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Ten tips for Reducing Stress when you Travel

By Anne Dimon

Travel, by its very nature, is stressful. Packing woes, airport line ups, security checks, delayed or cancelled flights, the concern of lost luggage, and trying to pack too much into a trip (be it for business or pleasure) can leave a traveler not only stressed out but just plain exhausted. Fortunately, there are ways you can minimize the stress. Anne Dimon, veteran travel writer and founder/editor of www.traveltowellness.com , offers these 10 ways to help you reduce the stress of your next trip.

1. Setting a budget you are comfortable with and sticking to it will help you avoid the stress of financial worry. If the wallet won’t allow a week at a beachfront resort, try a weekend at a quiet country inn.

2. Choose your travel companion(s) carefully.  Spending time arguing about where to eat and what sights to see, or being dragged around to places you don’t want to be or coaxed into doing things you don’t want to do, can take the relaxation element out of any holiday.

3. If you don’t like the details of planning and need to get away from the stress of day-to-day decision making, go for the all-inclusive package which includes air, hotel, food and beverages as well as onsite activities. Once you arrive at the destination, the only decisions you’ll have to make are when to eat and whether to swim, lounge by the pool or have a nap.

4. If you’re going solo, theme a trip to a passion such as a hobby or special interest and meet up with others of similar interest. Or take a learning vacation and return with new knowledge. Go on a wine tour, book a hiking holiday, a yoga retreat or a weekend workshop in healthy cooking, photography or art.

5. Worried about lost luggage? Travel with a carryon. When it comes to packing learn to relax and follow the philosophy that less is more. Stick to one or two colours so you can mix and match and make certain that every piece will do double duty. “Packing for a trip is like preparing for life,” says Dimon.  “You don’t want to make either journey with too much baggage.”

6. Leave your best jewelry at home and you won’t need to worry about losing it.

7. Arrive at the airport good and early. Not only will you find shorter line-ups but you’ll lessen the worry of missing the fight. Use the extra time to browse the shops, catch up on reading or, since fewer airlines are offering complimentary on-board meals, enjoy a leisurely and healthy meal before taking off. Arriving early also gives you time to stretch your legs with a brisk walk through the terminal before boarding.

8. Don’t try to fit everything the destination has to offer into a seven-day visit. You’ll be exhausted. Pick one of two attractions that interest you most and use the rest of the time to relax, refresh and rejuvenate.

9. Keep in mind that flights for one reason or another are often delayed. Prepare for the unexpected by having something to read or do to help the waiting time pass more quickly. Stress can be further reduced if you know that you haven’t planned anything crucial for your first day back.

10. Savvy, seasoned travelers learn to relax and go with the flow. Travel is about the unexpected so don’t sweat the small stuff.

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