Travel with Ease and Peace of Mind: Here’s What You Need to Know

When taking a break from our daily routines and relieving stress, scheduling a vacation often comes to mind. Vacation getaways offer a much-needed escape and allow us to recharge our batteries. Yet sometimes, planning and executing the ideal vacation can be more stressful than relaxing. Don’t let the stress of vacation planning derail your relaxation; these tips will help you travel with ease and peace of mind.

Create a Detailed Travel Plan

Once you have decided on your destination, create a detailed plan for your time there. We recommend Wanderlog or Tripify as great travel apps. Consider where you want to go, what you want to do, and what the estimated budget will be. Check out reviews of tour companies if you’re planning on taking excursions. Store each location’s exact addresses and phone numbers somewhere in your plan in case you lose service or your phone to avoid getting lost. Compile all this information into a written travel itinerary, so you can always refer back to it.

Pack Lightly and Strategically

One source of vacation stress always seems to be packing for the trip. To make the process easier:

1. Start by creating two lists: one for the essentials, such as your passport and tickets, and one for optional (just in case) items, such as spare glasses/contact lenses and extra hair ties.

2. Pack a combination of casual, sporty, and dressy clothing, depending on your destination.

3. Try to stick to a simple color palette—black and white or neutral staples can be easily mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits.

4. Pack bulkier items, such as shampoo, sunscreen, and medications on your check-in baggage and make sure to stick to the standard 100ml bottle airline limits to avoid hassle during luggage check-in.

   
   

Make Time for Self-Care

Vacations can often be loaded with activities, leaving little time for rest or self-care. Make sure to include at least a few hours of personal time each day —read a book in a café, take a leisurely walk around town, or find a quiet spot to reflect. While packing for the trip, bring stress relievers, such as aromatherapy or a mat for yoga breaks. Research if there are any yoga studios or salons nearby and book appointments before you arrive at your destination.

Have a Backup Plan

Worried about getting stuck in an unpleasant situation? Have a backup plan handy in case something unexpected arises during your trip. Consider methods of entertainment other than lavish activities—like hunting for vintage items in a local flea market or visiting nearby parks for some nature therapy. Set aside extra money in case you need to change your travel plans unexpectedly. Also, have some playing cards packed and downloads ready on your laptop or tablet in case the weather turns out to be less than ideal.

Establish Boundaries with Technology While on Vacation

Technology has made it incredibly easy to stay in touch with loved ones while on vacation. Gone were the days when we had to rely on expensive international phone calls or wait for snail mail to arrive. With video chat and text messaging, we can stay connected with just a few taps on our phones. Make sure not to let technology take over your vacation. While using digital devices as needed is essential, it’s equally important to avoid creating unnecessary stress by promptly responding to emails and messages. Also, set time limits throughout the day when you are sure to log off—especially during meals or when exploring new areas. Unplug entirely during evening hours to relax and be present in the moment.

Embrace Change and Flexibility

Unexpected changes are inevitable while traveling, so it’s best to go with the flow. Allow yourself the flexibility to adjust plans if they change due to weather or other circumstances out of your control, and be open-minded about how to make the best of it. Have any of these weather apps handy on your phone to check upcoming weather updates while traveling. Remember that life doesn’t always turn out as planned—sometimes, these last-minute surprises make for interesting stories.

When facing unexpected challenges while traveling, remind yourself: “This too shall pass.” Try to stay calm and collected if facing a difficult situation. Take deep breaths and assess the situation from all sides before making any decisions. If you are feeling overwhelmed, talk it out with the friends and family that are with you; they may be more familiar with the area than you are! Most importantly, don’t forget that vacationing is supposed to be fun.

Manage Stress and Anxiety While Travelling

Feeling overwhelmed or anxious during your vacation can put a damper on your trip. To combat these feelings, you can take practical measures to reduce stress. Getting enough sleep each night and limiting caffeine consumption throughout the day can go a long way. Taking deep breathing exercises can also help calm your mind and body. And if you’re someone who likes to keep all your travel plans in order, the inconsistency and unknowns of short-term rental options can be frustrating. It’s hard to know exactly what you’re getting into, which can lead to anxiety and second-guessing your decision. Will the place be clean? Will it be as advertised? These questions can keep you up at night.

Fortunately, there is a solution that can provide peace of mind leading up to your arrival at your travel destination. The HomeSlice Destination Home Collection offers access to ten premium destination getaways that are accurately represented and well-maintained. HomeSlice takes care of all the maintenance and management aspects of the home so you can rest easy knowing that your destination getaway will meet your expectations for that well-deserved hassle-free vacation. Reach out today to learn more!