We all have that one friend who makes travel look easy, discovering Pura Vida on my visit to Rincon de La Vieja National Park in Costa Rica. They jet off to a remote island and return with a sun-kissed tan and a month’s worth of incredible photography for their Instagram page.
However, if you’ve been on holiday recently, you’ll know that travelling to a new destination can quickly become stressful if you’re not prepared. It’s easy to feel out of place if you’re unfamiliar with customs and you may end up spending days trying to overcome jet lag.
Fortunately, a few simple tricks and tips can alleviate travel anxiety and make your trip as comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable as possible.
Safety and Preparations
Folks who love to travel know how to embrace adventure and overcome the challenges they face. They know that no holiday would be complete without a few missteps and mistakes along the way. However, well-travelled folks don’t just throw themselves into a new destination unprepared. They’re expert planners and know exactly what they need to stay safe and have a great time.
Planning and preparation can help you travel in comfort, too. Before you set off, make a list of key considerations like layovers, rest days, time-zone changes, and any existing health conditions you have. If you’re flying overseas, pack loose-fitting clothes like loungewear and compression socks to improve your comfort during the flight.
You can follow in the footsteps of other experienced holiday-makers by packing the essentials in your hand luggage before you head to the terminal or train station. Pick up a document pouch to store important documents like visas, passports, and tickets. Keep the pouch nearby at all times and only remove items when they are actually being used.
Nowadays, you can back up tickets and ID on your smartphone. Keeping a virtual backup for tickets and ID can save you plenty of headaches when you’re late for a flight or are feeling the effects of jetlag. Just remember to switch your phone to travel mode before you head abroad, lest you rack up a hefty phone bill on your return.
Don’t overlook your physical wellness when travelling. Becoming dehydrated or excessively hungry can undermine your decision-making ability and lead to all manner of mishaps. If you are stressed, you may want to avoid coffee or sugar-filled snacks on your journey; while caffeine and sugar don’t cause anxiety, they can cause short-term symptoms similar to anxiety or make existing symptoms worse. If you’re worried about your budget, you can always save money on food by packing your own snacks and bringing Tupperware to pack out the inclusive breakfast.
Maximizing Your Budget
Holidaying abroad can become expensive quickly. Unpredictable flight costs and seasonal fluctuations in hotel fees can catch you off-guard when you’re planning your trip. Learning to reduce your costs will help you maximize your budget and get more out of your trip.
Book early and embrace flexibility if you’re planning on visiting a destination beyond the British Isles. Being flexible about the destination you want to visit will save you money and help you push your boundaries.
When booking flights and hotels, maximize your credit card travel rewards by choosing a provider that offers mileage or loyalty programs. Loyalty programs can save you plenty of cash when booking through certain airlines or hotels and may offer discounts on future holidays, too. Buying-bigger ticket items like flights with a credit card generally reap more lucrative rewards, but you should always understand the reward category terms before purchasing.
If you need help planning the perfect trip for you and your family, then you may consider getting help from professional travel agencies like Gaba Travel Agency.
If your heart is set on visiting the Maldives in May or Spain in September, consider working with a travel agent when booking your trip. Many travel agents don’t charge you for their services, and earn their cash through commissions. They’ll be able to streamline the booking process and ensure that you get a package that doesn’t include any unexpected bills when you arrive.
Gaining Experience
Travelling is a daunting experience for a reason. You’re out of your comfort zone and have to adjust to the norms of the destination you are visiting. This can be overwhelming if you’re not used to travelling or struggle with anxiety while on holiday.
Build your travel resilience by holidaying in the UK first. Staycations have risen dramatically in popularity since the pandemic and give you a chance to practice travelling without having to worry about passports or visas. You’ll also find that destinations like Dorest offer plenty of summer sun and intrigue.
Use your staycation as an opportunity for self-discovery. While on holiday in the UK, you can figure out if you prefer to have a packed itinerary or a more laid-back approach to holidaying. This insight will be invaluable if you decide to go abroad, as you won’t overwhelm yourself with internal travel or an excessive amount of sightseeing.
Conclusion
Travel is a great way to broaden your horizons and get more out of life. However, if you’re not used to holidaying, you may experience some amount of travel anxiety. You can alleviate your fears by planning ahead and packing appropriately for the flight. Working with a travel agent to book your accommodation or consider starting with a staycation to gain valuable experience.
