Tips for Stress-free Travel
I often hear people say that they don't like to travel or that traveling is too stressful. This is completely baffling to one infected with wanderlust such as myself. However, in a recent trip I found myself facing last minutes changes, extensive delays and other inconveniences which made me realize that there are definitely a couple tricks of the trade that you pick up as a frequent flyer.
So, in the spirit of not completely losing your shit whenever your planned trip doesn't go exactly according to plan, I am sharing some of my top tips for reducing travel stress and making the most of your experiences whether your travels take you near or very far!
1) Arrive early! This may seem like a no brainer, however in situations whenever I've found either myself or others being particularly stressed and grouchy during a trip it was usually because of the crunch-time feeling that comes when you are racing the clock to catch you plane, train, bus, etc. Whenever you can, try to give yourself plenty of time on both ends. I know that no one wants to spend hours just hanging at the airport or other transit station, however building in an extra buffer can allow you to stay cool no matter what changes or delays you may encounter.
2) Get the App. A lot of airlines and other travel sites have mobile phone apps which can be helpful in streamlining your documentation. You can download your boarding pass, and get travel updates right through your phone. This can be especially helpful with last minute gate changes.
2) Pack well. Beyond what you know you'll need for when you arrive at your destination a well packed carry-on can make or break your trip. Things I always include in my carryon or large purse can be broken down into three categories:
Essentials- Chargers for all my devices! Also backup batteries or a mophie for my phone incase I need to get in touch with people on either end. I also make sure to have a wifi calling app on deck. This can be important when traveling abroad and you're unsure how your phone service will translate, if it does at all. Most major airports have free wifi which you can use to power an app and call or text when you arrive.
Change of clothes and underwear. You never know when you might end up with delays that cause you to have to stay overnight. Having a change of clothes in your carry-on, briefcase or purse can also come in handy if your checked bags end up lost.
Medications, if you take them, should be in your carryon and you want to make sure you have enough for your whole trip when possible.
Most importantly, don't forget to pack you travel docs! Make sure you check in advance and have everything you need handy (to include travel tickets, and relevant vouchers, ID, and passports/visas when required.
Entertainment- Earphones, portable gaming systems (with applicable chargers), good reading materiel, laptops... this one is self explanatory. Just make sure you have plenty of stuff to do, and chargers for your electronics. This becomes 100 times more important when you are traveling with kids!
Eats- When possible pack your own snacks. Dry, unopened foods can usually be taken through security checkpoints without problems, and bringing your own can save you major cash when compared to the costs of restaurants or shops at the airport. Also packing an empty water bottle to fill up on the other side of security can save you from buying at overpriced airport shops.
3) Prepare to for worst, and have a plan B! You will find yourself feeling a lot less frazzled in the face of last minute changes if you have a back up plan. When traveling for business or meeting someone, in addition to building in a time buffer when making your arrangements, make sure you are able to reach whomever it is that will be waiting for you on the other end. Keeping them in the loop as your plans change is just common courtesy after all; and most people understand that when it comes to travel many factors are out of your control anyway.
5) Be flexible. Sometimes there can be perks to being able and willing to change your travel arrangements at the last minute. For example, airlines with overbooked flights will often compensate you with first class upgrades or even vouchers for future travel if you are able to volunteer your seat on a flight.
6) Take a deep breath and remember half the journey is getting there.
1) Arrive early! This may seem like a no brainer, however in situations whenever I've found either myself or others being particularly stressed and grouchy during a trip it was usually because of the crunch-time feeling that comes when you are racing the clock to catch you plane, train, bus, etc. Whenever you can, try to give yourself plenty of time on both ends. I know that no one wants to spend hours just hanging at the airport or other transit station, however building in an extra buffer can allow you to stay cool no matter what changes or delays you may encounter.
2) Get the App. A lot of airlines and other travel sites have mobile phone apps which can be helpful in streamlining your documentation. You can download your boarding pass, and get travel updates right through your phone. This can be especially helpful with last minute gate changes.
2) Pack well. Beyond what you know you'll need for when you arrive at your destination a well packed carry-on can make or break your trip. Things I always include in my carryon or large purse can be broken down into three categories:
Essentials- Chargers for all my devices! Also backup batteries or a mophie for my phone incase I need to get in touch with people on either end. I also make sure to have a wifi calling app on deck. This can be important when traveling abroad and you're unsure how your phone service will translate, if it does at all. Most major airports have free wifi which you can use to power an app and call or text when you arrive.
Change of clothes and underwear. You never know when you might end up with delays that cause you to have to stay overnight. Having a change of clothes in your carry-on, briefcase or purse can also come in handy if your checked bags end up lost.
Medications, if you take them, should be in your carryon and you want to make sure you have enough for your whole trip when possible.
Most importantly, don't forget to pack you travel docs! Make sure you check in advance and have everything you need handy (to include travel tickets, and relevant vouchers, ID, and passports/visas when required.
Entertainment- Earphones, portable gaming systems (with applicable chargers), good reading materiel, laptops... this one is self explanatory. Just make sure you have plenty of stuff to do, and chargers for your electronics. This becomes 100 times more important when you are traveling with kids!
Eats- When possible pack your own snacks. Dry, unopened foods can usually be taken through security checkpoints without problems, and bringing your own can save you major cash when compared to the costs of restaurants or shops at the airport. Also packing an empty water bottle to fill up on the other side of security can save you from buying at overpriced airport shops.
3) Prepare to for worst, and have a plan B! You will find yourself feeling a lot less frazzled in the face of last minute changes if you have a back up plan. When traveling for business or meeting someone, in addition to building in a time buffer when making your arrangements, make sure you are able to reach whomever it is that will be waiting for you on the other end. Keeping them in the loop as your plans change is just common courtesy after all; and most people understand that when it comes to travel many factors are out of your control anyway.
5) Be flexible. Sometimes there can be perks to being able and willing to change your travel arrangements at the last minute. For example, airlines with overbooked flights will often compensate you with first class upgrades or even vouchers for future travel if you are able to volunteer your seat on a flight.
6) Take a deep breath and remember half the journey is getting there.
So, what are your travel tricks to staying cool when on the road? Let us know in the comments!
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