Travel anxiety is a pervasive issue for many, stemming from a myriad of triggers, from delayed transport to cultural miscommunication. As an academic and journalist with a background in travel and anxiety, I've delved into the topic, exploring the various factors that contribute to this widespread problem. In this article, I'll share five key insights from major thinkers that can help alleviate travel anxiety, offering a fresh perspective on this age-old issue.
Prioritizing Urban Wellbeing
When navigating contemporary cities, anxiety can stem from a lack of 'neighbourhood cohesion', exposure to toxins, dense traffic, and poor urban planning, as explained by psychologist Colin Ellard. The French cultural theorist Paul Virilio adds to this, highlighting the psychological dislocation caused by the modern metropolis' turbo pace, information overload, and vulnerability to technological and environmental disasters. These insights emphasize the importance of seeking out green spaces, smooth-edged architecture, good sight-lines, and natural light when arriving in a new place, as these elements can help mitigate the spikes in adrenaline, blood pressure, and heart rate that often accompany urban exploration.
Educating Against Communication Breakdowns
Many travelers feel the pressures of 'cross-cultural communication', as sociologist Debbie Lisle calls it. Encounters with people from different identities, experiences, values, and habits can lead to unintentional social faux pas and patronizing remarks. By familiarizing oneself with accounts like Edward Said's 'Orientalism', privileged Westerners can start to acknowledge their ethical and political responsibility to the 'other'. This awareness can help mitigate these problems, fostering a more respectful and mindful approach to cultural encounters.
Accepting Anxiety as a Fact of Existence
The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard argued that anxiety is a necessary condition for our freedom. Travel, often seen as an exercise of freedom, won't provide meaningful lessons if it's too easy. By embracing anxiety, we can learn the ultimate truths of existence, as Kierkegaard suggests. This perspective aligns with the idea that stories across human cultures often focus on the challenges a hero must overcome, rather than the end of the narrative when the hero has triumphed.
Addressing Eco-Anxiety
Flying contributes to a significant portion of global carbon emissions, yet only a small percentage of the world's population travels by plane annually. This raises eco-anxiety, particularly in relation to overtourism in low- and middle-income countries. As the economist Alessandro Capocchi and colleagues argue, overtourism brings waste, pollution, soil erosion, and destruction of natural habitats. The radical ecologist Andreas Malm and philosopher Bruno Latour suggest that climate activism and awareness of humanity's mutual dependence with nature can mitigate eco-anxiety. In the travel context, this might compel us to visit sustainable tourist sites and minimize our carbon footprint.
Remembering Ignorance is Not Bliss
Playwright Alan Bennett contends that reading literature that articulates thoughts, feelings, and ways of looking at things can help alleviate anxiety. By becoming aware of the great minds who have grappled with anxiety, we can gain a new perspective on our own experiences. Before setting off on your next adventure, consider adding some of the recommended reading to your list, such as Kierkegaard's 'The Concept of Anxiety', Virilio's 'Overexposed City', Alain de Botton's 'The Art of Travel', Lisle's 'The Global Politics of Contemporary Travel Writing', and Latour's 'How to Inhabit the Earth'.
In conclusion, travel anxiety is a complex issue with multiple triggers. By prioritizing urban wellbeing, educating against communication breakdowns, accepting anxiety as a fact of existence, addressing eco-anxiety, and remembering that ignorance is not bliss, we can gain a fresh perspective on this age-old problem. These insights, drawn from the work of major thinkers, offer a path towards a more mindful and meaningful travel experience.
