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What Is Fear of Traveling (Hodophobia)?

Learn more about hodophobia and how to seek treatment

What Is Hodophobia?

Fear of travel, or hodophobia , is a specific type of phobia that occurs when a person has an extreme fear of traveling. Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by an excessive or irrational fear of an object or experience. Hodophobia can include the anticipation of a trip, the trip itself, or recollecting the experience.

Some people call hodophobia "trip-a-phobia," which might be confused with trypophobia (fear of patterns of small holes). Trip-a-phobia is not a medical term but is often used to describe a fear of going on trips.

Read on to learn more about hodophobia and how to treat it.

Verywell / Zoe Hansen

Specific phobias are a type of anxiety disorder. It's estimated that 12.5% of adults in the United States will experience a specific phobia at some time in their lives.

With hodophobia, the fear occurs in several different ways and at different stages during the travel experience.

For some people, the anticipation of the trip triggers their fear. For others, it may be the actual travel experience and going from one place to the next. The phobic response can also occur on the trip home or after the trip is over, when the individual is now safe at home but recollecting the trip experience.

Hodophobia can be limiting, as a fear of travel may prevent people from seeing new places, attending special events, or visiting loved ones.

Related Phobias

Phobias that are related to hodophobia include:

• Aviophobia: Fear of flying
• Claustrophobia: Fear of enclosed or tight spaces
• Amaxophobia: Fear of driving or riding in a car
• Siderodromophobia : Fear of trains
• Gephyrophobia : Fear of traveling over bridges
• Thalassophobia : Fear of sea travel
• Megalophobia : Fear of large objects, which can include planes, ships, monuments, and statues

Fear of Travel Phobia vs. Travel Anxiety

What makes travel phobia different from travel anxiety is that specific phobias interfere with an individual's day-to-day functioning and limit their life in some way.

With a phobia, the fear experienced is out of proportion to the actual danger. People with phobias are usually aware their fear seems irrational. It's important to understand that the phobia triggers their fight, flight, or freeze stress response, so the danger feels very real to them.

People who are not phobic about traveling may still experience travel anxiety. This can be due to fear-inducing events, including natural disasters, epidemics, terrorist attacks, or the COVID-19 pandemic, that impact a person's fear of traveling.

Travel Anxiety with COVID-19

The travel experience changed dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. With high levels of uncertainty, concerns about flight delays and cancellations, viral screenings, fear of illness, and quarantines upon arrival, researchers found travel anxiety among all travelers during the pandemic.

Fear of contracting COVID-19 or other illnesses while traveling, particularly in another country, may continue to create anxiety for some people, even for the non-phobic.

Symptoms of Hodophobia

The body has a hypersensitive, active, and physical response to the phobia trigger.

When a person is stimulated by a phobia, biological changes occur in the body. These include changes in stress hormones, along with increases in heart rate and blood pressure, and changes in brain activity.

Hodophobia affects people much like any phobia or extreme anxiety response. Physical and psychological symptoms include:

• Feelings of doom and danger regarding the trip
• Feeling overwhelmed or confused by travel details
• Pounding heart, increased heart rate, or palpitations
• Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or faint
• Chest pain or tightness in the chest
• Sweating or sweaty palms
• Hot and cold flashes
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Shaking or trembling

If the fear and the response to the fear becomes overwhelming, a person may experience a panic attack , which is an episode of extreme fear or anxiety accompanied by physical symptoms.

Diagnosis of Hodophobia

To be diagnosed with any type of specific phobia, a mental health clinician or medical provider will typically use the fifth edition of the " Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders " (DSM-5), the American Psychiatric Association's official handbook to diagnose mental health conditions.

Specific phobias are considered a mental health condition. The diagnostic criteria for a specific phobia include:

• Fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation such as traveling, flying, or riding in trains.
• Being faced with traveling almost always causes immediate anxiety and fear.
• The phobia is typically avoided or endured with very intense fear and anxiety the entire time.
• Anxiety and fear are out of proportion to the actual danger being faced.
• The fear is consistent and lasts for six months or more.
• The phobia is causing impairment in a person's social, occupational, and day-to-day functioning.

Causes of Hodophobia

Specific phobias are caused by a few different factors, including:

• Trauma experience : If a person had a direct experience of travel-related trauma, it may impact their ability to travel and cause a phobia to develop.
• Learning from others : Some people develop a phobia, such as fear of traveling, from others. So, if a parent is afraid to fly, a child may grow up fearing flying as well.
• Others' experiences : People can develop phobias from reading or learning about dangerous situations that happen to others. For example, a person might fear travel after reading about someone else's fearful travel experience.
• Genetic : Risks for developing phobias may also be genetically determined.

Treatment for Hodophobia

Treatments for other anxiety disorders are sometimes helpful as a treatment for specific phobias.

Medication is a common treatment option for anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are recommended as first-line drugs.

These can include:

• SSRIs : Lexapro (escitalopram), Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline)
• SNRIs : Effexor (Venlafaxine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine)

Often medication alone won't treat the phobia, in which case a person may want to consider psychotherapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps people identify and change destructive thought patterns that negatively affect their behavior or well-being.

Treatment may include systematic desensitization, which typically involves gradually being exposed to the fear until the person can overcome it. For hodophobia, the person may begin by simply imagining themself traveling, then they may look at photographs of people traveling, followed by taking a short trip, then a longer trip. These exercises may be combined with breathing and relaxation exercises to help the person deal with symptoms of anxiety.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EDMR is a trauma-based treatment method that was designed to help people overcome the emotional distress of traumatic memories. This treatment involves doing specific types of eye movements as you process traumatic memories.

EMDR is sometimes used to help people overcome specific phobias like hodophobia and other anxiety disorders.

There are a few strategies to cope with hodophobia in the event travel is necessary:

• Ease into travel by taking small, short trips close to home. Slowly work up to going farther distances.
• Prepare ahead of time and know exactly where you're going to reduce anxiety.
• If possible, choose a low-stress destination.
• Map out your schedule and itinerary in detail so you know ahead of time what to expect.
• Travel with a friend or loved one for comfort.
• When flying, take direct flights as often as possible.
• Virtual reality and GoPro Tours found online may help with viewing the destination ahead of time.

Hodophobia is a fear of traveling that causes a person extreme anxiety. It can affect the periods before, during, and following a trip. There are treatment and coping methods available to help overcome this phobia including cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR.

Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B. Specific phobias . Lancet Psychiatry . 2018;5(8):678-686. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30169-X

National Institute of Mental Health. Specific phobia .

 Fennell DA. Towards a model of travel fear . Annals of Tourism Research . 2017;66:140-150. doi:10.1016/j.annals.2017.07.015

International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers. Travel and anxiety .

Harvard Health.  Understanding the stress response .

Flaherty GT, Nasir N. Reiseangst: travel anxiety and psychological resilience during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic . J Travel Med . 2020;27(8):taaa150. doi:10.1093/jtm/taaa150

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Specific phobias.

Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Symptoms of specific phobia .

Bandelow B, Michaelis S, Wedekind D. Treatment of anxiety disorders .  Dialogues Clin Neurosci . 2017;19(2):93-107. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.2/bbandelow

Singh H, Awayz H, Murali T. An unusual case of phobia: Hodophobia . Int J Indian Psychol . 2017;4(2):79-81.

De Jongh A. EMDR therapy for specific fears and phobias: The Phobia protocol . Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: EMDR scripted protocols and summary sheets. Treating anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and mood-related conditions . 2015;19:9-40.

By Michelle C. Brooten-Brooks, LMFT Brooten-Brooks is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Georgia. She has been covering health and medical topics as a journalist for over 20 years.

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13 Phobias That Involve Cars, Driving, & Being on the Road

For the majority of people in the world, driving around town is a basic part of daily life. Unfortunately for some people, vehicular transportation can be a terrifying experience to be avoided at all costs. More than a dozen different phobias can create a debilitating state for those with diagnosed conditions.

Carpooling & Ride Sharing: Are you doing it right?

13 Phobias that Affect Drivers, Passengers, or Pedestrians

• Motorphobia: The fear of automobiles in general, also referred to as ochophobia. This goes as far as fearing the very idea of vehicles, much less being around them.
• Mechanophobia: The fear of machines. For some, anxiety about vehicles can extend further to most man-made, mechanized creations.
• Claustrophobia: The fear of closed, small spaces . Automobiles might look harmless from the outside, but being stuck inside the confined, enclosed cabin of a car can cause intense panic.
• Vehophobia: The fear of driving. Being in vehicles might not be terrifying, but controlling one can cause severe emotional distress to some.
• Amaxophobia: The fear of riding in a car. Even if you’re not the one behind the wheel, riding in a car can create a paralyzing sense of dread for some.
• Dystychiphobia: The fear of accidents . A reason some people don’t like being in a moving car, this phobia is concerned with the possible danger on the road.
• Traumatophobia: The fear of injury. Related to fearing vehicular accidents, you can fear any sort of bodily harm, inside or outside the car.
• Hodophobia:  The fear of road travel. Some people avoid travelling on the road altogether due to this.
• Technophobia: The fear of advanced technology or complex devices. As vehicles continue to get more computerized and digitally-connected, this phobia is affecting more drivers.
• Photoaugliaphobia: The fear of glaring lights. Driving during the day might not be bad, as long as it’s not too sunny, but being confronted by oncoming headlights at night can be traumatic.
• Gephyrophobia:  The fear of bridges . Traversing grounded roads can be a breeze but some people go out of their way to avoid going across a raised road.
• Chionophobia: The fear of snow . If you don’t like winter because of the snow, you probably don’t enjoy driving in the snow, either.
• Agyrophobia:  The fear that crossing the street will cause bodily harm. Even if there are no cars in sight, the act of stepping onto a paved road can stir terror.

