretiaseesall]

Thank You once again and again! Terrific video! Very helpful and informative! Will most probably be implementing most of all the info for my upcoming trip eight months from now! Can't hardly wait!!

[@jcool4358]

I have car travel anxiety. It takes me weeks/months to get the nerve to get on these crazy highways. Some of my family lives three and half hours from me so travel is a nightmare for me. Then when I arrive I have anxiety about being in others space. It's horrible.

[@Benasboysandgirl]

So much me in this!! When I was traveling with young children and strollers my security line stress was a full on adrenaline reaction. The kids are a little older now but there’s always someone with something suspicious crammed into a bag that I didn’t catch. Definitely leave even more time than you think you need, especially when traveling with kids or a larger group.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I have never regretted having some margin. EVER. I have often times regretted not leaving enough time, however. So we leave early and the people who don't get it can just zip it LOL

[@snycity]

This. Exactly this. I love traveling, but I get so overly excited by it and the prospect of the trip that I too often wind up making myself sick. I have come to adopt everything you talked about as well (somethings I use all the time in life too... like everything has a place... I rarely lose things... though I drive my husband crazy lol). But I need to take not one or two days before the the trip where I don't I have plans, I need to plan so that I can take a week to two weeks before to just relax, and I force myself not to deal with any of the planning and try to forget it. I have to calm my mind as much as possible. I do save the actual packing for the last week, though I already have a list made weeks before. In fact, I just started my specific packing list for a trip in September, yesterday...! Thanks again for another great video that I totally related to!

[@R0swell5104]

This was like looking in a mirror. Yes I over plan too and well in advance. I make multiple paper copies of everything and not rely on electronics etc. etc.. I also make contingencies as far as possible in case things don't quite pan out. Odd thing is that most of my anxiety stops once I'm through security and in the departure lounge. Great video thanks.

[@Ashleew]

For years I thought it was coincidence I was sick the day of travel. Nope, nope, just anxiety! My anxiety was bad for a while. But I never let it stop me from traveling. I accept I have the anxiety and am willing to do the work to manage it. But I’m not willing to let it stop me from traveling which is my greatest joy in life. I DO have flight anxiety. What helps me is watching take off and landing KZbin videos, it desensitizes me. I also listen to the calm app and bring something to keep my hands busy. I’ve gotten so much better just from these things alone.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I love how many people have said yup, have it, travel anyway because it's worth it! And every time we feel the things and do it anyway I feel it's a small victory, Ashlee!

[@TheJessk23]

100% YES to all of this! This is me! Thank you for talking about this Jen.

[@elsawaters97]

I never respond to these videos, but I just have to this time. Like so many others, I completely identify with all that you said and already do so many of them that I just kept smiling as I was watching. We are going on our first big trip in years (like many other people in the world) and I've been planning for months, packing for weeks, and researching everything, as my husband would say, to death. Traveling right now is driving me crazier than ever but I'm so happy to be able to get out and go places again. Thanks for this great video.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

My pleasure, Elsa, and thanks for watching!

[@jenniferhodapp3327]

Great tips, Jen! I appreciate your openness to sharing your true self. It helps the rest of us know that we are not alone.🙂💕

[@maryanngalarosa3085]

Hi Jen. Thanks for sharing. I had a few laughs while watching the video. I am not alone! 😁

[@marybethdermody9483]

Thank you for explaining your anxiety! Now I better understand one of my travel companions.

[@Nina-oi1qk]

I do this too; plan and plan down to the last moment and print everything out in multiple copies. double and triple check every booking; and this video speaks to me !!

[@terifabulous1206]

Love this video Jen. Oh…… and you look gorgeous, hair is so pretty

[@embla4725]

Thanx, Jen, great video as always. Even if one doesn't suffer from travel anxiety one would definitely have a much better trip if doing all you suggested.

[@janicemurphy2305]

Great video.I'm the one with all the lists it makes me feel so much better. Organised means an easier trip. Love both your channels. Watching from Toronto

[@joannat1898]

This video is so relatable that I was chuckling throughout. I absolutely love traveling but I also get crazy anxious leading up to trips. I’m currently on a 6-7+ week trip through Europe (I used to live in Prague) and it’s been amazing so far but I got physically I’ll beforehand too. It’s so frustrating but I always know I will have a great time and push through it. Thank you so much for this.

[@meridethhendry5733]

I’m the same way; I MUST have multiple hard copies all in different places. Loving all the other valuable tips!

[@kaylaandmarkalan]

This is literal perfection. Mark Alan did a cabin bag from your tips last time we flew and it really helped him!

[@jckirner]

Yes, Yes, & Yes - over-planner through anxiety here, too!

