Christmas is coming up soon and many people travel for the holidays, whether they’re going home to be with family or they’re going on vacation, but with so many people traveling, going through airports at this time can be extra stressful.
So for anyone who has travel plans for the upcoming holidays, here is a look at some simple things you can do to help reduce your stress while traveling.
Tips for reducing stress during holiday travel
Make a checklist
The Associated Press recommends making a checklist a week before you leave on your trip. This list can include all the things you need to bring as well as the tasks you need to complete before leaving.
Simple tasks such as watering your plants and cleaning old food out of your fridge and pantry should be included on the list.
Jess Feldman, special projects editor at Travel + Leisure magazine, told AP, “The key is to leave the list out for the entire week before you go. I cross the to-dos off throughout the week, and it helps me feel extremely prepared, lessening the stress every time.”
Having a checklist and crossing each item off can help you worry less about forgetting things and help you better enjoy the trip ahead.
Download the airline’s app
It is now common for each airline to have their own app, which helps passengers stay updated on flight delays, seat assignments and other information for their flight.
Each airline has its own guidelines and requirements for the boarding process, so if you download the app and do you your research ahead of time, you will prepared for your flight on that specific airline.
Downloading your airline’s app can help you be aware of last minute delays and cancellations allowing you to quickly find alternative flights or connections when needed.
Give yourself extra time
Getting to the airport early and allowing yourself plenty of time to get through security and to the gate will help you feel a lot less stress about making your flight.
Not only does giving yourself extra time help you get through security more calmly, but it also will help you feel less stress if you encounter traffic on your way to the airport.
Being early and having extra time will help you be more prepared for anything that may go wrong ahead of your flight.
Give yourself a relaxing home to return to
After a busy trip or even a relaxing vacation, nobody wants to come home to a messy, cluttered home. Tidying up your home before you leave on your trip can help you be more relaxed and comfortable after your trip.
Tidying up your home before a trip can include taking out the trash, washing your sheets, putting away clothes, cleaning countertops and other simple tasks.
This can also help create a smoother transition to your regular life and routine after traveling.
Bring what you need to feel comfortable
Traveling can put you in new and uncomfortable environments, so it is important to have with you things that are a part of your comfort zone to help you feel better as you’re traveling by plane or car.
This can include bringing noise-canceling headphones or downloading calming music.
Being prepared for worst-case scenarios, such as flight cancellations or delays, can help you feel more calm and comfortable.
This extra preparation can include carrying a change of clothes and a toothbrush, along with other essentials. It is also important to have items such as a phone charger on hand.
You can also download more than enough movies or TV shows to watch with your extra time, or bring an extra book along to keep yourself occupied.
Another way to help you feel comfortable and prepared while flying is to bring along snacks.
Other tips
- Pack gifts in your carry-on luggage
- Stay hydrated
- Have a backup plan in case things go wrong
- Travel with your gifts unwrapped
- Try to identify the triggers of your travel stress and anxiety