Don’t Panic!   We help you determine what your dashboard warning lights mean

Sources: Phrontistery , Common Phobias

Aaron is unashamed to be a native Clevelander and the proud driver of a Hyundai Veloster Turbo (which recently replaced his 1995 Saturn SC-2). He gleefully utilizes his background in theater, literature, and communication to dramatically recite his own articles to nearby youth. Mr. Widmar happily resides in Dayton, Ohio with his magnificent wife, Vicki, but is often on the road with her exploring new destinations. Aaron has high aspirations for his writing career but often gets distracted pondering the profound nature of the human condition and forgets what he was writing… See more articles by Aaron.

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Hodophobia (Fear of Road Travel)

Hodophobia is the irrational fear of road travel. Someone suffering from this condition can expect to experience a very high amount of anxiety from merely thinking of road travel , let alone actually experiencing it. In fact, their anxiety may be so intense that they may even endure a full blown panic attack as a result of it. Although such an influx of anxiety will not always be the case for everyone suffering from hodophobia, it is still very plausible to occur nonetheless.

Someone experiencing a full blown panic attack as a result of their hodophobia can expect to have an increased heart rate, an increased rate of breathing, higher blood pressure, muscle tension, trembling, and excessive sweating, among several other symptoms. Although panic attacks may not always be the case for everyone experiencing symptoms of hodophobia, it is still possible to occur, especially if their symptoms are very severe.

Someone suffering from hodophobia may find themselves avoiding that which they fear. They may take this to the extreme by ensuring that they cannot be exposed to road travel in any way. For example, someone with this condition may refuse to travel by car due to their intense fear of road travel even when renting an electric car with the most reliable and safe autopilot features. Such excessive worry and irrational thinking is likely to be one of the main causes of their mental anguish.

Although someone with this condition may actively avoid their fear in an attempt to help them reduce their chances of experiencing any immediate anxiety, doing so may also worsen their symptoms of hodophobia in the long term due to the fact that they would also be justifying their fear to themselves by actively avoiding it.

Symptoms of Hodophobia

As is the case with virtually every other phobia that exists, someone with hodophobia can expect anxiety to be the most prominent symptom of their condition. Also, as previously mentioned, their anxiety may be so extreme that they may even endure full blown panic attacks as a result of it. Depending on the severity of their panic attack, they may even need to be hospitalized. However, this will vary from person to person and will be dependent on many factors.

Furthermore, someone with hodophobia may go to painstaking efforts to ensure that they do not come into contact with their fear in any way. This may mean them not only avoiding areas where they may come into contact with their fear, but also that they may actively try to prevent it from happening by taking a more hands-on approach.

Below, you will see some more common symptoms of this phobia:

• Anxiety when thinking of road travel
• Constantly avoiding road travel
• Unable to cope with their anxiety
• Muscle tension, shakiness, and sweating
• May experience panic attacks

Causes of Hodophobia

There are no definitive causes of hodophobia. Nevertheless, genetics and one’s environment may both play very significant roles in the development of this condition. For example, if someone has a family history of mental illness, especially of anxiety disorders or  specific phobias , then they may have a higher chance of developing hodophobia. This may be due to them then having a genetic predisposition to developing mental illness in general.

If someone were to have such genetics, then it may only require that they experience some sort of traumatic event for them to develop full blown hodophobia. Essentially, any sort of emotionally painful event that involved the various fears associated with hodophobia in some way may be enough for someone to develop this condition insofar as they have the proper genetics.

Although we do not know the exact causes of hodophobia, the consensus among most mental health professionals is that both genetics and environmental factors play very significant roles in the development of any given mental disorder. So, taking a closer look at these two different parameters may shed some light as to whether or not you may be at risk for developing hodophobia.

Hodophobia Treatments

Just as there are no definitive causes of hodophobia, there are also no treatments that are specifically designed for this condition either. Nevertheless, there are still many different forms of treatment that can help to significantly improve many of the symptoms of hodophobia. Some of these treatments include exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and some psychiatric medications, among others.

Exposure therapy  is one of the most common forms of treatment for people suffering from phobias. Exposure therapy works by having the therapist gradually expose the patient to their fear over a given period of time. With regards to hodophobia, the therapist may start off by exposing the patient to photos of someone driving a car, among other things. This would all be in an attempt to help desensitize the patient to their fear by repetitively exposing them to it. Theoretically, the more someone is exposed to something they fear, the less it will bother them over time.

CBT  is another very common form of treatment that is often used to help people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder ( GAD ) and obsessive compulsive disorder ( OCD ), among other conditions. Moreover, it may also be effective at helping to treat people suffering from phobias like hodophobia as well. CBT works by having the therapist help the patient to uncover why it is that they think, feel, and behave the way they do with regards to a particular fear or concern they have.

Someone with hodophobia partaking in CBT can expect to learn why it is that they think the way they do about their fear, among other things. Understanding such things may help someone with hodophobia to take a more pragmatic approach when thinking about their fear of road travel.

Exposure Therapy for Hodophobia

As previously mentioned, exposure therapy is one of the most common ways to treat anxiety disorders such as hodophobia. It can be an efficient way to help desensitize the patient to their specific fears. Be that as it may, it is imperative that the therapist implementing it on their patient is very adept at doing so. For example, if the therapist were to slightly expose someone with hodophobia to their fear, then it may not be very effective as they may need a higher amount of exposure to truly trigger any sort of worthwhile change in the patient.

The same can be said for the antithesis of this scenario. If the therapist were to excessively expose someone with hodophobia to their fear, then doing so could be highly counterproductive to the point to where their hodophobia may become immensely worse due to the therapy alone. So, it is paramount that the therapist implementing exposure therapy for someone with hodophobia has a very strong sense of just how severe their symptoms are so that they can know the level of exposure that the patient will likely be able to handle.

Working Out for Hodophobia

Exercise has been shown to be extremely beneficial for people suffering from anxiety disorders, including hodophobia. Specifically, cardiovascular exercise can significantly help to relieve one’s stress. This is not to say that weight-resistance training would not benefit someone with anxiety, but rather that aerobic exercise is has been shown to be more effective at releasing those feel good chemicals in the brain, such as endorphins.

According to the American Psychology Association, exercise can help to condition the mind to better cope with stressful situations. This makes sense when we take into consideration the high amount of stress that the body is put under during strenuous exercise. So, if you yourself are sedentary, then engaging in some form of aerobic exercise may be able to significantly help reduce your symptoms of hodophobia by making it much easier for you to cope with the anxiety and stress that’s associated with this condition.

There are many different aerobic modalities that you can partake in to help reduce your symptoms of hodophobia, such as swimming, biking, skiing, walking, and jogging. You can also acquire the many benefits of exercise by playing sports such as tennis, soccer, basketball, and racquetball, among many other sports. Engaging in some form of exercise consistently may be able to help relieve some of the pain associated with hodophobia over time.

Yoga Sessions for Hodophobia

There are numerous different yoga poses that can substantially benefit someone who is suffering from hodophobia. In part, this is due to the meditative state of mind that yoga tends to emit in those who practice it on a consistent basis. Yoga can be thought of as meditation in motion. It can help to relieve some of the anxiety associated with hodophobia due to the mere fact that by engaging in yoga, your attention will be redirected to something more productive.

There are many different types of yoga that someone with hodophobia can benefit from, such as hatha yoga or hot yoga, among many others. Nevertheless, regardless of the many different forms of yoga that exist, virtually all of them can help to relieve some of the stress and anxiety that is associated with hodophobia.

If you have never practiced yoga before, then it may be in your best interest to take a class or watch some guided videos that can help you through each pose. Just like with meditation, the more you practice yoga, the more adept you will become at it. Besides helping you to reduce your symptoms of hodophobia, you can also expect to acquire increased strength and flexibility, among other benefits.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Hodophobia

MBSR is an 8-week evidence-based program that offers secular, intensive mindfulness training to help people who are suffering from anxiety, stress, depression, and other sorts of mental anguish. MBSR may be able to significantly help someone who is suffering from hodophobia as mindfulness meditation has been shown to be very beneficial for anxious people. In such a structured program, someone with hodophobia can expect to learn a plethora of different skills that can help them to relieve the intense anxiety that’s associated with their specific phobia.

Talk to your doctor or therapist to see if MBSR can help you to reduce the intensity of your symptoms of hodophobia, as well as where to find MBSR programs in your area.

Psychiatric Medications for Hodophobia

Anti-anxiety meds

These types of medications are very useful to help prevent panic attacks. Such drugs can be extremely useful for people suffering from severe hodophobia due to the fact that people with phobias often experience panic attacks as well. Some common anti-anxiety medications include Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin, among many others.

These types of drugs are not typically taken on a daily basis, but they may be insofar as their hodophobia is severe enough. However, this is something that you should first discuss with your doctor before you decide to do so to ensure that it is safe and effective.

Antidepressants

These types of medications aren’t only for people who suffer from depression as they can also help people suffering from anxiety disorders as well, such as hodophobia. Some common antidepressants are Paxil, Zoloft, and Lexapro, among several others. These drugs may be able to help reduce some of the symptoms of hodophobia.