[@heathergray7315]

Thank you for addressing this! I too suffer from travel anxiety and my husband does not. He completely does not understand why I get stressed. I’m glad I’m not the only one. Thank you for the tips. I already do a lot of them but I will be encorporating some new ones.

[@heatherwhitley8058]

Thank you! This makes me feel much less alone in my travel anxiety. I do find myself sometimes fumbling for things in the plane so im going to take your advice on a pouch to have all of the “plane” things in for our upcoming trip!

[@wendyadams2382]

I have been packing and repacking since the end of March for my trip to Europe on June 21st. Great video, thank you.

[@carol_draper]

OMG! I totally do so much of this and have beat myself up about it. Thanks to you I now realize that I need to do these things to cope with my anxiety. I never understood why I was doing them. I always feel guilty for “shutting down” everything unnecessary in our house and for our family a few days before a trip. And I always don’t plan anything for the first couple of days after we return. All of this is so helpful and affirming!

[@marylucivero4480]

Jen, thank you. You are my spirit animal. I’m currently planning a trip in two weeks, and I’m doing everything that you do. I drive my husband and kids nuts with my over planning and arriving ridiculously early to the train station, but it definitely helps me feel better. I’m glad I’m not the only one who does this!

[@gaylep4404]

This video is totally me! Haha! I drive my husband and daughter crazy with my trip preps.. so good to know a pro like yourself does the same thing!

[@kimf.4862]

Boy, can I relate to all of these things! Especially checking and rechecking where things are, multiple times! That very reason is why I love the Away Everywhere Bag. Not a gazillion pockets to try and remember where I put something. Just enough to keep things organized. Thanks for all your videos! Enjoy them all, but this one really spoke to me. Thank you!

[@katherinedeliberatefare]

Thank you for this post. It gives me insight into my husband! Now I will go easy on his request to get to the airport extra early. In a way, I do the same except not the day of - I pack a month in advance and repack and make lists and print outs, too! With an autoimmune disorder, I learned to be as advanced-prepped for life as possible, as one never knows how I will feel just before a big day. Thanks for keeping it real. PS love the ombre look of your hair right now.

[@TammySkipperTV]

Yes to all of this - I love seeing new places but am having to work on enjoying the process of getting there.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Tammy, the proof is in the pudding as they say - you are doing it beautifully!

[@susansandler8429]

New subscriber w travel anxiety. Oh this was reassuring and helpful. Thank you times a million. Binging your travel videos

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Welcome, Susan, and thank you!

[@susanshwarts369]

WOW! Clear, consice, accurate with a little bit of humor, humility, and irony! Love it!

[@Dy8632]

Hello Susan shwarts

[@journeys_with_jen]

So needed this today Jen. Would LOVE it if you would consider doing a video to help calm anxiety for those of us with fear of flying. I know that you don’t have it but I bet you are knowledgeable enough to help lots of people. Myself included😁

[@gailcarsten7903]

Thank you for this fabulous video!!! I now have a name for how I feel when I travel. I'm not in as dire straights as you are but I hate the planning, the getting to the airport, and the rest of the process in getting where I'm going. Once I have my boarding pass and am at the gate, I'm fine. My husband has finally understood me and is pretty good about leaving early and that's huge for me. But the stress of the planning is real. I'm not fun to travel with until I'm at that gate. I plan to show my husband your video. Thanks again!!!

[@lcflngn]

This was so helpful, greatest ever points Jen! Love your channel. I’ve always had travel anxiety, just didn’t know to call it that. I also used to be terrified of flying itself. Over the years I’ve learned to be very early, to make packing lists way in advance (lol, losing some weight & unsure about weather on my last trip, so def overpacked… oh well), bring a file of paper, and #1 thing we finally went through the hassle a few yrs ago to get pre-check, what a lifesaver. Took nieces to Disneyland last week & discovered they also got pre-check! That was such a nice surprise. Instead of a small bag I just make sure I’m wearing clothes with good deep pockets: chapstick, tissue, glasses, earbuds or pods, etc. Everything I might need on a short or medium flight goes in the pockets. Or on a long flight a special pocket of the bag. Hassling with a bag is horrible. Thing that mostly fixed my flying anxiety was, hilariously, having coffee with a Physics professor. He wanted me on a committee, and I figured sure, I want to be on the committee, but first I rly need to know how planes stay in the air. He was a fabulous teacher, and I’ve felt so much better ever since 😉 Omg, last trip as well, a huge guy came up in the aisle to deplane ahead of his row, right in between me and the 2 kids I had care of, plus my 22 yr-old daughter. I finally asked politely if he had a connecting flight, no. I said “well then I’ll need all these girls with me” and he was quite nice about standing back for his turn. Whew. Always something new!

[@debraswiderski3755]

Great tips Jen, I always feel foolish when I request everything to be printed out, I feel like my travel agent thinks I'm behind the times.

