Do you have a desire to travel around the world? Do you hope to visit the natural wonders of the world, stand in the Colisseum in Rome or go on an African safari? How about just visiting your friends and family on the other coast? Are any of these hopes and dreams paused because of your fear of flying? Do you shiver at the thought of being in an airplane at 30, 00 feet? If you do fly, does your heart start race whenever there is turbulence or the fasten seat belt sign comes on?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then this post is for you! Most people are shocked to find out that I have a fear of flying. Why are they shocked? Because I am a jetsetter, a globetrotter and in a constant of wanderlust. If you follow me on my social media networks of Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter you are aware that I am on the road or in flight quite often! In this blog post written for Travel Noire, I reveal what caused this fear and how I have overcome it. You cannot and should not let your fear of flying stop you from experiencing all the amazing things the world has to offer. Do not miss out on meeting new people, eating great food & drink, learning history and culture and helping to build tolerance across countries, religions and ethnicities.
Do you love to travel but have a fear of flying? If so share your thoughts with us below!
N.S.W.
Actual flying doesn’t scare me but I am somewhat claustrophobic so the whole closed up for hours thing has at time gotten to me.
Jaye I can totally understand that! Especially in smaller planes with a tight fit.
You certainly do well for someone who is scared to fly. I would have never known lol. I definitely don’t have a fear of flying but let’s just say that landing is definitely not my favorite part.
Thanks Vashti- I can’t let it stop me! Funny since I am fine with landing but dislike take off!
Wow, Nadeen! I’ve never experienced turbulence to the point of the oxygen masks dropping. But trust and believe, I definitely get anxious before most flights. I pray a lot and listen to gospel/meditation music. I want to travel the world with my family and I want my kids to grow up jet setting. So I just learn to push past the fear.
Christine I agree! I also listen to music to calm me down! it will be great to raise your kids as jetsetters!
I can really relate to your post!! I also have a terrible fear of flying, and when I tell people that they look at me like I’m crazy and always tell me that I’ve flown more than anyone that they know. I’ve tried relaxation techniques, but when it gets turbulent I get sick to my stomach, grip onto the seat for dear life, stare obsessively out the window, and break into a sweat. I’m glad you were able to get back on a plane after your very turbulent flight.
Thank you Lisa! I hope you find some relaxation techniques that work for you!
I don’t love flying either–you’re so cramped the entire time, and your skin gets SO dry from the air, and then there’s the whole dangling in air 30,000 feet above land. It’s not for the faint of heart! 🙂 Plus, my great-uncle died in one of the first commercial plane crashes back in the 1950s (in Charlotte, NC), which is not the best thing to have hanging over your head your entire life!
I am sorry to hear of your loss. That must have been difficult for your family. I am glad you are able to travel since as travel bloggers we have to fly!
The older that I’ve gotten, the more I’m uneasy about flying. Turbulence and increased crashes have me on edge until we start to descend.
I agree! I love the announcement that we are close to landing!
At one time I was terrified during take-off. Once in the air, I was good to go. Now I make sure I’m reading my Kindle as we take-off and I’m always prayed up! 🙂
On another note, we have several friends who are pilots and own their own smaller planes. I can’t stand flying in them and I always make an excuse to just say no. Give me a big jet any day!
Alli I have yet to fly on a small plane. If it has propellers no thank you! I have flown in small jet planes with only 1 seat on one side and 2 on the other with only 10 aisles were they ask people to move seats to balance the plane. No bueno! lol
I’m not saying it lightly when I say I hate to fly. Living abroad and making multiple trips to states, I of course fly often- and I live every minute for weeks be for being afraid.
Oh Madaline thats terrible! I am usually not nervous until I am on the plane! I hope you find some relaxation techniques or another therapy that works for you.
No way would I have ever thought you had a fear of flying! It is amazing how you have seen so much of the world in spite of this fear. I am glad you overcame it. Good for you. Your story serves as a great example of living beyond your fears.
Thank you so much MJ! I do hope it inspires others to get up and go! I refuse to let any fears stop me from living a full life!
I am terrified of flying. I guess that’s why I’ve only traveled to 33 other states that were in driving distance. I guess it goes along with being afraid of heights though.
Brittany I totally understand! That is amazing that you have visited that many states! Maybe one day you will overcome the fear and fly!
I am terrified of flying. I guess that’s why I’ve only traveled to 33 other states that were in driving distance. I guess it goes along with being afraid of heights though.
Brittany I know it is tough with that fear but hopefully you will find a method that works for you to overocme it! Seeing 33 states is something to be very proud of!
Flying scares me to death. I actually cried on my last ride. The pilot wasn’t the best and it was windy. Another passenger felt sorry for me and tried to comfort me. I felt like a child, but I had no control at all. That’s what gets to me.
Lisa I totally understand that feeling of not being in control. I am glad the passenger tried to comfort you. I hope you find a method that works to help your fear so you will keep flying!
I do not have an overwhelming fear of flying. But the fear is there. I’m terrified also when the plane starts to shake (as they always do during any flight). During such frightening moments, the only thing I do is thinking of the ones I love and wish myself luck.
I can understand Mai T. We both have to have more faith in the technology and the pilots/staff. I hope your next flight is a smooth one!