Lily Johnson

Graphic Illustration via Canva

During the holidays, many people go to other places to see family, to help unwind or to take a break from busy work or school schedules. Although it can be nice to travel, there is a lot of stress and anxiety that comes with it, especially when traveling with family. I’ve never had a traveling trip with my family that hasn’t included stress. For this reason, I dislike traveling. The journey of getting from one place to another always results in me being highly stressed and anxious. 

If you’re in a big family, it can be hard to get everyone around and on the same page. Also, if you have pets and have to take them, that can also increase stress to what’s supposed to be a relaxing holiday. 

Traveling can be extremely stressful since my family doesn’t fly. We usually take the car and for where we typically travel, it takes around 11-12 hours. I have an 18-month old baby brother and a dog. Imagine being trapped in the car with a crying baby and a panting dog for 12 hours, it feels like a prison. It’s hard to truly enjoy traveling when there’s so much commotion. I’d much rather travel solo. 

I enjoy spending time with my family, and I love my family. But being stuck in a tight car with everyone can be hard. I am very claustrophobic and get car sickness. If I forget to take my medicine before the car ride, I’ll feel very ill and the ride will be excruciating. 

Also the seating arrangement is always a big factor, if I’m not sitting in the passenger seat, my sickness is always way worse. But since parents tend to pull the “I’m the adult” card, I still get stuck being sat in the backseat. Me, my baby brother and the dog all crammed into the tight backseat. Also, my brother’s car seat is huge so it takes up so much room. Plus all the bags we have at my feet because they won’t fit in the back. Being in a tight car with no leg room is never a good experience.

Not to mention eating in the car. Would you really want to sit in a car that smells like your moms gross tuna sandwich? (I doubt it) Eating while in the car feels like a small boat on the sea during a storm. It’s not fun at all. All the overwhelming smells don’t mix well while the swaying motion of the car.

A lot of dress can build up to the point where you feel as if you’re about to burst. Everyone can start to feel very tense and upset. Arguments or little snaps of anger can start to happen. With everyone being upset, it’s hard to enjoy the holidays. I think the holidays are really about happily spending time with your loved ones. With everyone being stressed and irritated, it’s harder to enjoy each other’s company. 

The next long weekend is from Feb. 19-23 so that is an upcoming time for traveling, so planning for hiccups in traveling and making more stops could help reduce stress. Being able to get out of the car, stretch and get fresh air can help regroup your mind. Planning ahead for unexpected events can help decrease stress if those events take place. All in all, traveling can truly be fun and enjoyable if planned and executed properly.