A lot of people hear the word “travel” and immediately begin to stress out. While it’s true that travel takes a good amount of effort to plan and execute, it doesn’t have to be something that causes a pit of dread in your stomach. As seasoned travelers, we understand the stresses and hiccups that can happen on travel days and during a holiday, which is why we’ve crafted this list of our top tips on how to make travel less stressful. We’ve learned some of these lessons the hard way, but that’s okay because you can learn from our mistakes!
Book Direct Flights, Buses, and Trains
There is nothing more stressful than a short layover, especially if your incoming flight or train is running late. There’s nothing wrong with choosing flights that have a layover, and oftentimes, this is a nice way to break up a long-haul flight. However, choosing a direct flight takes a lot of the stress out of traveling. With direct flights, you’ll not only have less of a chance of your checked luggage getting lost (as a majority of mishandled luggage happens when connecting flights are transferring bags) but you also won’t have to worry about running to the other side of a foreign airport to catch your next flight. The same goes for trains and buses—the more layovers and transfers, the more stress you’ll have from carting luggage around and trying to find your next transport.
Arrive at the Airport Early and Check Security Line Times
This one seems like a no-brainer, but it needs to be said: Always arrive at the airport as early as the recommended times to avoid the stress of long lines and possibly missing your flight. The same rings true for train and bus travel—give yourself enough time to get to the station and find your platform. It is recommended that you arrive three hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic flights, but this can differ depending on when you’re flying and which airport you’re flying from. For example, several smaller airports like Buffalo Niagara International Airport or Memmingen Airport won’t even let you through security until closer to the departure time. This is why you should always check your booking and the airport’s website to see what they recommend for arrival time. It might also be necessary to arrive earlier than three hours if you’re flying around holidays or events (e.g., Christmas, Euro Cup, Thanksgiving).
Always keep in mind that travel looks different in every airport. Many large airports require you to go through passport control or border security prior to boarding your flight, in addition to check-in and security. The upside is that many major airports post live updates of their security lines on websites or apps, so you can manage your time accordingly.
Use a Travel Agency
For some people, planning the next vacation is an exciting and fun hobby, while others find it overwhelming and stressful. Finding good flight prices, building an itinerary of attractions, and planning transport between destinations can be a tedious task. However, with a travel agent, you won’t have to do any of this. Travel agents have been around long before the internet, but they are still a great option if you want to take the stress out of planning a vacation. With a travel agent, all you have to do is tell them your wish list of activities, how long you want to spend on vacation, and your budget, and they’ll do all the heavy lifting for you. Not all travel agencies are the same, though. For example, Orbis Ways specializes in walking holidays across Europe and itineraries for walking the Camino de Santiago, while Contiki focuses more on group travel with young adults aged 18-35. There are travel agencies for every type of traveler, and they can really help take the load off planning a holiday.
Download Needed Apps and Documents in Advance
One way to ensure smooth sailing during travel is to download all the apps and documents you’ll need in advance onto your phone. More and more airlines, especially budget carriers like Ryanair, now charge extra to print out your boarding pass at the airport. A good tip for traveling with budget airlines is getting a digital pass. With a digital copy, you won’t have to worry about losing your boarding pass, and you’ll save yourself some money. It’s also best to check how to download your tickets and whether an airline requires an app to access its entertainment system. For example, Ryanair requires you to download the app to access your boarding pass unless you want to pay for it to be printed at the airport. Other airlines, such as WestJet and Air Canada, do not have onboard entertainment systems on all their flights, so if you want to track your flight or watch a movie, you’ll need to download their apps in advance. You can check your booking to see if your plane will have an in-flight entertainment system. Other apps or documents you may need to have on your phone or printed out include visas or immigration declarations. Some countries, like Canada, have an app that allows you to do your immigration declaration in advance, saving you time at border security and making it easier to navigate the airport.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Nothing induces stress more than a $10,000 hospital bill. While this scenario is unlikely, it’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance when going abroad. In fact, some countries require it. You never know what will happen on vacation—something as small as an infection or tripping over a cobblestone street could land you in the emergency room with a large hospital bill. Travel insurance doesn’t just cover the costs of a doctor’s visit. Many plans also cover delayed or canceled flights, lost luggage, and a myriad of other situations. Avoid the headache and get the insurance! You can get coverage with SafetyWing for as little as $10 a week, which is a no-brainer purchase for savvy travelers. Get your free, nonbinding quote below:
Always Carry a Portable Charger
In the digital age of online boarding passes and reservations, your phone becomes your lifeline in another country. From navigation and translator apps to holiday photos and tour tickets, most of these will be kept on your phone. But what happens if your phone dies? Many travelers, including myself, have been in this position before, and it can cause a major hiccup if you’re trying to navigate city streets or meet with a tour group. Avoid walking around looking for a charging outlet or bugging others to use their phones, and invest in a good power bank so your phone can stay charged and ready all day long.
