Not too long ago I was getting ready to go on a trip and I realized how stressful it can be when preparing to travel and actually traveling. I think it’s important to enjoy my trips so if travel causes you anxiety or stress then you should read on because it’s difficult to enjoy your time abroad under those circumstances. Come to think of it, stress and travel can sometimes be interchangeable. When I plan trips, I plan I make an effort to plan it in small bits of time. What I mean by that is that I plan for one activity then I take a break and come back to it at a later date to repeat. In doing so, I try to find ways to embrace the local culture by making opportunities to meet local people. Usually using some kind of exchange or Airbnb helps facilitate the process.
Enough about me, here are some tips I recommend to enjoy your travels.
1. Travel to places that you’re curious about
This one is big for me because if I go to a place that is boring, then I won’t enjoy it. So, f hiking is your thing then do that, but if it’s not then don’t force yourself to go somewhere you don’t like. Every place I go to has some element of a thing that I like. Luckily I like many and I mean many things so my curiosity is sufficiently met fairly easily and in doing this I only do things that I have fun doing. I have traveled all over Europe and found some amazing places there.
2. Find a relaxation or yoga room at the airport.
Airport yoga rooms have been popping up throughout the US. Check the complete list here. This idea is great because it literally forces people to relax in a moment that causes high stress. By having yoga rooms available, we do not have a reason to not take advantage of them. First time I saw one, I was awed and amazed, so I took a picture of the sign to commemorate the moment. Now taking some time to reflect on yourself is always a good way to release some stress.
3. Pack your stuff ahead of time or make a list prior to leaving day.
This one is about making sure your stress/anxiety is nipped in the bud before it manifests. I have learned that having a list made helps ease my anxiety about leaving something behind. I start the list about a week ahead of time and think of my daily routine. This allows me to visualize what I need vs. what I want to take. I write out all the things I need and when it’s packing time, I simply go through the list and make sure I have all the stuff. Short, sweet and to the point.
4. Live in the moment.
I will admit that this is one of my hardest pieces of advice to follow. In addition to traveling, I love to think about what’s next. However, I have been practicing living in the moment and although it’s difficult I have had great success at feeling more at ease. When I keep trying to live ahead or behind, I redirect myself to enjoy the present. This is one that requires patience and practice. Check this out to learn how to live in the moment.
5. Plan wandering time.
This goes alongside with planning your trip. One favorite technique I do when traveling is that I plan one day of activities followed by one day of either a lazy or wandering day. This method has helped me stay energized and motivated throughout my trip. I hate the feeling of going on vacation only to return home feeling more tired than I did before. I feel that this process has helped me return home in better spirits.
6. Use offline maps.
I think this using any offline maps is a personal must. I have used maps.me on several occasion, but I hear that Google Maps works great as well. This tip is for the international traveler without cell service in the new country. This will also work great for the minimalist that needs to save data usage for other stuff. Regardless of what your reason is, I urge anyone to find a preferred offline map for your travel needs. Maps.me has helped me locate several dining areas and gave me directions without needing data. The only downside is that it is limited to the already existing information on the internet. So if it’s a new road or establishment, then it’s likely not in the map.
7. Google translate if you can’t understand the signs.
Along the same lines, google translate can translate images in real time so you won’t be totally lost with road signed written in a foreign language.
8. Go with people that you enjoy spending time with.
I have spoken to people and experienced many trips with people. I think it should go without saying, but spend vacations or travels with people you enjoy being around. I say this because some people aren’t compatible when it comes to traveling and its best to figure that out real quick and move on. Otherwise, there’s a chance that you will have a terrible trip (or so I heard).
9. Lastly, learn, learn, learn!
Don’t forget to share this article!
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fdecomite/3516541568