While travel is exciting, it’s also somewhat stressful, from dealing with airport security and long lines to cramped seats on the plane and trying to navigate unfamiliar destinations. Then there are the expenses, which were named by more than half of survey respondents as the most stressful part of travel, followed by safety concerns.
Whether you put your home up among the Detroit houses for sale and are getting ready to travel the world or you’re planning your next vacation, these tips can help reduce the stress of travel so that you can get more out of the experience.
Plan in Advance
While last-minute trips can be fun, the more you can plan ahead, the less stressful it’s likely to be. And, you’ll probably save quite a bit of money too, on everything from airfare to accommodation. Be sure to plan your transport in advance as well, either by reserving a rental car, booking a shuttle, or scoping out other rideshare options. Trying to figure out how you’re going to get to your hotel after a long flight or having to wait for a taxi can be frustrating. In some places, it can be costly if you encounter a scam, so you’ll want to thoroughly research your options and the potential scams to avoid.
Always Arrive Early
Always allow plenty of time to catch your flight. There are multiple things that can slow you down, from traffic and finding a parking spot to checking bags and long security lines. It’s far better to be early – once you’re there, you’ll have time to breathe instead of rushing to the gate. You can read a book, check out the airport shops, or enjoy a bite to eat. And, if you are held up somewhere, you won’t have to worry about missing your flight.
Pack Light
You can save a lot of stress simply by packing light. If you can manage to take it all in a carry-on bag, you might save on checked baggage fees too. If that’s not an option, pack an outfit along with items you’ll need on the plane and any necessities like medications, a toothbrush, toothpaste, etc., in a carry-on in case your luggage is delayed. Don’t leave packing to the last minute – give yourself plenty of time to remember something you might forget otherwise.
Dress for Comfort
While there was a time when passengers dressed up for flights, these days, everyone understands the importance of dressing for comfort when traveling instead. You definitely don’t want to be wearing 4″ heels from check-in to the gate at most airports. You’ll want something you can move in comfortably – or if it’s a long-haul overnight flight, something you can sleep in.
Take Care of Your Health
Before your trip, take extra care of your health to reduce the chances of getting sick due to the stress of travel or from the many germs at the airport and on the plane. Be sure to get plenty of quality sleep, drink lots of water to stay hydrated, and focus on healthy meals. Eating a nutritious meal before you leave for the airport can help prevent mood swings and energy dips that make travel more stressful. Ideally, you should bring some healthy snacks with you, too, should hunger pangs hit when there aren’t any good options available.