Holiday travel can be as exciting as it is stressful. From packing to planning an itinerary to scheduling activities, and more, there are many moving parts to holiday travel. Use these insights to manage your travel stress and have a more enjoyable trip.
Anticipate Potential Stressors (and Plan Ahead)
From budgeting and the planning process to safety concerns to encountering the unfamiliar, there are many reasons you may feel stressed about an upcoming trip. If you are traveling to an unfamiliar place, you may also experience culture shock and language barriers. Take some time to consider what makes you most stressed about traveling and think of ways you can take action to mitigate these feelings. Here are some things you can do to feel more prepared and hopefully, less stressed:
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- Plan ahead. Planning ahead is crucial to successful travel. You will want to book all travel and lodging arrangements well in advance—six months ahead is a good rule of thumb. Outline an itinerary for your trip that includes places to eat, exciting events and activities, plans with loved ones, and some time to rest and recoup. You may want to purchase tickets for special events ahead of time to ensure you don’t miss out.
- Consider accessibility requirements. If you or one of your travel companions require an accessible room, call the hotel before you book it to ensure they can accommodate a first-floor request and that they have elevators and wheelchair access.
- Don’t rush. Rushing can hinder your travel experience, make it more stressful, and increase the risk of making mistakes. Planning ahead and giving yourself plenty of breathing room in your itinerary can help.
- Do your research. Look into the safety precautions of the area you’re visiting. The CDC has a list of information on certain illnesses you could contract from different foods, drinks, and activities, and how to avoid them while traveling. You will also want to look into crime rates and take measures to protect yourself—such as avoiding certain areas, wearing pick-pocket-proof clothing, and using cash instead of credit cards.
- Gather identification documents. Check that your identification documents are current, and make necessary arrangements if they’re not. Get an emergency medical card to carry with you during your travels in case a health issue occurs.
- Speak with your healthcare provider. Speak with your doctor about your vaccinations, medications, and health precautions. They will refill your prescriptions, provide immunizations, and advise you on how to avoid certain illnesses as you travel. For example, they may recommend bringing hand sanitizer, staying hydrated, and getting up, walking, and stretching your legs often during long trips to avoid deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).
Use the Convenience of Technology
Smartphones give you access to endless information at your fingertips—using them can immensely improve your travel experience. Before and during your trip, take advantage of travel and navigation apps to make the most of your trip. A vast number of travel-related apps can enhance your travels—from finding affordable lodging and transportation to giving you access to discounted tickets to popular attractions, and more. If you are traveling abroad, language translation apps can make for a smoother experience if you don’t know the native language.
Streamline Your Packing (and Pack Wisely)
Packing your bags using a packing checklist can help you be both prepared and comfortable. Use your itinerary and the weather forecast to guide what items you choose. Save space and avoid overpacking by choosing clothes that can be mixed and matched, travel-sized toiletries, and multipurpose footwear. Consider packing less if the place you are staying has laundry facilities. If you’re flying, be sure to check the baggage requirements for your airline.
Stay Positive and Embrace Flexibility
Things in life seldom go to plan, so you can expect the unexpected while you’re traveling. Give yourself and your travel companions permission to relax and enjoy the ride. Keeping a flexible, positive mindset can help lower feelings of stress and make the trip more enjoyable. Practicing mindfulness throughout your trip can help you embrace every moment by keeping you grounded in the present.
Discover New Adventures at The Stayton
It’s easy to travel when you live in a senior community like The Stayton. Centrally located in downtown Fort Worth, we’re just a 30 minute drive from the airport. Our concierge can even help book your transportation. As a bonus, there’s no need to have someone check on your home while you’re gone. Just let the front desk know your plans and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having a worry-free vacation.
Of course, holiday travel is exciting—but what if you could feel the excitement of adventure every day? At The Stayton, this dream can be made a reality. Our upscale amenities, activities, services, and events provide you with endless opportunities to make the most out of every day.
If you’re searching for a community in Fort Worth, Texas, that enriches your life, contact us today or complete the form below.
