10 ways to reduce travel stress

Traveling at best is relaxing, eye opening and inspiring. It can also be a stressful and  tiring emotional rollercoaster.

 Preparing for the trip can make a big difference on how relaxing the holiday will end up being.

Here are ten tips to reduce travel stress:

1. Make travel planning easier

   
   Try to plan your trip as much as possible before you leave. Whether you are a person who relaxes by having detailed plans for every day or enjoy the freedom of having no plans in advance, acknowledge it and plan accordingly. If you are traveling with a friend, a partner or with your family take into consideration what is their preferred way of travel. Sit down, have a nice chat and talk about your expectations and hopes for the upcoming trip. 

2. Simplify packing

   Try to pack as light as possible. Find out what amenities your accommodation has and think carefully on what you pack and why. Do you really want to spend your holiday in a hotel room with a curling iron or could you maybe just pack extra hair ties and let it loose for a while. If you are planning on traveling for longer periods you might consider leaving your soaps and shampoos at home and buying some at the destination. Nowadays most stores have online shops where you can check how much your preferred brand costs at your destination. Check for laundromats close by so you won’t need a new pair everyday but can just wash your clothes on the go. 

3. Make a budget

Make sure you have a budget for your trip. There are many ways to budget your trip, the strictest being a daily budget in an envelope or on the looser end an estimated amount of xx,xx  for food xx,xx  for ground travel etc. Find about the local price range in advance if possible and take into consideration possible higher prices due to high season.
Stick to your budget.

4. Have a safety plan 

Make sure you know what to do in case of an emergency. This is not the most fun part of the trip but in case of emergency you will be thankful you checked it in advance.
Travel insurance, ICE numbers on your phone, check fire exits on hotels, 

Are your vaccinations in order? Check well in advance are there any specific vaccinations you need for your destination.

Where to go if a dog bites you? Where is the nearest hospital? Does your insurance cover private hospitals and ambulances? 

What is the emergency number in your destination? For all EU countries it is 112 - free of charge and can be called even from a locked phone.
For 27 EU countries you can also use  116 000 which is a hotline for missing children. 

5. Set realistic expectations

 Don’t expect everything to go perfectly. From flights being delayed to food poisoning on the first day, things can go wrong. Even though it is a long awaited vacation it doesn’t mean everything will have to be perfect. and even if it’s not JUST the way you imagined it to be, it will still be an experience you’re not likely to forget. 

6. Communicate with travel companions 

Make sure everyone is on the same page. Unmet expectations are one of the most common reasons for vacation arguments. Talk about your travel dreams in advance, communicate during the trip. “I’m tired I’d prefer to stay at the hotel today” or “I understand you’re not so big on museums so would it be okay if I go there by myself and I’ll see you for dinner” 

7. Embrace the opportunities of solo travel

Solo travel can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. You won’t need to worry about anyone else's preferences, opinions, sleep schedule or hanger fits. You will be more likely to receive upgrades on planes, there’s usually always a free seat for one even in the most popular restaurant and if nothing else you might learn that solo traveling is not for you. 

8. Minimize vacation tasks ahead of time: 

Try to get as much done before you leave as possible. If you’re big on postcards; print addresses on stickers already back at home, pack a plastic bag to store all the dirty laundry while on the go.

9. Know your credit-card coverage:

 Make sure you know what your credit card covers in case of an emergency. Make sure to notify your bank if you are traveling abroad on where and for how long you will be gone, to avoid unpleasant surprises of your bank closing your card because of “suspicious activity”

10. Clean your home before leaving:

Change the sheets, water plants, empty the dishwasher, empty the fridge and take out the trash. Once your trip is over it will be relaxing to come home to your own bed and have clean sheets waiting for you. 

"Travel isn't always pretty. It isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that's okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind."

Anthony Bourdain