These types of drugs are typically taken on a daily basis. They can indeed help prevent panic attacks from occurring, but they are more so used to help reduce people’s daily anxiety. Talk to your doctor to see if taking antidepressants can help to reduce your symptoms of hodophobia, as well as whether or not it is safe to do so.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Hodophobia

CBT is a psycho-social intervention that aims to improve one’s mental health. It is a modality that is often used to treat people suffering from anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and OCD. Someone with hodophobia may also be able to benefit from CBT as well seeing as how it would allow them to have a much better understanding as to why they think and behave the way they do in relation to their irrational fears.

CBT can be immensely helpful for someone with hodophobia given the sheer automaticity of their symptoms. For example, when someone with hodophobia is exposed to their fear, they will almost always have an instantaneous subconscious reaction to their fear. Such a lack of introspection is likely a large part of why someone with this condition will suffer to the extent that they will. CBT can help you to take a step back and analyze your fears more deeply than you typically would.

Besides learning to be more fastidious with regards to understanding one’s specific fears, someone with hodophobia engaging in CBT can also expect to learn various other skills aimed at helping to relieve the anxiety caused by their condition.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Hodophobia

DBT is a very effective form of treatment for people struggling with emotion regulation. It is often used to treat people suffering from borderline personality disorder. Nevertheless, it can also be very advantageous for someone suffering from anxiety disorders like hodophobia too. This is due to the numerous amount of coping skills you can expect to learn in a  DBT group . These groups typically last about 6 months long and can have anywhere from two people to several people depending on how many join the group.

One very effective DBT skill for helping someone with hodophobia is half-smiling. This technique works by having you think about that which you fear or upsets you all while slightly raising the corners of your mouth by lightly smiling, thus the term “half-smiling.” Although, it isn’t enough to just think about your fear while half-smiling, you also have to try and refrain from entertaining those painful emotions that your specific fear may evoke.

Mindfulness meditation is also heavily used in DBT and can greatly benefit someone with hodophobia as it is done in a group setting, which helps to put the patient out of their comfort zone. These group mindfulness practices may include drinking warm tea to hone in on the sense of taste and tactile senses or simply focusing on the breath.

Coping ahead is another very useful DBT skill that can help someone with hodophobia. With coping ahead, you will want to find a place where you can sit down quietly without distraction. Close your eyes and then think about the many different possible scenarios where you would face your specific fear and overcome it or cope with it. Doing so will help you to be much better adept at coping with your hodophobia when you are actually exposed to the specific fear associated with it in real life.

Meditation Practice for Hodophobia

There are many different forms of meditation that exists which can be very advantageous for someone suffering from hodophobia. Specifically, mindfulness meditation has been shown to be quite beneficial for helping people to enter into a more equanimous state. There are many different ways with which you can implement mindfulness meditation and there are also many different meditation apps which are designed to make things as easy as possible for you.

Mindfulness has the potential to significantly help those suffering from hodophobia due to how it will help one to distract themselves from their fear by refocusing their attention onto something else that does not have any sort of emotional baggage attached to it, such as by focusing on the breath for example. This is one of the most basic ways that one can meditate and be present.

For someone with hodophobia in the midst of a panic attack, redirecting one’s attention to the various sensations felt when breathing can actually help to reduce the amount of mental anguish experienced during such an influx of anxiety.

To implement mindfulness meditation to help relieve one’s symptoms of hodophobia, you can do so by paying close attention to the way the muscles in your abdomen and chest contract and relax with every inhale and exhale. You can spend time dwelling on how it feels as your chest expands during each inhale and how it sinks in with every exhale.

Besides focusing on your breathing, you can also focus on the sounds around you, the way your skin feels as you touch certain objects, the way foods taste, as well as the way certain aromas smell. Essentially, honing into your 5 senses can significantly help you to reduce some of the anxiety that is associated with hodophobia. Also, remember that it will take a lot of practice to become an adept meditator. So, practice is key.

Control Caffeine Consumption for Hodophobia

It is no secret that consuming large amounts of caffeine throughout the day can aid in making you more anxious. This makes sense when we look closely at how caffeine affects our body’s physiology. When we consume a high dose of caffeine, our heart will start to beat faster and we become more tense. Essentially, our body will begin to go into a “fight or flight” state of mind. Such a frame of mind is often a precursor for someone with hodophobia to experience panic attacks.

So, consuming little to no caffeine throughout the day may be able to significantly help reduce your day to day anxiety. Although doing so will likely not make all of your anxiety go away, it will indeed help you to reduce any unnecessary suffering that you would have otherwise experienced if you were to consume a large amount of caffeine.

Beverages like coffee and tea are often high in caffeine, as well as some energy drinks. In fact, even some foods have caffeine in them as well, such as dark chocolate. Being more conscious of your daily caffeine consumption may help you to reduce some of the symptoms associated with hodophobia.

If you think you may be suffering from some of the symptoms of this condition, then you may benefit from therapy . Feel free to reach out to your doctor or local mental health clinic to see what your available options are and to see if there is any sort of discount or promo code available to help you with the costs of treatment , as well as if your health insurance will cover treatment costs.

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Travel Anxiety: Causes and Cures

Fact checked.

Micah Abraham, BSc

Last updated October 10, 2020

Many people dream of travel. But travel anxiety is also very common. Some people experience a significant amount of anxiety when they travel. Those with persistent generalized anxiety and panic attacks are also prone to travel anxiety simply because travel represents change and distance from comfort. Some people fear travel but are not completely aware of this fear because they avoid booking their ticket or come up with other excuses in order to not leave their homes.

Whatever the case, travel anxiety makes it much harder to travel, whether for work or pleasure. This article explores the concept of travel anxiety, providing tips and information regarding what you can do to reduce your fear.

Causes of Travel Anxiety

Travel anxiety is unlikely to have any single specific cause. Many people have travel anxiety their entire lives. Others may develop the anxiety either because of past experiences relating to travel which were anxiety provoking; and some seem to have travel anxiety for no apparent reason at all. Here are some examples of experiences that can lead to travel anxiety:

• Fear of Flying Probably the most common issue seen in those with travel anxiety is a fear of flying. This is a fairly common phobia that’s linked to various factors: the lack of control, the changes in air pressure, the general discomfort, and the turbulence. These can all contribute to a fear of flying, especially as you age1. Since travel often involves flight, it's not uncommon for these fears to interact with your ability to control your anxiety.
• Horror Stories Some people are influenced by the "worst case scenario" stories they hear on the news. You may not even realize you're influenced, but when you access news articles about kidnappings, injuries, and other accidents, it's easy to subconsciously associate travel with tragedy.
• Home Comfort Some people also develop a fear of being far from home, because their home is their source of comfort. It's very common in those with anxiety disorders involving panic attacks or agoraphobia, for example, because their home becomes associated with being safe. The idea of leaving their home for an extended period of time then becomes very stressful.
• Post Trip Worries You may not have travel anxiety before the trip, but you may find that you develop it during your trip. This type of anxiety can be due to any number of issues, including the stress of planning and organizing details upon your arrival, the possible discomfort of being in a new environment, the looming threat of jetlag and perhaps simple worries about not knowing where your nearest supermarket or pharmacy might be.

But this is just a simplified list. You may not even know the exact reasons why your travel anxiety developed. It is possible - and important - to understand what your specific worries are (we'll get to that in a moment), but it isn't always possible to know why you have those worries. Travel anxiety affects many people and it can have a disruptive influence on your life.

How to Overcome Travel Anxiety

Of course, knowing about the causes is only the first step. Ideally, you'll also want to learn how to overcome your travel anxiety. Consider the following tips and strategies to reduce your travel anxiety:

• Don't Avoid It If you want to travel or you have to travel, don't avoid buying the ticket and don't push back the date of the vacation. The act of avoiding something fearful actually increases future fear, because by pushing it back you've created what's known as "negative reinforcement." This means that it becomes more and more likely that you’ll deal with travel anxiety in future by simply avoiding the travel date. This also serves to strengthen the anxiety. If you really want to overcome your travel anxiety, you need to put yourself out there and not let yourself fall into the avoidance trap.
• Figure Out Your Fears While you may not be able to figure out the underlying cause of your fears, it’s a lot easier to identify what your fears are. Are you afraid of flying? Afraid of being away from home? Afraid of the stress of planning a vacation? Notice when you're feeling travel anxiety and write down the thought that's going through your mind at that point in time. Knowing your fears will give you an opportunity to evaluate them.
• Prepare in Advance Start your trip anxious, and you’re setting yourself up for a difficult journey. Do your best to pack, plan your mail, arrange for a friend to look after your home, etc., as far in advance as possible. That way, the time before your departure will not be quite as hectic. Have your entire tripped planned as best as you can too so that you're never worried about what you're doing once you arrive.
• Have Someone to Call at Home You may also want to consider having someone that you can call if you experience anxiety - like a friend or family member. Ask someone you know that will be around. Tell them you have travel anxiety and you want to know that they'd be available if you needed to call someone. Knowing that person is there can often be enough to lower your anxiety levels.
• Take Vacation Breaks If you find that your anxiety while on your trip is acting up, take a short break from your vacation. This might mean, for example, going for a massage and staying home to watch Netflix rather than going sightseeing. Don't try to relax and ride it out if you start to get anxious. Anxiety is the type of condition that is nearly impossible to "fight" because fighting it increases stress, which ultimately creates more anxiety.
• Plan an Empty First Vacation If you have a fear of traveling in general, make your first vacation something where the entire goal is to do nothing but get used to the idea of traveling. For example, catch a plane to a location near a beach, and spend each and every day just sitting on the beach relaxing. Alternatively, plan a vacation where you spend as much (or more) time relaxing as compared to sight-seeing and actively engaging. This can help you get used to the act of being on a vacation without the pressures that come from some of these trips.

