7 Ways to be Stress-Free When Traveling

Carrying writing pads always helps de-stress. I never realize time going by because I am jotting down story ideas and such. Thanks VisitPhoenix and VisitPeoria for the thoughtful blogger gifts!

Quite frankly, can’t image why anyone would be stressed while traveling but I hear it is pretty common. There are obviously some factors beyond your control but for what its worth, you can reduce some of the stressors during your travels.

Another de-stressor: I carry notecards with me for quick thank you notes I might want to mail out to business acquaintances and friends/family. Thanks Visit Scottsdale for these gorgeous note cards!

Don’t travel with people you don’t want to travel with! I know, easier said than done, but if you have a certain travel style and know for a fact that there are others, who do not gel with that, then why invite the stress? I travel most times alone, sometimes with my spouse or friends, and sometimes for work with completely new sets of people. I find my flow and roll with it.

Don’t be a stressor for others. Seems commonsensical but you could be oblivious to the fact that maybe you stress someone out. And their energies in return bring around the negative vibes in you. It’s okay. It happens. The important thing is to recognize this and address it. Maybe you are too hyper in your mannerisms, maybe you slow down the group on a hike that can upset others.

Do find your flow. This is important. Whether traveling alone or with others, find place for your own time. This could mean waking up early for some meditation or retiring early to give yourself some reading or work time. Whatever that is, only you know yourself well enough to figure this out and make it a priority.

Whiling away time at a coffeeshop since I was too early fro an event in the area. Thanks Blackwood Coffee for opening up in the neighborhood. Love hanging out here!

Be punctual and practical. If you have to be somewhere at a certain time, calculate backwards for how much time you need to get there and then include a buffer of a few minutes as well for any factors outside your control. Rather be early and on time than late and stressed. Be rational about what you carry on your trips – if going for a hike does your entire camera set-up have to travel with you?

Be mindful of others. Sometimes plans don’t work to your liking if you are traveling in a group. Maybe you are traveling alone and the one-day you decided to visit the local gardens they happened to shut down for a private event. Be willing to compromise and have a plan B if things don’t work per your schedule. Is there somewhere else you can visit, is there time for you to take a break, is there time to quickly make a call home to chat with family?

Food, fun and other fine details. If you have allergies or specific dietary requirements, make it your business to care about your body. Your entire group does not have to veto an experience because of your restrictions. Luckily I have no restrictions except pork and related products, but that doesn’t have me stopping others if they’d like to enjoy. If listening to music in a jazz club is not your idea of a fun activity then choose something you’d like to explore and stick with that irrespective of your travel partner’s choices. Bottom line – if there are finer details you care about then be clear about it from the start so you don’t have to be stressed about it midway through travel.

An unplanned trip here saw me hiking around in the highest hot temps of the season and feeling quite under the weather. Tried to stay out of the way so others could enjoy though!

Plan for the unplanned. This one is tricky but always think of alternate scenarios. What will you do if you don’t make the flight connection? What will you do if a road trip is cancelled? What if your bags are misplaced during train travel? I have learned to travel with extra clothing for at least a night or two in my backpack as a result. I also prepare myself for delays and cancellation by carrying snacks and reading/work material as well.

With Thanksgiving holidays this month and Christmas next month, many are planning holiday travels and so am I. Hope these pointers help you stay stress-free and keep things in perspective during the crazy travel season that will descend upon us soon. And if you have any de-stressors, I am all ears! Leave me a comment below :) ​​