Is Not Traveling Affecting Your Mood? You’re Not Alone

If you’re like me and not traveling right now, have your emotions taken a hit? Don’t worry — you’re not the only one.

A recent study from Amex Trendex found almost “half (48%) of consumers surveyed believe not being able to travel right now is making them feel anxious and stressed and 3 in 4 consumers (78%) say travelling is one of the top activities they miss the most right now.”

I’m not necessarily anxious or stressed about not being able to travel. Am I depressed or frustrated? Oh, heck, yes. Concerned about the industry? Yep. And traveling is undoubtedly the activity I miss most right now.

A Rene’s Points reader recently told me she’s “angry, in a way, because (she’s) being robbed of time” during which she could travel to see family and explore destinations. (Her at-risk status for COVID-19 and state’s quarantine rules make travel rather onerous.)

Reader Sandy — a former Delta and United gate agent —  said, “I miss traveling.  I miss going to London for a long weekend and walking the neighborhoods there, window shopping, eating out, and seeing a show.”

When I go through my travel photos to source images for the blog, I frequently zone out when seeing pictures of my young daughter at a hotel, in a plane, or visiting family. She often asks, “Daddy? When can we go to a hotel or fly on an airplane again? When can I see my family?”

Staying Positive

Sometimes, it feels like travel will never rebound. And I don’t know things will return to normal-as-we-knew.

Plus, 2020 is an important year for our family. My wife and I celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary next month. She also had a significant birthday a few months ago. I recently completed my first year of Rene’s Points blog ownership and enjoyed a successful Q1 as a business owner. We planned to celebrate with several trips throughout the year.

Then 2020 became the 2020 we all know and hate.

But it’ll just make those trips more special next year.

I think we’ll be comfortable traveling around this time next year. My wife and I are making loose plans for trips in 2021 and beyond: where we want to visit, which trips we’ll prioritize (visiting family!), and how we’ll pay for them (points, vouchers, etc.). That’s how we’re keeping our spirits up.

Have You Been Affected?

Have your emotions been affected by the lack of travel? Feel free to share in the below Comments section!

Featured image: ©iStock.com/ZoneCreative