Beyond these travel anxiety ideas, you'll also want to focus on reducing your overall anxiety. Anxiety is a cumulative disorder. When you experience anxiety in one area of your life, it can cause more anxiety in other areas of your life. If you have anxiety on a daily basis, reducing that anxiety will provide you with a powerful advantage when it comes to managing your anxiety on the whole.

Questions? Comments?

Do you have a specific question that this article didn’t answered? Send us a message and we’ll answer it for you!

Where can I go to learn more about Jacobson’s relaxation technique and other similar methods? – Anonymous patient

You can ask your doctor for a referral to a psychologist or other mental health professional who uses relaxation techniques to help patients. Not all psychologists or other mental health professionals are knowledgeable about these techniques, though. Therapists often add their own “twist” to the technqiues. Training varies by the type of technique that they use. Some people also buy CDs and DVDs on progressive muscle relaxation and allow the audio to guide them through the process. – Timothy J. Legg, PhD, CRNP

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Travel Phobia: Effective Strategies to Overcome Travel Fear

Understanding Hodophobia

Hodophobia, or the fear of travel, is a complex condition that can significantly impact an individual’s life. This phobia encompasses a wide range of fears, from general anxiety about traveling to specific phobias related to various modes of transportation, such as cars, planes, and public transport. Individuals with homophobia might experience intense dread at the thought of traveling long distances, fear of traveling in a plane, or anxiety about traveling alone. This condition is more than just a preference for staying home; it’s a debilitating fear that can prevent people from experiencing new places, visiting loved ones, or fulfilling professional obligations. Read this article to know about travel phobia, symptoms, causes and treatment.

The symptoms of travel phobia can vary widely but often include physical manifestations such as panic attacks, sweating, trembling, and nausea. The psychological impact is also profound, with sufferers experiencing overwhelming anxiety, dread, and sometimes even a full-blown phobia of travelling in a car or fear of travelling on buses. These symptoms make the prospect of travel incredibly daunting, turning what should be an exciting adventure into a source of intense fear and anxiety.

Travel phobia treatment is essential for those affected by hodophobia, as it can help individuals manage their symptoms and gradually overcome their fears. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often effective in treating phobias, including travel phobia, by helping individuals challenge and change their negative thought patterns about travel. Exposure therapy, another critical component of travel phobia treatment, involves gradually and systematically exposing the person to the feared object or situation (in this case, travel) in a controlled and safe environment.

Understanding the root causes of hodophobia is crucial for effective treatment. For some, the fear may stem from a past negative experience, such as a traumatic flight or car accident. For others, it might be related to a lack of control in travel situations or anxiety about encountering unfamiliar environments. Additionally, societal factors, such as sensationalized media reports of travel incidents, can exacerbate fears, contributing to a phobia of travelling alone or a fear of travelling in a plane.

Addressing hodophobia often requires a multifaceted approach, combining professional therapy, self-help strategies, and, in some cases, medication to manage symptoms. Support from friends and family can also play a significant role in overcoming travel phobia. By understanding their condition and exploring various treatment options, individuals with hodophobia can start to manage their fears and work towards a more travel-friendly lifestyle.

Strategies to overcome travel phobia include gradual exposure to travel situations, starting with short, less intimidating trips and slowly working up to longer distances or more challenging modes of transportation. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, can help manage anxiety when thoughts of travel phobia symptoms arise. Additionally, seeking support from others who understand and have overcome similar fears can provide valuable encouragement and advice.

Common Travel Phobias

Travel phobia manifests in various forms, impacting individuals differently depending on their experiences, perceptions, and the mode of transportation involved. Among the most prevalent specific phobias related to travel are the fear of travelling in a plane, phobia of travelling in a car, fear of travelling on buses, and the daunting thought of travelling alone. These fears are not only widespread but deeply rooted in the psyche of those affected, leading to a significant alteration in their lifestyle and choices.

Phobia of Travelling in a Car :

This specific fear involves anxiety about being in a car , either as a driver or passenger. The phobia of travelling in a car can stem from past accidents, fear of losing control, or the unpredictability of road conditions. For some, the phobia is linked to the claustrophobia of being in a small, confined space for an extended period.

Fear of Travelling in a Plane :

Often considered one of the most common travel-related phobias, the fear of travelling in a plane encompasses anxiety about flying . This can be due to fear of heights (acrophobia), fear of potential accidents, or even the feeling of not being in control. The phobia of travelling in a plane can severely limit international travel and professional opportunities that require flying.

Fear of Travelling on Buses :

Public transportation, particularly buses, can trigger anxiety for those with social phobia travelling or a general phobia of travelling on public transport. The fear of crowded spaces, reliance on another’s driving, and the potential for social interaction can all contribute to this specific travel phobia.

Phobia of Travelling Alone :

The thought of travelling alone can be particularly daunting for many. This fear often stems from the anxiety of facing unfamiliar situations without support, the risk of getting lost, or encountering dangerous situations without assistance. The phobia of travelling alone can lead to missed personal and professional opportunities, limiting one’s experiences and growth.

Phobia of Travelling Long Distances :

For some, the duration of the journey itself is a source of anxiety. The phobia of travelling long distances encompasses fears related to being far from home, the physical discomfort of long-haul travel, and the anticipation of fatigue or jet lag.

Understanding these common travel phobias is the first step towards addressing and overcoming them. Each specific fear requires a tailored approach, recognizing the unique challenges it presents. For instance, overcoming the fear of travelling in a plane may involve familiarization with the safety measures of air travel, while tackling the phobia of travelling alone might focus on building self-confidence and planning skills.

By acknowledging the diversity of travel phobias, individuals can seek targeted travel phobia treatment and strategies to overcome fear of travelling that address their particular concerns. Whether it involves the fear of travelling in a plane, the anxiety of solo journeys, or the dread of long-distance travel, recognizing and confronting these fears directly is crucial for progress. With patience, understanding, and the right support, overcoming travel phobia and reclaiming the joy of discovery is within reach for those affected by hodophobia.

Symptoms of Travel Phobia

Identifying the symptoms of travel phobia is crucial for understanding and addressing this condition effectively. Individuals grappling with hodophobia might experience a wide range of signs, from physical reactions to psychological and behavioral responses, when faced with the prospect of travel. Recognizing these symptoms can be the first step towards seeking help and finding ways to overcome the fear of travelling.

Physical Symptoms :

The body’s response to the anxiety associated with travel phobia can be intense and varied. Common physical symptoms include panic attacks, characterized by rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Sweating, trembling, and nausea are also frequent signs that someone is experiencing a severe travel phobia, whether it be the fear of travelling in a plane, a phobia of travelling in a car, or anxiety about travelling alone. These reactions are not just uncomfortable but can also be debilitating, making the thought of travel overwhelmingly distressing.

Psychological Symptoms :

Beyond the physical manifestations, travel phobia deeply affects individuals’ mental and emotional states. Sufferers may experience overwhelming anxiety, dread, or even terror at the thought of travelling. This can lead to a persistent worry about upcoming trips, nightmares about travel, and a pervasive sense of doom when considering travel scenarios. The phobia of travelling on buses, for example, might trigger excessive worry about accidents or getting lost, significantly impacting an individual’s mental well-being.

Behavioral Symptoms :

The impact of hodophobia extends into the behavioral realm, with sufferers often going to great lengths to avoid travel. This might include avoiding jobs that require travel, missing out on family events, or refusing to travel alone or by certain modes of transportation like planes or buses. The avoidance behavior is a hallmark of travel phobia, as individuals may require excessive reassurance or engage in extensive checking behaviors (such as repeatedly verifying travel plans) to manage their anxiety.

Understanding these symptoms is a critical component of travel phobia treatment, as it helps both individuals and professionals recognize the scope and impact of the phobia. The physical, psychological, and behavioral signs of travel phobia can vary in intensity but are often interconnected, feeding into the cycle of fear and avoidance that characterizes hodophobia.

For those struggling with the fear of travelling in a plane, phobia of travelling alone, or any other specific travel-related anxiety, recognizing these symptoms is the first step towards seeking help. Awareness allows individuals to explore travel phobia treatment options and strategies to overcome fear of travelling, paving the way for a more comfortable and fulfilling relationship with travel. With the right support and interventions, managing the symptoms of travel phobia can lead to significant improvements in quality of life and open up a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Causes of Travel Phobia

Understanding the causes behind travel phobia is essential for effective management and treatment. Hodophobia, like other specific phobias, can stem from a variety of sources. These factors may interplay uniquely in every individual, contributing to the development of a fear of travelling in a plane, a phobia of travelling in a car, or anxiety about travelling alone, among others.

Past Negative Experiences :

One of the most common triggers for the development of travel phobia is a past negative or traumatic experience related to travel. This could be a car accident, a turbulent flight, or a distressing incident while travelling on public transport. Such experiences can leave a lasting impact, causing the individual to associate travel with danger and discomfort, leading to a persistent phobia of travelling long distances or specific modes of transportation.

Learned Behaviors from Family or Peers :

Travel phobia can also be learned through observing the reactions and behaviors of others. If a family member or close peer displays intense fear or avoidance of travel, it can influence an individual’s perceptions and attitudes towards travel. This modeling effect can foster a phobia of travelling alone, fear of travelling in a bus, or other travel-related anxieties from a young age.

