16 TIPS ON HOW TO REDUCE STRESS AND INCREASE HAPPINESS AND JOY WHILE TRAVELING

Happiness & Mindfulness

Many of us missed traveling during the pandemic. As restrictions begin to loosen, we can again go out on the open road. But, while we longed for missed getaways, we’ve forgotten some of the stresses of travel. 

When my family and I slowly began opening up to the idea of traveling, it was definitely stressful at first.  But I kept myself grounded and focused during the planning process and during the travel itself and it was so worth it!

Here are simple tips grounded in mindfulness and ‘happiness science’ to ease any challenges you may encounter. 

PREPARATION PHASE:

1. Research and Visualize: Learn as much as possible about your destination to anticipate all the fun you’re going to have AND to troubleshoot potential issues. For example, check out weather, local sights, maybe make restaurant reservations and learn whether time delays or challenges finding transportation are likely. This way, you can start visualizing your great experiences and proactively eliminate potential problems, like forgetting a rain jacket! Consider creating and sharing a Pinterest board with all your travel buddies.

2. Chat it up!: Share plans with friends and family. Ask for insider tips with social media friends. Maybe someone you know has a close relationship with an influential maitre d’ or has insight into where to stay or eat and what not to miss.

3. COVID regulations: Learn the latest COVID regulations and find government websites with official updated information. Rules are changing on an ongoing basis; every location has different regulations. Limit stress by being as prepared as possible and by adjusting your expectations. Remind yourself to be prepared to accept that things may change at any time during your preparation or travel.

4. Cash: Change money before you go and set up apps like Revolut that make it easy to transfer funds in different currencies.

5. Travel light: Color coordinate your wardrobe to limit the amount of clothes you need. You always can get by with less. For example, I decide before I go whether I will have a blue and white theme or go with black and neutrals. Everything I bring can be mixed and matched and dressed up or down.

6. Streamline toiletries: Use travel sized products; pack items in clear travel bags. Organize by category to find everything quickly and easily. For example, I have a separate case for hair care, face care, body care and medicines. 

7. Allow extra time: Give yourself extra time for everything. Pack early. Allow for the unexpected traffic jam. Rushing always increases stress and the likelihood of errors—like dropping your passport or forgetting something essential.

TRAVEL PHASE:

1. Micro-meditations: Before you rush out of your home, pause, breathe, and ground yourself. Remind yourself of pleasures to come, the joy and privilege of being able to travel, and open yourself up to what unfolds. Take time throughout your trip for brief micro-meditations to fully immerse yourself in the present moment experience.

2. Notice: Imagine that you’re seeing and doing everything for the first time. Notice the rush of emotions and thoughts. Stay light-hearted; remember that part of the joy of travel is the surprise of the unexpected. Flow like water and bend like bamboo.

3. Journal and photo album: If you like to write, keep notes in a travel journal. Alternatively, write a few notes to yourself during each day on your phone to remind yourself of your activities and experiences. How many times have you gotten home and forgotten names of places you’ve been or people you’ve met? If you’re more visual, create an album to upload your favorite photos during your trip as you create them.

4. Engage: Remember you’re not at home. Make time for the small interactions that show you a different way of life in your new location(s). Notice what appeals and doesn’t. Reflect on what you may want to incorporate into your life back home again. Did you love a particular way a salad was dressed? Remember it!

5. Surprise yourself: Travel is a great time to do something you may not have tried before. Be open! Dance, play, eat new foods. People are not judging you based on who you are in your community. The motto is: “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” It’s all up to you. Be free; take advantage of the chance to stretch yourself.

BACK HOME PHASE:

1. Savor the return: Like Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home.” Savor that feeling of relaxed relief as you re-enter your home. Notice things you took for granted that you are really appreciating upon arrival. Maybe even express your gratitude out loud. “Thank you bed! I love how you are so comfortable.” Feel and enjoy your sense of appreciation for your home.

2. Cherish memories: Allow time to sort through your photos, organize any memorabilia and recall the highlights of your journey. Make an album or slideshow of favorite moments. Look back on the many experiences that you had. 

3. Share the joy: Everyone loves hearing about your adventures! Share a few choice moments. Let others hear about some of your highlights. Many enjoy vicarious pleasure and may even get ideas for their own future travels. Be generous with sharing your happy moments.

4. Lessons learned: If you gained some valuable takeaways from your experience, make time to note those insights. Was there something new you learned about yourself, about where you went or those you traveled with or met along the way? Were there any deep transformative moments? Travel often provides opportunities for personal growth. Acknowledge what you have gained from your experiences.

On a recent trip to Mykonos, Greece, I had my first experience dancing on a table! You see this in the movies. At first I was frightened (small and narrow space) and then I was self-conscious, but as I was cheered on by everyone, I let go and went with the flow. WOW, what a rush! Super fun and liberating to live fully in the moment. So, when in Greece...hope to see you dancing on a tabletop soon!

Here is a YouTube video on this topic that further elaborates on some of these points.

Do you know where you’re going to travel next? If not, where would you like to go? Share in the comments!