Modern travel continues to grow and the industry is struggling to keep up. International tourism reached pre-pandemic rates speak first half of 2024, and the TSA has deployed a record number of flyers in the United States this summer. Yet the problems faced by the airline industry over the past five years – staff shortages and “unrealistic schedule expectations“––continue to wreak havoc with delays. An increase in erratic and volatile weather conditions, particularly near key airports, can cause the network to fall like dominoes and in flight. And it's not just air travel that causes headaches for globetrotters. Over the past two summers, many travelers have faced local backlash. overtourism.
Maintaining your sense of joy and wonder in the face of these travel difficulties can be difficult to do. Well, these seasoned travelers offer hope that with wise planning and an intentional mindset, there are ways to reduce stress and enjoy the trip.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Flight Accidents
Gone are the days when a 40-minute layover didn't include a mad dash to the gate. To reduce stress and delays, travelers should take the earliest flights out of the airport and choose connecting flights that allow them more time to get to their next gate, grab a bite to eat and much more. Choose routes with longer layovers and if these aren't available online, call the airline for options. Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, air travel expertrecommends planning a layover of at least three hours before a limited international connection and taking the first flight in the morning to reduce the risk of delays.
“People in general are more optimistic than realistic about the length of their trip,” says Greaves-Gabbadon. “My attitude is that I imagine there will be at least one delay and when there isn’t, I’m delighted.”
Stay relaxed before your trip
Clinical psychologist and founder of The travel psychologistDr. Charlotte Russell discourages people from trying to fit in too much before the holidays. “The result is that people are very angry and spend the first few days of their trip undoing that,” says Russell. “We can handle stress and disruption much more effectively when we take care of ourselves before our trip.”
Reduce your anxiety about what needs to be accomplished. Create a to-do list to determine what actually needs to be accomplished before you go on vacation. If you weren't planning on tackling something on your bucket list even if you stayed home, that can probably wait until after your trip.
Practice “calm” techniques for tense moments
While most people want to avoid thinking about stress, Russell urges travelers to think about how to deal with disappointment and create travel intentions. “Focus on the things that will help you get through stressful times rather than focusing on what went wrong and letting the physical and emotional effects of stress take over.”
If distress takes over, breathing techniques, guided meditation, positive imagery and mindfulness activate the parasympathetic nervous system which relaxes us. “There's a reason these (methods) are at the top of every therapist's list of recommendations: They work,” Russell encourages. Trying them before traveling makes them more effective when needed, such as managing a traveler's anxiety during plane turbulence or flight cancellation. Practice makes perfect.
Pack light, pack smart
Packing hand luggage or checking in your luggage? It's an age-old dilemma for frequent travelers. However, you can reduce your stress levels if your flight is delayed. A continue gives you more flexibility to change planes while still arriving with your belongings. Plan your daily outfit to avoid the urge to pack extras. If you can't fit everything you need in a carry-on bag, pack your essentials in a backpack or small duffel bag to keep with you in case your luggage ends up in another location.
(Related: Here's Why Planning a Trip Can Improve Your Mental Health.)
Act before things go wrong
Pay attention and be ready to act, especially in flight. “You really have to go on the offensive if you’re flying these days,” advises Meena Thiruvengadam, founder of Travel with Meena. “You can’t wait for someone to guide you.”
Airline apps are the first step. Even though your flight may show up on time, you can still track your flight status and trace its flight plan through the airline's app or otherwise. flight tracking apps. For example, your flight from Chicago to Seattle via Denver may be listed as “on time.” However, if your original flight is from Newark and departs an hour late, delays are imminent for your connection. Mobile apps can provide advance notice, allowing you to pivot and book another flight or make other travel arrangements if necessary.
When customer service lines are long, an app can connect you to an agent faster, even if you're in-flight. Having the information at your fingertips to make intelligent decisions and potentially change your travel plans due to stormy weather or other unexpected outliers is empowering. “If something happens, be on guard and ready to spend more money if you need to,” suggests Thiruvengadam.
Make your trip more comfortable
Just like children hold on to their favorite stuffed animals when traveling, adults can also bring calming essentials to help them get through stressful travel situations. Make sure to pack mood-boosting products like snacks, a reusable water bottle, a neck pillow, toiletries to freshen up, and charged devices for your trip. Pack them in an easily accessible bag to avoid unpacking all your belongings along the way, increasing the risk of losing personal items during your journey to your desired destination.
Also take advantage of airport lounges when you can. Travelers with status or an airline-branded credit card often have access, but many cards allow access to other lounges. Check your credit or frequent flyer card benefits and day pass options. Relaxing in a lounge that offers amenities like showers, food, and private rooms can be a game-changer, especially after a long-haul flight or during a long layover.
Choose less crowded destinations
Everyone wants to experience their dream vacation without the crowds. One solution is to travel during a destination's shoulder season; however, savvy travelers have already adopted this method of trip planning. Now, travelers are looking for alternative destinations that offer the same appeal, such as go here, not there. For example, Greaves-Gabbadon recommends Saba over bustling St. Maarten in the Caribbean and Greenland as an alternative to popular Iceland.
Travelers who want to visit popular destinations and iconic sites should look for tour packages and timed tickets to famous sites that save them hours of waiting in line. Or get off the “must see” trail and take part in culinary, historical or architectural tours through the city’s tourist offices or sites like With the locals. These experiences are full of memorable, intimate moments without the crowds.
Thiruvengadam also advises traveling during the school year, if possible, to avoid summer vacationers. “I think it's really a question of can you travel when not everyone does, for one reason or another,” she says. “That's when you will have great experiences, surprises that you didn't expect in your free time. everyone in hospitality relaxes.
Travel stressors can take many forms, but preparation (from delays to crowds is always best) increases comfort and confidence. “You want the fun to start right from the start of the trip,” agrees Greaves-Gabbadon. “If you spend time (planning) early on in the trip, you can relax with a smoother trip.”
