No matter what kind of holiday you plan, a weekend break, a long family holiday, or a last-minute trip, the unexpected always leads to a lot of stress and anxiety. While travelling should be an enjoyable experience, many people don’t plan well, and the consequence is often a stressful trip. Learn how to plan well and reduce stress at the airport with these 16 easy tips:
Invest in quality travel luggage
Luggage is one of the most important aspects to keep in mind for your journey. Suitcases and bags often go through a lot of wear and tear on airports and while travelling, so make sure you invest in luggage that will last. You don’t want a suitcase or carry-on bag breaking while you travel, so be sure to tick this off your list first!
Tip: Choose luggage that is easy to carry, especially if you are going to be walking a lot on your trip. Luggage with wheels works well if you do not have to walk long distances on your trip. Else, if you do have to travel by foot often, go for a backpack.
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Get travel insurance that won’t let you down
Travel insurance is incredibly important. You do not want to run into an emergency and have to pay thousands. Ask for advice from the right people and get a few quotes before you invest in travel insurance. An effective and efficient travel insurance policy will give you proper peace of mind while you are on holiday.
Call your bank
Banks can think that fraud may be occurring if transactions are suddenly happening overseas without their knowledge. If this happens, they will turn off your card as a security measure and you may be left stranded without money. Make sure you let your bank know well in advance that you will be travelling overseas. They will ensure that your card is working in the country you are travelling to, as well as the different airports you will be visiting.
Make copies of your travel documents
If any of your travel documents, especially your passport, get stolen or lost you want to be sure that you can still travel back to your country, or be able to prove your citizenship. Make a few copies of all your travel documents and store them in your bags or suitcases. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy at home.
Tip: Be careful to keep your passport in a safe space inside your carry-on bag. Do not take it out if you do not require to use it.
Pack light and smart
Travelling with heavy suitcases can quickly spoil your trip. Be sure to pack light and consider carefully what you pack. If you are planning a short trip, pack the minimum. People tend to overpack on holidays and then must carry clothes they never wear and items they never use. For longer trips, try to pack items you can wear for longer periods without having to take it to the dry cleaners.
Remember essential items such as medication and toiletries. This way you will avoid the stress of having to buy items you need at the airport for double the price. Travel with confidence knowing you have everything you need with you on your trip.
Pack extra clothes in your carry-on bag
From time to time you read about airlines that lose luggage. It doesn’t happen often, but it can happen to anyone! To avoid being stranded in a foreign country without any clean clothes, pack a set of extra clothes in your carry-on bag. This is a simple precaution to take and it can save you a lot of stress.
Dress comfortably
Don’t let uncomfortable clothes and shoes hold you back on your much-anticipated trip. Always dress comfortably when you travel. Choose loose clothing that allows you to move freely.
Never wear shoes that are too tight or have the potential to be uncomfortable when you travel. Remember that travelling may include a lot of walking! So, wear comfortable shoes that are easy to walk in and won’t hurt your feet after a couple of hours. No one wants swollen feet and sore feet on holiday.
Tag your luggage
Make sure you tag your luggage. You will avoid the stress of having to always look for your bags at carousals in airports and when using the overhead compartments in buses and trains. A simple ribbon around the zipper of your suitcase or bag will work just fine. Choose a bright colour for easy recognition.
Pack the right charger adapter
Many countries use different size plugs and voltage, so if you want to use your phone, laptop or tablet, make sure you pack the right charger adapter. You do not want your battery to run out halfway through your trip and you have no way to charge your device. You can easily find out on the internet which adapter your destination country use before your trip.
Arrive on time
Nothing can stress you out more than to run around at the last minute. Make sure you double-check your departure time when travelling by plane, bus or train, and arrive early. Plan your trip long in advance and make to-do lists for yourself. This way, you will feel confident and organised. It is better to arrive too early than too late!
Check-in next to the first or business-class line.
The check-in process has become more automated. Now, most economy check-ins take place at kiosks, and standing in long queues is becoming less common. Try to check-in at the closest counter to the first- and business-class areas. Agents will sometimes help economy-class travellers if they are not busy. This will reduce the stress of standing in long lines.
Stay hydrated
When you are dehydrated, your body cannot function to its optimal potential. Travelling can take up a lot of energy. Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking loads of water. Fill up a bottle that you can carry around with you and fill up at free water points.
Eat healthily
On holiday, people are prone to snack on unhealthy foods and buy easy meals, which are often cheap take-aways. However, when travelling, your body needs more energy and you need to look after yourself well. Go for healthy snacks such as fruit salad or nuts. You will feel full of energy and ready for your trip when you feed your body with the right fuel.
Stay away from too much alcohol
It may seem like a good idea at the time, but no one wants to sit with a hangover on a holiday. Be sure to set limits for yourself. Too much alcohol can lead to making bad decisions, so try not to indulge when it comes to those glasses of wine, beer and cocktails!
Be alert and stay safe
It is a good idea to read up about the destination you are travelling to before your trip. Find out which areas are safe, and which should rather be avoided. It is best to book accommodation in areas that are popular with tourists and that have good ratings. Always remember to keep an eye on your personal belongings and never wander around alone. It is also a good idea to save the number of the local police, hospital and ambulance on your phone in case of emergencies.
Relax and enjoy
Often the energy that goes into the planning of a trip, can take away from the enjoyment thereof. Don’t forget the reason why you are going on holiday in the first place: To relax and to make memories! Make sure you switch off from your work or studies and focus on having a good time. Also remember to let your colleagues or fellow students know about your trip in advance. This way, they will not try to contact you while you are away.
Travelling should be a pleasant experience, however, many people see it as a stressful activity. Yes, things don’t always go according to plan, and stressful situations may occur. However, you can try to plan for the unexpected and survive those moments with a smile. By following just a few simple tips, you can ensure that your trip is a fun and memorable one. And finally, remember to switch off, relax and enjoy every moment.