With these tips for enjoying stress-free travel, we’ll have you cruising through the airport and around your destination feeling prepared and ready to roam!
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Abby Published February 20, 2022
You’ve booked your dream vacation, and you are intent on relaxing on a beach far far away from the stresses of daily life. Then … you arrive at the airport! Your bag is overweight and that fee is astronomical. You can’t find your passport, again, and the security line is ridiculous! In the hustle and bustle of the crowd, you very quickly remember why you are so exhausted every year when you get home from vaca. Travel can be stressful, and that’s the opposite of what you want for your trip, but can you truly have stress-free travel? Well, not really. There’s always going to be a small amount of stress and anxiety around travel, but not all stress is bad. Stress can focus your mind and keep you on guard if it’s contained and minimal. There’s a fine line between good and bad stress, and we want to walk that line. With these tips and tricks for enjoying stress-free travel, we’ll have you cruising through the airport and around your destination without mishaps—feeling prepared, safe, and ready to relax!
If you’re in search of an easy way to see the sights at your next travel destination, try a scavenger hunt! With the Let’s Roam app, you’ll have hundreds of adventures right at your fingertips! Learn about local landmarks while answering trivia questions and participating in photo challenges with your travel mates. It’s an excellent way to explore a new city!
Sticking with the packing theme, a fanny pack (or bum bag) is a lifesaver. Getting in and out of your bag fifty times to get your passport, boarding pass, etc. slows you down and causes stress. Have them handy, but safe and secure, around your waist. A fanny pack also allows you to have a pen for all those new travel forms that seem to multiply by the minute. You can stock your chapstick, earbuds, and the gum and aspirin you need for your long flight, all easily accessible.
Plus, a fanny pack usually gets through security as an extra bag, so you get three on the flight instead of two, as it’s an article of clothing. During takeoff, you cannot have anything in your lap anymore, so a fanny pack is helpful during those times before the pilot allows you to get into the overhead bin.
With travel in the shadow of the pandemic, the amount of documents you have to fill out seems to double daily. Knowing your passport number and expiration dates keeps you from having to dig it out of the overhead bin or under-seat bag to fill out that entry form. It’s a sign of travel experience, and if you ask most intrepid travelers, they will know their passport number off the top of their heads.
Travel paperwork can be a real hassle. Covid-19 has certainly increased this and made check-in a bit of a nightmare. While it’s getting better, as airports are hashing out better and more efficient processes by the day, it’s still best for everyone if you are prepared! Many airlines now use Verifly, where you can upload all your important documents into the app and be ready to go with just a scan.
Even with the app, you should still have a hard copy, or virtual copy, of your vaccination proof (if you are vaccinated), a negative Covid-19 test taken with the appropriate time period for your destination’s regulations, and any health pass required for your airline or destination nation. Have your stuff organized and out before you get in the check-in line. Normally we would say check-in online, but right now, it doesn’t do you much good. You still have to get in line to have all your paperwork checked.
*This sounds like a dumb tip, but you would be surprised how many times we stand in line behind someone who can’t find their passport or hasn’t done their paperwork. Don’t hold up the line and put that extra stress on yourself, as everyone huffs and glares at you while you fight airport wifi to fill out your forms. Be prepared.
All major airlines have an app that will alert you to changes in your flight such as delays and gate changes. You can check in through the app, verify travel regulations, and book changes if necessary. Set up alerts so that you are notified in real-time when those inevitable flight changes occur.
Airport lounges are no longer a secret, but they can decrease your travel stress level immensely. Most lounge connoisseurs are there on a perk from a great travel credit card. This is certainly an option if you are a frequent traveler and will give you access to travel insurance and upgrades as well. If not, then it probably isn’t worth the high yearly fee for you.
However, you can purchase a membership to specific lounges or a Priority Pass that lets you into a large number of lounges all over the world. Not only do lounges have free food and adult beverages, but they have better wifi, comfortable seating, and some even have showers and sleeping areas. In some airport lounges, you can even buy a day pass that won’t cost you any more than eating at one of those incredibly overpriced airport restaurants.
Don’t rely on airplane wifi to work. Download any podcasts and your favorite playlists before you get on the plane. Airplane entertainment is notorious for glitches and just outright not working at all, so be prepared with your own distractions. This is especially important if you are a nervous traveler or are traveling with children.
