Traveling with PTSD Can Be Part of Your Road to Recovery

by Cynthia Ross Tustin and Kristin Secor

As a former mental health counselor for 11 years who has helped treat PTSD, I know how intrusive and disruptive it can be for a person. So, when my friend Cynthia wanted to collaborate to write a post on traveling with PTSD and how it can help in a person’s recovery, I was on board. Keep reading to see our suggestions.

Please note, however, that this post is not a replacement for treatment. If you think you may have PTSD, please seek out medical help from a doctor and/or therapist. Additionally, any travel plans should be discussed with your provider to ensure the best outcomes.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, when you click on the links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Traveling with PTSD? Can that really be done? Absolutely! Even if you read no further than this. The most important piece of information I can give you is that if you’ve been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and think you’re “stuck at home” until you’re fully recuperated, think again.

If you keep reading, you’ll see that I’ll provide you with a growing body of
evidence that shows that there’s mental health and wellness value in hitting the road” while you’re “on the road to recovery” from PTSD. I’ve done all this research on PTSD and travel while I was a fire chief.

In the fire service (like many emergency services), PTSD is a work-related injury and is therefore covered by workers’ compensation. Many employers and HR professionals believe that if you’re “off sick from work” you should be quietly recuperating at home.

And since I really disagreed with them…I researched. And since I really love to be right…I share!

Nothing I’m writing for you here is intended as therapy or treatment. In fact, I encourage you to discuss this with your physician before you try jetting off to parts unknown.

My intention is to provide those suffering from PTSD with some easy planning tips that can take the stress and anxiety out of traveling. Travel, with the blessing of your doctor, and when done with forethought, can be a valuable part of a solid “self-care” regime.

Famed war novelist William Faulkner wrote, “You cannot swim for new horizons if you’re afraid to leave the shore.” So, let’s dive in!

What Is PTSD?

In simple terms, according to the Mayo Clinic, “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

a white man with dark hair sits with his head in his hands.  On the table in front of him is a black head with the letters PTSD on it.

Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD.”

It’s a normal reaction, by normal people to a completely abnormal and horrific event, and that reaction persists. And it is an injury that tends to affect our military personnel, emergency responders, and front-line healthcare workers. It also impacts people who have been in serious car accidents or are victims of violent crime.

Why Do People with PTSD Avoid Travel?

According to experts like Hall, Elhai, and Grubaugh in their article in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, theorize that people with PTSD avoid travel because they worry about having heightened symptoms while traveling.

They also suggest potential travel-related triggers, which may include the sights, sounds, and smells associated with the trauma. And finally, that travel can cause disruptions to established routines which might lead to setbacks or a loss of control. (Hall et al., 2016).

Common PTSD Symptoms That Travel May Heighten

The National Center for PTSD recommends the need to understand the common symptoms. Understanding this helps to facilitate travel planning.

➡️ Intrusive Thoughts

Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, distressing, and recurrent thoughts, images, or impulses that occur involuntarily and disrupt an individual’s thinking process. They are often intrusive in nature, meaning they appear abruptly and without conscious control, and can be difficult to dismiss or ignore. Intrusive thoughts can be disturbing, distressing, or even frightening, and they may involve themes related to trauma, harm, danger, or other negative experiences.

A dark red background has wooden tiles with letters on them.  There are three words made out of the tiles that say "fear, uncertainty, Doubt"

The intrusive thoughts in PTSD are typically related to the traumatic event itself or reminders of the event. They can manifest as flashbacks, vivid memories, or nightmares, causing the individual to re-live aspects of the traumatic experience. Intrusive thoughts can be triggered by various cues, such as specific sights, sounds, smells, or even internal emotional states.

These thoughts can be distressing and can trigger intense emotions, such as fear, guilt, or shame. They can also contribute to a heightened state of anxiety or hypervigilance.

➡️ Avoidance

Avoidance is a coping mechanism commonly observed in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It involves efforts to steer clear of people, places, activities, thoughts, or feelings that are reminders of the traumatic event. Avoidance serves as a way to manage distress and prevent the reactivation of traumatic memories and associated emotions.

While avoidance can provide temporary relief from distress, it can also perpetuate and exacerbate PTSD symptoms in the long term. Avoidance prevents individuals from processing and integrating the traumatic experience into their narrative, impeding the natural healing process. It also leads to social isolation which can increase feelings of depression.

