Traveling With A Fear OF Elevators: Tips & Tricks After 20 Years Exploring The World

I’ve been traveling for 20 years, but my fear of elevators has always made it a bit more complicated. It’s like having a constant shadow hanging over my trips, always a worry in the back of my mind. Whether it’s planning around stair access or the dread of stepping into a cramped elevator, it’s been a challenge.

Finding hotels without having to take an elevator can be a nightmare. I’ve spent countless hours poring over building layouts, searching for accommodations with easy stair access. Many times upon arrival, my requests for access to locked stairwells have been met with confusion or outright denial. Hotels often justify denying access to locked stairwells by citing safety regulations such as for emergency use only, but for those of us with elevator phobias, these regulations can feel like a barrier to our freedom.

I’ve faced countless awkward situations while traveling. There have been times when I’ve felt compelled to explain my phobia to hotel staff, only to be met with dismissive responses or even outright disbelief. It’s disheartening to feel like your mental health condition isn’t taken seriously, especially when it can have such a significant impact on your daily life.

Elevator phobias can also limit your travel options. Certain cities, particularly those with a high concentration of skyscrapers, can be nearly impossible for those with this fear to navigate. I’ve had to avoid destinations that I would have loved to visit simply because they lacked accessible stairwells or ground-floor accommodations.

The fear of elevators has often made me feel embarrassed and isolated. I’ve avoided social events and missed out on opportunities because I didn’t want to deal with the anxiety of taking an elevator. It’s a constant battle between wanting to live a normal life and the fear that holds me back.

With increased awareness of mental health issues, it’s time for hotels to become more accommodating to guests with elevator phobias. Providing access to locked stairwells, and be being more understanding, can make a world of difference for those of us who struggle with this fear. It’s a simple gesture that can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life.

With more understanding and empathy, perhaps one day I’ll be able to travel freely without the constant worry and anxiety that has plagued me for so long.

BUT, Travel is possible and I’m proof of that. Whether you’re completely avoiding elevators or simply looking for ways to reduce your anxiety, these tips will be helpful for your journey!

Planning Your Trip

• Research Accommodations: Before booking, thoroughly research hotels and accommodations. Look for those with easy stair access, ground-floor rooms, or even the option to request a room on a lower floor. Websites like Google Maps can be incredibly helpful for seeing the street view of hotels and exactly how many floors they have.
• Avoid Elevator-Dependent Destinations: While it’s important to be flexible, consider steering clear of cities or regions heavily reliant on elevators, for example, New York, Dubai and Las Vegas. Cities with historic districts often have more hotels with stairs and can be more accommodating for those with elevator phobias.

Booking Your Stay

• Be Direct and Persistent: When booking, don’t hesitate to be upfront about your fear of elevators. Ask specifically about stair access and ground-floor rooms. If you encounter resistance, be persistent and explain the impact your phobia can have on your stay.
• Booking.com is one of the largest hotel booking platforms with an extensive filter system. They also allow you to ‘ask a question’ to the hotel directly before reserving your stay!

Preparing for Your Trip

• Pack Strategically: Pack light to minimize the need for multiple bags. This can make navigating stairs and carrying luggage easier.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Before your trip, learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. These can help you manage anxiety during stressful situations.

Navigating the Hotel

• Explore the Building Layout: Once you arrive, take some time to explore the hotel’s layout. Familiarize yourself with stairwell locations and alternative routes.
• Communicate with Staff: Don’t hesitate to ask hotel staff for assistance and explain your phobia. The more awareness about your situation, the more understanding the staff will usually be.
• Carry a Note: If you feel uncomfortable explaining your phobia verbally, consider carrying a note on your phone that can easily be translated depending on the country you are in.
• When You Have No Choice: Try to ride the elevator with other people or ask the staff to accompany you. I find that being alone is that absolute worst for my anxiety.

Coping with Elevator Anxiety

• Visualize Success: Before entering an elevator, visualize yourself successfully navigating the ride. This can help reduce anxiety and boost your confidence.
• Focus on Your Breathing: Deep breathing exercises can be incredibly helpful in managing anxiety. Take slow, deep breaths and focus on your breath.
• Counting: Sounds so simple but this is one of my personal favorites. I count to 100 slowly once I enter the elevator. I never finish my count before I have arrived at my floor.
• Find a Distraction: Bring a book, magazine, or headphones with your favorite music to distract yourself during the elevator ride. I know you are thinking your cell phone is sufficient but there are times where signals can be weak inside elevators or non existent.
• Practice Gradual Exposure: If your fear is severe, consider gradually exposing yourself to elevators. Start by standing near an elevator without entering. Gradually increase your exposure until you feel more comfortable.

Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your comfort and well-being while traveling. This is supposed to be a vacation! By following these tips and advocating for your needs, you can make your trips more enjoyable and less stressful. If you do not want to take an elevator at all, plan ahead for a stress free vacation.

Great news! At Fear Free Trip, we are building a database of hotels with stair access and phobias that will be launching this year to further help you plan your trip. In the meantime, ready to dive into your fear-free vacation? Join our Fear Free Trip Community for more tips, tricks, and insider secrets to a stress-free getaway. Let’s make vacation worries a thing of the past!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing severe anxiety or fear that significantly impacts your daily life, please consult a mental health professional.