Many nations will require you to have passport photos or a copy of your passport to get your visa. Some car rental agencies will request them as well. It’s also a good idea to keep a laminated paper copy of your passport during your trip. Lock your passport in the room safe and carry a copy of it in your daypack as you travel around. This way you don’t stress about losing it all the time.
If you are a world traveler, paying for Global entry is a no-brainer. It also comes as a free perk on many travel credit cards, so if you are planning on signing up for one, make sure Global Entry is offered. This handy pass allows you to go through TSA precheck, allowing you to keep your shoes on your feet and your belt tightly buckled. It also allows you to skip the long customs lines coming in the United States and pass right on through to baggage, which is a lifesaver if you have a quick connecting flight.
Extra tip: While we are talking about connecting flights, if you are an inexperienced traveler, or transiting through an unknown airport, make sure that you have enough time on your flight itinerary to comfortably make your connection. Saving a few bucks is not worth the stress that comes with running with your luggage and children through a foreign airport to catch your flight home.
Jet lag is a real thing, especially as you get older. One of the best travel tips for avoiding jet lag is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Yes, you’ll have to use the airplane bathroom, but you won’t feel so awful after the flight. Try to get a good night’s sleep the day before your flight, and if you have a night flight, do everything you can to sleep ( if this includes Benadryl or one a couple of those little wine bottles, so be it).
Once you land, try to get out in the sunlight. Instead of taking that nap you really want, consider a walk in the local park instead. Try to stay awake until bedtime to get yourself on track for the rest of the trip.
Herd mentality is at its peak in a busy airport. The anxiety is palpable. Some people are scared of missing their flight. Others are anxious about the security points. Parents frantically grasp their children, and everyone is nervous their bag isn’t going to come. Covid has added even more stress in crowded airports with more regulations than normal.
Remember that everyone else’s demeanor does not need to affect yours. Be prepared, and keep your cool. You don’t need to run just because everyone else getting off the plane is running. You have plenty of time for your connection. You don’t need to stand in your seat after landing with your neck half-broken, waiting and huffing at the person in front of you (who is huffing at the person in front of them) to hurry and get their bags off the plane. Remain in your seat with your earbuds and favorite tunes. Fighting for position only adds to your anxiety and frustration level, and it really gets you nowhere. Don’t add extra unnecessary stress to yourself and others.
Getting out of your seat on a flight is frustrating to you and everyone around you, especially if it’s a small, short flight. You are no longer allowed to have anything in your lap on takeoff or landing, and it’s hard to get that bag out from under the seat in front of you. Consider packing a small Ziploc or makeup bag with the things you need during the flight before you get on the plane. Because you were prepared earlier, you are at the gate early and have plenty of time to do this. Grab your gum, an aspirin if it’s a long flight, your headphones, and your laptop if you plan on working on the flight. If it’s an overnight flight, grab your toothbrush, contacts, and toothpaste. The fewer times you have to access that overhead bin, the better.
Most of us, especially Americans, are very bad at preventative health. We wait until we have a problem, and then frantically try to fix it. This lack of care is not only bad for our overall well-being in daily life, but it can cause catastrophic stress during travel. If you are an anxious traveler, get to the airport early and get through the process. Once at your gate, or preferably in the lounge, take this time to set yourself up for a successful flight.
If you have anxiety meds, take them now so they have plenty of time to kick in. If you need to sip on a free glass of wine in the lounge, do it. Instead of fretting over everything that might go wrong with boarding, get alone near the window and listen to something meditative, a prayer or sermon, calming music, or whatever it is that clears your mind. Be intentional about your mental health. Don’t just let the stress come and go as it pleases. Have a plan to contain it.
Alright, you’ve made it to your destination and out of the airport, and now you are bombarded with a whole different barrage of stressors. How do you find your hotel? What is the best place to get some food? Should you trust that taxi driver? Is this city safe to walk in? These are all valid questions, and good travel planning takes them all into consideration. Let’s look at a few tips to help you navigate a foreign destination for the first time and do it without unnecessary stress.
You cannot think straight or control your emotions when you are hungry. Plus, finding food in a new destination is stressful and often expensive around the airport. Keep your wits about you by having a day’s worth of snacks handy in your carry-on bag. It’s a simple act that can really save you ( and your travel companions) from mishaps and arguments.
