If the pressures of work weren’t enough, you’re now suffering from travel stress about that precious vacation you need so badly. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.Almost three-quarters of people found the thought of an upcoming vacation made them feel anxious, according to a recent survey.Vacationing is fun, but traveling can be stressful for people.If you’re that type of person, here are some ways to reduce your travel stress.
All that anticipation can be exciting but can also spark worry. That’s where we step in. We’re here to give you some help and advice that’ll take the strain away and allow you to enjoy your well-deserved vacation.
1. Plan Your Trip Carefully
The planning stage can be one of the most stressful parts of your trip. It’s often the time when you can start to have financial worries over expense. Break your trip down into parts so you don’t feel as though you are trying to do everything at once.
Begin to plan as soon as is possible. Make a checklist and work your way slowly through it. Who will be looking after the dog? Do you need photos for visas, for example? What extra things will you need to pack if you’re traveling with the kids?
Involve your fellow travelers and share some of the things that need to be done. This could be anything from arranging car hire to picking up the best travel guide.
Enlist the help of experts who know the area you’re traveling to in detail. They’ll be able to offer you suggested itineraries and in-depth local knowledge. You can supplement this with your own online research.
2. Airports and Planes
It’s hardly surprising these are a major source of stress. There are those lines at security, complex airport layouts, baggage fees, and potential delays. And that’s just on the ground.
Once airborne, you can feel trapped and squashed in a metal tube, and be breathing unhealthy recycled air.
It’s wise to arrive at the airport in plenty of time. It’s worth thinking about joining a priority travel program. Choose one that allows you to get through security more quickly and gives you access to a quiet lounge.
Make sure you understand what your baggage allowances are before you travel. Keep valuables including all documents and medication in your carry-on bag. This is so you’ll always have your essentials with you even if your luggage is delayed.
Keep hydrated, wear comfortable clothing and bring a few healthy snacks with you. Use techniques such as Mindfulness to keep yourself relaxed both on the ground and in the air.
3. Realistic Expectations
It’s great to daydream and imagine the great time you’re going to have while you’re away. But, it’s important to keep things in perspective.
Social media, travel reviews, and tourist boards can all offer an over-optimistic expectation of vacations and places to visit.
That’s not to say you should think your trip is going to be bad. It’s just going to be real. That means small things are likely to go wrong. That’s part of the whole experience and can be amusing in itself. A perfect trip can still have its challenges.
4. Look After Yourself
When we’re stressed, our immune systems can be compromised. What you don’t want is to break out into a cold or cough the moment you step on the plane.
Make sure you have plenty of sleep before you travel. You may need a little help at this point. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who have trouble sleeping, there’s more info here to help you get the peaceful sleep you need.
Take vitamins, eat healthily and drink plenty of water. Try and make time for some exercise before you set off, particularly if you’re embarking on a long plane trip to a faraway place.
5. Traveling with Companions
No matter how big your group, you’ll have to consider the needs and plans of those you are traveling with. The more individuals there are, the more preferences there will be.
Remember you don’t always have to do everything together. However, you may need to be prepared to compromise at times.
Everyone needs to be heard so that you all have an idea of what they want to get out the vacation. That includes any kids who’ll be joining you.
If at times there’s a problem making decisions, no matter how small, take a vote and agree on a leader. Don’t be afraid to split up as a group at times. You’ll never be able to please everyone all of the time.
Listen to the concerns and stresses of your traveling companions. What might seem ‘a walk in the park’ for you may feel like a marathon to others. Have fun together. It’s the experience you share that will often be your best memories.
6. What’s Happening at Home
You really don’t want to spend your vacation worrying about what’s happening back home. However, you may well have stuff going on that you’ve left in mid-flow.
Be prepared before you leave so that you can deal with these things as best you can while you’re away. It’s fine to have ways to keep in contact with loved ones but it’s also important to be able to disconnect.
Make a plan before you go away for someone to look after plants, pets, and your home. Make sure someone at your work is covering any of your commitments. Make it clear that you will be away on vacation.
7. When Your Vacation’s Over
While you’re away, it’s possible to get stressed about what’s going to happen when you return. Will work be piling up? You’ve spent more than you’d planned on this trip so how will you pay all the bills?
Be mindful of the present and concentrate on enjoying the time you have away. Worrying never makes things better. Talk about the issues that are bothering you with your travel companions.
Build in a visit to a local spa at the end of your trip. Try out a yoga class or splash out on a massage to help you stay relaxed.
Beating Travel Stress
We are the experts who will help you ensure your next vacation is free of travel stress.
We have a wealth of travel tips to share with you wherever you’re heading. Please check out our travel tips. We’re here to make sure your next vacation is one you will never forget.
