In the era of budget airlines and last-minute deals, it would be fair to say that stress is probably embedded in more holidays than most of us would wish for.
However, it doesn’t have to be like this. Sure, you might not be heading off to the Maldives, but play your cards right, and you can get away on a stress-free trip.
Whether it’s a getaway to Eastleigh or somewhere more exotic, let’s find out how to do it.
How to Travel Stress-Free?
It’s time to cut down on your phone time
While there might be some readers who are exempt from this first piece of advice, on the whole, mobile phone addiction is on the rise.
We might be traveling in a bid to relax and cut off from the real world, but armed with a trusty mobile phone and your social media apps of choice, it can all unravel pretty quickly.
Of course, social media might not be your weakness. For some, it’s the dreaded work emails rattling through on their Outlook app.
Regardless, use this time to explore your destination of choice and bask in the company of those you are traveling with.
Make a packing list… and stick to it
This is one for the over-packers out there. We’ve all been there, spending hours throwing clothes into a suitcase, only to zip it up and find that we can’t actually move.
When heading off on a trip, it pays to be ruthless with your packing. Only take what you need, and leave it at home if in doubt.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to plan, then make a packing list a few days before you’re due to leave. This will help to take the stress out of packing and ensure that you don’t forget anything essential.
Related Read: Family Vacation Packing List
Don’t over-plan your trip
This one might seem counterintuitive but bear with us. While it’s always good to have an idea of what you want to do on your trip, over-planning can often lead to disappointment.
If you’re trying to cram too much into your holiday, you’re likely to feel stressed and rushed off your feet. It’s important to remember that holidays are supposed to be about relaxation, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to see and do everything.
Related Read: Traveling Internationally with Kids
Don’t sweat the small stuff
On the subject of relaxation, it’s important to remember that not everything is going to go according to plan.
If you’re the kind of person who gets stressed easily, then it’s essential to try and let go of the small things.
Whether it’s a missed train or a rainy day, things will go wrong on your trip, but it’s important not to let it ruin your holiday.
Learn to say no
This is another one for the people-pleasers out there. When you’re on holiday, it can be easy to say yes to everything and everyone.
However, this can often lead to you feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
If you feel like you’re being pulled in too many directions, it’s okay to say no. Don’t feel like you have to do everything and go everywhere just because someone has asked you to.
Remember, this is your holiday, and you should do what makes you happy.
