Travel Anxiety? Here's How a Travel Planner Can Help You Actually Enjoy the Journey
Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of planning a trip? You're not alone. In this post, travel planner Shannon Thurston shares how a little guidance—and a lot less stress—can turn your dream vacation into a relaxing reality.
Featuring: Shannon Thurston of Shannon’s Main Street Magic
🎙 As heard on the Becoming A Therapist Podcast by Morgan
Traveling can be exciting—but let’s be honest, for many people, it also comes with a heavy dose of stress. From transportation confusion to accessibility concerns, there’s a lot to think about before you even leave the house. That’s why I (Shannon Thurston, Travel Planner and founder of Shannon’s Main Street Magic) was thrilled to chat with Morgan about how a travel planner can help make your dream vacation feel doable, especially if you're dealing with travel anxiety.
Listen to the full podcast here: Travel Anxiety Solutions with Shannon Thurston | Disney Family Vacation Tips 2025 (+Neuro-Affirming)
The Mental Load of Travel Planning
Morgan: So what coping strategies or relaxation techniques are helpful for people who are dealing with this worry and travel anxiety?
Shannon: Great question! The number one thing that helps is having a plan. Knowing your schedule—what you're doing, where you're going—can bring a lot of peace of mind. I also stay available to my clients during their trip, so if something unexpected happens (maybe a restaurant isn’t what you hoped, or you're feeling overwhelmed), you can just message me. I'm here to help, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Transportation Worries? You’re Not Alone
Morgan: How do different modes of transportation—planes, trains, taxis, Ubers, walking—affect people’s anxiety when traveling?
Shannon: It really depends on where you're going. More modes of transport mean more moving pieces to plan. When we went to California, we walked to Disneyland, but used Lyft to get to the beach. In New York, you’re probably using subways and taxis. In Texas, you’ll want a rental car. Each destination comes with different systems, and sometimes that’s overwhelming—especially for families or those with accessibility needs.
And don’t forget car seats! If you’re traveling with little kids, you’ll need to know whether to bring your own or request one through Uber or Lyft (which you can do). These small details add up fast.
Different Travel Styles for Different Needs
Morgan: What advice would you give someone going on their very first vacation—or their biggest one yet—and feeling nervous?
Shannon: Start simple. You don’t have to pick a destination with massive cultural differences unless you’re ready for that. I always say: think about whether this is going to be a trip or a vacation.
A trip is packed with activities. Think: wake up early, do all the things, experience all the sights.
A vacation is slow and restful—pool time, beach days, sleeping in.
Both are wonderful, but for a first big getaway, I recommend starting with a vacation. It lets you ease into traveling without the pressure of a jam-packed itinerary.
For example, when I go to Disney World with my parents, it's a trip—we’re trying to ride everything. But when I go with my toddler, it's a vacation. We take breaks, we move slower. It’s all about what you and your travel group need.
Planning Reduces Anxiety—But Not Everyone Wants to Do It
Morgan: How can hiring a travel planner help someone with travel anxiety?
Shannon: It’s all about offloading that mental burden. When you hire a travel planner, you’re basically saying, “Here’s what I want—can you handle the details?” And I say, Absolutely.
I’ve had clients tell me planning took the fun out of the trip. Budgeting, researching, booking—it’s a lot. One client wanted to do both a park and a cruise, but it was too much. We pivoted and focused on Universal Studios so her son could meet the Transformers. That moment mattered most to her. I love helping families get those moments without stress.
I’m already thinking about flights, hotels, dining, transportation, theme park entry, accessibility… you don’t have to manage all that. Just tell me what you're dreaming of, and I’ll make it happen.
Okay, But What’s the Cost?
Morgan: So what kind of financial investment should people expect when working with you?
Shannon: My services are budget-conscious and often free to the client. For example, if you book a Disney or Universal vacation with me, they pay me a commission—not you. That means you're getting help without any added cost. My heart is with families and travelers who want to make memories without breaking the bank.
My goal is always to find that balance between affordability and quality. I've made the mistake of going too cheap before, and it just wasn’t worth it. If something isn’t doable, I help find an affordable alternative that still gets you the experience you're hoping for.
Want Help with Your Next Vacation?
You don’t have to do it alone. If travel anxiety or overwhelm is keeping you from taking the vacation you dream about, I’d love to help you.
Here’s how to get in touch:
🌐 Website: shannonmainmagic.com
📸 Instagram: @shannon_mainstreet_magic
💬 Facebook Group: I Need a Travel Planner
🏢 Partnered with Spears Travel and the Travel Leaders Network
Whether you're looking for a restful beach vacation, an adventure-packed Disney trip, or anything in between—let's make it happen.