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5 Tips for Taking the Stress Out of Your Travel Experienc
Traffic, luggage, long lines, and cranky passengers are just a few of the things that can cause traveling to be stressful. If you dread every business trip and family vacation that calls for extensive travel time, you are not alone. But, we have a few tips that will help you take out some of that stress so that you can have more pleasant journeys no matter where you go.
- Be prepared
Waiting until the last minute to try to book a flight or train is never a good idea. If you did wait longer than you should have to make travel arrangements, avoid traveling on busier days (maybe opt for a Thursday departure instead of a Friday, for instance) and consider booking when other people may still be working.
Check hotel availability as soon as possible, too, if you won’t be staying with friends or family. You might also consider an alternative accommodation such as an Airbnb or a traditional bed and breakfast.
- Pack efficiently
Making lists of necessities before you pack is the best way to make sure you don’t forget anything and that you don’t pack more than you should. It’s also a good idea to put pajamas, toothbrushes, medication, and kids’ loveys in one bag so that when you reach your destination you only have to look in one place for everyone’s nighttime needs. You can worry about unpacking and organizing everything else in the morning.
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- Prepare your home for your time away
With all of the chaos of traveling, you may forget about protecting your home while you are away. Before you leave, you should prepare your home for your time away to avoid burglaries. Be sure to check all door and window locks a couple of weeks before your departure. If you find any that do not shut and lock properly, repair them so you have more peace of mind while you’re out of town.
It’s also a good idea to make arrangements with a neighbor or a house sitter (or even a pet sitter if you need one) to keep an eye on your house while you are gone. They can pick up your mail, check your property, and gather newspapers or packages to create the illusion that someone is home. It never hurts to have someone checking on your home while you are gone, because if they discover something amiss, they can alert the authorities and they will have a better idea of when the problem occurred.
- Keep an eye on time
Allowing for extra time when you travel will help you avoid some of the issues that can occur. Keep in mind that there’s always a chance of long lines checking in at the airport, delays in getting a cab, finding a parking spot, or slow-moving security lines. Traveling with a larger group also takes more time, so if you are traveling with kids or family members, be sure to allot more time than you do when you travel alone. If you always run late, set a reminder or an alarm on your smartphone so that you are sure to pack and leave on time.
5. Avoid layovers in areas that are prone to inclement weather
If you are flying in the winter, for instance, be sure that your connecting flights do not take you through areas of the country that are prone to blizzards if you don’t have to be in those specific locations. Coastal areas tend to have more volatile weather in the summer, so plan your traveling strategically in those areas. Keep in mind that if you already get nervous flying, adding a rainstorm into the picture could make your travel anxiety even worse.
Traveling doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Take some steps to plan ahead, save time, protect your home, and avoid getting stuck at the airport so that you can have a much more enjoyable journey.
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Article written by Catherine Workman
