TLC for Kids Knowledge Hub
Travelling can be exciting, inspiring and full of new experiences. It can also bring moments of uncertainty, whether you’re catching a flight, travelling with children, navigating unfamiliar places or simply coping with…
Positive Distraction for Travelling
Travelling can be exciting, inspiring and full of new experiences. It can also bring moments of uncertainty, whether you’re catching a flight, travelling with children, navigating unfamiliar places or simply coping with unexpected delays and travel anxiety.
For some people, these moments pass quickly. For others, travelling can increase feelings of stress, anxiety or overwhelm. Having simple strategies available before and during your journey can make travelling feel calmer, more comfortable and more enjoyable.
At TLC for Kids, we call these moments The Space Between, the period between recognising that support is needed and feeling calm, confident and ready to continue your journey.
Travelling often places us in unfamiliar environments where many things are outside our control. Delays, queues, busy terminals, changing plans, unfamiliar surroundings and concerns about arriving on time can all increase stress levels.
For children, new environments, loud noises and changes to routine can sometimes make travelling even more challenging. Adults can experience similar feelings, particularly when travelling for work, attending important events or flying.
These reactions are completely normal and are often linked to uncertainty rather than the journey itself.
Positive distraction gently redirects attention away from anxious thoughts and towards activities that encourage calm and emotional regulation.
Rather than focusing on delays or worrying about what may happen next, positive distraction helps people engage with the present moment through simple, enjoyable activities.
Research has shown that positive distraction can reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing in a range of settings, including healthcare, workplaces and travel environments.
Although every journey is different, having simple wellbeing tools available can make unexpected moments feel easier to navigate.
Preparing before you leave can make a significant difference during your journey.
You might find it helpful to:
Small strategies often make the biggest difference when plans don’t go exactly as expected.
Whether you’re travelling across town, across Australia or around the world, moments of uncertainty are a normal part of the journey.
Tap 2 Distract provides immediate access to guided breathing exercises, positive distraction activities and emotional regulation tools designed to help people navigate The Space Between.
Free to download, with no login, subscriptions or advertisements, it can be used before you leave home, while waiting at the airport, during your journey or whenever you need a moment to pause and reset.
Travelling will always involve moments we can’t predict. Delays happen. Plans change. Unexpected situations arise and there are often situations that cause travel anxiety.
Having practical tools available can help you navigate those moments with greater confidence and calm.
Explore more evidence-informed wellbeing resources throughout the TLC for Kids Knowledge Hub, or download Tap 2 Distract to support you through The Space Between, wherever your journey takes you.
Travel often involves uncertainty, crowds, delays, unfamiliar environments and changes outside our control. These factors can increase stress or anxious thinking for some people.
Positive distraction gently shifts attention away from anxious thoughts and towards something engaging, calming or familiar.
Slow, comfortable breathing may help you pause, regain focus and feel calmer before or during a journey. Choose a technique that feels natural and stop if you feel uncomfortable.
Yes. It provides breathing and distraction activities for delays, waiting periods and moments of uncertainty, and it works offline after download.
Yes. Age-appropriate games, stories, music, breathing and familiar activities can help children stay engaged and make waiting or long journeys feel more manageable.
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