Take the Stress Out of Holiday Travel

Introduction

If you believe the lyrics to “Jingle Bells,” people used to laugh during their holiday travels. Today, getting to grandma’s house may be a little more complicated, but there are still ways you can make it less stressful.

Give yourself plenty of extra time.

Staying calm is easier when you give yourself plenty of lead time. Leave the house a little earlier than usual.

Expect to run into snags.

That extra time will come in handy if you miss a connecting flight. Keep a spare change of clothes with you if your luggage gets lost.

Pack light

Ship your gifts directly to the recipients, so you have fewer suitcases to wrangle. Get in the habit of using a single carry-on bag.

Travel during off-peak hours

Early mornings, late nights, and the middle of the week may be less crowded. Shorter lines are a great way to reduce stress and weariness.

Start well rested

You can manage everything better after a whole night’s rest. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep before your trip. Take an afternoon nap if you’ve got a late flight ahead.

Bring healthy snacks

Skip the fast food at the airport. A protein bar or a bag of homemade trail mix with nuts and dry cereal will give you more nutrition and energy.

Limit alcohol and caffeine

Take it easy with the complimentary cocktails. Flying is dehydrating, so alcohol and caffeine aggravate the effects. They can also make it more challenging to meditate. Drink more water instead.

Conclusion

Holiday travel can be challenging, but you can make it easier.