Reserve Your Seats
We’ve all heard stories like this, haven’t we? Someone pays for a specific seat on a flight or train, then a couple or family shows up and asks them to switch seats. If you’re traveling in a group or even as a solo traveler, pay the extra money and book your seats in advance. As Stewie Griffin said, “Your poor lack of planning does not constitute an emergency for me,” which is true! You don’t want to be that group scrambling to find seats together on a long train ride or overnight flight, or asking other passengers to give up their seats (chances are they paid to be there). By reserving your seats in advance, you’ll not only ensure your group stays together, but you can also pick a seat that’s more comfortable for you. If you’re a solo traveler, it’s also a good idea to book your seats in advance so you won’t run the risk of being stuck in the middle seat. For those unfamiliar with travel etiquette on planes, it’s generally accepted that window seats get the added comfort of leaning against the wall and having control over the window, aisle seats get a little extra legroom and the ability to get up without bothering anyone, and middle seats get access to both armrests.
Pack Light and Pack Smart
Smart packing is one of the best things you can do to reduce stress while traveling. This doesn’t mean you need to condense your luggage down to one small carry-on bag, but take a logical look at everything you’re planning to pack. Smart packing also means organizing your suitcase so you can easily find what you need. Using items like packing cubes, toiletry bags, and passport wallets can streamline your travel experience, helping you quickly access your belongings at the airport or on the plane. When I pack, I usually set aside everything I want to bring and then reduce it by half. Of course, every trip is different, and maybe you won’t be somewhere you can do laundry, but if you’re going to Europe for a week, chances are you don’t need three suitcases. Carrying loads of extra luggage not only makes it hard to navigate through the airport, but it also makes it impossible to use transit and small taxis. Remember to pack the essentials and leave space for souvenirs—you never know what you’ll want to bring back home!
Weigh Your Luggage in Advance
Avoid holding up the check-in line and panic repacking at the airport by investing in a portable luggage scale or by weighing your luggage on a scale before check-in. While some airlines are lenient about allowing an extra three or four pounds in your checked luggage, it’s never a guarantee. Weigh your luggage in advance to see if you are over the allotted weight so you can shift items or leave heavier items at home. At the airport, your only options will be to discard items, repack more into your carry-on, or pay extra for a heavier bag (which not all airlines offer).
Always Carry Cash
In many countries, such as Germany and Thailand, cash is still king. This means many businesses only accept cash, so make sure you have some on hand! It’s always a good idea to get cash in the currency of the country you’re traveling to in advance, as you’ll often get better exchange rates from your bank or local currency converters. There have been several times I’ve landed in a country and found that taxis, hostels, or restaurants only accept cash. Avoid scrambling to find an ATM or being denied service by carrying a good amount of local currency with you.
Pack an Extra Set of Clothes in Your Carry-On
Sometimes stressful situations are unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared for them. One travel habit that has saved me many times is carrying an extra set of clothes in my carry-on just in case my checked bag gets lost. Take it from someone who’s had their luggage lost more than once—there’s nothing more annoying or gross than wearing the same clothes from the plane or having to shop for clothes to get you through the next 24-72 hours while your luggage plays catch-up. By packing an extra pair of underwear, a shirt, and pants, you’ll have a fresh outfit to change into, and you can wash your plane-day clothes for another wear.