➡️ Negative Thoughts and Mood

Negative thought patterns are common in PTSD. Individuals may develop a negative outlook on themselves, others, and the world. They may struggle with feelings of self-blame, guilt, or worthlessness. Negative thoughts can also involve a distorted perception of the future, leading to a sense of hopelessness, doom, or lack of trust in the possibility of positive outcomes.

A white woman with brunette hair is sitting on a grey couch with her hand on her head and she looks distressed.

In addition, PTSD can also contribute to the development of cognitive distortions, which are biased or irrational ways of thinking. Examples of cognitive distortions include overgeneralizing (drawing broad negative conclusions from limited experiences), catastrophizing (expecting the worst possible outcome), or personalizing (attributing blame or responsibility to oneself for events beyond one’s control). These distorted thinking patterns can reinforce negative emotions and contribute to a negative worldview.

➡️ Hyperarousal

Hyperarousal involves a state of heightened psychological and physiological arousal, where individuals experience a persistent sense of being on edge or constantly alert to potential threats, even in non-threatening situations.

Individuals may exhibit an exaggerated startle response to sudden or unexpected stimuli. They may react intensely, feeling jumpy, or even physically jumping or lurching in response to relatively benign triggers.

Oftentimes a person with PTSD may be constantly on guard, feeling the need to monitor their surroundings for any signs of threat or harm. This hypervigilance can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating on other tasks, and an inability to relax. It can also disrupt sleep patterns and lead to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep.

Finally, individuals with hyperarousal may have heightened sensitivity to stimuli, including sensory stimuli. Commonly encountered stimuli, such as loud noises, crowded spaces, or certain smells, may evoke intense reactions or trigger anxiety.

Common Suggested Ways to Combat PTSD and How Travel Can Help

Recovering from PTSD is often about symptom management. And many of those symptoms are managed using self-care principles. Those principles can, and should, be carried on once treatment is complete. A self-care regime is a reasonable practice for all of us anyway!

You can find expertise on ways to combat PTSD from the National Center for PTSD. They have an enormous library full of valuable information. Here are just a few.

☑️ Exposure Therapy

Exposure Therapy involves gradually and systematically exposing individuals to situations, objects, or memories that evoke anxiety or fear in a safe and controlled environment. The goal of this form of treatment is to help individuals confront and overcome their fears or traumatic memories, thereby reducing anxiety and improving their ability to cope with distressing situations.

It’s important to note that exposure therapy should be conducted by trained mental health professionals who can provide appropriate support, and guidance, and ensure the safety and well-being of the individual throughout the process.

Ultimately, travel can be a part of this therapeutic process. When people travel, they are often exposed to new and different situations that challenge them. This can help them confront their fears and increase their sense of control while they gain more confidence in their ability to cope with distress.

☑️ Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a practice and state of mind that involves intentionally focusing one’s attention on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. It is often cultivated through meditation exercises and can be applied to various aspects of daily life.

Mindfulness helps individuals develop an increased awareness of the present moment, grounding them in the here and now. By focusing on the present, individuals can reduce rumination, overthinking, and excessive worry associated with PTSD.

a black woman is standing with her eyes closed and her hands over her heart as she practices being mindful of her body.

It also encourages individuals to observe their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment or the need to change them. This acceptance-oriented approach allows individuals to experience their inner experiences with compassion and openness. In the context of PTSD, it can help individuals accept and work with difficult emotions and traumatic memories, fostering a sense of self-compassion and self-acceptance.

Finally, mindfulness can assist individuals in becoming more aware of their triggers—external cues that evoke traumatic memories or intense emotional reactions. By being mindful, individuals can learn to identify their triggers, observe their associated thoughts and emotions, and choose more skillful responses rather than automatically reacting to the triggers. This empowers individuals to interrupt the automatic trauma response and engage in healthier coping strategies.

Traveling can help people focus on the present moment and enjoy their surroundings, which can help reduce anxiety and negative thoughts. Nature-oriented travel can be especially useful in helping develop mindfulness skills.

☑️ New Experiences

The use of new experiences can be helpful by providing individuals with opportunities for growth, mastery, and positive associations. Engaging in new experiences can help counteract the avoidance and withdrawal tendencies often associated with PTSD and contribute to the healing process.

Since PTSD can be accompanied by negative beliefs about oneself, others, and the world, new experiences provide opportunities to challenge and modify these negative beliefs. Through positive experiences and successful outcomes, individuals can counteract the sense of helplessness, self-blame, or lack of trust that often accompany PTSD.

