Dealing with Travel Fears

Often more emphasis is given to the physical dangers and risks involved with frequent business travel. However, good psychological preparation is a major part of travel organisation. Often these are not discussed with the general everyday business traveller in pre-travel consultations, either due to time restraints or a general unawareness of the issues involved.

Fear of Flying

Many people are afraid of flying - it is a huge stress factor to the business traveller who must fly around the world on business. It is important for the business traveller to recognise the possibility of psychological trauma related to their travel and work, and learn new skills in dealing with that stress.

If despite trying to face up to your fear you are still fearful about flying, you can always attend a fear of flying course at your local airport. Alternatively you might consider talking your travel fears through with a trained counsellor.

Good Planning

Planning your business objectives cannot be emphasised enough in relation to stress of travel. If you are well prepared for your trip and have a good idea of both what is expected of you and what you expect to get out of your meetings, you will significantly reduce the stress of the trip!

Recognise that fear related to travel is very common within our society and help should be sought. The taking of drugs or excessive alcohol does not help get rid of fear and can often exacerbate it.

Cardiac emergencies account for approximately 15% of all in-flight emergencies and most of the stress has been built up prior to getting on the plane. Plan for delays when you travel. Take books to read and letters to write while you wait. Never find yourself stuck in an airport-waiting lounge with nothing to do.

If you travel frequently, discuss the possibility of upgrading your seat, using the executive lounge and pre-booking your seat when you travel. These extras are designed mainly to reduce stress in the frequent business traveller. Also make use of the extras on some flights such as massage and aromatherapy now being offered by some airlines.

Always fly direct to your destination. A few pounds saved on an indirect flight are not worth the stress encountered if connections are not met or delays occur.

If you find yourself suffering from any form of depression or other psychological illness, discuss your travel schedule with your doctor and possibly postpone your trip until you are feeling better.

Learn how to deal with Jet Lag and find the best coping method for you.

Read up about your destination and the risks involved. Stress related to fears about illness and food and water can be partially overcome when you have the information to deal with the issue. Stress related to the fear of malaria can also be dealt with if you are properly protected and know how to avoid biting mosquitoes.

No business traveller should feel they are the only one to ever have fears related to their travelling and should seek help either from a trained professional, family doctor or counsellor if they feel unable to deal with the fear when confiding in close friends or work colleagues.