Way too often we hear our friends who have just returned from abroad that they need another vacation to recover from their own vacation. We all love to travel but, more often than not, it seems that traveling becomes a stressful experience.
It doesn’t have to be this way. If you’re hitting the road or jet-setting across the globe soon, here are six ways to make sure your travels will be stress-free.
Make a list…
… and check it twice. We’ve all had that “uh-oh” moment at the airport when we remember we have forgotten to pack our pajamas, phone charger or socks. And that, inevitably, causes some stress. So, to make sure you don’t forget anything on your next trip, take a few moments some days before your departure. Write out everything you want and need to pack. Then, give yourself a few days to double and triple check the list. Feel free to add or remove items as you see fit. And then:
Pack efficiently
One of the biggest stress factors while traveling is a heavy suitcase. So make sure to pack light (check out all of our tips on how to do that here). If you can pack it all on a small carry-on, perfect. If you’re going on a longer trip and need to bring a larger suitcase, just make sure it’s still a manageable size. You don’t want a heavy suitcase weighing you down on your adventure.
Rest
Many people like to think a long flight or car ride are perfect for getting some sleep. Many people would be wrong. You might be able to catch a few winks of sleep on your journey. But it will be very difficult to rest well enough to wake up at your destination feeling refreshed. So make sure you’re well rested before you travel. This will also help you to deal with the unpredictability of travel more easily.
Give Yourself Time
There is nothing worse than feeling like you’re on a tight schedule to catch your much-awaited flight. Traffic, long lines at check-in and the wait at the security check will just make you go crazy if you know you don’t have much time until the boarding call begins. So, give yourself plenty of time. Arrive early at the airport so you can go through all of the (time-consuming) steps calmly and stress-free.
Eat and Drink Regularly
You don’t want to have a meltdown because you’re hungry or thirsty. Staying satisfied and hydrated during your flight will help you stay comfortable. If you don’t usually enjoy airplane food (and if airport food isn’t too pocket-friendly), pack a few snacks to eat on the go.
Take it slow
Once you arrive, remember to take it slow. Don’t overwhelm yourself with places to visit and monuments to see. Traveling isn’t about seeing all the top 10 attractions in one place. It’s about experiencing a place and enjoying yourself while you do it.