Furthermore, engaging in new experiences can generate positive associations, leading to a broader range of emotional experiences. By creating new positive memories and associations, individuals can counterbalance the negative emotional imprints of the trauma and regain a sense of pleasure and enjoyment in life.

It’s important to note that the introduction of new experiences should be approached in a controlled and gradual manner, tailored to the individual’s specific needs and comfort level.

Traveling to new places, meeting new people, and trying new things can help to foster new experiences and may be beneficial for those with PTSD to reframe their negative thoughts about the world.

☑️ Physical Activity

Engaging in physical activities such as hiking, swimming, or yoga can help reduce stress and improve overall mental health. Physical activity can also help manage symptoms of anxiety, which often accompany PTSD. Exercise provides a healthy outlet for the physiological arousal experienced with anxiety, helping to regulate and reduce anxiety symptoms. Additionally, physical activity can distract individuals from anxious thoughts, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.

a white man with dark hair is swimming laps in a pool.  Physical activity is a common suggested coping skill for PTSD.

Similarly, engaging in physical activity and achieving fitness goals can boost self-esteem and feelings of empowerment. It allows individuals to focus on their physical abilities and accomplishments, promoting a sense of mastery and self-worth. This can be especially valuable for individuals with PTSD, as the trauma may have negatively impacted their self-perception and sense of control.

By incorporating physical activity into travel plans, individuals can maintain or enhance their fitness levels, experience the joy of movement, and support their overall well-being. Traveling often offers individuals the opportunity to engage in leisure activities that involve physical movement. This can range from swimming in a hotel pool, taking leisurely walks along the beach, or even dancing at local festivals or events.

☑️ Social Support

Being heard and understood by others who validate their feelings can help individuals feel less isolated and more acknowledged. This validation can be a powerful source of comfort and reassurance, reducing feelings of shame or self-blame often associated with PTSD.

Traveling with others can provide social support and help individuals feel less isolated. Taking a trip with trusted friends or family provides the opportunity to have a shared experience and deepen connections as you begin to gain a sense of renewed confidence.

multiple hands all come together to show support.

You may even want to look into specialized small-group trips for people living with PTSD. This type of travel often has tailored experiences and support to help meet specific needs and goals.

15 Tips That Can Reduce the Stress & Anxiety of Traveling with PTSD

So now you understand the common symptoms and what can help alleviate them. Let’s look at how those stress-reducing things can be incorporated into your travel plans!

1. Know Your Individual Triggers

For a successful trip, it is important that you know and can begin to recognize your individual triggers for PTSD. These triggers are often specific to the trauma you experienced and therefore can vary from person to person.

When you can start to recognize a trigger coming on, it allows you to intervene quickly and can prevent them from becoming worse. Alternatively, if you need to remove yourself from a situation or find somewhere quiet, you have a better chance of being able to do this the earlier you recognize your symptoms.

2. Arrive at the Airport Early to Avoid the Feeling of Being Rushed

Airports can be overwhelming due to the crowds, noise, and various sensory stimuli. By arriving early, individuals with PTSD have the opportunity to identify and avoid potential triggers that could exacerbate their symptoms. They can find quieter areas or familiarize themselves with the layout to minimize exposure to stressful situations.

Additionally, arriving early at the airport can help individuals with PTSD feel more in control of their environment, reduce stress, and minimize exposure to potential triggers. It allows you to navigate the airport at your own pace and seek the necessary support to ensure a smoother journey.

3. Pre-board the Plane

Boarding a plane can also be a source of stress for people with PTSD. Long queues with crowded boarding areas and potential delays can trigger anxiety or feelings of vulnerability. Arriving early provides an opportunity to be among the first to board, ensuring a more controlled and less crowded experience.

a white airplane flies against a blue sky.

Pre-boarding also allows you to become familiar with your seat and the airplane itself before others enter the plane. Talk to a gate agent to let them know you’ll need to pre-board due to a medical condition, and you should have no difficulty.

4. Consider Using Noise Cancelling Headphones

If noise tends to overwhelm your senses, consider bringing some noise-canceling headphones with you to use both at the airport and on the plane. This can help manage a potential trigger and make the experience a little more comfortable. These headphones on Amazon are highly rated and cost-effective.

Just be sure to pay attention to possible announcements at the gate. You can sign up for text alerts from the airline to help with this process.

👉🏻 Look at noise-canceling headphone options on Amazon and buy yours today by clicking here.

