10 Tips For Stress Free Travel

We can all get a little cranky when we travel which isn’t the best way to start our trip. So next time you travel try these 10 Top Tips for Stress FREE Travel.

Okay, maybe there isn’t such a thing as stress free travel, especially if you are travelling long-haul but there are certainly numerous ways to reduce anxiety and stress during your trip and it starts before you even leave your home.

Even seasoned travelers have their bad days. There’s not much you can do about delayed flights, lost baggage or bad weather but with a little planning you can reduce the impact that they have on your trip and put you in a better mood to enjoy your vacation.

Here are our top tips to help you get through your journey with your blood pressure intact.

1. Plan, Plan, Plan

Make a list of all the things that you need to do to prepare for your holiday.

Start by booking a flight early. Don’t leave it until the last minute, nowadays there aren’t many savings to be had by waiting, especially if you are using low cost airlines. Booking early is normally cheaper.

Arrange any hotels or lodgings that you will need on your travels.

Research all the places that you intend to visit and build an itinerary of the things you want to do. Do any require special equipment or clothing? How do you plan on travelling around? Are there any political or safety issues that you should be aware of in these countries?

Make sure that you organize any visa’s that are required and that you have enough pages and adequate time remaining before your passport expires.

2. Exchange Some Money before you Leave

There’s nothing worse than arriving in a new country and you cannot find a cash machine that works or that you have no idea what the exchange rate is and you’re afraid of being riped off by the first taxi driver you see.

Take the time to exchange some money before you leave for the airport if possible. Failing that some airports do have money exchange booths so get it there rather than waiting until you arrive.

Load you smartphone up with a currency exchange App such as from XE.com

3. Check with your Bank and Phone Provider Before you Leave

Make sure that you have told your bank that you are travelling abroad, this may prevent them putting a block on your credit/debit card as soon as you try to use it. No promises as sometimes they block it anyway in high risk countries so make sure that you have international contact details to call them should it happen.

Call your mobile phone operator to make sure that your phone will still work in the country you’re going to or if it’s possible to put a local SIM card into it.

4. Print out copies of all your important documents

Always make sure that you have paper copies of your travel documents, passport and even credit card numbers before you leave. While you can get away with showing electronic versions of itineraries at the airport what happens if the battery on your phone dies or you lose your passport or credit cards?

Life can be much easier if you have copies with you.

5. Arrive With Plenty of Time

It’s always less stressful to arrive early at the airport. There’s nothing more guaranteed to make you anxious than getting to the airport late and finding the check-in closed.

All sorts of issues can arise on the way to the airport. Traffic can hold you up for hours, then there’s breakdowns, bad weather, getting lost, taking the wrong train or your taxi turning up late.

Besides, most airports have excellent facilities including shops, restaurants and internet access. Enough to keep you occupied if you have to wait.

Check whether you’ll get access to any of the airport lounges. If not then consider whether a Priority Pass might be worth considering.

6. Don’t Stress Immigration and Customs

We all know what a pain it can be going through customs, all the body check, removing shoes, belts and jewelry but honestly it’s just par for the course. You’re not being picked on personally so be prepared and don’t try sneaking full with your pockets full of coins. Travel light and wear clothing and shoes that doesn’t have metal in them.

7. Wear Comfortable Clothing

When you’re on the plane it’s best to wear comfortable clothing. Wearing tightly fitting clothes and shoes can soon turn problematic in the tight confines of the seat and the change in air pressure within the cabin.

8. Entertain Yourself

If you’re on a long flight then bring enough things to keep you occupied for the duration of the flight. Not everyone can sleep on planes and if you don’t manage to get any shut-eye then at least have a few extras to keep you busy such as books, music and games.

If you have a smartphone or tablet then consider purchasing a power-bank that can keep your electronics running if your battery runs low.

9. Look after Your Body

Keep your body flexible and the aches away by performing stretching routines throughout your flight. Regularly get up and walk around to keep the blood flowing. Most airlines provide a brochure with a list of motions you can perform even when sitting in your seat.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and take it easy on the alcohol. The low humidity on planes can quickly dehydrate you so keep drinking water and you’ll feel more refreshed.

10. Reduce the Effects of Jet Lag

• Try to rest as much as possible before and during the flight.
• Eat light meals and limit consumption of alcohol.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated can ease jet-lag symptoms.
• You’re more likely to suffer from jet lag when you move time zones every 2-3 days so plan for longer trips.
• Exercise when you reach your destination and get out into the sunshine whenever possible so that your body can adjust.
• Try to stick to the new timezone as much as possible. Take short naps if needed until you are full adjusted.

Do you have any tips of your own? Why not share them with our readers using the comments section below.