Business travel is picking up amid loosening restrictions, but not everyone is ready to hit the road.

Bar attempting to bring an emotional support peacock [bbc.co.uk] onboard a plane, as one woman did back in the halcyon days of 2018, many of us would welcome tools and strategies to help ease back in to the swing of the suitcase life.

In March we polled our customers who said the most important enablers to see them return to business travel were widespread vaccine distribution (Weighted 4.5 out of 5).

Global vaccine inequality is a source of major concern however many countries are seeing high rates of vaccinations, leading to increasing confidence among travelers. 4.25 billion doses [ourworldindata.org] have been administered globally, according to Our World in Data.

While the future looks hopeful, therapists say that many people are experiencing travel anxiety as a result of the trauma of the pandemic, and an abrupt change in lifestyle. Here are three ways to help ease the pressure.

1. Make it RAIN

Practice awareness and self-compassion

Psychologist Tara Brach recommends an easy-to-remember tool for practicing compassion and increasing awareness. The acronym RAIN stands for

• Recognize what is happening;
• Allow the experience to be there, just as it is;
• Investigate with interest and care;
• Nurture with self-compassion.

Figuring out the exact reasons behind your travel anxiety can be the first step in feeling more confident about taking a trip. She offers a free printable guide [tarabrach.ac-page.com]. Meditation, mindfulness and awareness practices help decrease levels of cortisol.

2. Tick the boxes

List and manage what’s within your control

Travel anxiety is often triggered by fear of the unknown. There are more variables now than ever before and that can overwhelm some people. Download your CWT Traveler Checklist, and check CWT Travel Essentials for up-to-the-minute guidelines and restrictions.

3. Chat to the early birds

Ask others about their experience

You can try exposing yourself to some elements of travel that you’re concerned about (like being around crowds) at home. It can also help to chat to people within your organisation who have already travelled for business.

Emma Woodhouse - Global Corporate Communications, CWT

This article first appeared at the CWT blog. Reprinted with permission