Tips to Take the Stress Out of Traveling

By K.C. Jean Kellam

Whether for business or pleasure, traveling can be a stressful situation if not properly planned and looked at with the right attitude. Being away from home and in a different environment can be stressful even when it is planned, but there are ways to keep stress levels low and make your trip a pleasant, if not wonderful, experience.

If you normally feel stressed over planning a trip away from home, being prepared may be your best defense. Keeping a list of items to bring, packing early, and double checking itineraries will help you feel in control, and will help the actual planning process run smooth and efficiently.

Plan ahead. By planning ahead and finding deals and discounts, knowing your area and route, a new destination will not feel so intimidating. Have printed maps and the hotel information handy. Check ahead for toll and fees, etc. and plan accordingly for that as well. Being prepared and feeling like you've saved money by being frugal and informed will set you in the best state of mind to enjoy your trip.

Consider your mode of transportation. With long flight delays and security, you could very well spend most of a day or an entire trip at the airline counter – or worse, sleeping in the waiting area. Trains, though a bit more expensive, may take the same amount of time if you calculate the airport security wait. And travel by train is relaxing, with beautiful scenery to view during the ride. Renting a car is also an option, and being in control behind the wheel may relieve the stress and tension of having to wait for a plane or train to board.

Bring your yoga mat with you. By keeping to your exercise routine on the road, you will feel the comfort of the normalcy. And a half hour or more of rigorous activity can also release calming hormones into your system, making any stressful situation that much easier to manage.

Remember to sleep. It is common on long trips to find our regular sleep schedule thrown to the wind. Whether it's a long flight or too many nights out, lack of sleep will lead you to be irritable and unable to cope with common stress – just like at home – and could ruin a perfectly good trip. Sleep is the key to a peaceful mind. Getting the right amount of sleep each night will leave you refreshed and ready to tackle a new day of activities or traveling.

Watch what you eat. It is common on long trips to eat on the road or to grab food and go. Many fast foods and restaurant meals are heavy, laden with sugar and carbohydrates, and can lead to feeling drained, bloated, or even downright ill if you eat too much of it. If you can, pack a cooler with waters and juice, and healthy snacks for you and your fellow travelers to nibble on. Vitamin-packed fruits are the easiest fast food, and will save money as well -- yet another thing not to stress about.

And last, build an extra day off in the mix so that you are not rushing from the airport to your office on the last day of your trip. Try to return home a day or two early. This will give you time to unwind, unpack, and develop pictures to share at work.

Whatever the destination, enjoy your surroundings and take it all in stride. If the schedule that you created doesn't stick, then toss it out with a smile on your face and just have fun taking chances and trying new things. When you return home with a smile on your face, it will stay there until your next vacation.

03/06/08  By K.C. Jean Kellam