Golden Rules For Stress-Free Travel
In many ways, travel is meant to be good for our stress levels. A week or two away in beautiful surroundings can do much to help us unwind, de-stress, and take refuge away from the pressures we have at home.
Well, that’s the theory anyway, but as most of us have experienced by now, traveling can actually be quite stressful, be that because of practical issues (such as misplaced passports), financial worries, or stresses that occur when we arrive at our destination (such as having to endure poor accommodation).
Still, if you’re currently planning your aftercovid vacation, these golden rules of stress-free travel might be useful to you.
#1: Always plan ahead
Sure, you could just hop onto a plane with little to no planning beforehand, but you’re almost guaranteed to run into at least one dilemma, such as the realization that you have forgotten something vital. So, always plan ahead, as you will reduce a lot of your stresses this way.
Create a packing checklist so you don’t forget something important. Research the best places to stay so you don’t end up in a hotel with problems, such as cockroaches climbing into bed with you. And research the country you are going to so you don’t end up making a cultural faux pas while you’re away. After all, you don’t want to get yourself thrown into a police cell for the night! Commit to all these aspects of planning and more to reduce the chances of stressful problems happening later.
#2: Travel frugally
Yes, travel can be expensive, but it is possible to save money. Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights and hotels, as you might be able to make considerable savings. They list affordable car rental services too, so you can also make savings this way. Travelers to Australia might benefit from Perth CBD car hire, for example, and there will be similar value for money options wherever you’re intending to travel.
Take advantage of free things to do as well, as you don’t always need to spend a fortune when visiting the local area. There are usually plenty of free museums, art galleries, parks, and other things to explore. And book in advance for the expensive stuff, such as the theme parks you might be considering if you have kids in tow, as you can often save money if you do. The more frugal you are, the better, as you will save yourself a lot of financial stress this way.
#3: Go slow
Do you want to rush around when you’re on vacation? You might burn yourself out if you do, especially when you’re trying to tick off every tourist attraction on your packed itinerary. You will end up on the return flight home more frazzled than you were at the beginning, so take your time instead.
Make a list of all the things you want to see and do, but prioritize some over others, such as anything that has long been on your bucket list. And schedule in days when you do very little, as a day by the pool or a stroll around a nearby park might help you reduce your stress levels. You will have a better time if you slow down too, as not only will you feel better in yourself, but you will get to see more at each place you visit. So, take it easy, relax, and ground yourself both physically and mentally, and enjoy the scenery and the people around you.