Travel can be stressful in the best of times. Now add in the high-level anxiety that seems to be baked into every holiday season and it's clear that travelers could use some help calming frazzled nerves. Travel pros say there is plenty you can do ahead of time to make for a happier and less-stressful holiday journey. A week before you leave, write down things you need to bring and tasks you need to do before the trip. I cross the to-dos off throughout the week, and it helps me feel extremely prepared, lessening the stress every time.
Noise-canceling headphones can go a long way toward blocking out annoyances during travel, although if you use them you should keep an eye on display boards or your phone for any flight or gate changes.
Bringing along some snacks or a sandwich from home can feel comforting and be a great alternative to pricey airport offerings.
For longer journeys, she might bring a meal in a Tupperware container. To counter the dry air on flights, bring along an empty water bottle fill it after you go through security and a small pouch with lip balm and travel-size moisturizers. Having the airline's app lets you know about gate changes, flight delays or cancellations sooner and allows you to more quickly find alternative flights or connections if needed.
Security lines can be much longer β and slower β than expected, and so can the walk through a large airport. So giving yourself plenty of extra time can reduce stress. The general rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before international flights. But even without lounge access, she says, "I like to know what the restaurants and waiting areas near the gate are like. Bufka, head of practice for the American Psychological Association.
