To Mara:<BR>I am going to Italy (3rd time in a year!)<BR>on Xmas and can only stay ten days,(part of this in Rome) but will post a little report when I come back. Am not the same anon2 as the Prozac post (I think pasta works just as well to smooth out the jitters.Are you also traveling solo?<BR>anon2(original one)

I am well known by my friends and family to react this way too. About a week before I leave, I get overwhelmed and just start thinking, why am I even going, I should just stay home, the pets will be happy, the garden will be watered, the mail and newspapers will come, etc. <BR><BR>I recognize these feelings now, they are just reactions to changes that I have to make before a trip. <BR><BR>I know they start when I start putting my clothes in my suitcase, choosing and eliminating and getting stressed out over what to pack, throwing in &quot;just in case&quot; clothes and then taking them out.<BR><BR>I think it just can get overwhelming when I have planned too much.

<BR>WOW!!! Didn't realize we had so many unstable people out ther.

I dont think that being overwhelmed with planning and leaving on a trip is a sign of being unstable. <BR>

I am the complete opposite and I really feel for you who get so stressed. I am so happy to plan, research and go. I am beam from ear to ear for up to a month before the trip. I love planning outfits. I love the anticipation. I love securing the hotel reservations, the plane tickets, and car rentals. Actually it is very relaxing for me. I am in heaven while looking forward to a trip. I am in heaven on the trip...and I start planning the next one immediately.<BR>Best of luck to all of you...<BR>Happy Holidays....

to anon 2<BR>I really hope your trip goes well- not been a good year for you??

Sue, what a great way to deal with stress! Thanks -- I'll remember that. <BR><BR>Thanks anon, too -- I thought I was the only one. The only time I ever want to stop travelling is the week before each trip, when an overwhelming wave of &quot;why on earth am I putting myself through this&quot; comes over me. <BR><BR>Once I'm on the plane, I'm happy!

ttt