Whether you are traveling for business or heading out on a family vacation, traveling can often be very stressful. Tension can start from the planning stage up to the time you are actually on the road trip. However, stress does not have to ruin your vacation. This ultimate guide to stress free travel is here to help get rid of some of the things that cause problems when we travel.

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Tips for Stress Free Travel

We have logged many hours and miles with family and business travel. There is no way to make every trip a perfect experience, but you can take some steps to help ease the stress.

Plan ahead

There is no replacing good planning. To ensure that your travel is stress-free, make sure that your flights and hotel accommodations are booked and confirmed. There are some people who prefer to be spontaneous when they travel, but if you want low stress, do the planning and make your reservations early.

Be prepared to get lost

Many people are scared about exploring a new city or area because they are afraid they will get lost. But the reality is that most travelers will be lost at some point in their travel adventure.

Before starting your trip, buy a travel book with maps or do some research on the internet so you will be familiar with where you are going. Carry a credit card, ID and enough money to get around the city in case you get lost. It is also a good idea to keep a record of the hotel where you are staying so you can easily have the address and phone number if needed. Most hotels have business cards at the front desk. Pick one up and drop it in your pocket!

You can even attach these sticky card holders to the back of your phone so you will have the hotel card handy if you need it!

Stay Connected

Stay connected with the people back home and make sure someone knows how to reach you throughout your trip. Check in periodically if there are scheduling changes so you can stay connected and safe.

Eat like a local

When we go on a road trip, we make a point to eat at local diners and cafes whenever possible. Be adventurous and have fun in local restaurants. Before leaving, you can ask people who already traveled in the area for restaurant recommendations. Hotel personnel can also help you immensely. When you’re there, don’t hesitate to ask for the house specialty and enjoy!

We try to have each person order something different when possible. This allows us to try different foods and get a taste of the local food culture! We discovered scotch eggs on a recent trip to western Kentucky when we ate breakfast at the Gold Rush Cafe!

Keep a travel journal

Writing down your experiences during your travel will not only preserves the memories, it will also help you relieve stress. Describe the sights that you have seen, the places that you have been to, even the people you have met. Get small keepsakes from each experience, a napkin from the restaurant where you have eaten, a receipt from a souvenir shop, a bus ticket going to a special place. This will keep the magic of your travel with you.

How do you help make your travels a little less stressful and more enjoyable? I’d love to hear!