Traveling can be stressful at the best of times. Now add in the high-level anxiety that seems to be present every holiday season, and it’s clear that travelers may need some help to calm their frayed nerves.
Travel professionals say there’s a lot you can do in advance to make your trip happier and less stressful.
Make a list and tick things off
A week before you leave, write down the things you need to take with you and the tasks you need to complete before your trip.
“This can include essential packing items as well as simple tasks like cleaning out old food from the fridge or watering the plants,” says Jess Feldman, special projects editor at Travel and Leisure magazine. “The main thing is to leave a list for the whole week before you go. I cross off tasks for the week and it helps me feel extremely prepared, reducing stress each time.”
Bring your comfort zone with you
Noise-cancelling headphones can largely block out irritation while traveling, but if you use them, you should keep an eye on your display board or phone for flight or gate changes.
Spotify, YouTube and other sites offer music playlists with titles like “Relaxing Chill Out Calming Music for Airports” and “Perfect — Music Travel Relax.” Or try “Music for Airports,” the groundbreaking album that launched the ambient genre in 1978.
It’s also a good idea to carry extra medicine, a change of clothes, a toothbrush and a phone charging cable just in case.
Bringing snacks or a sandwich from home can feel comfortable and a great alternative to expensive airport offerings.
“I tend to pack for worst-case scenarios like flight delays and cancellations. Of course, that includes things you can do, like more than one book, knitting supplies, or a few extra movie downloads,” says Feldman. For long trips, she can bring food in Tupperware containers.
Stay hydrated
To combat dry air during flights, carry an empty water bottle (fill it up after going through security) and a small pouch with travel-sized lip balm and moisturizers.
Gali Gould, editor-in-chief of Byrdie, a digital beauty site, recommends “loading your skin with moisture before your flight. That means drinking extra fluids and applying moisturizers to boost hydration so you’re covering your bases inside and out.’
And don’t forget the hair.
“Just as the low humidity on a plane dehydrates your skin, it can also dry out your hair. If possible, use a deep conditioner before your trip,” says Gould.
Get the app and learn the rules
“Each airline has different requirements when it comes to the boarding process, paying benefits in advance or upgrading,” says Feldman. “It’s best to understand all of the above before you get to the airport so you don’t get caught off guard.”
The airline’s app lets you know earlier about gate changes, flight delays or cancellations and allows you to find alternative flights or connections more quickly if needed.
Give yourself the gift of extra time
Security lines can be much longer—and slower—than expected, just like walking through a large airport. So by giving yourself plenty of extra time, you can reduce stress. A general rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before departure for international flights.
If you’re too early, you can always check out the shops and lounges at the airport or settle down somewhere with a good book.
“I always confirm in advance if I have a rec room that I have access to,” says Feldman. But even without lounge access, she says, “I like knowing what the restaurants and waiting areas are like (at) the gate.”
Try to identify the source of your anxiety
“When you understand why you’re stressed, it can help you figure out ways to reduce that stress,” says Lynn F. Bafka, practice leader of the American Psychological Association. “So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, are there things you can outsource? Is there someone in your family who can help with some of the planning?”
Recognize that crowds, bad weather, and canceled flights are beyond your control.
And some people just don’t like to travel far or fly.
“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,” Bufka says.
Get ready to welcome yourself home
A little extra time to tidy up your home and make sure you have easy-to-prepare ready-to-eat meals in your freezer or pantry will make your return trip that much more enjoyable.
“Always, always, always clean your seat before you go. You’re bound to feel a little disoriented after a long day of travel, and coming home to a disorganized space will make things worse,” says Feldman.
Wash the sheets, take out the trash, put away the clothes, clean the countertops. “The best homecoming is coming home, especially after a long absence,” she says.