[@roxannae3]

Great video! And great timing! I have two trips that are coming up soon and will be traveling with my sisters, one of whom has not flown in quite a few years and she is very anxious about traveling. I must admit that I do get anxious about traveling, too. The part that I find most troubling is the trek through Atlanta's airport. As many times as I have done it, I still get anxious about finding the right gate and having enough time to get to that gate to catch my connecting flight to Orlando. I ALWAYS have a connecting flight because there is are non-stop flights from my small hometown airport to MCO in Orlando. I travel to DIsney World at least once a year and this will be my fourth trip since September 2021. I love to travel. I dream about travel. I try and keep a trip booked and written in ink in my travel planner so that I always have one to look forward to. But, ATL is so very busy and fast-paced that it totally intimidates me. I usually have my daughter with me to help navigate ATL. She is a real pro when it comes to finding her way around that airport in particular. However, I will be the one leading the way during the two up-coming trips. So, I understand. I do most of the things that you suggest in this video and they do help: over-planning, packing early, re-packing, making multiple copies of travel documents, double and triple-checking flight schedules and reservations, arriving early at the airport, as well as other things you suggest. IAnd who sleeps well the night before a trip? I don't! LOL. I will be sharing this video with my sisters and a couple of others I know who have told me that they are nervous about traveling. I know this will help them, too. Thanks, so much, for sharing, Jen! Happy travels!

[@cynthiaslebodnik6945]

My anxious moment is getting lost to next gate/terminal for connecting flight. Flying out of our local airport means always having a connecting flight. I am flying solo internationally this summer so that connecting flight will mean changing terminals. I'm stressing out already and it's 5 weeks away. Airport maps don't even help. They should have assistance for us who could have a meltdown. Maybe I shouldn't have attempted this trip by myself will go through my mind a million times, until I'm sitting in my seat, belted in and taking a deep breath. I'm glad I'm not the only one who suffers flight anxiety.

[@laurilenhardt2188]

I love this video! I have anxiety in general (and Travel Anxiety is one of the bigger pieces of it). I admit, I do weird travel routines. I pack and re-pack several times, usually starting about 3-4 weeks prior. I can pack once thinking I am all covered, but then the next day I am in a different mind space so what I packed yesterday is not what I would pack today. My spouse knows when I am in my travel tunnel, and lets me just do what I need to do. Also, once I have the slightest idea of a new trip I immediately turn obsessive about all the new things I need, and how this trip will be different than the last, and all those other travel gadgets I already have just won't do. I know, I'm nutty, lol. I appreciate this video, just knowing I am not alone is some how helpful.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Sometimes I think I became a travel vlogger just to finally get over my issues! I'll let you know when it works LOL. Thanks for the kind comment, Lauri!

[@cherylbaxter1457]

This is a game changer for me, I didn’t know it was travel anxiety, I’ve been doing all these things for my entire life & I honestly think it’ll help me next time to talk to me husband & explain like you suggest. I think he just thinks I’m a bit bonkers checking everything 100 times & printing all reservations in duplicate. I also thought I was the only one thinking just sit down please when we land, they make me really anxious when it feels like the walls are closing in a bit & they announce please stay seated until we reach our gate but everyone seems to think that applies to everyone else but them. Just watching this video has made me feel better about myself & a chat in advance of our next trip is now on my list (on my phone & my paper planner) of things to do. Take care & you are sooo amazing being open & honest to help others. 🤗🤗🤗

[@sharonmotyl1222]

I loved this video. I do not suffer the level of travel stress you do but since we usually fly standby we experience a fair amount of anxiety about getting to our destination. Waiting to learn if you will get on a flight is nerve wracking. I especially like your suggestion about putting everything back in its designated place as that saves a lot of anxious moments and also the idea of the cabin bag. I will definitely be trying that on my next flight.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yes that stand by stress is FOR REAL I get it!

[@rushiaskinnerwallace6175]

Love this video. Fantastic tips. I’ve actually watched several of your vids today and as you’ve dropped tidbits about yourself and the way you experience life, I feel like I’ve found my spirit animal. 😊😬😂 In closing, 🙏🏼

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

I love to hear it Rushia!

[@rushiaskinnerwallace6175]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge 😘😘

[@annsupapornkoobatian1125]

Love your video clip very much.

[@maryh3878]

Oh my! I think you are talking about me. Everything you just talked about is exactly what I go through!! I do many of the things you do to help the anxiety but you also gave me a few new ideas for me to try. I love to travel but getting there causes so much anxiety, At the airport I’m even shaking until I get sat down at the terminal. It’s a good think my husband is so calm or I wouldn’t make it. Lol Thank you for this video!!

[@nancychaffin7826]

Oh, I can so relate!

