I suggest anyone thinking about 2 or 4 wheel travel as a method of destressing should try to deal with the issue as much as possible BEFORE going.

Being on the road in a strange country and possibly driving on the opposite side of the road will, for some people, bring enough stress of it's own. Not to mention potential language barriers etc. Add these challenges to someone who is ALREADY stressed and the whole package can be a cocktail for disaster.

Foreign road travel can be a glorious experience, but wouldn't it be awful to spend your trip being as tightly wound as a spring? For those who want to jump on a plane and lie on a beach for a fortnight I guess such a trip can be an excellent destressing tool......but I doubt if the same can be said in general for a DIY roadtrip. Just my opinion.

Christopher

Funny that. I found the simplicity of food/sleep/move/food/sleep/move was the routine I lacked at home. Took about three days to switch off then I found myself falling into a pattern like I'd been doing it all my life, after which the 'bigger stuff' that I'd been agonizing over for months started to fall into place. Does that make any sense? Coming back to the UK was nasty btw. We are very crowded.

Incidentally, I nearly hit an ambulance in France. I wasn't stressed or anything. I'd just pulled out after a quick stop - which I've read is the most common time to forget which side of the road you're on. Felt more embarrassed that scared and kind of waved an apology. :eek3:

I agree to a point... the change, escape, freedom can destress you and possibly give you a refreshed view of the day to day back at home...

BUT

if you are running from something, it will be there when you get back. and in many instances, the issue will grow. and in my experience, they find their way to follow you no matter where you run.


IMHO,

If you need a break take it... forget about work, live in the now, and take every opportunity to enjoy the vacation (holiday for those across the pond)

when your back in the day to day, adress your issues head on so they don't effect any trips you may take...

in the end, you'll be happier and on the whole... a lot less stressed.