It’s perfectly reasonable for an agoraphobic who has never left England to travel to the other side of the world, to a place with a completely different language, culture and some insanely busy streets….right?

So last year when I was still working, my sister, dad and I booked a once in a lifetime trip to Tokyo as I kind of retreat after the loss of mum. I was apprehensive, but hey, I was working 3 jobs and was emotionally stable, it’d be fine.

In the 10 months that followed, I had quit all of my jobs and had a bit of a mental breakdown.

I’ve been trying really hard to get myself back on track to make sure that I can actually get on the plane, unlike my recent failed Berlin attempt.

So, what am I doing about it?

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Plan Plan Plan!
If I was on Mastermind, this journey would be my specialist subject.
I know everything. From the layout of the airports to every way to get to the hotel once we’ve arrived.
I would like to note that this is really not a healthy level of planning and I know that, but it’s my first trip, cut me a bit of slack!

Make it easier
Special assistance is getting sorted; my green lanyard is sorted out and ready for collection (I will expand on this in a later blog) and I’ve visited the airport a couple of times.

Don’t kid yourself
It’s going to be stressful; it is going to be busy and there is every chance that I will have a panic attack. It’s just a part of the journey I will have to accept. The first step is always the hardest.

Prepare
Packing lists are my best friend, use them wisely. Download podcasts for the airport and flight. Make sure I have money for snacks (very important!) Pleeaaaseee don’t forget medication!

Learn important phrases
Familiarise myself with useful phrases such as:
“Where is the convenience store?” and “For the love of God, somebody please help me”

Get excited
Excitement and anxiousness produce the same physical response in many respects, it’s the way we approach them that determines everything.
I’m going on holiday, I’m going to see some amazing things and maybe re-enact Lost in Translation.

This is a huge step and one I feel ready to take.

I can do this.