Top 6 Startups to Help Ease Travel Anxiety

To be able to travel the world is a privilege, whether it’s for work or for pleasure. However, travel can still be riddled with anxiety for many people, potentially tainting what would otherwise be an all-around incredible experience.

For some, travel anxiety is centred on a fear of flying, while for others, it may be more about being away from home and having to navigate unfamiliar territory.

Regardless of the reasoning behind your trepidations, it’s totally normal to feel a little bit uneasy when stepping out of your comfort zone.

In fact, some firmly believe that this uneasiness is part of what makes travel so special and exciting – by risking feeling a little bit out of sorts, you open yourself up to a whole new world of opportunities that would otherwise have been beyond your realm of possibilities.

However, for people who are especially prone to anxiety, it’s important to acknowledge the potential ways in which it may be limiting. Being a little bit nervous is one thing, but debilitating anxiety that detracts from your ability to enjoy the experience is fun for nobody.

 

What Causes Travel Anxiety? 

 

There’s no single reason why people experience travel-related anxiety. For some, it may be due to bad experiences they’ve had in the past while for others, it could all come down to being afraid of aeroplanes.

Here are some of the most common causes of travel anxiety:

 

• Fear of Flying: A fear of flying, known as aviophobia in its most extreme form, normally relates specifically to concerns around crashing. This can prevent some people from visiting destinations that require air travel.

 

• Previous Negative Experiences: Just like with anything in life, if somebody has had an extremely negative experience while travelling in the past, this may result in future travel being shrouded in anxiety. Essentially, it can cause either conscious or subconscious fear that something bad may happen again.

 

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD):  For people who suffer from GADs, they’re likely to be triggered by the unfamiliarity of travel, including flying, being in a foreign destination and more.

 

• Health and Safety Concerns: Visiting an unfamiliar location can cause concern over health issues as well as safety-related worries, especially if you’re very far away from home and your loved ones.

 

• Logistical Issues: While some people are relaxed and happy to go with the flow, others can find it incredibly stressful to have to deal with the logistical aspects of travel, including booking and finding accommodation, dealing with public transport, catching flights and more.

 

• Financial Worries: Travel can be incredibly expensive, so it’s unsurprising that many people get stressed out about how much they’re spending while travelling.

 

• Social Anxiety: Visiting a new place with a culture different to your own can be anxiety-inducing, especially when you’re surrounded by unfamiliar customs and especially when the locals speak a different language.

 

Depending on the individual, there are plenty of reasons why you may find travelling stressful, even if you do, ultimately, enjoy the experience.

The good news is that these days, there are plenty of ways to ease travel-related anxiety, both before you leave home, while you’re planning your trip, and while you’re in the midst of your adventure.

 

Top 6 Startups to Help You Deal With Travel Anxiety 

 

Here are 6 startups that can help you deal with different types of travel anxiety to ensure anybody and everybody can have the experience of a lifetime while exploring new places.

 

1. Wysa

 

 

Wysa is a modern mental health application that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help people struggling with anxiety while on the go.

While the app isn’t specifically or solely geared towards helping travellers, the platform is ideal for individuals who require remotely-accessible emotional and mental health support.

Essentially, Wysa is an AI chat platform that allows users to reach out and ask for support when they’re struggling, regardless of what it is, what the issue may be or where in the world they’re located. Strongly supported by clinical-based evidence and research publications, Wysa can provide users with safe and reliable support.

Users have reported that having access to a non-judgemental conversational tool in order to share concerns and anxieties and receive helpful feedback has been incredibly beneficial.

In the context of travel, Wysa is an incredible tool for people to have whether they’re travelling alone or with others. If you’re feeling worried or concerned about something specific, all you have to do is pop a message on the platform and you can receive instant support tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Essentially, it’s like having a little emotional support buddy with you wherever you go.

 

 

2. Dendro Technologies

 

 

Dendro Technologies has created a device called the CalmiGo that travellers can carry with them while on the go.

Essentially, the CalmiGo is a handheld device that allows users to inhale and exhale when in a state of heightened anxiety. By means of flashing lights, vibrations and a calming scent, the idea is that users will be brought out of a state of stress without the help of any medications or unnatural means.

The CalmiGo provides a method of helping users relax, inducing natural hormones that allow a shift from the dominance of the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nervous system. That is, a state of anxiety to a state of calm.

For travellers who find themselves particularly anxious while travelling, the CalmiGo can provide a great solution for unexpected anxiety attacks. Furthermore, simply having it with you may provide some pace of mind, potentially preventing incidents.

 

3. Tracki 

 

 

For many people, travel anxiety is centred on concerns regarding safety, especially if you’re travelling alone or going somewhere you’ve never been before.

Tracki provides a solution that’ll allow your loved ones to keep a constant eye on you no matter where in the world you go – all you need to do is keep the small device on you.

By means of advanced GPS technology, Tracki is able to connect to networks all over the world, meaning that even if you happen to lose cellular connectivity, you’ll still be visible via your Tracki device.

The device works with a corresponding application that updates every 60 seconds, allowing whoever you share your details with to see where you go and have access to a detailed log of your whereabouts.

This can do wonders for travellers who have safety concerns, as well as giving loved ones peace of mind while you’re out of reach.

 

4. Airalo

 

 

Airalo provides the ultimate one-stop-shop solution for connectivity while travelling, providing access to eSIM that can be used in all parts of the world.

Essentially, by means of this eSIM virtual store, you can purchase various different mobile plans that are separate from your usual network. This means you don’t have to waste time trying to purchase a local sim card (and risk being scammed).

All you have to do is search for your location in the app and pick a local provider, and before you know it, you’ll be set up with a functional eSIM that’ll provide you with connectivity without Wi-Fi.

Having app can be a great way to relieve anxiety while travelling if you’re concerned about getting to a new destination and having no connectivity.

 

5. Greether

 

 

Founded by Vanessa Karel San Francisco in 2021, Greether is a digital platform aimed at providing safety, security and peace of mind for female travellers by connecting women to each other all over the world.

Women can register and become verified as “Greeters” in their current locations, allowing female travellers to find them and book them for tour guiding and other purposes. This gives women a safe way to experience new locations by means of a verified platform.

 

6. TripIt

 

 

TripIt is the ultimate holiday for all your travel organising needs. It allows you to check just one app for any and all information you may need, from booking accommodation, flights and activities to creating a detailed, reliable itinerary.

For travellers who find planning holidays and trips stressful in unknown destinations, this application is the ultimate solution, doing everything for you so that there’s nothing left to worry about.