Now that it’s officially June, it’s time to start thinking about a getaway. Summer vacations can be exciting, thrilling, and a lot of fun, but summer travel can be stressful. Make sure you get the most out of your sun soaked days off by following these simple tips for stress free travel.
1) Make a list – make sure you don’t forget anything by writing a list of what to pack and what to take with you. Put a post it note on your fridge or in your calendar planner and jot down things to take with you whenever the thought strikes you. Not a fan of putting pen to paper? Set the carryon bag you’ll be taking in a corner of your bedroom and drop in items you think you want to take two to three weeks before your trip.
2) Mind Your Meds – says Kate Hanley, author of The Anywhere, Anytime Chill Guide. Make sure you have enough refills to make it through your trip. Keep medications with you in your carry on if you’re flying. If you’re travelling abroad, make sure you have your original prescription labels with you just in case.
3) Be like a Boy Scout and Be Prepared – make copies of all your important documents (credit cards, driver’s license, and passports) and leave a copy with your parents or close friend.
4) Go Back to Outdoor Basics – Make sure your basic outdoor needs make it into your suitcase: sunscreen, sunglasses, a chic hat, as well as a rain poncho, bug spray, or a first aid kit if you’ll be outside a lot.
5) Pack Wisely– make sure your makeup and makeup brushes travel in style and arrive at your destination in one piece. Check out our Travel Beauty blog for more tips and products for travelling with your beauty loot.
6) Add a snack – no matter where you’re travelling, it’s best to have an emergency snack tucked in your purse for when your blood sugar drops. If you can’t tote food along, at least find the location of the nearest coffee shop. No one likes a hungry travel companion.
7) Drink up – Travelling can make you dehydrated, and that makes skin not happy! Make sure you tote a reusable water bottle with you and drink plenty of water. If you need some flavor, look towards sparkling water or sugar free sports drinks instead of soda and alcohol. Whole Living Magazine suggests you drink at least 8 ounces of water per hour if you’re flying since the air is less moist.
8) Zone Out – If travel noise is stressing you out, think loud kids or obnoxious seatmates, pop on some music. Use noise reducing headphones and listen to music that makes you happy. “The soothing power of music is well-established. It has a unique link to our emotions, so can be an extremely effective stress management tool” says PsychCentral.com
9) Decompress – When you get to your destination, it’s important to take a moment and decompress. Many travel tips suggest booking a spa appointment or massage upon arrival. If that’s not possible, try sneaking in a quick manicure or even just bringing a special treat from home. Have a favorite luxe hand cream you never buy? Treat yourself to a small tube and wait to apply it until you’ve set down your luggage and found a comfy chair. Lotion up with your eyes closed while breathing deeply for a minute before starting your trip.
10) Unplug and Absorb Yourself – being constantly connected to your smart phone and laptop can keep you in high gear. Put the gadgets away and indulge in a hobby you rarely get to do – like painting or yoga. When you are totally absorbed in an activity, says John Daido Loori, author of The Zen of Creativity, the mind can “take a break from that incessant internal dialogue that scatters our energy.”
Happy Travels! Where will you be traveling this summer?
Photo from Whole Living