5. Make Sure You Have Trusted Traveler or Global Entry Options

Global Entry provides expedited security screening at participating airports. This means shorter lines and a faster screening process, which can reduce the overall stress and anxiety associated with airport security checks. For individuals with PTSD, who may be more sensitive to crowded or intrusive situations, the ability to bypass long queues can be particularly helpful.

Roped lines lead to the security check point at an airport.  A blue banner says TSA Pre check.

Furthermore, with Global Entry, individuals with PTSD can experience a more predictable and consistent screening process. They become familiar with the procedures and requirements, which can help alleviate anxiety. Knowing what to expect and having a routine in place can contribute to a sense of control and reduce the potential for triggering PTSD symptoms.

Travel Tip: Check your credit card benefits to see if they reimburse you for the cost of obtaining Global Entry, TSA Pre-check, or Clear. This makes obtaining this beneficial pass more cost-effective.

6. Travel During Off-Peak Times

Travel during off-peak times of days or even in low or shoulder seasons has many benefits. However, the primary one is that it will help you to avoid large crowds. Other bonuses to traveling during these times are shorter wait times, cheaper prices (for both hotels and airfare), and fewer distractions.

7. Research Accommodations and Take Virtual Tours of the Facilities

The more familiar you are with where you will be staying, the more comfortable you will be. Virtual tours (when available) can help you familiarize yourself with the property and what amenities it may have. For example, a pool or exercise room may be a good resource to know about so you can utilize them as possible coping skills.

8. Ask For A Room Away From Elevators

Having enough quality sleep to help reduce any strain or stress on your body is important. To help with this endeavor, ask for a room away from the elevators where there is a greater chance of higher noise levels that may distract you from getting a good night’s rest.

Additionally, you may also want to consider other factors that would make you feel more comfortable. For example, if your safety is a concern, you can get a special device like this one that easily attaches to your hotel room door to prevent others from entering. Check out my other post for more ideas on my must-have travel essentials.

9. Book Any Tours in Advance

By booking tours in advance, it can help save you from being overwhelmed with too many choices during your trip. It will also help you have time to research possible important factors such as the size of the group, how long the tour is, what time it starts etc. Furthermore, it can help you plan your time so you know what to expect each day and don’t overlook yourself.

👉🏻 Look for tours that meet your interests and needs when you book with Viator by clicking here.

10. Don’t Over-Book Tours or Activities

While this was mentioned above briefly, it warrants a little more detail. It’s important that no matter what type of trip you take that you don’t fill up every single moment of the day. Make sure to leave yourself some downtime so you can rest, reflect, and recharge.

An older woman sits on a sandy beach and breathes in the ocean air as she relaxes.

While it may be tempting to see and do as much as possible, this way of traveling can also lead to unnecessary stress. Instead, make sure to give yourself some time to relax, even if it’s something you have to build into your itinerary. Similarly, listen to what your body is telling you, if you feel tired, take some time for yourself.

11. Unplug as Often as Possible

Technology and excessive media can be too intrusive if you’re hoping for a more mindful and meditative experience. Avoid constantly being on your phone to help you savor each moment you’re in and so you can be aware of your surroundings. While there are benefits to technology, it can also be detrimental as well.

12. Ensure That You Pack Enough Medication

If your doctor has prescribed any medication they feel may be helpful for you, make sure that you take it with you. Additionally, you will want to ensure you have enough for your entire trip (plus a little extra in the event of delays).

A doctor writes a prescription with two orange medication bottles to his left that contain white pills.

It’s best to pack any medication in your carry-on luggage to ensure you have it with you and it doesn’t get lost or delayed with any checked luggage. In addition, make sure to keep your medication in their original prescription containers and bring a copy of your prescription for any controlled substances that may attract scrutiny.

13. Travel with Someone Who Understands

Having someone who supports you and understands how PTSD affects you as an individual can be extremely helpful. Just make sure that the person you’re traveling with is well versed with your symptoms and how they can assist you if necessary. For example, are they aware of your relaxation or grounding techniques?

14. Have A Plan For A Crisis such as lost or lost or stolen medication, or the availability of support groups near your destination.

There is always a possibility for things to go wrong on any trip. However, when you have a medical condition that you know may worsen during travel, it’s important to have a plan should any emergencies arise. This can include lost or lost or stolen medication, or an increase in symptoms that you find difficult to manage.