Lack of Control in Travel Situations :

A significant factor contributing to hodophobia is the feeling of lack of control or unpredictability associated with travel. This is particularly evident in fears related to flying or travelling in areas unfamiliar to the individual. The uncertainty about the outcome of a trip, reliance on others for safety, and inability to escape uncomfortable situations can amplify the phobia of travelling on public transport or other travel fears.

Media Influences and Sensationalized Travel Incidents :

The portrayal of travel incidents in the media can also play a role in the development of travel phobia. Sensationalized coverage of accidents, incidents, and disasters related to various modes of transportation can heighten fear and anxiety about travel. This constant exposure to negative travel stories can reinforce the fear of travelling in a plane or phobia of travelling in a car, making the individual more susceptible to developing a travel phobia.

Addressing the root causes of hodophobia is crucial for overcoming the phobia. Whether it involves tackling a phobia of travelling alone, fear of travelling on buses, or any other specific travel-related fear, understanding the underlying factors is the first step toward effective treatment. Through targeted interventions and support, individuals can work to overcome their travel phobia, gradually reducing the impact of these causes on their lives and enabling them to explore the world with confidence and ease.

Treatment Options for Travel Phobia

The journey to overcoming travel phobia—a multifaceted condition characterized by an intense fear of travelling in a plane, a phobia of travelling in a car, or anxiety about travelling on public transport—requires a personalized and comprehensive approach. Treatment options vary, ranging from professional therapy to self-help strategies, each offering pathways to manage and eventually conquer the fears associated with travel.

Professional Therapy :

One of the most effective treatment options for hodophobia is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs about travel, replacing them with more rational and positive ones. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals with a phobia of travelling alone or a fear of travelling in a plane, as it addresses the underlying thoughts that fuel these fears.

Exposure Therapy, a subset of CBT, is another powerful treatment method. It involves gradual, controlled exposure to the feared object or situation—in this case, travel. Starting with less intimidating travel scenarios and progressively moving to more challenging ones, exposure therapy can help desensitize individuals to the stimuli that trigger their travel phobia, whether it’s a fear of travelling on buses or a phobia of travelling long distances.

Self-Help Strategies :

For many, self-help strategies can provide significant relief from the symptoms of travel phobia. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help manage the physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety when facing travel. Creating positive travel experiences, even in small steps, can also build confidence and reduce fears over time.

Support Groups :

Joining a support group for individuals with travel phobia or related anxieties can offer emotional support and practical advice. Sharing experiences with others who understand the phobia of travelling on public transport or the anxiety of travelling alone can provide comfort, reduce feelings of isolation, and encourage individuals to face their fears.

Medication :

In some cases, medication may be recommended to manage the symptoms of travel phobia, especially if they are severe and significantly impact daily functioning. Anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants can be prescribed by a healthcare professional, often in conjunction with therapy, to help individuals cope with intense anxiety related to travel.

Overcoming travel phobia is a gradual process that requires patience, persistence, and the willingness to face one’s fears. By exploring various treatment options, from professional therapy to self-help strategies, individuals with hodophobia can find the support and tools necessary to navigate their fears. Whether it involves tackling a fear of travelling in a bus, a phobia of travelling in a car, or the challenges of travelling alone, the path to overcoming travel phobia is paved with understanding, support, and targeted interventions. With the right approach, the world becomes a more accessible and less daunting place, opening up endless possibilities for exploration and adventure.

How to Overcome Fear of Travelling

Overcoming the fear of travelling, whether it’s a phobia of travelling in a plane, anxiety about travelling on public transport, or the dread of travelling alone, involves a combination of mental preparation, practical strategies, and sometimes, professional intervention. Here are several approaches to help manage and eventually overcome these fears:

Gradual Exposure :

Gradually exposing oneself to the act of travelling can be an effective method for overcoming travel phobia. Start with short, less intimidating journeys, perhaps by engaging in short drives if you have a phobia of travelling in a car, or taking brief trips on public transport if the idea of travelling on buses fills you with anxiety. Gradually increase the distance and complexity of trips as your confidence grows.

Mental Preparation :

For many, the anticipation of travel can be more daunting than the act itself. Engaging in mental preparation techniques such as visualization can help. Imagine yourself successfully navigating the journey, from boarding a plane without fear if you have a phobia of travelling in a plane, to enjoying a solo trip if you’re anxious about travelling alone. Positive visualization can create a mental framework for success.

Learn About Your Mode of Travel :

Fear often stems from the unknown. Learning more about the specifics of your travel mode can alleviate some anxiety. If you have a fear of travelling in a plane, research how planes work and the safety measures in place. Understanding the realities can demystify the process and reduce fear.

Relaxation Techniques :

Mastering relaxation techniques can be a game-changer for those with travel phobia. Practices such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help manage anxiety symptoms when they arise, offering a sense of control over one’s emotional state.

Create a Support System :

Travelling with a supportive friend or family member can ease the stress of facing your fears alone. If you’re worried about travelling alone, having a travel companion for initial trips can provide comfort and reassurance. Over time, as your confidence builds, you may find it easier to undertake journeys solo.

Seek Professional Help :

If the fear of travelling significantly impacts your life, seeking professional help can be a crucial step. Therapists specializing in phobias and anxiety can offer tailored strategies and support, including exposure therapy and CBT, to address the root of your travel phobia.

Stay Positive and Patient :

Overcoming travel phobia doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey marked by small victories and inevitable setbacks. Celebrate progress, no matter how minor it may seem, and be patient with yourself. The goal is gradual improvement, not immediate perfection.

By adopting these strategies, individuals grappling with hodophobia can make meaningful progress toward overcoming their fears. Whether dealing with a phobia of travelling in a car, fear of travelling in a plane, or anxiety about travelling on public transport, the journey toward freedom from travel phobia begins with understanding, confronting, and gradually dismantling the fears that hold you back. With determination, support, and the right approaches, the world opens up in all its vastness, inviting exploration and adventure.

Special Considerations

When tackling hodophobia, it’s important to recognize that travel phobia can manifest differently across various demographics and situations. These special considerations can influence the approach to overcoming fears associated with travel, whether it’s a phobia of travelling in a car, anxiety about travelling on public transport, or the dread of travelling alone.

Travel Phobia and Children :

Children can develop travel phobia, often influenced by negative experiences or learned behaviors from adults. Addressing travel phobia in children requires a gentle, patient approach, focusing on building trust and confidence. Gradual exposure to travel, accompanied by positive reinforcement and support, can help alleviate their fears. Educational materials and activities that make travel seem like an adventure can also shift their perception from fear to excitement.

Cultural and Social Aspects :

Cultural background and social factors can significantly impact one’s experience with travel phobia. For individuals from cultures with less emphasis on travel or those with social phobia travelling, the idea of venturing into unfamiliar territories can be particularly daunting. Understanding and respecting cultural and social influences is crucial in providing support and devising effective strategies for overcoming travel-related anxieties.

Technology and Travel Phobia :

In today’s digital age, technology can be a double-edged sword for those with hodophobia. While constant access to news and social media can exacerbate fears by highlighting negative travel incidents, technology also offers valuable tools for managing travel phobia. Apps for meditation and relaxation can help manage anxiety, while online forums and support groups provide a platform for sharing experiences and strategies for overcoming the fear of travelling in a plane or other travel anxieties.

Phobia Travelling on Public Transport :

The fear of travelling on public transport, including buses and trains, can be linked to concerns about safety, cleanliness, or the unpredictability of other passengers. Overcoming this specific fear may involve familiarizing oneself with the public transport system, travelling during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, and using relaxation techniques to manage anxiety during trips.

Social Phobia Travelling :

For those with social anxiety, the prospect of interacting with strangers or being in crowded spaces can make travel particularly stressful. Strategies to manage social phobia while travelling include planning travel during less busy times, seeking quiet spaces during travel, and practicing social scenarios to build confidence.

Addressing these special considerations requires a nuanced understanding of the individual’s experiences and fears. Tailoring approaches to meet these unique needs can significantly enhance the effectiveness of interventions aimed at overcoming travel phobia. Whether it’s supporting a child with a fear of travelling in a bus, leveraging technology to ease travel anxieties, or accommodating cultural sensitivities, recognizing and addressing these special considerations can pave the way for more inclusive and successful strategies in managing hodophobia.

Final Thoughts

In delving into the complexities of hodophobia, from identifying the multifaceted symptoms and underlying causes of travel phobia to exploring a range of treatment options and practical strategies for overcoming fear of travelling, it becomes clear that this condition, though challenging, is not insurmountable. The journey toward conquering a phobia of travelling in a car, the anxiety of travelling on public transport, or the dread of travelling alone requires courage, perseverance, and the willingness to seek help and support.

The significance of addressing hodophobia extends beyond simply facilitating travel; it’s about reclaiming one’s autonomy, expanding personal and professional horizons, and enriching life with new experiences and connections. Overcoming travel phobia opens up a world of possibilities, allowing individuals to explore, learn, and grow in ways that were previously hindered by fear.

For those grappling with the fear of travelling in a plane, phobia of travelling on buses, or any other travel-related anxiety, remember that you are not alone. Countless others have faced and overcome similar fears, and with the right resources—be it professional therapy, self-help strategies, or the support of loved ones—achieving freedom from travel phobia is within reach.

