We know that it can be a handful to try to manage travel stress. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, there are lineups at the airport, the stress of getting around a new city, the interruption in your routine, and a plethora of other stressors that can cause headaches. However, with a little extra planning ahead of time, travel can be more enjoyable. Instead of stressing, you can go back to focusing on the main goal of your trip: whether that’s a potential business deal or simply relaxing.
Below, we have a few of our top suggestions to help manage travel stress. We can’t promise to eliminate it, but if you follow our tips below, you might have a more “zen” trip.
Manage Travel Stress by Not Doing It All Yourself
Travel apps can save you a lot of time and stress. Applications like Expensify make filing business travel expenses a breeze, saving you a pile of paperwork when you get home. Furthermore, by quickly uploading your business expenses as you go, you won’t have to worry about keeping track of a messy pile of receipts in a foreign language. Other applications, like TripIt, can help to keep track of complex travel itineraries, making for one, simple, plan.
Being able to relax during transit is also an important factor that can help you to manage travel stress. Do you really need to rent a car for your trip, or can you simply take a taxi while in town? I personally recall renting a car to drive to Ottawa for a business trip from Montreal. I spent the Friday driving home in a heavy snowstorm. The driving was tense, and there were cars along the side of the highway. Looking back, I would have been happier with a glass of wine on the train.
Another source of travel stress is being in an unknown city. Where available, take advantage of the concierge service. They have local expertise: knowledge of the best restaurants, coffee shops, and that amazing dry-cleaning service just around the corner. Their knowledge can help to eliminate a great deal of stress from your trip.
Manage Travel Stress by Taking Care of Yourself
A healthy body can help keep a healthy mind. A great way to manage travel stress is to minimize the disruption to your daily routine. For those of you who like to exercise frequently, that could mean ensuring that wherever you are staying has a fitness centre available.
Can’t swing the in-house gym? Another way to stay in shape while travelling is to find a workout that you can bring along with you. Not only is jogging a great way to stay in shape, it’s also a fantastic way to see a few the sights of a new city. Using an app like Nike + Run Club is a great way of tracking your runs, while the GPS makes sure you won’t get too turned around. Weather not ideal for running? There are plenty of online yoga classes and fitness classes that require little more than a mat, a little bit of space, and an internet connection.
As much as the local foods and after-work drinks might be tempting, try to keep everything in moderation. It can be easy to overindulge when you’re travelling, but that can lead to feeling ill and sluggish. One of the best things you can do while travelling is to ensure that you drink enough water, and get enough sleep. With a good night’s sleep, you’ll be fresh and ready to tackle the next day’s challenges.
Manage Travel Stress by Being Prepared
You cannot prepare for every possibility when travelling. There are too many factors out of your control. However, if you plan ahead for the things that you can control, it will go a long way to manage travel stress.
The first, and easiest suggestion is to plan to show up to the airport early. The earlier you plan to be at the airport, the more leeway you have should something unexpected occur. Furthermore, you can enjoy the extra time by grabbing a drink at the airport or simply sitting down with a good book.
Speaking of time-management, it may be time to get real. Set realistic expectations of what free time you are going to have when you travel. By realizing that you are on a tight timeline, you will be able to prioritize your top destinations. This will help to avoid disappointment and allow you to focus on the best parts of the tour.
Another excellent way to prevent pre-travel stress: plan your packing ahead of time. Seasoned travellers make lists of what they need before they even reach for their suitcase. They also that there will be less room on the way home and that there should always be extra room for souvenirs. Furthermore, try to plan realistically for the weather. If you are travelling to Toronto in January, you can safely leave the shorts at home.
The best way to manage travel stress is to plan for what you can control, and accept what you cannot. Sometimes, unexpected detours are the most exciting part of the trip. Looking for accommodations that will help eliminate some of the stress of travelling? Corporate Stays would be thrilled to help you. Our Signature Collection features a host of exciting amenities such as pools, fitness centres, and our reliable concierge service. Our partners, in exciting international locations, also have excellent amenities at their disposal, to bring that extra level of comfort to your next trip.
Choose Corporate Stays for a stress-free stay and maximize your travel experience. Our accommodations are designed to provide the utmost comfort and convenience, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay.