Stress – Free Travel Tips

Whether you are a frequent traveller or not, travelling can be a stressful yet enjoying experience. There are so many things that need to be looked into before you embark on the journey.

Booking tickets, packing efficiently and ensuring the entire trip goes smoothly is a major task. Add to those the woes of managing children of elderly people.

To avoid any last minute hassle, here are some travel tips that ensure you have an enjoyable and stress-free vacation.

Planning the Trip

This is the most complicated and time consuming task that you will have at hand. If you are travelling with family, there would be kids and at times elderly people travelling with you.

The interests of each person is to be considered while you sketch out the trip. While the young ones would want some adventure, the aged ones in the family would love to be laid back and relaxed.

Take your time to chalk out a plan that keeps the whole family happy.

Prepare a Budget

Deciding on the budget is crucial, especially if you are travelling with a large group. The budget should be decided considering the number of people who would share the expense and what each of them can contribute to the trip.

Always keep the budget on the higher end so that you don't get affected by any surprise expenses, if any. Also do keep in mind that having some extra cash in your wallet will help you cover miscellaneous expenses which were not accounted for.

Keep Cash Handy
Photo Courtesy: Harsha K R

Booking Tickets

This is the most important part of your trip. Do ensure you check up online for the best rates and book your tickets smartly and well in advance.

Today there are many package deals that are made available for your comfort. Take your time to go through them and select the package which suits you best.

Ensure that you receive a confirmation of the same from the seller regarding the booking. Do take a print out of the tickets and keep them safely and also have a soft copy of the same with you.

Pack Efficiently

The secret is to make your baggage as light as possible. Remember you are going on a vacation to let yourself loose and hence don't burden yourself with unnecessary items.

Know the place where you are heading to and carry clothes that suit that place. Again pack your medicines and toiletries separately. Ensure that any documents of importance is well kept in a folder and placed securely inside your bag.

It is wise to create a list of what all needs to be packed. Overpacking for any trip can be stressful. So take time to plan out what you are going to take with you.

Consider what it might be like walking great lengths with overpacked bag. Never forget to have all the essential items like the first aid kit and water.

Organise your packing
Photo Courtesy: Steven Coutts

Head to the Airport / Railway Station Early

It is always better for you to reach the Airport or Railway station a bit early as it gives you time to understand where you have to head to.

Waiting around in an airport terminal can be incredibly boring, but with security checks often adding a considerable amount of time to your boarding routine, arriving early at the airport is a wise option.

Again once you reach the Railway station, it is wise to first enquire as to which platform your train is at and once you reach there you should cross reference your tickets with the reservation table to ensure everything is in place.

Know your Routes Well

Should you be travelling with your family it is advisable to know the routes well. This makes it easier for you as you would be well aware of where you need to make a pit stop.

Also carry a map with you so that you can find out alternate routes for reaching your destinations faster. Do keep in mind that this is for those who prefer travelling by road.

Phone Numbers

Yes, You need to carry your phone and also have some phone numbers handy. Going on a vacation does not mean leaving your phone behind.

You never know when someone would need to contact you out of emergency and vice-versa. Again you would have the number of the hotel where you are putting up and other emergency contacts in them.

Entertain Yourself

Travelling can be boring as you are scooped into a place for a period of time. If you are travelling by air the time taken would be less compared to a journey made by train.

So it is always good to carry a few items to keep everyone entertained. If travelling by flight, keep a few magazines and comics to while away the time till you reach the destination.

But if you are travelling by train then carry something more that would keep everyone's spirit high during the journey. You can load your tablet with some family movies that you can sit and watch or carry a some family games like Monopoly, Ludo, UNO cards, etc. to enjoy.

Be Flexible, Be Prepared

Though we have mentioned so many points to make your travel stress free, please do keep in mind that there will at times be certain issues that you would have to face.

So before embarking on the journey prepare yourself to meet the few challenges that you would have on the way. Also remember to be as flexible as possible because people's liking changes very fast and you may be expected to meet with their new preferences.

Travelling is a best way to unwind and get closer with family and friends. Though the entire routine can be stressful but in the end it is the happiness that is spread around that matters.

The above mentioned points will help you to prepare yourself for the upcoming vacation. Have a safe and wonderful trip!!!