Photo courtesy of Virtual Reality Medical Center The inside of a plane, as recreated by virtual reality graphics.

For many, it's the fear of flying that plagues a holiday. Although statistics show that travelling by plane is much safer than travelling by car, and is probably one of the safest forms of transport overall, it doesn't seem to help those who are fearful. Psychologists claim that most sufferers are afraid of the lack of control they have as they are transported in an unnatural way several feet above the ground, at the mercy of a pilot they don't know anything about. For others, it can be claustrophobia, a fear of heights or simply being affected by news and graphic images of plane crashes?

As with the treatment of other phobias, virtual reality is now being used more and more to treat those who suffer severely from a fear of flying. There are now about 30 psychologists in the U.S. that combine cognitive behaviour therapy with virtual reality to help patients. Sufferers are made to experience a simulated flight by sitting in a vibrating chair, wearing a helmet and watching a video screen with 3-D computer graphics that recreate the environment inside a plane. The theory behind it is that by confronting one's fears, they can be overcome.

During one trip where I had to take several flights, I did notice that I got so used to flying that I stopped being scared. Perhaps for some people it's just a matter of habit, and getting in the habit of taking more holidays is definitely fine by me?

For more info:

Virtual Reality Medical Center - Fear of Flying
http://www.vrphobia.com/flying.htm

Alain de Botton - The Art of Travel
http://www.alaindebotton.com/travel.asp