There are some who jump into any situation with both feet, and there are those who dip one toe at a time. For the most part, travelling can be all about the unknown, so it’s understandable if there’s a little anxiety going on. If it gets to be too much, here are a few ways you can reduce that anxiety.
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Choose a destination that fits you
Whether you're travelling on your own or with others, you know the kind of person you are. So if laying on the beach is your kind of thing, do that. Or if you like to pound the cobblestone and go to museums and galleries, opt for that kind of holiday. Pick the spot you're most comfortable with from our list of the 20 most beautiful places in the world. That being said ...

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Travel with someone else
They might become annoyed with you but, hey, that's why they love ya! It's someone you can talk to and someone who can talk you down. Just make sure that someone else isn't more anxious than you. That'll just be a nightmare.
Can't convince a pal to join? Just pass them this: 10 scientific reasons you need a vacation.
Can't convince a pal to join? Just pass them this: 10 scientific reasons you need a vacation.

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Choose a destination that isn’t too much of a challenge
Keep it simple and maybe choose a place where the people speak your language. That way there is less confusion and you won't be wondering what you tried to say or what was said to you.
Still can't decide where to go? Don't miss: 20 trips to take before you die.
Still can't decide where to go? Don't miss: 20 trips to take before you die.

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Book ahead
Do some research and book everything you can ahead of time, from your accommodations to your train tickets or car rental, even to restaurants if there's a must-eat-at joint people have been raving about.
Need some travel inspo? Here are the 50 best countries to stretch your dollar.
Need some travel inspo? Here are the 50 best countries to stretch your dollar.

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Don’t pack crap you don’t need
Sure, you'd rather be safe than sorry but worrying about what to pack, or if you packed enough, will only leave you more tense than you already are. To help pare down your packing list, read the things
travellers pack but never use and don't forget the things you can't leave home without: your passport, tickets, money and credit cards.

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Pack a water bottle
Bring an empty water bottle with you and refill it when possible so you're always well hydrated. Sometimes a sip is exactly what you need during anxious times.
Don't travel without these 19 expert tips that will make travelling so much easier.
Don't travel without these 19 expert tips that will make travelling so much easier.

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Get to the airport early
If you start your trip in a frantic, rushed way, it can set the tone for the remainder of your time away. There's no harm in getting to the airport early, checking in and getting through customs. Kill the waiting time by reading a book, taking advantage of your WiFi and grabbing actual food before you get stuck with airplane food. Just be careful not to get stuck paying for any of the biggest rip-offs at the airport.

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Take advantage of the entertainment
Whether it's back-to-back (-to-back) in-flight movies, a book or even listening to some music, sometimes that's exactly what is needed to distract the mind from going there.
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Modern electronics devices won’t bring down the plane. See this and 20 things airlines don't tell you.

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Go to the bathroom whenever possible
Not to sound like a parent but if you're in a place where there's a public restroom, go. Even if it's a little piddle. We know you're not in kindergarten but sometimes finding a public toilet is impossible (especially in these 20 offbeat destinations you need to visit) so when you're about to walk by one, slam on the brakes and use it. You'll feel better instantly.

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Pace yourself
Don't jam your itinerary with too many things because rushing around a city or country can get nerve-wracking. It's when you're already at your destination that you might add things, whether you've stumbled upon a cool village yourself, or heard from fellow travellers about a place that can't be missed.
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Wondering where to go? Check out the must-take trips in your 40s.
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