As we conclude our exploration of hodophobia, let this be a starting point for anyone seeking to overcome their travel phobia. The path may not always be smooth, and setbacks may occur, but each step forward is a step towards a more open, adventurous, and fulfilling life. Whether it’s taking a short drive, booking a flight, or planning a solo trip, the journey towards overcoming travel phobia is one of the most rewarding travels one can undertake.

In closing, the challenge of hodophobia, with its many facets from the phobia of travelling alone to the anxiety of travelling in large groups, is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. By confronting and working through these fears, individuals can not only enhance their quality of life but also discover a newfound sense of freedom and joy in the adventures that await. The world is vast and filled with wonders, and overcoming travel phobia is the key to unlocking these treasures.

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Hodophobia or Fear of Travel: What Is It?

One of the biggest obstacles would-be globetrotters face is fear.

This is understandable. It’s normal to have a fear of traveling. After all, you need a lot of courage to leave the comfort and security of home for the unknown.

I know because I’ve felt this way before. Multiple times in my life I’ve felt extreme travel anxiety. In fact, I was so afraid to travel that when I first studied abroad that my parents basically had to force me onto the plane.

Fortunately, it’s not necessary to suffer like I did before your next trip. Leaving home doesn’t have to mean experiencing the symptoms of intense travel phobia.

Over the years, I’ve realized a few things that have made traveling much less stressful. Here are 9 thoughts that will help reduce—and perhaps even eliminate—your fear of traveling.

Overcoming Your Fear of Traveling

1.) you’re not the first person to travel..

This isn’t the 1400s and you’re not going to Mars. While your experiences will be uniquely your own, you’ll be following previously-taken paths.

Each year, millions of people travel to all corners of the globe without incident. Undoubtedly some of these people will be a lot like you, coming from a similar background and facing similar fears.

Knowing that you’re not alone—that you’re part of a wider community of fellow travelers confronting the same issues—can be an immensely comforting and empowering.

2.) You’re as capable of traveling as anyone else.

There’s nothing inherently special about the people who have traveled before you. They don’t possess some magical skills that you lack. By and large, they are ordinary people who’ve simply decided to live their lives more fully.

In fact, many world travelers are probably less prepared than you are. In many countries, it’s expected for young people to go on an extended trip away from home as soon as they graduate from high school. At the age of 18, they grab a backpack and set off to see the globe, often for months on end. If they can get home in one piece, so can you.

3.) The world doesn’t have to be a mystery.

The thought of venturing into the unknown can be understandably scary. As Steven Spielberg knew when filming Jaws , it's what you don’t see that's most terrifying because it creates a void that your imagination undoubtedly fills with your deepest-seeded fears.

Fortunately, travel doesn’t have to be a mystery. You don’t have to remain in the dark about the places you’re going to visit.

Knowing even a tiny bit about the local food, culture, and customs can greatly reduce travel anxiety. After all, it’s impossible to be afraid of the unknown when it no longer exists.

4.) Things aren’t as dangerous as you think.

News websites, TV channels, and radio stations like to make us think that the world is an incredibly dangerous place, filled with violence and chaos because they know humans are evolutionarily wired to find this type of coverage irresistible. After all, isn't it in our best interest to remain informed on all potential threats? As the saying goes, "if it bleeds, it leads". 

Yet, this view of the world is misleading.  According to all statistical measures, the world is safer now than it ever has been before . There are fewer acts of violence, less war, and more peace today than at any point in recorded history.

So what does this mean for the intrepid traveler? You’re less likely to die in a terrorist attack than you think, you’re plane probably won’t crash, and civil war probably won’t break on wherever you travel to.

Remember, the news is now essentially a low-light reel of human behavior on a global scale. Think about all the bad stories you’ve read about your home city our country. How often are those accurate? Do you feel unsafe at home? If you answered ‘no’, then why should you feel any different in these other places simply because something bad happened there once 5 years ago?

5.) You’re not too old to travel.

There is no such thing as being too old to travel. After all, age is just a number. It tells you nothing with certainty about your mental or physical well being. If your spirit is vibrant, there’s no reason why a 70 year old cannot explore the world with the same gusto that a 20 year old has.

Even if age has caused a decrease in your mobility, you can still enjoy the benefits of travel. Your trip doesn’t have to be filled with scuba diving or white water rafting to be worthwhile. You can have just as good a time leisurely visiting museums or walking through central markets.

And if you’re worried about fitting in as an older traveler, you don’t need to be. Travelers tend to be an open-minded sort, always eager to meet others, especially if they have a good story to tell or a bit of wisdom to share—things best gained through a lifetime of experiences.

6.) You won’t be alone (if you don’t want to be).

Before I set out on my first solo trip abroad, I remember being quite concerned that I would feel alone the whole time. After all, I didn’t know anyone in the cities I was visiting.

Yet, I quickly learned that travel doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. If you want to meet people, you can.

As I mentioned before, most travelers are open-minded individuals who are eager to meet new people while on the road. This is especially the case if they are traveling solo. This desire to connect with others is a big reason why hostels—complete with their on-site bars and activity-filled commons areas—have become increasingly popular with globetrotters.

In fact, it’s probably easier to meet people while traveling than at home. Without the myriad of distractions once faces in the day-to-day—Netflix, work emails, family obligations—life the road lends itself to quickly-formed travel groups, heartfelt conversations, and cross-cultural discussions. Someone you met just yesterday by chance can easily turn into your travel buddy and most intimate confidant for the next month. These interactions are some of the most impactful experiences you will have traveling.

Often, these people become long-distance, long-term friends. Even though you don’t see each other every day, your bond remains strong because it was forged through mutual experience and understanding. You visit one another, and travel together to faraway lands. But before that happens, you must explore, and explore you will—both your destination and yourselves.

Furthermore, it’s not as difficult as you might expect to meet the local people, especially if you’re traveling solo. By following a few simple rules, anyone can fill their next trip with memories of dinners spent chatting with natives in Barcelona or days of hiking with locals in Peru. [To learn more, check out our guide How to Meet Locals When Traveling ]

Rarely do travelers find themselves involuntarily without company. If anything you’ll probably have to go out of your way to have alone time if you want it.

7.) You can find the money to travel.

It’s easy to get the impression that world travel is only for the independently wealthy or incredibly lucky. After all, the travel industry fills tv, magazines, and the internet with ads that promote a very specific kind of tourism: one filled with five-star hotels, luxury meals, and first class flights.

Your trips don't have to look like they came straight from a magazine.

Fortunately, this isn’t the only way to travel. You can have a life-changing trip filled with budget accommodations, free activities, and discount transport. In fact, this is the way the majority of globe trotters travel.

When the price tag for a month-long trip decreases from $20,000 to $2,000—as it often does when you stop overspending on fancy hotels, restaurants, and flights—it becomes affordable to nearly everyone when given enough time to save.

Spectacular views like this of Sa Pa, Vietnam can be surprisingly affordable when you remove unnecessary spending.

Depending on your circumstances, saving money to travel may be really easy or it may be really hard. You may even first need to pay off some credit card debt or student loans. But when given enough time almost everyone can make it work. 

Often the simplest things—like packing a lunch for work or skipping the morning coffee at Starbucks—can lead to big savings at the end of the money. For example, making coffee at home rather than spending $5 on a Frappuccino can save you over $100 in a month. [For more tips, check out our article 19 Amazingly Simple Ways to Save Money For Travel ]

8.) You can find the time to travel.

Time is the most precious resource you have. You can never make more of it and you never know how much of it you have left.

Yet, even with our busy schedules, if you really want to travel, you can always find time for it. As we’ve discussed before, being able to travel means making it a top priority. It means deciding that travel is one of the most important things in your life, even if just for a short period. It means prioritizing time on the road over time in the office, gym, or on the couch.

Sometimes you need to leave this behind.

Sometimes these choices don’t feel easy. If personal or professional obligations are hindering your ability to travel, you may need to set them aside for the time being. Yet, any temporary discomfort this creates pales in comparison to the long-term side effects of not following your dreams.

Even if you only have limited vacation time, you can still have incredible travel experiences. Not every trip needs to be an epic, six-month backpacking journey through Southeast Asia. Weekend getaways can be just as impactful if done well.

9.) The best way to overcome fear is to face it.

As helpful as the above thoughts can be for worried would-be globetrotters, the best way to deal with your fear of travel is to confront it directly.

When you intentionally avoid something that makes you anxious, it tells your mind and body that the fear is justified. While you may temporarily feel better, in the long run it makes things worse because as the fear grows in strength it becomes more difficult to overcome.

In contrast, when you face your fears, they lose their strength. You see them for what they so often are—irrational concerns based on a lack of information or experience. And once you confront one fear, it becomes easier to do so in the future. It’s not uncommon for once-hesitant travelers to channel the wave of positive energy and confidence they gain into overcoming other challenges in their lives.

Overcoming my fear of travel inspired me to take on new challenges, like my anxiety around flying.

When your fear of travel prevents you from fulfilling your dreams of world exploration, it’s important to examine them. And as we’ve seen, so many of the thoughts and beliefs on which our fears are based don’t hold up to scrutiny. They are either half-truths, misunderstandings, or flat out lies.

Seizing the day in Kanangra-Boyd National Park, Australia.

And while the symptoms of travel anxiety—butterflies in your stomach, sweating hands, shaking knees—might not feel pleasant, they’re actually a good sign. Being afraid before you travel tells you that you’re about to do something difficult. It lets you know that your mind and body are in for a challenge. It reminds you that you’re about to experience an opportunity to grow.

