GUEST POST OVERVIEW: Between trying to find the best ticket prices, packing and figuring out what to do when you get there, traveling can be stressful. However, my buddy Craig is here to share a few techniques for stress-free travel.

 

Stress, stress, stress! Does this sound a familiar word in your life?

It is for most people these days; and, when it comes to travel plans, stress plays an even bigger part.

Me and Carrie meditating in the group meditation room of Wat Umong in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Meditating is a great way to reduce stress.

. . .

Cut out the stress; life’s too short!

If you’re like me [Craig], you check everything ten times over, you worry about what might go wrong, and you make up disaster scenarios in your head. It’s exhausting, to put it mildly.

A good way to at least gain some perspective on the whole thing is to check up on flight times in the days leading up to going away.

I’ve found this helps me out, and gives me a chance to find out exactly where I need to be and when, which does go some way to helping me pull back some control in a situation that feels very much out of my hands!

 

Central Market Project Skyscrapers. Abu Dhabi
Central Market Project Skyscrapers. Abu Dhabi

. . .

Stress-Free Travel is a Healthy Journey

Stress is actually a major factor in illness.

When you’re stressing out, you’re not sleeping or eating correctly. Your mind is working overtime and you’re basically not resting at all.

This lowers your immune system; leaving you wide open to all manner of problems.

When you’re going away on holiday, you don’t want to be ill or stressed; so, finding ways to tackle this common problem is really important.

 

Rye and the other ingredients that went into the delicious cocktails at the Local Social Vessels event
You might be tempted to use booze to release your stress; but that really just masks it.

. . .

Make a List. Check it Twice

I find list writing helps me; because writing down everything I need to do empties my mind. Then, I don’t have to think about remembering it before my trip.

I  tick off each time as I’ve done them; and, it also gives me a sense of achievement and a little boost. It might sound a bit sad, but it does work, and if helps then who cares what anyone else thinks!

. . .

Organize Your Travel Plans

Being organized with your travel plans is the major big stress-hitter here.

If you’re not in control of it, i.e. if you’ve forgotten to book your transfer until the last minute, and you’re trying to remember to do it in the midst of work, running a house etc, then you’re going to be frazzled before you even leave the house.

When you book the holiday initially, book everything, and by that I mean book your flight, your accommodation, your transfer, your transport to the airport, and your insurance.

Look at your visa situation at this time too, and check your passport hasn’t expired. If you do it all at once, you can forget about it after that, and concentrate on the fun parts of holiday planning.

 

Don't forget your passport!!!
No stress; just passport stamps!

 . . .

Parting Thoughts

It really is about being organized, and finding ways that help you feel in control of the situation.

For me, like we said, it’s about lists, but find a method that works for you and go with it.

Holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and when you’re out of your mind with panic and stress, you’re not going to find the experience at all fun.

. . .

Do you have any tips or tricks for staying stress-free while traveling?