Book<\/strong> early<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/online-travel-1024x683.jpg\")
Planning<\/em> travel can often be the most stress-inducing part of the trip. Do yourself a big favor and book whatever needs booking asap. Waiting until the last minute to make your flight, car rental or hotel reservations, especially around the holidays, limits what\u2019s available and will likely cost more\u2014a financial stress easily avoided by plotting out your itinerary early. (And if you\u2019re reading this too late, make note of it for next year.)<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n
Consider<\/strong> off<\/strong>–<\/strong>peak<\/strong> travel<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhy travel when everyone else is if you can oh-so-slightly adjust it, and ultimately enjoy a smoother experience? For instance, instead of leaving in the days before<\/em> Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year\u2019s, consider the day of<\/em> the holiday\u2014as roads, airports and train stations are generally much calmer. And if you\u2019re traveling by car, leave either exceptionally early or exceptionally late to avoid that bumper-to-bumper holiday traffic that can agitate and annoy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Budget WAY more time<\/strong> than<\/strong> you<\/strong> think<\/strong> necessary<\/strong><\/h2>\nHowever you plan to get from Point A to Point B, give yourself lots of extra time during the holidays. L-O-T-S. Cushion time allows space for the unexpected, which can and likely will happen, and this can ultimately prevent the stress rushing to catch a flight, train or bus. Worse-case scenario: You arrive early and have some extra down time at the airport or train station to read, shop or sit back to observe other frazzled travelers not as savvy as you.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Book separate flights and accommodations<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you sense that traveling or staying with family and friends for extended periods of time over the holidays might not inspire that jolly yuletide cheer, consider booking separate flights and\/or finding separate places to stay, whether it be at a hotel or on a relative\u2019s couch (you can still find some pretty good holiday hotel deals at Travelocity<\/a>). The same goes for saying \u201cyes\u201d to every holiday activity scheduled: It\u2019s okay to politely decline. They will understand your need for personal space (even if you need to attach a white lie to justify the \u201cwhy\u201d), and your actions might inspire others to set their own boundaries, too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Create<\/strong> a<\/strong> running<\/strong> list<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you dread forgetting something, start a running list of what you’ll need to travel \u2026 now. What do you need to bring to the airport? What will you need in transit? What items do you need to have packed in the carry-on versus your checked luggage? Do any of your identification cards need to be renewed? Will you be traveling with gifts? Visualize the journey to make it near-impossible to forget even the smallest item on that packing list.<\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\nUse TSA Pre\u2713\u00ae or Global Entry<\/strong><\/h2>\nThose TSA lines at the airport can be a great time to practice deep breathing or listen to your favorite podcast. But if the lines\u2014especially security lines during the holidays\u2014stress you out, consider applying for TSA Pre\u2713\u00ae<\/a> ($85 application fee for a 5-year membership for domestic travel) or Global Entry<\/a> ($100, 5-year-membership for domestic and international travel) to zip through security much quicker. Tip: On occasion, if you\u2019re traveling on the same reservation with someone who has TSA Pre\u2713\u00ae, you can go through the TSA line with him or her. Kids 12 and under can always accompany an adult who’s traveling with TSA Pre\u2713\u00ae.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Rent a car<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"car](\"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/rental-car.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re staying with family and are car-less, consider springing for a car rental. It will give you freedom to come and go as you please, including exiting stage left during awkward family conversations, if need be.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Create<\/strong> a<\/strong> travel<\/strong> relaxation<\/strong> kit<\/strong><\/h2>\nAnticipate what you\u2019ll need to make the journey comfortable. By creating a unique-to-you \u201cme break\u201d kit, you\u2019ll have tools to remove you from the chaos. It should include whatever helps to inspire relaxation, such as noise-canceling headphones, neck pillow, meditation apps, books, movies, your favorite music, essential oils, melatonin (to help with sleep), an eye mask and chewable health supplements.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Consider<\/strong> what will appease OTHERS<\/strong><\/h2>\nIt\u2019s not just about you, especially if you\u2019re traveling with others. Their<\/em> mood will likely affect your<\/em> mood, so why not prepare goodies to keep them satisfied and occupied? If you have children in tow, be sure to (over)pack plenty of snacks and diversions to keep them occupied during those times when you\u2019ll be indulging in your \u201cme break\u201d kit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Ship<\/strong> your<\/strong> gifts<\/strong><\/h2>\nLighten your load\u2014literally. If you\u2019re traveling long distances by plane, train or bus, it may make sense to have your gifts shipped to your destination, rather than lugging them throughout the journey. Consider any shipment fees an investment in your mental health.