If you’re looking to prepare your mind for your next trip download my FREE guide The Traveler’s Mindset: How to Mentally Prepare for Journeys of Adventure and Growth !

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The Fear of Driving: Amaxophobia and Related Phobias

Getting behind the wheel can be scary, but when is that fear a phobia?

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

nycshooter/E+/Getty

Related Phobias

Simple driving phobia, treating driving phobia.

A fear of driving is fairly common and can range from mild to severe. Some people fear only specific driving situations, such as driving in storms or on freeways, while others are afraid of simply sitting behind the wheel.

Anxieties around driving usually do not rise to the level of being a driving phobia. It is only when the fear is unreasonable and excessive, out of proportion to the danger, and leads to avoidance behaviors that a medical professional may diagnose a phobia.

At a Glance

We all worry about having an accident, stress about parking, and get anxious about potential traffic or bad weather every now and then. These fears are completely normal, especially when you consider that thousands of people are killed in motor vehicle accidents every year. If these fears are impacting your life—whether or not you have a phobia—ask a healthcare professional if therapy may help ease your fears. Exposing yourself to driving in a safe environment, perhaps with a friend or loved one, can be a good step to making you more comfortable behind the wheel.

Often other phobias can be linked to the fear of driving, especially one or more of the following:

Agoraphobia

The fear of driving is commonly associated with agoraphobia . Loosely defined as the fear of being trapped when a  panic attack  occurs, agoraphobia leads to the avoidance of situations that feel threatening. Driving is one of the primary clusters in which agoraphobia manifests. Bridges, tunnels and long deserted stretches of roadway are particularly difficult for many people with agoraphobia.

Claustrophobia

A fear of driving is sometimes related to claustrophobia. The fear of enclosed spaces, claustrophobia is easily triggered by the relatively small confines of a car. Some people with claustrophobia report that their fear is worse as  passengers , while others are more afraid of being the driver.

Performance Anxiety

Driving is a major responsibility. Not only must you manage your own safety, but that of your passengers and others on the road. Those who suffer from performance-related fears may be uncomfortable trusting in their own driving abilities. The fear may be heightened when passengers are present, particularly for those with  social phobia .

Fear of Accidents

Those who suffer from  dystychiphobia , or the fear of accidents, try to avoid situations that increase the risk of physical danger. In addition, a more general risk aversion may also heighten the fear. As an inherently risky activity, driving has the potential to trigger risk-based phobias.

Fear of Travel

The fear of travel, hodophobia, encompasses fears of all forms of transportation. Many people with this phobia are comfortable driving to familiar locations but are scared to explore new destinations or routes.

Fear of Authority

A slight nervousness around authority figures is natural, but some people are genuinely terrified of any contact with authority. People with this phobia are often afraid when driving around police cars, fire trucks or ambulances. You might also be reluctant to negotiate unfamiliar traffic lights, roundabouts and other traffic situations for fear of doing something wrong.

The fear of driving is not always linked to another phobia. Many people experience a simple driving phobia that is uncomplicated by other fears. A simple driving phobia may be caused by different factors, including:

• Bad Experience : If you have been in a car accident, you may be at elevated risk for developing a fear of driving. Other potential triggers include driving through a major storm, getting lost, being pulled over or driving in unusually heavy traffic. The negative situation need not have happened to you. Witnessing a particularly bad crash in person or on television, or knowing someone who went through one, could be enough to trigger this fear.
• Family or Friends : How your parents and friends treat driving may influence how you feel about it. If one or both parents are particularly cautious drivers, it is not unusual to internalize their concerns. Some people develop a fear after watching particularly gruesome drivers' education films or Mothers Against Drunk Driving displays.

Some driving phobias lack a clear cause, or may be tied to an anxiety disorder. Some people find that their fear develops suddenly, after years of successful driving experience. Others simply never have the desire to learn to drive. Fortunately, it is not necessary to find the cause in order to treat the phobia.

It is always best to seek professional treatment for any driving phobia to ensure that another condition, such as agoraphobia or claustrophobia, is not present. Left untreated, even a relatively mild driving phobia may worsen over time.

Treatment options for a simple driving phobia run the gamut from individual therapy sessions to seminars, group exposure sessions and psycho-educational classes. Exposure therapy may be a particularly good way to overcome this phobia. Some people find that working with a private driving instructor is a helpful complement to mental health treatment solutions.

If a friend or loved one is dealing with this fear, it's important not to shame them, claim how easy it is to drive, or force them to take the wheel if they aren't comfortable with it.

The fear of driving can have a major impact on virtually all areas of your life. With professional assistance and hard work, however, there is no reason to become a prisoner to your fear.

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Agoraphobia .

American Academy of Family Physicians. Post-traumatic stress after a traffic accident .

Costa RTD, Carvalho MR, Ribeiro P, Nardi AE. Virtual reality exposure therapy for fear of driving: analysis of clinical characteristics, physiological response, and sense of presence . Braz J Psychiatry . 2018;(40)2:192-199.  doi:10.1590/1516-4446-2017-2270

American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics.

A person doesn’t necessarily need to be in a situation exposed to travel, planes, trains, boats, ships, road travel to experience Hodophobia. The brain doesn’t have to be in that situation to experience the symptoms of panic. A persons brain is capable of creating a reaction to fearsome situations even when the subject is not actually in that situation.

People are different and so are all the types of phobias someone might suffer from. So the symptoms also vary strongly on the severity in which an individual is experiencing these fears. But generally speaking, specific phobias and fears such as Hodophobia fall under the category of anxiety disorders. Meaning that a person can experience any if not all of the below mentioned physical and/or psychological symptoms.

Physical Symptoms

People with fear of travel, planes, trains, boats, ships, road travel often experience panic attacks. These panic attacks can be extremely frightening and distressing for the person suffering from those. These symptoms most of the time happen suddenly and without any prior signs or warnings. No matter how overwhelming feelings of anxiety, a panic attack can cause real physical symptoms, such as but not limited to the ones below:

• hot flushes or chills
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• a choking sensation
• rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• pain or tightness in the chest
• a sensation of butterflies in the stomach
• headaches and dizziness
• feeling faint
• numbness or pins and needles
• a need to go to the toilet
• ringing in your ears
• confusion or disorientation
• hyperventilation
• tightness in the chest/chest pain and difficulty breathing
• rise in blood pressure

Psychological Symptoms Hodophobia

In some very severe cases, a person suffering a panic attack triggered from Hodophobia. Usually when exposed to its triggers such as travel, planes, trains, boats, ships, road travel. Can have one/or all of the following symptoms.

• fear of losing control
• feelings of dread
• fear of harm or illness

On some very special cases, there may be people experiencing intertwined phobias. Or what may be called complex phobias. These can often have a detrimental effect on a person’s everyday life and mental wellbeing. Because they may limit someones life so much that they become uncap-able of leading a normal personal and social life. Hence triggering a chain reaction of the above mentioned symptoms and lastly depression.

Treatment of Hodophobia

For many individual who are suffering from travel, planes, trains, boats, ships, road travel  – Hodophobia. Don’t always feel the need of treatment because they can just avoid the object of their fear. This gives people suffering from Hodophobia a feeling of control on the problem. But sometimes avoiding travel, planes, trains, boats, ships, road travel might not be possible or enough.

It is important for someone to always seek professional help when possible. This way you don’t lose time and do a better job and understanding what is happening. With understanding you can next move on to overcoming your fear of travel, planes, trains, boats, ships, road travel.

While most phobias are curable, there is no single treatment available for all of them, or guaranteed to work. It strongly depends on the person suffering and severity in which that person is experiencing Hodophobia. There are cases that a combination of treatments might be more effective.

Talking Treatments for Hodophobia

Talking treatments or talking therapies, which include counselling, might be very effective at treating fear of travel, planes, trains, boats, ships, road travel or Hodophobia. Talking therapies are very laid back treatments and physically non intrusive which involve talking to a highly trained and proficient professional about your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. There are many different types of talking therapy, but they all aim to:

• help you recognise unhelpful patterns in the way you think or act, and find ways to change them (if you want to).
• help you resolve complicated feelings, or find ways to live with them
• help you make sense of things and understand yourself better
• give you a safe time and place to talk to someone who won’t judge you

Talking therapies are in most cases the same as counselling, therapy, psychotherapy, psychological therapy, talking treatment. There is usually a very little difference between what’s meant when talking about any of these.

(CBT) Cognitive behavioural therapy

CBT treatments stand on the concept that what we thing and perceive are constantly influencing our behaviour. Experiencing anxiety and distress are in some cases distorting and bending ones perception over reality. Cognitive behavioural therapy aims to identify if they are an accurate depiction of reality, and, if they are not, employ strategies to challenge and overcome them.

For example when someone is experiencing Hodophobia. Through the help of Cognitive behavioural therapy you could identify if the fear and anxiety experienced from travel, planes, trains, boats, ships, road travel is an accurate depiction of reality. And if not working on ways to change that.

Medication should be never taken without asking a doctor first. In general medication is not recommended for overcoming phobias. Therapies have resulted to be a definitive way to overcome fears. However some types of medication are prescribe as short term solutions to the side effects of phobias. Which include anxiety or depression. There are three general types of medication recommended for treating anxieties.

