How to deal with pre-holiday anxiety if you’re worried about the travel rules changing

Monday, 2 August 2021 11:57

Passenger walking through airport terminal

The dreaded amber plus list has lots of people nervous about their summer holidays.

Summer holidays can be hectic, and this year travelling abroad is undoubtedly more challenging than usual.

Maybe you’ve booked a holiday to somewhere on the green list, or perhaps you’ve gone for amber and currently won’t have to self-isolate on your return as you’re double jabbed. However, things seem to change so quickly, you still might not get the holiday you bargained for.

There’s a chance your destination could be added to an amber plus list (only France is on this one at the moment) and reports suggest some countries with concerning coronavirus data could be put on the red list at short notice.

The uncertainty of it all can be stressful and overshadow your pre-holiday preparations. If you’re worried about what’s going to happen to your getaway, keep these things in mind…

Be prepared

Prepare Pop Tv GIF by Schitt's Creek - Find & Share on GIPHY

While you can’t control what the government decides, you can take charge of everything else – and that might give you a bit of comfort.

Make sure you know exactly what you have to get sorted before going abroad – the tests you’ll need to take ahead of time and what forms you’ll need to prepare. It can get quite complicated as demands differ from country to country, so it’s a good idea to wrap your head around the details as soon as possible.

A positive mental attitude will help here: operate under the assumption your holiday is going ahead, and do all the necessary preparations for it. It’s likely been a while since you’ve gone on a trip, so take a bit of time to check everything off your list: has your sunscreen expired? Do you still have a little plastic bag for liquids? Where on earth did you put your swimsuit?

Seek calm

Breathe Deep Breath GIF by STRONGBEE - Find & Share on GIPHY

If you find anxiety building up, take some time to re-centre yourself. This might involve meditation, going for a long walk, reading your book – anything to take you out of that stressful space and feel more zen.

Focus on the positives

Family Vacation Drink GIF by Alaska Airlines - Find & Share on GIPHY

Holidays are meant to be fun – they’re an opportunity to unwind, recharge and see new places. Try not to let your precious vacation time be overshadowed by stress and anxiety.

Focusing on the positives will hopefully prevent a pre-holiday spiral. After all, you’ve taken the time off work – hopefully you can spend it splashing around a pool in Spain, but if not, it’s still a break from the day-to-day grind.

More from Lifestyle

Five Alternative Christmas Dinners For Turkey Haters

Turkey may be the traditional centre-piece of Christmas dinners, but it’s not for everyone. Whether you’re looking for something new, accommodating dietary preferences, or simply not a fan of turkey, there are plenty of delicious alternatives. Here are five ideas to inspire a memorable Christmas feast:
Five Brilliant Food Games For All The Family On Christmas Day

Christmas Day is all about family, fun, and feasting. After the big meal, there’s no better way to keep the festive spirit alive than with some food-themed games that everyone can enjoy. From kids to grandparents, these entertaining activities add a playful twist to your holiday celebrations. Here are five brilliant food games to try this Christmas...
Five Most Unique Christmas Dinners Worldwide

Christmas is celebrated worldwide with a dazzling array of traditions, and nothing brings people together quite like a festive meal. From roasted turkeys to sweet treats, each country adds its unique twist to the holiday. Here are five of the most unique Christmas dinners that showcase the diversity of global traditions:
Five Best UK Christmas Attractions To Visit

The festive season is a magical time in the UK, where towns and cities transform into winter wonderlands filled with twinkling lights, festive markets, and enchanting attractions. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or a romantic Christmas escape, these five Christmas attractions offer unforgettable experiences:
Five Horror Christmas Films For Adults Only

The holiday season may be synonymous with cheer and goodwill, but for those who enjoy a darker twist to their Christmas festivities, horror films set during this time of year provide the perfect blend of chills and yuletide thrills. Here are five standout horror Christmas films made exclusively for an adult audience. These movies are filled with gore, suspense, and twisted humour—definitely not suitable for children: