Planning stress-free travel at any age

If you’re reading this article, you probably can’t ignore that persistent urge to pack a bag and discover new and exciting places, no matter the inconvenience! Travel is one of the most rewarding endeavors we can undertake; but it’s true that during any adventure, things can occur unexpectedly. We hate to say it, but travel can even be (dare we say it?)… stressful. Not everything can be pre-empted, of course – but if you plan each trip with some solid preparation and the right support, you’ll be able to better manage the unexpected with a cool head. Read on as we share our top tips for planning stress-free travel, whatever your age.

Why stress-free travel matters

We’re biased, but we believe traveling is one of the best parts of life. Immersing yourself in fresh surroundings, seeing new ways of living, and learning about cultures other than your own is so beneficial for body and mind. Though visiting a different country can feel uncomfortable at times, the advantages are almost always worth it, many times over. With the right preparation, you can feel ready to step out of your comfort zone when you travel.

Planning for success: preparation tips for stress-free travel

There’s no better time to prepare for your trip than… right now! As soon as you get the urge to visit a new place, you can approach trip-planning with maximum stress reduction in mind.

Take the hassle out of planning with a local travel expert

The research stage of planning a vacation can be truly overwhelming, with so many small and big decisions to be made; where to stay, what routes to take via which transport, and which are the best activities, run by which tour operators – to name just a few. With the help of a travel expert, however, most of that work is taken off your plate. Our local travel experts are based within your chosen destination, so they have real insider knowledge on the best activities and sights, a roster of hidden gems they can share, and advice on how to get to know the local culture. Once you’re on the trip, they will be on hand throughout so that your vacation goes as smoothly as possible.

Create a flexible itinerary with time to relax

It can be easy to get so enthused about the ‘best bits’ of your vacation that you stuff your itinerary with day-to-evening activities and places to go, leaving no time to take a breather. Remember, traveling is also about relaxing, slowing down and living in the moment. Make space in your itinerary to travel slowly, perhaps staying overnight rather than moving on each day, prioritize aimless wandering, and allow the chance to eat, drink and people-watch.

Understand the terms of your trip: from cancellation terms to financial protection

Before you book with a travel company, read the small print to know what’s included (meals, transport, internal flights?), what to do on arrival and what the protocol is if your plans unexpectedly change. Should something happen, can you cancel and be refunded easily? Is there a fee to change dates? Also, look into financial protection: what happens if the company goes bust? Travel insurance can help with this (more on that below), but for extra peace of mind, choose a company that’s ASTA/ABTA protected like TravelLocal.

Get peace of mind with travel insurance and the right documentation

Hold your horses: before you set out on exciting new adventures, there’s some admin to sort!

• Travel insurance isn’t a ‘nice to have’ but a must-have if you want to feel the peace of mind that you’ll be covered in unexpected circumstances. No matter the duration of your trip, you should choose an insurance provider and coverage that adequately protects you, so read the details of the policy carefully. This is particularly important if you’ll be going skiing, sailing, abseiling, jungle-trekking or any other adrenaline-fueled activity.
• Also, be sure to sort out the correct visa for entry to the destination – your local travel expert can help you with this; and ensure that your passport is at least six months in date by the time you travel and return.
• Keep digital copies of all your important documentation in a safe place that’s easy for you to access online if you need to.

Read more: Essential travel tips for seniors: safe and smart journeys

Essential packing tips: what to bring and what to skip

Packing well is one of your secret weapons to beating stress once you’re on vacation.

Start with a checklist of clothes, toiletries, tech devices and important documents, and plan actual outfits for each day rather than random clothing. Remember essential items, such as chargers, a waterproof coat in case of unpredictable weather, adequate swimwear, decent footwear for walking in, and a first aid kit.

Check with your airline what the maximum weight limit is for your suitcase, and don’t pack more shoes or heavy clothing than you need – remember, you can usually buy things there. Roll clothes or use packing cubes to save space, and don’t forget room for souvenirs!

On the trip: enjoying stress-free travel when you’re in destination

You’ve arrived! A wonderful trip is in store, but still, there may be scenarios you didn’t anticipate. Here are our tips for managing the unexpected with a cool head.

Smoothly navigate airports, flights and transfers

Airports are hectic places, but as the beginning and end of your traveling experience, they can also be exhilarating. Everyone here has somewhere to be at a specific time, and queues can be long, but so long as you’re equipped and know what to expect, you needn’t feel too stressed.

• Read the terms of your flight carefully before you fly, and screenshot important information to your phone; flight times and seat numbers, the hours in advance you need to check in, the weight limitations on your luggage and how many bags you’re permitted to carry on board, and how long you have to transfer to a joining flight, if applicable.
• Most airports have rules around carrying liquids in hand luggage, and you’ll sometimes be asked to put electronics and jewelry in a tray at security. Organize your hand luggage in advance, rather than at the point of check-in. Have your passport, visas and boarding pass in a pouch that you can reach easily.
• Once you’re checked in, stay near an information display and listen out for boarding announcements. Flight delays can be frustrating, but common, so prepare for long wait times by carrying snacks, a book or music to listen to. A final tip: the approach of airport staff can vary widely – expect abruptness and don’t take it too personally.

Blend in like a local

Sometimes looking and acting like a tourist can draw unwanted attention you don’t need – hawkers will try their utmost to sell to you, but you could also be an easy target for scammers and thieves. Following ‘the tourist trail’ can also bring stressful elements; such as more crowds, higher prices and a general sense that you’re not seeing the authenticity of a destination.

Living more like the locals in whatever way possible can greatly improve your time; going off the well-beaten path, choosing independent businesses, and getting to know those that live there can bring a sense of calm among the chaos. It’s not always possible to blend in – after all, you are a tourist – but consider how you dress, the valuables you carry and your sense of confidence as you explore public areas. Traveling with local guides can be a big help for this, too.

Keep yourself energized

If you’re a creature of habit in your usual daily life, or even if you’re not, the movement and ‘newness’ of going from place to place can take its toll. Be sure to prioritize your own physical and mental well-being when you’re taking a trip; how capable you feel is really the foundation to your whole experience.

Drink lots of water, bring a refillable bottle if it’s safe to drink water, and stock up on energizing snacks such as nuts and fruit to keep you going during long walks or journeys. Your first aid kit should contain blister plasters (you’ll likely walk more than usual!), painkillers, rehydration sachets and perhaps a facial spray bottle to keep cool when it’s hot. Take breaks whenever you need to – there’s no shame in going back to your accommodation and reading or resting, if that’s what your body calls for.

Feel calm when things don’t go as planned

As anyone who has taken ‘the road less traveled’ can tell you, it’s full of bumps and potholes! Even with the tightest preparation, things can still happen to blindside you; from a monkey stealing your passport, to a trainline going down right when you need it. To help you tackle these curveballs, having someone within the country on speed dial can be a real comfort.

When you book with TravelLocal, our local travel experts are contactable to offer assistance whenever necessary; they speak the local language and know the destination, culture and customs inside out.

Read more: Travel warnings and advisories: top tips to know before you travel

Make it happen

If you’re ready to book your stress-free travel experience with our local agents, get in touch with them today. They’re based within the destinations, and can build a dream itinerary that combines your preferences with their on-the-ground local knowledge.