by Debra Steele

Created on: February 06, 2008

Tips To Take The Stress Out Of Traveling

When it comes to traveling, don't set yourself up to be disappointed. Here are some tips that will help you plan ahead and take the stress out of traveling.

1. Be flexible.
Do not try to stick to a schedule, plan, or regimen. Do not try to be overly organized. Remember, most trips, vacations, or get-aways, are unpredictable. The best thing you can do is not to expect your travel to go smoothly and plan to have fun, and enjoy your time off not matter what happens. If you find yourself in a situation that is causing your stress level to go sky high, take a few deep breathes, and think about what can be done to get the stressful situation back on a calm track. It's very important that you stay calm so that you can think clearly. You cannot think clearly and rationally when you are screaming, and frantic like a uncontrollable, wild animal.

2. Give yourself a break.
With all the planning, saving, preparing, packing, making reservations, planning an agenda, and taking time off, by the time you go on vacation you are tired. You sleep all the way to your destination and before you know it, you are "sick" from exhaustion. Take a nap and if you cannot go to sleep, lay down and be completely quiet for at least 30 minutes a day while you are on vacation. If you really want to relax, take a mid-day bubble bath and then lay down, close your eyes and think of something very peaceful, pray, or meditate. The bubble bath is perfect at night right before you go to bed.

3. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
Exercise, before, during, and after vacation. If you are already on an exercising routine, do not stop because you are on vacation. Make time to walk, run, do yoga, swim, biking, horse back riding, skiing, skating, or use the hotels gym. Walk around the airport as you are waiting on your flight that is late. Walk around the hotel parking lot as you are waiting for your room to be cleaned and vacated. Get up and walk around during a flight. Do leg stretches and exercises in your seat. Do simple stretches in your hotel room for at least 30 minutes a day while you are watching T.V. This will keep your body limber and relaxed which will help your mind stay relaxed, and calm.

4. Beware of over eating and drinking.
Eating to much rich, fatty foods that are fried and smothered in rich cream sauce made from heavy creams and butter, along with drinking wine, beer, vodka, whiskey, bourbon, and every mixed drink you can imagine will only make you tired, irritable, and cranky with an upset stomach that will cause you to have vomiting and diarrhea. Instead, drink plenty of purified bottled water, and fresh juices, and eat plenty of protein (baked chicken, and fish), vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (cereal, and breads). Stay away from fast food, "junk food", vending machines, and airport, bus, and train station snack bars. Eat sweets in moderation. The better you feel, the more capable you will be able to handle stress in a calm, constructive manner.

5. Final Tips
*Pack lightly
*Do a little research, and planning
*Do not wait to the last minute
*Arrive on time
*Stay organized

Most of all relax, enjoy your surroundings, make plenty of good memories, and have fun!

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