Keep a Picture of Your Passport on Your Phone
Shout out to my mom for giving me this travel tip: Having a picture of your passport on your phone comes in handy more than you’d think. Not everyone wants the added stress of carrying their passport everywhere, but sometimes you’ll need to show it to purchase SIM cards, check in for a tour, or rent a scooter. Most of the time, I can just show a picture of my passport instead of digging through my bag or going back to the hotel to retrieve it. It’s also handy when I’m lying in bed and checking in for my flight the next day—I don’t have to get up to retrieve my passport and passport number; it’s just a swipe away on my phone. Another good reason to have a picture of your passport is in case you lose your passport and need to get it replaced.
Download a Translator App
If you’re traveling to a country where English isn’t the first language, it’s a good idea to download a translator app onto your phone. Even in Europe, where many people speak English, a translator app, especially one with a photo tool like Google Translate, can save you a lot of time. For example, if you’re browsing a supermarket for groceries or reading a restaurant menu, instead of trying to figure out what’s what, you can take a picture of it on your phone and let the translator app do the work. If you’re traveling outside major cities, you’ll likely encounter fewer English speakers, so having a translator app to communicate with locals becomes an invaluable addition to your phone.
Get Enough Sleep
We all know that travel adds a bit of stress to the day, but how you prepare for that stress can make or break your ability to handle it. Several studies have proven that even a slight lack of sleep can impact your mood, memory, judgment, and ability to cope with stress. Take care of your mental and physical health by getting a good night’s rest before big travel days and while on vacation, so a flight delay or lost luggage situation doesn’t throw you into an emotional breakdown.
Check Your Bank and Card Details in Advance
If you’re planning to use your credit or debit card frequently while traveling, it’s always a good idea to check with your bank beforehand. Many larger banks have partner banks overseas that allow customers to use their ATMs with little to no fees, which is handy to know if you’ll be taking out cash. It’s also a good idea to check with your credit card company about additional fees for using your card abroad and to notify them that you’ll be using your cards in certain countries to avoid having your account frozen due to fraud alerts. Keep in mind that not all major credit cards are accepted everywhere, so it’s wise to have a backup card or cash on hand as a safety net. Some travelers even purchase prepaid travel cards to reduce the likelihood of having their credit card information stolen or as an alternative to bringing a credit card.
Build a Realistic Itinerary
When planning a travel itinerary for yourself or your group, remember the devil is in the details. While a full-packed day of tours and attractions might sound exciting, be realistic about your ability to do everything planned. Consider what time everyone wants to start their day while on vacation and how long you’ll spend at each attraction. People are different—some may spend three hours in a museum, while others are happy to breeze through in an hour. Check online reviews to see the average time visitors spend at certain attractions and plan accordingly. Also, remember to schedule travel times between attractions and allow yourself enough time to enjoy a meal. There’s nothing more stressful than rushing across a city for a tour that starts in 10 minutes or hurrying through lunch to stick to a schedule.
Join Guided Tours
As a tourist, you’ll likely want to see major attractions, but packing them into a few days can be stressful. Not only do you need to purchase tickets in advance, but you’ll also have to plan transportation and research what you’re visiting. A full-day or half-day guided group tour can eliminate this stress. These tours often include hotel pickup, transportation, attraction tickets, and a guide to provide insight into what you’re seeing. You can find numerous local tours on platforms like GetYourGuide, and many combine popular attractions into an easy-to-follow day trip. All you have to do is sit back, take in the views, and let the guide lead the way.
Book Hotels and Hostels in Advance
After years of restricted travel, the world is busier than ever, and accommodations are often booked up. Many backpackers enjoy spontaneous travel, moving from city to city without set plans. While this can be liberating, it also adds the stress of finding last-minute accommodation. During busy travel seasons like Christmas and summer, you might find sold-out hotels and hostels, leaving only expensive or poorly rated options. To avoid overpaying or staying somewhere undesirable, book your accommodation as early as possible. If you’re unsure whether you’ll be staying in a particular city or country, choose a hotel with a reasonable cancellation policy. Many allow cancellations up to 72 hours in advance with a full refund. Our favorite platform for booking hotels is Booking.com, and for hostels, it’s Hostelworld.