• antidepressants
• tranquillisers
• beta-blockers

Other Sources

There is an academic article that talk about the fear of travel and flying of some famous historical characters such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Sigmund Freud on this page: Leonardo Da Vinci, Sigmund Freud, and Fear of Flying

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How to Tackle the Most Common Travel Fears

By Alyson Krueger

Taking a vacation and conquering a fear might not seem like they go hand in hand but consider that getting from your home to your destination can come with its own set of fears. Many of the most common phobias, from flying to heights, come out when people travel. That said, being on the road can be a good way to learn to cope. At home, it’s easy to get into comfortable routines, but while traveling, you’re more likely to be confronted with new scenarios that might be frightening—and also in a mindset to take on a new challenge.

There are even travel operators who can help with these fears—for a fee, of course. Jimmy Carroll spends most of his time planning over-the-top trips for his clients as the co-founder of Pelorus , a high-end experimental travel company. But from time to time, he also helps them overcome their greatest fears.

Carroll’s clients pay top dollar—as much as six figures—for adventures like diving between the 29 remote islands in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park or chasing the Northern Lights in Norway’s mountainous Lofoten Islands . Sometimes, as he plans trips for clients, he’ll suggest activities that trigger their fears—but rather than just changing the itinerary, Carroll finds a way to help them overcome this anxiety.

One client was terrified of heights, so Carroll sent him hiking up a mountain in British Columbia with a man who was both a fully qualified hiking guide as well as a life coach. He helped the client move past his fears at every step. Another client “was scared of snorkeling, not because of the diving, but because he didn’t want slimy fish rubbing against him,” he says. Carroll attached a net to a submersible in Costa Rica—one large enough to scuba dive inside—to keep fish at a distance. “He felt much more comfortable after that, so maybe next time we won’t need the net,” says Carroll.

Even without the help of a company like Pelorus, there are some things you can do to help get over your fears. The best way to tackle your phobia is to face it head on, says Megan Hughes, a psychologist based in New York City: “The trick is to do slow, steady exposures in advance of going on the trip.” We spoke to experts about the most common anxieties they see surrounding travel, and what you can do about it.

Fear of flying

One out of every four people on a plane has a flying-related anxiety, ranging from claustrophobia to fear of crashes, says Jonathan Bricker, a Seattle-based psychologist who specializes in anxiety. Some flyers have physical reactions, he says: their heart races, their mouths get dry, their stomachs churn. Other people won’t fly at all.

What to do:

Before your flight, sign up for online classes that help you overcome your fear. Some, like the Fear of Flying Audio Course by Captain Stacey Chance, an airline pilot and former flight instructor, take you through the ins and outs of flying so you know more about the aircraft and how it is impacted by turbulence and weather. Others, like those from Soar , a program started by a former captain for Pan Am, help you understand your anxiety from a psychological perspective so you can better handle it.

You can also download apps like Valk, designed by airport and airline staff along with academics, which takes you through breathing exercises before and during your flight. It even has a panic button—once you let the app know what is happening (takeoff, landing, or turbulence), it will play a pre-recorded message from a therapist that takes you through calming exercises.

Fear of heights

Does hiking up a mountain or standing on the edge of a cliff terrify you? Or the thought of staying on the 30th floor of a hotel or going to a lookout point over a city? You’re not alone, says Hughes “A lot of people, when they are up there, they feel like they are having a heart attack,” she says. “Their heart beats fast, and they are tense, and it can be really awful.”

What to do: Prep for your trip by practicing dealing with heights where you live. Go somewhere that terrifies you and stay there as long as you can. When your heart starts pounding, sit down, hang out, and let it pass. Then get up and try again. Do this exercise over and over again until you start feeling better.

If you have a virtual reality headset, you can watch videos that put you in high up places. ZeroPhobia , a new app, takes you through exercises to help you conquer your fear of heights.

If you are already traveling and feeling panicky while somewhere high, remember what you did during your at-home practice. Sit down, breathe, and let your body’s nervous system kick in.

Cliffs in the Catalonia region of Spain

Fear of germs

Another travel-related phobia Megan Hughes encounters is mysophobia, a fear of contamination and germs. “It’s a really common form of OCD, and I can imagine that it really does get in the way with travel,” she says. Germs are everywhere, but this fear can be heightened on the road, when you don’t have easy access to your regular doctor.

Harrison Pierce

Alex Erdekian

Charlie Hobbs

Show up prepared. Make sure you have Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer on you at all times. Airplanes and airports, where large amounts of travelers pass through, are common places where you might pick up germs. However, there are some easy steps to take: Consider wiping down hard surfaces on airplanes, like the television screen, tray table, and armrests. Turning on your air vent can help get more fresh air circulating. Take care of your immune system while traveling, too: avoid alcohol on flights and give yourself a boost with zinc and vitamin C pills.

In your hotel room, you might want to wipe down surfaces such as door knobs, sink faucets, the remote control, and the telephone. And throughout the trip, the most important thing you can do is wash your hands with soap and water, especially when you are at tourist sites with a lot of people.

Fear of bugs

Hughes says she has seen people who won’t stay in hotels because they are terrified of bed bugs. Or they won’t go camping because they are afraid of spiders. Other patients won’t go to New York City because they know they will likely see a roach.

What to do: Applying insect repellent with a high level of DEET will make encountering bugs less likely. This isn’t great for the environment, so you wean yourself to lower levels after awhile. Once you get more comfortable with bugs, you can also try organic versions that don’t use chemicals.

Ask a hotel before booking how they check for and deal with bed bugs. (You can also look up a hotel in this free bed bug registry .) When you check into your hotel, look under your mattress for signs of bed bugs : They have oval-shaped, red or brown bodies. You might also see traces of blood or tiny white eggs. If you see anything that looks suspicious, ask to change rooms. Another tip: keep your suitcase on the luggage rack, away from the bed and off the floor, to protect your belongings and prevent yourself from bringing the bugs home.

To overcome your fear long-term, Hughes suggests getting slow, steady exposure to the bug you’re afraid of before going on the trip. For example, she once had a client who was heading to New York City but was terrified of roaches. She had them look at images on the internet of roaches. Once they were comfortable with that, they watched a movie with roaches in it. Then she had her client go to a neighbor’s house who collected dead roaches to see them in person. “People can do this work on their own,” she says.

What happens, explains Hughes, is that if you stay in a situation long enough, your body’s parasympathetic nervous system—the part that calms you down—will kick in, which will lead to your anxiety subsiding. Exposure helps to teach your mind that the eventual calming will happen—that your body will take care of you in scary situations.

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The Top 12 Travel Phobias You Probably Have and Don't Even Realize

Author of 'The Anxious Traveler'

Sure, you may know you have aviatophobia (fear of flying), claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), xenophobia (fear of strangers) and mysophobia (fear of germs); those are all pretty pedestrian. What about all those other angst-inducing scenarios and situations that crop up when you're living life on the road? They've probably given you a tic or two, whether you want to admit it or not. Let's look at 12 real, honest-to-God, official phobias identified by scientists, psychologists and very renowned researchers (probably ones that don't do much traveling) that can develop when you're vagabonding the globe. You'll find that they're really nothing to laugh about!

12. Nomophobia: The fear of being out of mobile phone contact. Develops after you: 1) find yourself repeatedly lost, late, drunk or confused; 2) have once again left your cruise partner behind at the last shore excursion; or 3) are waiting to hear back from MasterCard about doubling your credit card limit now that you're on vacation.

11. Agyrophobia: The fear of crossing the road. Of particular prominence in Belarus, Azerbaijan, and other places where smiling drivers drive a perfect 40 mph in the 40 km/hr zone, use their horn only in emergencies, and wave you across the pedestrian crosswalk with their two largest fingers.

10. Autophobia: The fear of being alone or isolated. Develops after repeatedly encountering closed currency exchange counters, boarded-up travel info help desks, and hotel rooftop access doors that automatically lock from the inside.

9. Pedophobia: The fear/dislike of children. Of particular concern when: 1) taking your middle seat on a 12-hour flight next to a screamer, across from a babbler, and behind a squealer, or 2) realizing that the average age of the other guests at your "family friendly" hotel is about 10 years old.

8. Emetophobia: The fear of vomiting. At its most intense when, once again, you strike up a conversation with the beautiful person next to you after you've consumed vodka during turbulence.

7. Decidophobia: The fear of making decisions. At its worst when your new, drunken travel partner is relying on you to find the safest way back to the hostel at 2 a.m., and you have no more Euros.

6. Ipovlopsychophobia: The fear of having one's photograph taken. This is for you, ladies. Symptoms occur after: 1) the airline once again leaves behind your checked bag containing your makeup tote, 2) you've finally noticed the hotel security cameras, or 3) you realize your father is following your boyfriend's blog.

5. Halitophobia: The fear of bad breath. At its most wretched when exceeding the standing room capacity of buses; in Rome, in August, during a heat wave; or when having to make an emergency trip to a dentist recommended by your hostel.

4. Sesquipedalophobia: The fear of long words. Particularly prominent when trying to read the menu at a tourist-unfriendly, exotic little restaurant you're dining at with an attractive local you just picked up.

3. Disposophobia: The fear of getting rid of or losing things. Severe symptoms occur after you've been pick-pocketed, mugged, and had a bad experience with a bellhop all on the same trip.

2. Chronophobia: The fear of time and time moving forward. Of particular concern when you start receiving airline departure check-in reminders, your coworkers start calling you, and/or you can't even remember the beginning of your trip.

And the number one under-recognized travel phobia is...

1. Phobophobia: The fear of having a phobia or fear. Because the last thing you want to find out when you're trying to have yourself a jolly-good time somewhere is that you have yet another new hang-up!

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