Holiday Travel: Stress Free

With holiday season in full swing, travel is a common idea to many people. But travel doesn't have to be as dreadful as many think it is. The following are a few ideas to keep the stress down and the holiday joy up on even the most delayed trips. As a fellow holiday traveler for the past few years, here are some tips I have found to keep me calm even with three or more hours of delay.

1. Always remember to leave enough time, whether it is air, bus, or train. There's nothing more stressful then arriving late or leaving minimal time for security and check-in procedures. Leave the optimal amount of time possible because the more time you leave, the more at ease you'll be when you arrive at the station and see lines running from wall to wall and realize you have more then enough time.

2. After checking in or obtaining your ticket making through security check points could be your next step. Before standing in long lines, make sure you have everything ready for the check points. By removing metal accessories and lose change and placing them in you carry-on bag you'll make the process run quicker. Different stations have different rules so make sure to keep an eye open for rules and regulations about making your way through the check point. Many airports ask you to remove your shoes, so if you're waiting in a slow moving line, as you get closer untie your lasses or unzip your boots. If dirty floors are a large concern (especially during cold and flu season) make sure to bring along some antibacterial hand sanitizer. After making your way through the check points, take the nearest seat and apply the sanitizer to hands and feet and gather your things. If you left enough time, stopping to collect yourself should be of no concern of time constraints.

3. After making your way to the waiting area, you'll probably be a little stressed from the screaming children in line to the pushing person behind you, but just relax the stressful part is mostly over. In the waiting area there should be seating but if not, do not worry. Dressing in layers will be helpful here; large coats can make great seats on the floor or leaning against a wall. If the coat isn't an option I always like to pack something soft in my bag so it can double as a cushion (granted nothing fragile is in it). A book, work, or other such activities can help pass time while waiting; if you forgot things like that don't fret. Many times there are newspapers lying on seats to read or just some scrap paper and a pen can make games like tic-tac-toe with a neighbor or write a random bunch of letters and try to make words out of them. If you're a social person I'm sure you'll find someone to talk to or play simple games with, odds are they are as bored as you.

4. No matter what mode of transportation you'll take always make sure to pack a snack, the longer the trip the larger the snack. Air lines will provide you with a minimal meal; trains may offer the option to buy food, and well most busses you'll get nothing. Keeping your blood sugar regular will help to reduce the stress and exhaustion related to travel. Most transportation won't have problems with you bringing along some food and drinks. Make sure what you take will help hydrate you and is nutritious. Sugary food will only give short burst of energy or headaches and salty foods will just lead to excessive drinking and as such more runs to the bathroom. That could lead to problems if there isn't a bathroom nearby.

5. If your trip is long, make sure to stretch, many airlines have pamphlets in the seat pocket that give you some ideas for things to do. The same exercises like rolling your feet, removing shoes and strolling up and down the aisles can apply to trains and busses. If your travel is long enough where you need to sleep through the night I always found asking for extra pillows and blankets can help you feel more relaxed. The guy next to you may think you're a nut, but you'll be comfortable. Laying blankets on the seat and making it comfortable for you can help along with a few small pillows wrapped in a blanket to make one large, comfortable pillow can all make it feel more like a bed then an economy seat.

While many more ideas can be had those are some basics to keep in mind when traveling this holiday. Traveling with others and loved ones can help reduce the stress by having someone you know to talk to. Also having them there can making long overnight flights more comfortable since you two can share space to become comfortable. Just make sure you remember that it's the holidays and people are just as rushed and stressed as you. Just try to remember to keep smiling, even if it feels like everyone else is glaring, because your kindness will reflect back to you one day when you're in a bad mood. Have a safe and happy holiday season! Happy traveling!