The start of a new year calls for a fresh set of goals and plans. And what better way to usher in the New Year than with a trip away? Whether it’s a short getaway, cruise or an extended vacation, taking off for the holidays is one of the best ways to recharge and reconnect with your loved ones. Having said that, there are a lot of things that can make travelling over the holidays stressful. The stress of having to pack, plan, and arrive on time for your trip can add to your anxiety. Here are seven tips to help you have a stress-free holiday travel experience this year:
Plan your trip
While it may be tempting to book your trip quickly and get away for the holidays, if you’ve been looking forward to this trip, you’ll want to plan it as much as you need to. The last thing you want to do is get to the airport and discover that your ticket was incorrectly booked. If you want to ensure a stress-free holiday, make sure you’re travelling during the best travel times. The peak travel season is between the months of June and August because this is when the weather is warmest and most kids are on school holidays.
Do your research
There are countless things that can make travelling stressful, such as poor airline and hotel experiences, crowded airports, and hectic travel schedules, to name a few. If you want to ensure a stress-free holiday, make sure you do all of your research in advance. Do a thorough search on popular travel blogs and forums to discover what other travellers have experienced. Find the best flight deals and hotel discounts.
Keep an open mind about activities and accommodations.
When it comes to planning your trip, don’t be afraid to try new activities. You can always decide later that something isn’t for you. Also, keep an open mind when looking for accommodations. It’s a good idea to book accommodations closer to your preferred destinations if some of the places you want to visit are a little out of the way from where you plan to stay. By doing this, you can avoid sitting in traffic and instead spend more time sightseeing and enjoying your holiday.
Stay updated about possible flight disruptions and road closures
You’ll want to make sure that you stay informed about potential flight delays and road closures, so you don’t end up missing your flight or worse. Unless your travel provider specifically states that your flight or road will be delayed, you’ll want to make sure that you check with the airline or the road authority. If you’re travelling by car, you might want to look up any road closures beforehand and make a backup plan.
Make sure your holiday is covered with travel insurance
Travelling during the holidays can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be risky. To make sure you have your holiday covered, make sure to purchase suitable holiday insurance. It can provide financial protection from unexpected events such as trip cancellations, flight delays, lost luggage, and so on. Travel insurance can also help cover the cost of medical bills if you become ill or injured while travelling.
When selecting a policy, make sure to read the fine print and understand what is and isn’t covered. Researching different policies and comparing prices is also a great way to ensure you get the best coverage for your money. By taking the time to purchase the right travel insurance policy, you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday knowing that you’re covered should anything unexpected happen.
Don’t bring work tasks with you
You might want to do some work during your travels, but you definitely don’t want to bring it with you. Going on a holiday should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, free from the stresses of everyday life. Bringing your work tasks on holiday is a surefire way to ruin your much-needed break. This could result in a lack of productivity in addition to adding to the stress and defeating the purpose of taking a vacation.
When you’re on vacation, your mind is in a different place, and it can be difficult to focus on work tasks. You’ll waste valuable time and energy on tasks that may take you twice as long to complete while on holiday as they would back at the office. Additionally, bringing work tasks on holiday can limit your ability to soak in your surroundings and fully enjoy the holiday experience. Instead of exploring the culture, sightseeing, and engaging with locals, you’ll be stuck working on tasks that can wait until you return.
Take a moment to breathe before you set out on your journey
Travelling can be invigorating, but it can also be stressful. Make sure you take a moment to breathe before you set out on your next journey. If you’re travelling by plane, make sure you find a quiet place where you can relax and unwind just before your flight. If you’re travelling by car, take some time to do final checks and make sure you’re well-rested before you leave.
Don’t forget to make time for yourself
We often have so many things on our minds while travelling that we sometimes neglect our basic needs, like eating well, drinking enough water, or getting some alone time. It’s not always easy to take care of yourself, but it’s important that you eat well and stay hydrated to avoid becoming ill or being sick and bedridden while on vacation.
Also, don’t forget to make some time for yourself. You might want to book a massage or spa day while you’re on vacation. If you love books, you might also want to find some quiet space, away from all the hustle and bustle of life, to read your favourite book while you’re away.
Please note this post is a collaboration.
