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Travel can be stressful at the best of times. Now add in the high-level anxiety that attends every holiday season and it’s clear that travelers could use some help calming frayed nerves.
Travel experts say there are a lot you can do ahead of time to have a happier and less stressful holiday trip.
Make a list and check things off
A week before you leave, write down the things you need to bring and the tasks you need to do before the trip.
“This can include essential packing items as well as simple tasks like cleaning old food out of the fridge or watering the plants,” says Jess Feldman, special projects editor for Travel & Leisure magazine. “The key is to leave a list for the entire week before you leave. I run errands throughout the week, and it helps me feel super prepared, which reduces stress every time.”
Keep your comfort zone with you
Noise-canceling headphones can go a long way in preventing irritations during travel, although if you use them you should keep an eye on the display board or your phone for any flight or gate changes.
Spotify, YouTube and other sites offer music playlists with names like “Relaxing Chill Out Calming Music for Airports” and “Perfect – Music Travel Relax”. Or try “Music for Airports”, a groundbreaking album that started the ambient music genre in 1978.
It’s also a good idea to carry extra medications, a change of clothes, a toothbrush, and a phone-charging cable in case you need it.
Bringing some snacks or sandwiches from home can feel comforting and can be a great alternative to the expensive airport offerings.
“I pack for worst-case scenarios like flight delays and cancellations. This definitely includes bringing things to do, like more than one book, knitting supplies, or a few extra downloaded movies,” says Feldman. For longer trips, she may bring food in Tupperware containers.
stay hydrated
To combat dry air on flights, bring an empty water bottle (fill it after going through security) and a small pouch with lip balm and travel-size moisturizer.
Holly Gould, editor in chief of Byrdie, a digital site for beauty care, advises to “focus on skin hydration before your flight.” That means drinking extra fluids to boost hydration and applying moisturizing skin products, so you’ve covered your bases inside and out.
And don’t forget your hair.
“Just like the low humidity on airplanes is dehydrating to your skin, it can also dry out your hair. If possible, use a deep conditioner before your trip,” says Gould.
Get App-Y and Learn the Rules
“Every airline has different requirements when it comes to the boarding process, paying for advance perks or seat upgrades,” says Feldman. “It’s best to understand all of the above before you arrive at the airport so you aren’t caught off guard.”
Having an airline’s app lets you know about gate changes, flight delays or cancellations early and helps you quickly find alternative flights or connections if needed.
Give yourself the gift of extra time
Security lines can be much longer and slower than expected, and walking through a large airport can be the same. So giving yourself plenty of extra time can reduce stress. The general rule is to reach the airport two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before departure for international flights.
If you’re in a hurry, you can always explore the airport shops and lounges or settle in with a good book somewhere.
“I always confirm if there’s a lounge for me at my departure gate ahead of time,” says Feldman. But even without lounge access, she says, “I like to know how near the gate there are restaurants and waiting areas.”
Try to identify the source of your anxiety
Lynn F., practice leader of the American Psychological Association. “If you’re aware of why you’re feeling stressed, it can help you figure out ways to reduce that stress,” says Bufka. Are there things you can outsource? Is there anyone in your family who can help with parts of the plan?
Recognize that crowds, bad weather, and canceled flights are out of your control.
And some people don’t like to travel or fly far.
“If it’s a fear, like a fear of flying, it’s important to know that it can be treated, and that treatment can really improve your quality of life,” says Bufka.
Prepare to welcome yourself home
A little extra time spent keeping your home tidy and making sure you have some easy-to-prepare meals ready in the freezer or pantry will make for a more welcome return.
“Always, always, always clean your space before leaving on a trip. “After a long day of travel, you’ll inevitably feel a little rested, and coming home to a disorganized place will only make that worse,” says Feldman.
Wash sheets, take out the trash, put away clothes, clean countertops. “Arriving home to a clean place is the best homecoming, especially after being away for a long time,” she says.
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