Although much has changed about travelling in the last months, you can finally get to accomplish your pending travel plans. Travelling offers an opportunity to explore new terrain, cultures and unwind from the stresses of your daily activities. It’s all about relaxing on a beach, drinking a cocktail, or finally visiting a fascinating art museum. Despite all these exciting benefits of travelling, the process of travelling can be quite physically and mentally exhausting and stressful.
From deciding where to go, during which season and how much you are willing to pay, to which airline you would want to use, there is so much to consider before you get to your destination. All these factors can put you in a bit of a tangle. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the stress that travel brings.
Here are some improvements you may make to your travel lifestyle to help you truly appreciate each moment before, during, and after your trip.
1. Take shorter journeys
Taking multiple short-distance adventures throughout the year rather than one huge vacation can be less stressful in the long run. This is because short trips involve less planning, are often less expensive, and provide more opportunities to relax throughout the year — they are ideal. Furthermore, taking a series of short trips relieves the strain on a large annual vacation to be flawless. Consider thinking small if you want to lessen your financial stress when vacationing this summer.
2. Establishing routines
Everyone needs routines to feel good, no matter how much they enjoy adventure, activity, and unpredictability. Making little changes to your habits, such as eating breakfast and lunch at specified times, will help reduce your travel stress. Routines are also beneficial to your body. Every day, try to go to bed and wake up simultaneously. Soon, you won’t need to set the alarm since your body will know when it’s time to wake up on its own.
3. Arrive at the airport on time
A lot had changed in air travel since the pandemic outbreak last year. There’s so much to do and so little time. That also means there is a lot to stress about! To avoid being stuck in long lines and frustrated, it is advisable to arrive at the airport about two hours before boarding. Doing this would give you ample time to get through the various processes without stressing out.
4. Take it easy
The airport is a big stress factor when travelling. The eagerness to move from one point of the airport to the other to catch your flight can increase your stress levels. It may sound like an impossible task but, relax. Instead of rushing and running around the airport, pace yourself. This doesn’t mean you should move slowly— as you will likely experience more stress. But rushing would only cause you to panic, stress, and make expensive mistakes. Instead, move at a reasonable pace, keep your calm, and be sure to follow the necessary precautions.
5. Make an achievable plan
Another way of taking it easy is to create an achievable plan. Stress can be reduced by planning. Knowing where you will live, how you will get there, or what items you should pack before your trip can help you save time and reduce your chances of enduring a lot of tension and anxiety. You can use the services of companies like Uniqueworld Destination Management Company to assist you. If you don’t plan, you might find out on the morning of your flight that your hotel doesn’t provide transportation to the airport, so double-check those things so you don’t rush to the gate at the last minute. It’s such a waste of time that causes unnecessary tension, and the extra hour you spend in the city rather than waiting at an airport isn’t worth the potential aggravation.
On the other hand, over-planning might lead to increased stress because you’ll be thinking about the future, what you’ll do next, and trying to stick to the timetable. Make an effort to strike a good balance between the two.
6. Don’t try to control what you can’t control
The truth is that many unforeseen events can disrupt your initial travel plans. Although these can be quite frustrating, there is little you can do. It’s pointless to stress about something you can’t control. Accept whatever comes your way and cope with it as best you can. By attempting to control or respond to something you can’t control, you’re simply stressing yourself out for no reason, and nothing will improve. Instead, consider whether there is anything you can do about it; if not, accept and let it go. You’ll have to practice for a time, but once you figure out how to deal with it, everything will flow in a different direction, and you’ll be much happier.
7. Keep a healthy diet and eating habits
Everyone looks forward to eating anything they want when on vacation. A diet high in processed foods and fast food, however, is never a good idea; especially when travelling. With so many new things to learn, your body might easily become stiff and weak. Consuming non-nutritious foods clogs your arteries faster, putting you at risk of illness, constipation or diarrhoea — which are common side effects of stress and a poor diet.
8. Create some ‘me-time’
The point of your travels was to relax and unwind. Although travelling with your partner or a group of friends can help make this possible, it is vital to spend some quality time with yourself. Take some time for yourself doing something that only you want to do on your vacation. This could be anything from reading by the beach, visiting a historic monument, or going shopping. Having some ‘me-time’ gives you the chance of doing what you want, without stressing about doing activities you would otherwise not enjoy.
9. Make time to work out
Exercise, according to experts, is the best method to alleviate stress. It both soothes and energises the mind and body. It improves your sleep, eliminates toxins from your body, and may even make you happier. Endorphins are substances released into the bloodstream as a result of exercise. These make you happy and have an impact on your well-being. It can be difficult to find the time for exercise when travelling, but a simple walk can help you feel better.
10. Make a travel to-do list
A To-Do List is a catalogue of activities you want to accomplish while visiting a new place. It’s meant to be enjoyable, not something you have to do to satisfy your trip. However, this list of pleasurable activities can easily evolve into a Must-Do list, which usually results in stress. It’s tempting to get caught up in the list, fearing that if you don’t complete everything on it, the vacation won’t be ‘good enough’. Suddenly, you’re hurrying and stressing while constantly ticking items off your To-Do list, and you’re not having fun at all.
It’s not supposed to be a chore to see, do, and experience new things; but enjoyable. You won’t enjoy any of it if you’re anxious, and it’ll be a waste of time, money, and effort. Therefore, you should start restricting your travel To-Complete list and only choose a few activities that you truly want to do.
It’s fine if you find you have a lot of extra time to do other things. Take your time, though, and enjoy yourself. Allow for some wiggle room and spontaneity, as this is when you’ll have the most memorable experiences on your vacation.
11. Immediately submit the expense report
To avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, familiarise yourself with your company’s expense policy. While on the road, keep all of your business expenses and receipts in a safe place and file your expense report as soon as you get back to the office. It’s also a good idea to schedule a day at home once you get back so you can unpack, get back into your routine, and recharge your batteries before returning to work.
12. Travel comfortably
Wear layers of comfortable clothing to ensure that you are prepared for cold or hot weather. It would help if you considered wearing comfortable clothes and shoes to ensure you can move quickly and feel comfortable. If you have a business meeting when you arrive, you can consider packing a pair of shoes and a tie in your hand luggage to add a more professional look. You can also use the airport lounge or restroom to change and freshen yourself before or after your flight. You can also get a pillow and blanket in case of an overnight stay at the airport or if you are going on a road trip. Finally, bring headphones, earplugs, a book or magazine, and a travel pillow for relaxation.
Travelling is a beautiful experience, but it can be stressful. Fortunately, with these tips, your next trip will be a breeze.
