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6 easy tips for mindful holiday travel and reducing travel anxiety

By Cristine Struble

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 22: People exit the Path train station at the Oculus at Westfield World Trade Center transportation hub as the city continues the re-opening efforts following restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus on November 22, 2020 in New York City. The pandemic has caused long-term repercussions throughout the tourism and entertainment industries, including temporary and permanent closures of historic and iconic venues, costing the city and businesses billions in revenue. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 22: People exit the Path train station at the Oculus at Westfield World Trade Center transportation hub as the city continues the re-opening efforts following restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus on November 22, 2020 in New York City. The pandemic has caused long-term repercussions throughout the tourism and entertainment industries, including temporary and permanent closures of historic and iconic venues, costing the city and businesses billions in revenue. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images) /
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As travel anxiety grows, mindful holiday travel is within your grasp. Here are six tips to make the experience less stressful.

Whether traveling near or far, mindful holiday travel can reduce travel anxiety. Although many people have tried and true travel tips, this holiday season presents uncharted difficulties. As everyone learns to navigate the new parameters related to COVID-19, necessary trips don’t need to be packed with an extra bag filled with stress. With some pre-planning, even the holiday travel be merry and bright.

From Thanksgiving through the New Year, many people will be traveling, even under the current circumstances. Whether it is the student coming home from school or a quick road trip to escape another weekend on the couch, people will be on the move. Although safety parameters need to be followed, other considerations need to be taken into account.

Katie Sandler, personal development and career coach, said, “There may be fewer people traveling this holiday season, but there will still be a lot who do, and they need to know how to make it more enjoyable.”

Sandler believes that mindful holiday travel is the key to making the experience more pleasant. It doesn’t mean that every moment will be perfection, but it can be less stressful.

Sandler recommends these six tips for mindful holiday travel.

1. Ditch the Spontaneity

While there was a time to let the travel winds guide a trip, now is not that time. Sandler recommends being knowledgeable about the locale. From restaurants to excursions, create a clear plan. Those facts can help reduce risks and stress.

2. Know the Rules and Regulations

In the current climate, rules and regulations are constantly changing. Still, everyone has to comply to those standards. From mask mandates to travel advisories to group sizes, it is better to know the rules than to beg forgiveness later.

3. Get Tested Before You Go

For many people, getting a COVID test is part of the travel itinerary. More importantly, those test results can ensure that you keep others safe while traveling. If you can, quarantining before and after the trip also decreases the risk of spreading germs.

4. Make a List and Check It Twice

Instead of forgetting something vital, a checklist can make sure that everything is covered. Even if you have a great memory, a checklist takes the stress away. You don’t want to be away from home only to find out that you forgot your favorite pair of pajamas!

5. Reservations Required (Yes, Really!)

From that must-try restaurant to a special tour, making that reservation can reduce stress. There is nothing worse than dreaming about that special sushi dinner only to find out that you can’t get a table. Again, it is not the time to just go with the flow. With most businesses functioning at limited capacity, reservations are your best bet.

6. Be Gracious, Kind, and Patient

Stress levels are higher than normal. Sometimes a smile, kind word, or even just extra patience can go a long way. As everyone has heard, we’re all in this together. Being considerate of others is the least that everyone can do.

In the end, mindful holiday travel is within everyone’s grasp. More importantly, these travel tips can be helpful beyond the holiday season. Even the little things can make a big difference for everyone.

Next. How will travel trends adapt to life after coronavirus?. dark

Will you be traveling this holiday season? How do you plan to make it a 

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