Travel insurance is worth the peace of mind for nervous travelers. It’s often available through your credit card or even your booking site when you purchase your airline tickets or vacation combo package. If you are using a travel agency, they usually provide it as well. It really doesn’t cost that much, and it protects your valuables from being lost, stolen, or broken. Good travel insurance will also cover catastrophic health issues and return flights home in the case of a disaster. They usually cover lost baggage and trip cancellations as well, so you can travel without worrying about all that mess.
When you first arrive in a new place, don’t try to navigate the public transit or walk to your destination with all your baggage. Bite the budget bullet and book an Uber. If it’s available, Uber is generally cheaper than a taxi. Plus, you can book ahead of time, so you don’t have to haggle with the taxi driver about the price (which can be really stressful in some destinations). Take some time when you first land to utilize the airport wifi and book your rideshare, or you can plan to have a hotel shuttle pick you up after your flight. Save yourself the stress and take the easy route until you get settled.
This little tip applies to your whole trip! Before you get in the taxi, pull up the shortest route on Google Maps or Waze. Before you go out exploring for the day, map out your sights on Google Maps and become familiar with the route, or take screenshots of the directions. Download an offline city map so you always have an idea where you are, even without wifi.
This tip will not only save you time as you won’t be wandering in circles, but it keeps you safer as well. You can avoid streets that are too busy, find the shortest most direct walking routes, and avoid parts of town that you don’t need to be in. If you are using public transit, know which bus or rail line you need and what times it comes. A little research the night before can make your next day trip way less stressful!
We also suggest you map out several restaurants in advance. Finding a place to eat is the number one battle in most marriages and families. Before your trip, research restaurants that you want to try and put them on your map. Then, you’ll already have places picked out and can stop in the one that’s the closest to you when you get hungry. Stress-free travel tip numero uno is do not get hangry!
Finding money is not always easy, depending on your destination. While credit card usage around the world is increasing, it’s still not universal. It’s never a bad idea to stop at an ATM when you see one or grab some cash at the airport so that you have some when you need to catch a bus.
Carry an extra phone and grab a local sim card, either at the airport or near your hotel. This allows you the best internet access, and many companies like Vodaphone offer short plans for tourists. They have big data packages and unlimited social media for very cheap prices.
Planning the major points of your vacation can put you at ease. If you are a nervous traveler, then you will likely do better if you aren’t booking things on the fly. Before you leave for your trip, book all your accommodations, major transportation between cities, and any bucket-list activities that you know you want to do. While it might not be the most budget-friendly way to do it, you’ll save yourself stress.
On the flip side of that coin, don’t plan everything down to the minute. Give yourself some wiggle room to “stop and smell the roses” so to speak. Having an activity in each 15-minute slot might make you feel better, but in the end, it’s likely to stress out your travel companions and you. Constantly hurrying to get to the next booking doesn’t allow you to enjoy the moment, so give yourself a few slots in the day to sit in a cafe and people watch or spend a little longer in that museum than you thought you needed.
If you are traveling to a destination for the first time, research the culture and atmosphere of the area. Culture shock is a real thing, and it can add major stress to your vacation. If you are traveling somewhere with a high poverty level, look at some pictures before you go and allow your brain to adjust.
Research “common scams” in your destination so you know what to look out for. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road, with a knifed rental car tire, and no wallet or phone. Research customs like whether you should tip or not and how much, and if taxi cabs have meters or not. Research which areas of the city you should stay away from and what the money exchange rate should be (or download an exchange app on your phone). The more you know about your destination, the less nasty surprises you get upon arrival.
Travel is always going to be a bit stressful, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. Putting these tips into practice, and, in general, being as prepared as possible, can save you major panic. What are your favorite tips for stress-free travel? Let us know in the comments.
Ready to start travel planning? Check out our checklist of “Things To Do Before Going On Vacation.”
For more tips on navigating the airport with ease, take a peek at our list of “The Dos and Don’ts of Airline Travel.”
Explore 3,000+ cities in 27 countries with our epic adventures! Search for scavenger hunts, tours, and more by city below.
Travel can be stressful! Having an organized packing system, memorizing your passport number, using the Verifly app, and researching your destination’s culture can help you enjoy stress-free travel!
Why is travel so stressful?Many people suffer from hodophobia—the fear of traveling, which really boils down to the fear of the unknown. Following tips for stress-free travel and using soothing music or meditations can help.
What’s the easiest way to sightsee?We know travel can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! You can see the world without reservations using the Let’s Roam app to sightsee on fun-filled scavenger hunts.
