How to make your annual vacation less stressful?

“To Travel is to Live.” – Hans Christian Andersen

Introduction: How to make your annual vacation less stressful?

It’s that time of year again, time for our annual vacation. Once we arrive at our destination, plonk our bags on the hotel bed and dive into the pool, we feel genuinely relaxed. Often, however, the time before arriving can be a time of stress and anxiety.

In the article below, I want to offer some tips on how to make your annual vacation less stressful.

Plan for your arrival.

You have booked the flights and arrived at the airport, but do you know how to get to your accommodation upon arrival? Many people skip this step, and when they get off the plane, they panic because they have no idea how to get to the hotel. Having to figure this out while schlepping heavy luggage and not speaking the native language is not the best start to your holiday.

To make this less stressful, research the route to your destination beforehand. Write down which tube or bus you need to take, where to get off and or any taxi name and number.

Further, ensure you have some local currency for emergencies. You never know whether the cash machine at the airport is working or whether you need change for the bus.

Have tickets and booking confirmation handy

Have you ever arrived at the airport or your hotel to realise you are struggling to find your e-ticket or booking confirmation? This has happened to all of us. It can be a source of panic and frantic searching the content of your phone. To avoid this, why not print off any important documents or attach them to your Google Calendar? This way, you know exactly where they are. Saving you stress and worry.

Research what to do on a rainy day.

Many people, when they go on their summer holidays somewhere warm, expect to spend 2 weeks sitting by the pool or on the beach. If that is your thing and the weather holds up, great. However, that doesn’t always happen, even in warmer climates; you occasionally get an odd day of rain. I am talking from experience of nearly 20 years in Croatia annually. To avoid a day being stuck indoors and arguing with your loved ones because you’re all bored and on edge, why not research places to visit and things to do in bad weather? A quick Google search will reveal information about local museums, churches, and places to shop and eat.

Research Opening Hours and location

When going on a city break or anywhere with sights you really want to visit, researching opening hours and transportation options is a good idea. There is nothing more frustrating than arriving at a museum to find that it is closed or discovering that the church you’ve been meaning to see is inaccessible without a car.

Pack Light

When travelling somewhere, do you need to bring your kitchen sink? Travelling light by packing versatile, multi-functional clothing, a Kindle instead of books, and only the minimum tech you need saves you a lot of trouble.

Packing light saves you time packing and unpacking.

Packing light saves you money by not having to pay for hold luggage in an aeroplane or a taxi to get you to your accommodation.

Packing light also makes it easier to get around as you don’t have to lug heavy bags and can easily pack up to go elsewhere.

Packing light means more freedom when you travel. With less to lug around, you can easily manoeuvre through crowded spots, speed through baggage claim, make last-minute plans without worrying what to do with your stuff and spend less time tracking gear. Going light makes even more sense now that many airlines charge fees for bags or luggage that exceeds certain size or weight restrictions.

Have a packing list.

Many years ago, when I went to Croatia, I arrived at the airport and realised I hadn’t packed my swimsuit. I tried to buy a replacement, first at Gatwick airport and then locally. I ended up with something ridiculous and old-fashioned. To avoid this from happening again in the future, I created a simple packing checklist that I now use every time I travel. The list contains everything and anything I may need when I go away. A swimsuit, sunglasses and shorts can be found alongside my passport and camera charger.

To get your copy of my packing list, click below.

Conclusion: How to make your annual vacation less stressful?

With a little prior planning and some minor adjustments, such as those above, you can make your travel less stressful.