Plan Your Routes in Advance
Imagine you’re in an Uber on your way to the airport when you hit road construction or early morning traffic. Suddenly, your 20-minute journey becomes an hour-long ordeal, and you’re stressing about missing your flight. With a little preparation, you can avoid these disruptions. Always check routes to the airport, train stations, and attractions in advance to ensure there are no construction, events, or closures that could delay you. Hotel and hostel receptionists are great resources—they can tell you the best route to take, whether traffic is too heavy for a taxi, or if public transit is your best option. Keep in mind that public transport strikes are common in some countries. I like to check my route on Google Maps the night before and adjust for the time I need to be at my destination. Always factor in rush hour, which varies from city to city.
Use an eSIM
One added stress of travel is figuring out how to use your phone abroad. You might think about purchasing a package from your home cell provider or buying a SIM card when you land, but there’s a less stressful and more affordable option. Digital SIM cards, known as eSIMs, allow tourists to use their phones internationally without incurring massive bills or searching for SIM cards in foreign countries. While you could purchase an international plan from your home provider, why would you? North Americans pay some of the highest cell phone rates in the world, and this is true for international plans as well. With an eSIM, you have access to various packages that can cover multiple countries or continents. Simply find an eSIM that fits your needs, purchase it, download it to your phone, and you’ll have coverage as soon as you arrive. You can find our pick for the best travel eSIMs here.
Use Alternatives to Public Transit
Navigating public transit in a foreign country can be confusing, especially if you don’t speak the language or have little experience with it. While public transit is usually the cheapest way to get around, there are alternatives to help you avoid getting lost or stressed. Besides taxis and rideshares like Uber, Lyft, and FREENOW, consider purchasing a pass for a Hop On, Hop Off bus. These tourist buses make several stops throughout the city, focusing on major attractions and tourist areas. With a pass, you can jump on and off as much as you like or use the bus as a city tour since they often include live or audio guides. These buses are also easy to use, with apps and maps that provide real-time updates and routes.
Check Reviews and Attraction Websites to Ensure They Are Open
It’s always a good idea to check an attraction’s website before visiting. Sometimes, attractions close for special events, holidays, or construction. To avoid traveling across the city to a closed museum or landmark, check online to ensure it’s open on the day you plan to visit. Look for other useful information, such as dress codes (common for churches and religious sites) or transit tips. Checking reviews can also provide helpful tips, such as whether you need to purchase tickets in advance, the best times to visit, and whether you can bring your own food and drinks.
Prepare a Day Pack
Having a well-prepared day pack is a great way to deal with stressful situations. Depending on where you’re going, you may want to pack water, sunscreen, and snacks if you’ll be out in the heat, or hats, gloves, and chapstick if you’re in a colder climate. Think about your itinerary and what you might need for the day. A good day pack should include essentials like a power bank, a reusable water bottle, a first-aid kit, snacks, and charging cords.
Get Noise-Canceling Headphones
Good noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver in many situations and are well worth the investment if you’re easily overstimulated. While they won’t stop stress from happening, they can help if you’re stuck in a noisy party hostel, sitting beside a crying baby on a long flight, or trying to read in a busy park. Sometimes, you just need some peace to think and gather yourself before moving on to the next task, making these headphones a good investment.
Enjoy the Spontaneous and Unplanned
This tip is for all the over-planners out there like me—leave room for adventure in your itinerary! Anthony Bourdain once said, “Plans should be ephemeral, so be prepared to move away from them.” If you’re too rigid with your plans, you might miss out on an amazing travel experience. Too much planning can leave little room for the unknown, and let’s be honest, the best travel stories often come from the unexpected. Sometimes, the best adventures are unplanned, but that doesn’t mean they’re stressful!
Travel should fill you with excitement and joy, not stress and worry. We hope these tips help you navigate the travel world better so you can become a stress-free travel expert!
