6 Secrets to Combat Holiday Travel Stress
A whopping 37 percent of Americans admit to canceling or delaying a trip because they’re simply too stressed out. Whether it’s due to being frazzled about finishing things up at work, anxiety about making flight connections, tension between family members or something else entirely, planning ahead can prevent most of the stress before it starts.
Here are five things you can prep ahead to make your next airport adventure easier so you’re not tempted to back out — or bite your nails.
1. Get pre-approved.
Cut the line — and the time and energy it takes to remove your liquids, laptops and shoes — by signing up for TSA Precheck or Global Entry (basically Precheck you can use internationally). Apply online then make it official during a 10-minute appointment at many major airports, then you’ll receive a “known traveler number” that we can add to any of your bookings. If you’re ever running late and have a quick timeline to make it from the check-in desk to your gate, these will majorly speed up the process (and cut down on “will we make it?!” anxiety). Questions? Contact Undiscovered Sunsets; we’re happy to help.
2. Pack your luggage wisely.
Yes, you need a wardrobe and toiletries for your trip. But often, you need much less than you think. Consider traveling with a carry on only if you’re not flying directly to your destination to avoid lost or delayed luggage.
3. Prep your tech.
Before boarding time, ensure all devices are charged and complete this checklist:
Clear space on your phone for the hundreds of photos you'll take on vacation.
Clear off any memory cards for your camera.
Download Spotify playlists so you can listen offline.
Download Netflix episodes or movies you’d like to access when away from Wi-Fi.
Download the airline app for easy access to your mobile boarding pass or transfer the pass to your iPhone Wallet.
Read more: Top 5 Gift Ideas for the Traveler in Your Life (or you know, yourself)
4. Assemble a flight kit.
Rather than rummaging through your bag come boarding time scrambling to find your phone charger, pack a smaller tote to tuck away the comforts of home you’ll enjoy on the flight. We recommend:
Lotion
Lip balm
Ibuprofen
A pen (that in-flight magazine crossword needs to be dominated!)
Noise-canceling headphones
An eye mask
Ear plugs
A sweater or wrap
Water bottle
Book / magazine / tablet
And if you're carrying two bags on board (a carry on and a duffle, for example), have everything you'll need during the flight in the duffle bag that will fit under your seat. This enables you to store the carry on in the overhead bin and leave it there until you land.
5. Fuel up.
Feeling “hangry” is so real, it’s now an official adjective in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. To stay hydrated and hunger-free throughout your commute, be sure to bring a reusable water bottle to fill up once you pass security, then stock up on snacks at an airport shop (if you didn’t bring some from home). Seek out nuts, hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, cartons of yogurt, or hummus and vegetable packs.
6. Get app-y.
Mindfulness and meditation can make a long flight fly by — and can help you drift off to sleep. Download these free smartphone apps before you flip over to airport mode so you can zen out as you take off.
Q + A with Whitney
Q: Are there any secrets to cutting stress during check in or security?
A: Last year, I secured my TSA Precheck and Global Entry. This year, I started traveling with a carry on and duffel bag only. The lines to check my bag and to get through security were always stressful because they're the most unpredictable—you never know how long you'll be waiting. Now that I’ve cut these two stressful lines out of the equation, I can never go back! Also, I always have my mobile boarding pass on my phone and a good podcast in my earbuds!
