Most of us spend our days dreaming of travelling. We imagine the warm sun on our faces, the new people that we’ll meet, and the beautiful sights that we’ll see. While travel is certainly fun, it is so much more than just that. It is also an effective way to relieve stress, allowing us to disconnect from everyday life and the many worries that come with it. That being said, travel can take a toll too, draining your body and mind, so you feel burnt out. There are lots of reasons for this, all of which you can combat. With that in mind, here are thirteen causes of travel stress.
The stress of travel tends to begin the moment you decide to go away. Planning a holiday is no small or simple feat, especially when you’re travelling as a group. There are plenty of elements, including the accommodation and flights, that must be booked well in advance, as well as many others, like insurance and transfers, that many people forget. The best way to combat this huge and overwhelming task is to break it down by writing a checklist of jobs you have to complete.
No one ever said that travelling was cheap. In fact, most people would agree that it can get quite expensive. It doesn’t matter where you’re headed to or how long you’re going away for; There will be costs that you must cover. This can result in financial difficulties which cast a shadow over your entire holiday. Luckily, there are lots of ways to save money when you travel, including travelling during the off-peak season. You might also want to search online for voucher codes.
Travelling solo can definitely be a daunting experience. However, no one can deny how much easier it is to plan for one person as opposed to an entire group. When you go away by yourself, you only have to take into account your own needs and expectations, but, when you travel with friends and relatives, you must consider theirs too. This is why it helps to have those travel companions assist you and make some of their own decisions throughout the planning stage.
There is only so much that you can take with you when you go away. Although it is possible to purchase extra luggage, this can get very pricey and make your time on holiday a much more stressful one. This means that you have to utilise what space you do have well. Before you begin packing, write a list of everything you think you need to take away with you. Once you have done this, you can go ahead and halve it. You won’t have to pack nearly as much as you first thought.
Long queues are expected when you head to the airport. However, that doesn’t make them any less frustrating. While there is very little that you can do about the slow passengers in front of you, there are a few ways to speed yourself up. For example, you could remember to pack all of your liquids in a plastic bag before heading to security. You can also keep your electronics in a bag together. This will make the entire process of getting through security a more efficient one.
Air travel is a very common fear, even among frequent travellers. Thankfully, there are many ways to make flying an easier experience. You could travel in comfortable clothes, for example, and bring a distraction, like a book or a tablet. Some people even choose to take medication. If none of these work for you, then there are lots of other ideas at https://www.smartertravel.com. Those that truly can’t fly can pick a different mode of transport, such as a boat, car, or train.
As terrifying as some people find flying, what’s worse is missing the flight you’re meant to be on. Whether you’re jetting off or heading home, getting to the gate once it’s already closed can completely ruin your break. Not only will it cause unnecessary worry, but it can cost you a fair bit too. To avoid missing your flight, you should leave for the airport earlier than you think you need to. This means that traffic or any other unexpected delays won’t cause you to miss the final call.
The first few hours and days in your holiday destination can definitely be difficult. You won’t know where anything is, after all, which could cause you to get lost. After a long journey, this is the last thing that you need on the way to the hotel. This is why you should book an airport transfer with a company like https://tatransfers.com/. When you’re out sightseeing, you should remember to carry the address of your hotel with you. This will allow you to for directions if you do get lost.
Lots of travellers worry about their safety when they head off abroad, especially when travelling solo. However, despite what many horror films would have you believe, wandering the streets in another country is very rarely more dangerous than doing so in your own. You just need to make sure that you don’t put yourself in any danger. Avoid going out after dark, especially by yourself, and keep an eye on how much you drink. You should also learn some safety tactics, just in case.
While it would certainly offer peace of mind, you can’t leave all of your valuables at home when you travel. After all, even if you don’t pack your jewellery collection and flashy technology, you would still have to travel with your passport, phone, cash, and a few other important and pricey items. If you were to lose any of these things, especially your passport, it would cause issues. This is why you should keep copies of any documents and purchase travel insurance.
Even when out exploring somewhere brand new, some travellers have trouble letting go of their concerns for back home. They might worry about their pets being fed, their plants being watered, and the security of their house. This may be normal, but you shouldn’t allow these worries to take over your trip. Instead, have someone that you trust take care of these things while you’re away. You could ask a friend to stay in your home, for example, or even hire a house sitter.
Most of us daydream about our holidays for months before they actually roll around. In this time, we imagine the foods that we’ll eat, the activities that we’ll try, and the sights that we’ll see. This is a healthy way to escape from life for a little while, but you shouldn’t allow your dreams to get out of hand. The moment you expect your holiday to be perfect is the moment you set yourself up for disappointment. Remember that there will always be bumps to face along the road.
If all else fails, it might be time to consider a herbal remedy or two. It’s no secret that in the past I have used over-the-counter herbal remedies such as ‘Rescue Remedy’ under the tongue drops and gummies to chew on during take-off on a flight. I couldn’t say whether they worked for sure, if it was just a placebo effect, but either way I felt calmer so I didn’t really care! That was about five years ago though, and nowadays there’s a plethora of natural remedies available, from pharmacies, health shops, vape shops and even online. In fact, I have friends who have seen a huge reduction in anxiety from using natural remedies such as CBD Oil – it’s worth looking into if you’re struggling, for sure.
Taking kids on holiday can make for a much more fun experience. However, it comes with a lot of extra stress too. There will be more to pack, the costs will be higher, and you’ll have to plan your itinerary around their needs. If you’ve never travelled with children before, you should ease yourself in with a shorter trip. Forget about going away for a week or more and start with a long weekend. You might also want to stay close to home so that you don’t have to travel by air.
Travel can be stressful at times, but, with the advice above, you should find your trip a lot more relaxing.
Full time I'm an ambitious Head of Marketing and Communications in the luxury industry. Part time, I'm an enthusiastic British Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle blogger and YouTuber from Manchester, UK. This blog has been my outlet for the past 7+ years, and as a longstanding, Award-winning blogger I take the most enjoyment from creating content I truly love and believe in. All authentic. Always.