Most travelers will always feel at least some level of stress when traveling. After all, even with the best laid-out plans for your upcoming trip, you may feel stressed about catching your flight, finding a parking spot at the airport, and flight delays. While traveling can be stressful, there are a few steps you can take that can keep your stress and anxiety to a minimum. Enjoy these stress-free travel tips and get in the right mindset for your next trip!
Stress-Free Travel Tips
Select Your Travel Dates Wisely
In some cases, you may have no flexibility in your travel dates, and your personal or work schedule may dictate the need to travel at peak travel times. However, when you leave for your trip a day or two earlier and arrive a day or two later, you may be able to avoid the rush at the airport. This is particularly true during peak travel times like holidays. If you must travel on a certain date, consider traveling during non-peak times, such as earlier in the morning or later in the day.
Review Parking Options
If you plan to drive your own vehicle to the airport, you will need to find a place to park it. Ideally, you will find a cheap, long-term parking solution with an available spot for your vehicle. While there are several “park ‘n fly” options available, the best and most inexpensive long-term parking option is generally not on-site airport parking. With an off-site “park ‘n fly” solution, you can expect to drive right up to the shuttle location. Oftentimes an attendant will park your vehicle for you. They may assist you with luggage and take you right to curbside check-in for your flight. This may drastically reduce your stress level, and it can help you get to your terminal on time.
Plan Ahead for Security Check-In
Security lines at the airport can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to pass through during the holidays. If you are flagged in the security line, you will be asked to step aside, and you will be further inspected by security officers. This can extend the amount of time it takes for you to pass through the line. Plan ahead to minimize the wait. While you still will need to wait in line, you can minimize your chance of being flagged and speed up the security screening by learning more about the process. Learn which items are not permitted. Keep jackets and other items in your bag unless they are necessary. Wear slip-on shoes so that you do not need to waste time tying laces.
Traveling can be exciting, but it can also fill you with stress and anxiety. When you spend some time planning and preparing for your trip, you can most easily make your future trips more relaxing. Even when you are traveling at truly stressful times, such as during the holidays, these tips can help you to enjoy a smoother experience.