6 Ways to Work Through the Emotional Realities of Travel
Guest blog by Tricia Sexton, participant on Laura’s September 2023 Morocco trip
Epic hike in the Austrian Alps
Travel often paints a picture of endless fun, carefree adventures, and a world full of sunshine and rainbows. Yet, the truth is far from this idyllic portrayal.
Contrary to the misconception that your worries vanish when you embark on a journey, the reality is that your problems, anxieties, and insecurities can continue to reside within you, ready to surface at any moment.
I recently went on a two-month long backpacking trip throughout Europe and Morocco. I got to celebrate my two best friends getting married in Germany, I went rock climbing in Austria, ATV-ing in the deserts of Morocco on Laura Ericson’s Group Trip, surfing in Portugal with my bestie from Hawaii, and I reconnected with an old friend in Spain!
What a life, right?!
This was an amazing trip that I am so grateful I got to have. But along with the fun, there also came some low points. At times during this trip I found myself grappling with low energy, anxiety, a desire for solitude, and even… dare I say it, homesickness. As someone known as "the traveler," who has spent years living in various countries and even has a business as a travel coach, I couldn't help but feel like I was failing myself.
It was during this challenging time that I reminded myself of a fundamental truth: I am human. With humanity comes a wide spectrum of emotions, and it's entirely normal to experience them, even while on an exciting journey.
I realized that it's crucial to recognize the validity of my feelings. Being a traveler doesn't exempt me from moments of vulnerability or self-doubt. It's perfectly acceptable to feel the way I did.
God’s Bridge in Akchour, outside of Chefchaouen, Morocco
The turning point came when I decided to stop suppressing my emotions and instead started working through them.
Here's how I did it…
I allowed myself to shed tears, even in the midst of a crowded hostel.
Have you ever noticed that after you cry you actually feel better? You might be more tired but you feel more emotionally balanced? That’s because when you cry, you are actually releasing a stress hormone called cortisol. You are literally allowing stress to flow out of your body… cool, right?
Knowing this, I try to never hold back my tears. Although I am definitely not one to cry in public, I was able to find corners of solitude in a busy hostel to let those tears fly. This act of emotional release can be seen as a form of self-acceptance, acknowledging to yourself that it's okay to feel and show emotions, regardless of the environment.
2. I turned to journaling as a therapeutic outlet to process my thoughts and feelings.
Journaling can serve as a powerful tool for self-reflection and emotional processing. This not only helped me in understanding the root causes of what I was feeling, but also provided a tangible record of my journey. I can look back on those journals months or even years from now and see the growth I’ve made and find wisdom from my past self.
My favorite transformational travel journal comes as a recommendation from my friend and the writer of this blog, Laura Ericson. This journal was created by the Transformational Travel Council, with the intention of empowering travelers to explore the world more mindfully. The journal prompts guide me to reflect on my experiences with more meaning and has helped me to grow with more intention and purpose. I always recommend it to all my travel buddies.
3. I found solace in nature, grounding myself on the grass and the beach daily.
If you know me, then you know I love to walk barefoot in the grass. Yes, I’ve been called a hippie, granola, crunchy - all the adjectives for this… but hey, it feels good to me! I feel connected to nature, I feel more calm, it helps me stay in the present moment, and the cool grass just feels good on my feet. This daily practice provided me with a sense of tranquility and connectedness that contributed to my happiness.
Sometimes it’s doing the little things that bring you joy to pull you out of your funk.
Grounding down on a farm in Bavaria, Germany
4. I embarked on solo hikes, giving myself the space I needed for introspection.
I love a good solo hike. You’re on no one else’s time but your own and you can go at your own pace to any place you like. It’s always a great way for me to get some undistracted reflection and gain perspective on personal challenges.
When I was in southern Spain, I hiked to the same point almost everyday on my own to sit on a little bench and look across the ocean at magical Morocco. I could clearly see the mountains of northern Morocco in the distance and bask in all her beauty, making me feel very small (in a good way!).
Sometimes thinking about the big picture of things and realizing that my life doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things can be such a great way to change my perspective and shift my mindset into a more positive space. What a great way to spark some life into you!
View of Morocco from my solo hiking spot in Tarifa, Spain
5. I prioritized alone time to recharge.
I am aware that I need alone time to recharge my emotional and mental batteries. These deliberate acts of self-care allowed me to take a break from external stimuli and go inward to focus on my inner peace. This practice for me is essential for navigating the challenges that come with long-term travel.
Then, once I felt recharged, I was able to get right back into the action and meet new fellow travelers, some of whom have become lifelong friends.
6. I surrounded myself with uplifting people.
There’s no shortage of people to hang out with while you’re traveling, especially when you’re staying in hostels or you’re on a group trip. I chose to spend my time with the people who I laughed the most with and could be my truest self with. You know those people that you instantly connect with and you can be your weird self around? Those are the people I looked out for.
Finding your tribe while traveling is one of the best parts! I still have good friends today that I met while traveling years ago (I actually got to meet up with one of them in Spain on this trip!).
The crew in Innsbruck, Austria
As a result of acknowledging and addressing my emotions, I emerged from this challenging period feeling stronger, more connected, and with more trust in myself and my abilities. I am now eagerly anticipating the adventures that the next journey has in store for me.
For all my fellow travelers navigating their own emotional rollercoasters on the road, please remember this: you are not alone, your feelings are valid, you are stronger than you think, and I'm sending an abundance of love your way.
Embracing the highs and lows of our journeys is an integral part of the traveler's narrative, and through it all, we can find strength, resilience, and a deeper connection to both the world and ourselves.
Safe and happy travels out there!
Living my best life on Laura Ericson’s Group Trip in Morocco
Tricia is a Certified Life and Travel Coach with 14+ years of international travel experience. Her passion lies in empowering people to find purpose and meaning in their lives through intentional travel experiences. She's like your personal passport to a life-changing journey filled with fun, discovery, and growth! Connect with her on IG or visit her website to check out all her offerings.
