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Go to any Borders bookstore, and you'll find a dozen books telling you how to plan and pack for a stress free vacation. However, I find that reducing traveling stress has more to do with your mindset than whether you've got your e-ticket number taped to the back of your passport. For me, the four keys to stress-free traveling are: self awareness, focus, flexibility and humor. If you master these four things, you can find your bliss at any destination.

SELF AWARENESS

When it comes to traveling, one size definitely does not fit all! A dream vacation for one can easily feel like an outer ring of Dante's Inferno for another. Yet year after year, people plunk down money for excursions that are completely antithetical to their personalities. I remember acutely taking a road trip to Las Vegas with a group of friends several years back. As we rolled into town, one of my friends calmly announced that he didn't like to gamble or shop, and then inquired about how we planned to entertain him throughout the coming weekend. We dropped him at Caesar's Palace and forgot about him. Seriously!

It may seem simplistic, but it's important to consider your interests and personality when making travel plans. If you (like me) can actual hear the Jaws theme playing in your head when you put a toe in the water, a snorkeling trip with your new sweetheart is seriously bad idea, no matter how much you want to impress him or her. Once you've chosen your destination, pay attention to the details as well. Are you a workout fanatic? Ensuring that your hotel in Rome has a fitness center will put your mind at ease when sampling the amazing Italian cuisine around you. Knowing what you like and what you need will help you design a more enjoyable and relaxing trip.

FOCUS

You've got a two-week vacation coming up, and you can't wait. This trip is going to help you relax, reconnect you with your childhood love of rock climbing, and give you and your wife an opportunity to work on issues in your relationship. Wow, is that all? Are you sure you wouldn't like Scarlett Johansen to confess her undying love for you on the plane ride home?

Many a vacation has collapsed into stress and frustration under the weight of unrealistic expectations. A journey isn't a magic elixir, and you'll only stress yourself out if you demand too much from your trip. One of the best vacations I've taken in recent years was a drive across the country last summer. I'd originally planned to zigzag around, putting in long days behind

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