The Complete Guide to Stress-Free Travel: Tips, Tricks, and Secrets

Are you planning a trip soon and feeling stressed out? Don't worry; you're not alone. Traveling can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very stressful. Between making sure your passport is up to date, packing everything you might need, and dealing with long airport lines, it's no wonder so many people get anxious when traveling.

I am sharing some tips and tricks that will help make your travel experience less stressful.

1) Start planning your trip as early as possible:

The earlier you start planning, the less stressed you'll be. If you wait until the last minute to book your flights and hotels, you'll likely end up paying more and may not be able to get the dates or times that you want.

More reading:

• Planners for planning your trip
• Planning for Travel: Pre + Post
• Vacation Planning: A Simple Solution To Boosting Mental Health
• Tips for Planning a Family Vacation
• Travel Tips: How to Plan For A Long Trip

2) Make a packing list:

A packing list will help ensure that you don't forget anything important, including everything from clothes to toiletries to medications. Once you have your list, start packing a few days in advance, so you're not scrambling at the last minute.

More reading:

• Your Essential Packing List For Carry On Only
• Family Travel Packing Tips
• The Essential Packing List For New Moms
• Packing for a Warm Weekend Getaway
• What To Pack For A Wellness Getaway
• If you are heading to Paris for the summer, here are my suggestions for packing.

3) Check the weather:

This is especially important if you're traveling somewhere with a different climate than what you're used to. Knowing what to expect will help you pack appropriate clothing and avoid any weather-related surprises.

4) Give yourself extra time:

If you're flying, plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to take off. This will give you plenty of time to check in, go through security, and find your gate. If you're driving, factor in extra time for traffic and rest stops.

5) Get the right bag:

Choosing the right bag will make a big difference in how stressed you feel while traveling. If you're flying, a carry-on bag is usually the best option. It will save you time and money. The right bag will make it easier to move around the airport. If you're driving, choose a bag that will fit easily in your car.

Some of my favorites:

• This MZ Wallace Medium Tote Bag is the ultimate! Perfect for travel and folds up into its own carrier, j’adore!
• Love this navy blue tote from Urban Originals (plus it isn’t as expensive as the MZ Wallace one…) it is perfect for the plane on the way to Paris as well as a daily tote!
• I have this Reusable Day Tote from J.Crew – I even got it monogrammed with MWA (Misadventures with Andi) in red!
• Love these totes from ShoreBags made with sustainable materials.
• I am watching for this Laetitia Rouget Geo Tote Bag to go on sale at Anthropologie!
• Beautiful upcycled bags for a good cause…military families! Check out these bags from R. Riveter tote bags!

6) Keep your travel documents handy:

Keep your passport, boarding pass, and other important travel documents in an easily accessible place. A travel wallet or neck pouch is a great option. This way, you won't have to dig through your entire suitcase every time you need something.

More reading:

• Preparing for Overseas Travel After Two Years at Home
• How to Create Travel Peace of Mind
• How To Avoid Travel Drama, Disruptions And Issues

7) Choose the right seat:

If you're flying, try to get a window seat. This will give you somewhere to lean your head if you need to take a nap, and you'll have a view to distract you from any motion sickness. If you're traveling by car, choose a seat in the middle, so you're not constantly getting jostled by other passengers. When flying, get travel insurance and an airplane accident lawyer to make sure you are covered, just in case.

8) Stay hydrated:

Staying hydrated is important whether you're traveling by plane, train, or car. Dehydration can make you feel tired and cranky, so it's important to drink plenty of water throughout your journey. If you're flying, make sure to drink extra water since the air onboard is very dry.

More reading: Staying Healthy While Traveling

Following these tips will help make your travel experience less stressful. So, the next time you're planning a trip, remember to start early, pack wisely, and stay hydrated. And, most importantly, try to relax and enjoy the journey. With a little preparation, you'll be able to sit back and enjoy the ride.

How about you? Have more for stress-free travel? Do tell!

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