Some examples of things you may choose to include in your crisis plan include making a list (in advance) of the availability of support groups near your destination, downloading and using apps like Zoom and telehealth so you can check in with your providers or schedule an emergency appointment, and having a list of coping skills you can use.

Ideally, this plan should be developed with your therapist and/or doctor prior to traveling. Furthermore, you may also consider giving a copy of the plan to a trusted person you are traveling with so they can assist you if needed.

15. Get Travel Insurance That Covers Emergency Mental Health Needs

Travel insurance is always recommended, but unfortunately, not all policies are the same. In fact, some won’t cover pre-existing conditions or certain types of health issues like those that fall under the mental health category. Make sure to read the fine print on any policy you purchase so you know it will meet your specific needs.

Additionally, it can be helpful to use an insurance aggregator site such as Insure My Trip which allows you to compare prices and policies to find one that is right for you. They even have a filter where you can choose coverage options that are important to you (like pre-existing conditions) to ensure you find the best policy for your needs.

👉🏻 Compare travel insurance policies and purchase the best one for you on Insure My Trip by clicking here.

Coping Techniques to Use When Traveling with PTSD

When traveling with PTSD, you should plan to have a list of coping skills to help you through your trip. Many of these skills should be the same ones that you use at home that are recommended by your therapist or doctor. However, I’ll mention a few here that I recommended as a mental health counselor.

☑️ Journaling

When negative thoughts creep in and go unchallenged or recognized, they can quickly snowball and affect your mood and outlook on life. Journaling is a fantastic tool to use to help recognize those nasty thoughts.

A white woman is sitting with crossed legs and writing in a journal.  Journaling is a great coping skill for people traveling with PTSD.

When you see your thoughts on paper, it becomes easier to pinpoint patterns of thinking and identify negativity. Additionally, the practice of journaling can help challenge those pesky thoughts by seeing the other positive things that occurred during your day.

During this exercise, you can choose to start with either your thoughts about your day or what you felt during the day. If it’s easier to notice your feelings, that’s fine but make sure you then work to try to reflect on what thoughts may have influenced those feelings.

Finally, reread your entry and look for negative thought patterns (typically these involve words such as always, never, no one, everyone, etc). Reframe negative patterns by rephrasing a particular thought. For example, instead of thinking “Things never go right for me” reframe it into “Something didn’t go as planned today and I became frustrated and needed to use some of my coping skills”.

When reframing your thoughts, you want to make sure to validate your feelings but not use extreme all-or-nothing language.

☑️ Deep Breathing

When you start to feel anxious, deep breathing exercises are a way to help you slow down your breathing and can help to manage your symptoms. When feelings of anxiety come on, you may notice that your breathing changes and becomes not only more rapid but you take more shallow intakes of air from your chest vs your diaphragm.

A blonde-haired woman is standing with her eyes closed and arms to her side as she breathes in deeply.

Doing exercises to slow down your breathing and focus on it coming from your stomach will help you from feeing panicky. One exercise I always would do with my clients is to slowly count to 4 while inhaling, hold your breath for a count of 3 and then exhale while counting to 4. Doing this will help you slow down your breaths as well as take in more air.

Of course, there are many more other types of exercises you can do. Work with your therapist to find one that works best for you.

☑️ Keep Grounded

Grounding techniques are helpful when you are having flashbacks or need to feel more in the present. These exercises often utilize your senses to help combat any thoughts or images that are flashing in your mind.

a light pink background with a dark brown board has white letters that say "notice your senses".

One way to use your senses is to name 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you feel, and 2 things you smell. It’s best to be as specific as possible when doing this. For example, if you’re hiking in the woods you may say, “I see green leaves on a small oak tree, I see two people with red coats in front of me, I hear the rustling of the leaves as the wind blows, I feel the large gravel underneath my feet, I smell wildflowers that are at the base of the trees” and so forth.

Best Types of Vacations for People with PTSD

Take a look at some of these activities. All have been helpful for anyone suffering from PTSD. So, it only makes sense that these kinds of pursuits be added to your travel plans.

➡️ Nature Destinations Like National Parks

Spending time in nature has been shown to have a calming effect on the
mind and body
. And if this isn’t enough to convince you about the value of
nature being restorative, here in Canada, doctors can now write a
prescription for passes to any of our national parks
.

There is no dispute that Mother Nature is a “go-to” source for a calm and
soothing environment. It provides everyone with an opportunity to
destress and decompress because of its serenity.

A person with long blonde hair wears a blue hat and yellow jacket and is admiring the forest and mountains in the background.  Hiking and being out in nature is a great trip for people traveling with PTSD.

