10 Tips for Stress Free Travels Abroad

Does the thought of travel abroad fill you with overwhelm? Do you get stressed out on the day of travel? A certain amount of stress is inevitable, but these tips will keep you calmer and allow more space to be excited about getting away.

#1     Start packing early: Make a packing list when calm, starting several weeks before you leave.

#2    Check on visas and passport expiry dates: Give yourself plenty of time if you need visas, passport renewal, driving permits, immunizations etc.

#3    Pets and mail – arrange for pet care and get your mail held until you return. An overstuffed letter box can signal a house is empty and encourage burglars.

#4    Create a space for easy to forget items: choose a spot to put important things you might forget such as boarding passes, itineraries, foreign currency, medication, maps, addresses for postcards home, even presents.

#5    Pack minimally and leave room for new purchases while away. You will need less clothes than you think – include comfy clothes, casual, dress up, outdoor etc.

#6    Hand luggage: When packing handluggage, think about what you might need for comfort on the plane. Pack toiletries, water bottle, medication, a book, your documentation and money, period stuff, glasses/contact lense solutions, and extra underwear in case your luggage gets lost!

#7    To avoid exhaustion, try to get enough sleep the days before you travel. Some people find taking a homeopathic remedy such as “No Jetlag” for aleviation of jetlag helpful while flying.

#8    Keep a diary of your activities while away. It is easy to forget what you did once you return home

#9    Give yourself time to adjust to being back. Unpack as soon as you return home, have a shower, make a home made meal and only attend to your letter, voicemails and emails when you feel ready. Have a friend bring in some groceries for your return.

#10  Relive your vacation by posting photos on Facebook, sending out some to friends as keepsakes, and send thank you notes while your memories are fresh.