Travel with less stress

Here are some quick tips to minimize stress around your next travel plan.

• Avoid last minute plans especially during high seasons or trending destinations.

• Find a trusted travel advisor, advisors are paid by vendors not by the clients so its like having a built in expert to save time, mistakes and adds perks or discounts you may not have access by booking yourself directly. 

• If flying try to book non-stop or if unable find flights with longer layovers.  I look for 1-2 hour layovers. 

• Get to airport early- head to comfy place to sit and have a beverage to start your vacation.

• Do your research- or leave it to your advisor if time is a premium.  You can avoid things like construction, festivals, timelines of reservations, closures of your must do activities for just a few examples. 

• If your flight arrives later in the evening in a new city or country, splurge with a car service to get you to your destination.  You will be tired and this avoids a rough start to your trip.

• Simplify your plan!  Don’t plan to much each day or too many destinations on your itinerary.  Allow for free time or free days or limit destinations for 7 days, 10 days or allow 2 weeks for those plans.

• If going on a cruise and have to travel to get to the port, go a day before.  Things happen! 

• Smart packing!  Don’t pack last minute, make a list and pack essentials, medicines, charging cables, travel documents and 1 extra outfit in a separate carry on bag. I love packing cubes and each traveler takes a carry on bag, even if you check it.  I learned my lesson in Croatia with huge rolling bag! Look for clothing that travels well and interchanges to make different looks. 

• Your advisor will confirm everything for you, but if doing on your own, call or email your accommodations a week in advance to trust but verify.  

• Most important- breath and have fun!