But being out in Nature is the perfect place to unplug and disconnect from
demanding lives and daily triggers. It’s the kind of atmosphere that can
provide respite from PTSD.

And not to be overlooked or undervalued, but Nature also offers opportunities for physical activity, such as walking or hiking. All of which can promote relaxation and release endorphins, improving overall mood and well-being.

Finally, exposure to natural elements, such as fresh air, sunlight, and
greenery has been shown to enhance emotional regulation and promote a sense of grounding and connection with the present moment.

Some incredible national parks you may want to explore include Grand Tetons National Park in Wyoming, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, and Yosemite National Park in California. All offer excellent opportunities for hiking and other adventure sports.

However, if you’re looking for less crowded parks, consider visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas, or Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado.

👉🏻 Check out this post for more tips on planning a trip to the national parks and this post for my list of national parks essentials.

➡️ Small Group Tours

Joining a group tour can provide a sense of community and support while
exploring new places. This means that there’s a chance for social
interaction, and that can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

A man carrying a small red flag leads a small tour group.


Group tours offer structure and organization for people with PTSD, which
helps create a sense of safety and well-being. This type of tour offers new
places and experiences in a controlled manner. Which is truly helpful in
minimizing potential triggers and can prevent being overwhelmed.

Further, a knowledgeable guide leading the group and answering
questions helps create the feeling of a safe and secure environment. Just make sure to know in advance how big the tour will be and choose a group tour that has a number of people you are comfortable with.

👉🏻 I love using sites like Viator to find small group tours for the day or even multi-day trips. Look for and book small group tours on Viator by clicking here.

➡️ Yoga Retreats

Practicing mindfulness meditation and things like yoga can help
individuals focus on the present moment and reduce stress and anxiety.

Everything about yoga and meditation is designed to heal the mind and the body holistically. The physical movements, controlled breathing, and purposeful focus have a direct impact on our body’s ability to regulate our nervous system. It allows us to reduce stress and anxiety with greater ease and helps us build control over our own emotional triggers and responses.

A man and two women sit on yoga mats meditating on a wooden deck.  Meditation can increase mindfulness and be helpful for those traveling with PTSD.

Meditation is about being present in the moment and learning how to
control obtrusive thoughts. It’s like muscle training for the brain. It builds a
person’s strength to focus.

Taking a trip gives you the opportunity to dedicate some time and space
exclusively for self-care and self-reflection. This promotes some much-
needed self-compassion and assists with personal growth. A yoga retreat will have experts to help guide you in this practice.

➡️ Adventure Trips

Why are adventure activities good for people traveling with PTSD? In a
word, confidence.

Engaging in adventure activities such as white water rafting, zip-lining,
rock climbing or even surfing can help individuals confront their fears and
increase their sense of control. The ability to feel in control and gain the
much-needed confidence to overcome anxiety is a cornerstone of PSTD
treatment.

a red raft floats down the rapids of a river with 9 people in the boat having fun.  Adventure activities such as white water rafting are a great option for people traveling with PTSD.

That’s why thrilling activities help promote mastery, self-confidence, and
control over one’s immediate environment. It’s helpful that adventure
activities, like those mentioned above, take place “in Nature” because it’s
peaceful and calm.

Then throw in a dash of adrenalin which is proven to release the feel-
good hormone called endorphin, and you have the making for some serious recovery options.

So, Let’s Sum Up Traveling With PTSD

Travel, and the activities associated with it, can and should absolutely be a part of your road to recovery. It’s a creative way to incorporate the proven healing techniques of exposure therapy, the calming focus of mindfulness, and the happiness hormones associated with physical activities.

Through in the social support of loving family members or peers, and you have a winning combination. Again, I stress that travel all by itself isn’t a treatment for PTSD. What it is, if done with some patience and planning, is something that can enhance your existing therapy and current treatments.

So, please know that you’re not stuck at home!

And if you’re looking for more information about PTSD, check out my
conversation with noted psychologist Margaret McKinnon and Ontario’s
Minister of Mental Health and Wellness Michael Tibollo
.

Cynthia Ross Tustin is the author of the blog, I’m Thinking of Retiring. She began writing and curating the site when she was planning her own retirement. Previously, she was an ICU/Trauma unit nurse when she joined the fire service in Ontario. She retired in 2021 as Ontario’s first full-time female fire chief in order to pursue a passion for writing, research, and travel.