[@bloomsberriette]

Jen, I LOVE this video! All the women in my family have this anxiety - all the same worries you have. Control is central to my fears... I don't like the unpredictable! BTW, I am a redhead, too, and I have a cowlick right in the same spot as you do.... what are the odds??😄😄 I love your other videos as well, and have saved the travel ones -- we are doing a three week Viking cruise in October/November in France. So I'm already staging my clothes!

[@deancoffman9164]

I used to fly with an emergency Xanax in my carryon. I never ended up taking them. I just was comforted by it being there if I needed it. I stopped carrying it all together after a flight to Las Vegas. The flight was very turbulent. I sat there with my Gameboy and played tetris and thought, my anxiety was making it bad for me. We landed in Denver and I was practically run over by several people on the plane (3 of which were my co-workers headed to the same conference). I deplane and start towards our connecting gate. At the first bar I came there were my co-workers (and some of the others from the plane), each of them were on their second drink and still white as ghosts. I figured out, then, I no longer needed it. I still have travel anxiety but now a days it manifests itself leading up to the flight, where I become very hard to love (my husband uses other terminology for this). I just get overwhelmed at the thought of dealing with the hassles of traveling.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

This story is amazing and yeah, maybe all those people rushing to get off the plane are going to the bar? LOL Thanks for sharing that, Dean!

[@pieperrodriguez7570]

Yay! I'm not the only one! Although my anxiety stems from getting sick on a trip. Not sure if it is the stage of life I'm in with kids, but I've had several occasions in which things happen with people have gotten sick around me. I'm not sure if I attract that kind of thing or what, but it is drunk people who have had too much to drink and vomit near me. I am always worried my children will get sick while on a trip and we aren't at home. It's very anxiety producing for me!

[@Dashzap]

Yes, a place for everything is key. Also, first thing in a hotel, please check where the fire exits are.

[@sarajaneb1]

Thank you!!!!!

[@rhillyermiles]

I once allowed a supervisor to turn in my travel request and book my flights, etc. Only to arrive at the airport and discover my flight was cancelled because the travel agent never inserted my travel purchase order number so it was unpaid. And it was a Saturday. Fun times. Before that and since then, I've been a triple checker for all travel details. Rely only on yourself

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Yeah I am a complete control freak when it comes to the details so I get this so much! As my business grows there are many things I'm looking at outsourcing but my travel plans are not one of them. Just can't. Thanks for watching, Robin!

[@llwil2003]

We had a booking reservation number for a Santorini to Athens flight and it had never been paid. My fault! I need to check and double check everything.

[@nicolebelflower8094]

I also get travel anxiety and do many of the things you mention, like extra time at the airport and having a designated spot for important items. And having items that I may need in flight together in one place so I’m not digging through my whole bag. I also keep a spreadsheet packing list and will update it after a trip if I realize there is something new I need to start adding.

[@lukedmeier19]

Those AirPod pros with the air fly make flying so much more enjoyable! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

My pleasure! This last flight I tested them out and used them the whole time - 4.5 hour flight and my airpods still had 10% power left when we landed. Your experience may vary;). No idea what I'm going to do on the trip to Hawaii! I guess I'll pack my wired ones too. Because I know they won't make it 9 hours LOL

[@lukedmeier19]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge I used them to and from Hawaii twice. If you can take like a 30 minute break in the middle of the flight, the AirPods should last the entire flight!

[@preetimathur]

AWESOME ❤❤

[@annaburch3200]

I was a travel agent. I'm currently a travel writer. I LOVE to travel, but yes!! I totally have travel anxiety, too. Over planning for me is definitely a tool I use to ease anxiety, plus I LOOOOVE the planning. Unfortunately, booking our plane tickets and hotels for London this past winter to travel in April, actually made me physically sick. It was WEIRD! I've never had THAT issue!! Your packing and travel tips have helped me a lot!! Especially for our smaller, non-rev trips. And we always go to the airport early. Even our TSA pre-check line here in SEA has been incredibly long, lately. Happily, I discovered that the Starbucks in the main terminal past security accepts mobile orders, so once we get into the TSA pre-check line, I order our drinks, then we walk over, grab our drinks and we're good to go!! One less stress!!! 😆

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

It's the little things, Anna! LOL

[@dawnturpin]

Great one. As many lists as I make I’m still running around like a nut the day before. Something to work on. I’ve recently developed anxiety during takeoff and then I’m perfectly fine, but different beast altogether.

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

YEAH that's a different animal and if you have that and the regular stuff a bit exhausting!

[@sergel02]

Thanks!

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

Oh wow THANK YOU!! Much appreciated!

[@samuelwebb9963]

Very important topic. If I’m seated at the gate an hour before boarding with a fully charged phone, I’m good to go!