Traveling With Anxiety

This a huge issue for people suffering with panic and anxiety disorders. Getting out of your comfort zone. I have met many people through chat communities on the web. Some have had anxiety and panic for most of there lives and have just decided they are ok never traveling. It takes a whole lot of very hard work and determination to even get to a point where you feel you can trust yourself and your ability to get through a panic attack should one arise. For those of you who aren't ok with never traveling there are some things you can do.
The first thing I recommend is take short trips first and then build up to a longer one. If you are on any meds like xanax or ativan have it handy should you need it. I have found taking either a book on cd or relaxing music to be helpful as well. MP3 players are great because you can download many things onto one player and take it wherever you go. You can even download a progressive relaxation guided meditation too. Having things handy for yourself is very comforting. Now many stores carry aromatherapy and you can carry it in your purse or pocket and out a little on your wrist to help calm you. These are just a few recomendations.
Working with a therapist is a great way to build up to a point where you are comfortable and confident you can deal with whatever comes your way. Traveling is a big step and it is so important to take it slow and not get down on yourself for having a few slips. Eventually as with everything the slips will get less and less with more practice. You have to want to travel and want it more than the fear that eats at you. If you are traveling by car a comforting thought for me has always been just knowing I can stop anywhere and get a hotel room and when I feel better be on my way again. Whatever it takes...You can't travel and expect to have no anxiety at all even if you work your butt off. There is going to be a certain level of it but it is managable and over time gets less and less. Nothing worth attaining ever comes easy.
Living your life the way you want to live it is worth a little anxiety. Staying in your comfort zone and not allowing yourself to explore and enjoy the vast world around you however has no payoff. You stay stuck and the better part of your life passes you by. So slowly but surely you can overcome your traveling fears.