Holidays should be relaxation getaways, rather than an unending stream of stressful events that only replace the stress you've been wishing away all year long.
However, as exciting as leaving your routines for an out-of-town vacay spot can be, a few unplanned events could readily turn your holiday into an overwhelming season. Here are vital tips for a stress free and safe trip to note during your festive season travels.
Take Your Foot Off the “Pressure Pedal”
Take the pressure off. Do you remember some Friday night fun time you planned that surprisingly turned out to be a weekend for unending DIY tasks and makeshift projects? Chances are you're pulling off too much pressure to ensure your next vacation turns out perfect, or nearly so.
Sadly, things could just go south again – where you don't want them – if you overspend your energy planning for a few days' respite. How about you think of the whole idea as a regular Monday night that turns out to be one of the month's highlights?
It’s so easy to remember that sometimes the best memories from vacations are those that unexpectedly come from a great meal, wonderful people, and amazing conversations. If that’ll likely be the case, then why the fuss about “over-planning” your holiday, anyway? But of course, that doesn’t mean you make NO PLANS whatsoever….
Maintain a Loose and Flexible Itinerary
If you're traveling this festive season and it involves leaving your home country, you might have to present some expected itinerary for your short stay. You can be sure embassies have a good reason for requesting an overview of your planned movements. Suppose you're traveling within your home country or region and won't need to "officially submit" your plans, creating an itinerary can be an excellent way to chomp on time-wasting activities.
However, the rule of the game here is maintaining flexibility. You wouldn't want the slightest snooze, canceled event, or delayed flight to throw your entire itinerary through the window. Consider planning some activities for specific days, while leaving some days open. That way, you won't have to rush to complete everything on your travel wish list, leaving some space for unplanned adventure.
Pack Smart and Light
Less is more when it comes to packing for holiday travels. With so many gifts, winter gear, or other available essentials, it can be tempting to overpack. However, hauling around heavy backpacks can quickly turn your trip into a burden.
How about packing mixable versatile outfits you can match against one another, leaving space in the luggage for souvenirs or gifts on your return journey? Also, consider keeping travel-size liquids in resealable bags at the top of your luggage for seamless access.
Anticipate the Crowd – and Your Patience
Many people travel during holidays – and that means airports, roads, and tourist spots will be busier than usual. Consider arriving early for flights, Christmas cinemas, and bazaars, or hitting the roads during off-peak hours while you anticipate being as patient with multiple security check-ins as possible during your journey. Perhaps traveling early in the morning or late in the night might just be cool enough to avoid too much crowd while keeping the holiday spirit alive.
DYOR
It has and always will be a great idea to Do Your Own Research (DYOR), as much as possible, about your intended destination. Look into every aspect of your trip, from restaurant options to public transportation, and visa requirements. The more you know before the trip, the better.
Final Remarks
What of these festive season tips are you glad you came across while scanning through this article? Feel free to share in the comments section and get in the conversation about having a stress-free and safe trip this holiday.