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Nurture<\/strong> yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"relax\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/relax-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Feeling ill or agitated doesn\u2019t help while traveling, and in the case of illness, you may not be allowed to travel at all. Make necessary medical appointments, get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated in the weeks leading up to your holiday travels. Self-care is not a luxury; it\u2019s a health necessity<\/em>. Be gentle and kind to yourself so that you are better able to extend the same to those you meet along the journey and at your final destination.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Prepare for those loaded conversations<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhether you\u2019re traveling with people that might open topics you\u2019d rather avoid or you\u2019re bunking in their spare bedroom for the holidays, it\u2019s healthy to acknowledge the likelihood of falling into the conversations you deem awkward, taboo or unwanted. You can\u2019t always control or change the people around you, but you can<\/em> control your response. Rehearse your response, even if it\u2019s delicately deflecting or changing the subject, so that you\u2019re prepared and not caught off-guard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Cultivate gratitude<\/strong><\/h2>\nIt\u2019s easy to slip-slide into the negative. Our brains, according to noted neuropsychologist Rick Hanson, are Teflon for the positive and Velcro for the negative. Rather than ALLOW yourself to dwell on travel scenarios that aren\u2019t going your way, draw empowerment from the good stuff going on in your life, no matter how \u201csmall,\u201d and extend that kindness to others. Who knows, it could net you a complimentary upgrade from an agent being unfairly berated by other travelers.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Exhale \u2026 deeply<\/strong><\/h2>\nDelays, cancellations, crowds, tantrums and sticky conversations: Some things cannot be predicted or avoided. In these moments, if you cannot step away completely, take a short pause. Place your hand on the chest and take three very deep breaths before you speak, honk the horn or Tweet. While it might seem clich\u00e9, there\u2019s science<\/em> behind why it\u2019s helpful: A deep exhale hacks the vagus nerve, which calms the nervous system. This can help to inspire a wiser response versus an emotional reaction you may later regret.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
For more advice on how to navigate and manage holiday stress, the American Psychology Association offers a Holiday<\/strong> Stress<\/strong> Resource<\/strong> Center<\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
Planning<\/em> travel can often be the most stress-inducing part of the trip. Do yourself a big favor and book whatever needs booking asap. Waiting until the last minute to make your flight, car rental or hotel reservations, especially around the holidays, limits what\u2019s available and will likely cost more\u2014a financial stress easily avoided by plotting out your itinerary early. (And if you\u2019re reading this too late, make note of it for next year.)<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Why travel when everyone else is if you can oh-so-slightly adjust it, and ultimately enjoy a smoother experience? For instance, instead of leaving in the days before<\/em> Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year\u2019s, consider the day of<\/em> the holiday\u2014as roads, airports and train stations are generally much calmer. And if you\u2019re traveling by car, leave either exceptionally early or exceptionally late to avoid that bumper-to-bumper holiday traffic that can agitate and annoy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n However you plan to get from Point A to Point B, give yourself lots of extra time during the holidays. L-O-T-S. Cushion time allows space for the unexpected, which can and likely will happen, and this can ultimately prevent the stress rushing to catch a flight, train or bus. Worse-case scenario: You arrive early and have some extra down time at the airport or train station to read, shop or sit back to observe other frazzled travelers not as savvy as you.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you sense that traveling or staying with family and friends for extended periods of time over the holidays might not inspire that jolly yuletide cheer, consider booking separate flights and\/or finding separate places to stay, whether it be at a hotel or on a relative\u2019s couch (you can still find some pretty good holiday hotel deals at Travelocity<\/a>). The same goes for saying \u201cyes\u201d to every holiday activity scheduled: It\u2019s okay to politely decline. They will understand your need for personal space (even if you need to attach a white lie to justify the \u201cwhy\u201d), and your actions might inspire others to set their own boundaries, too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you dread forgetting something, start a running list of what you’ll need to travel \u2026 now. What do you need to bring to the airport? What will you need in transit? What items do you need to have packed in the carry-on versus your checked luggage? Do any of your identification cards need to be renewed? Will you be traveling with gifts? Visualize the journey to make it near-impossible to forget even the smallest item on that packing list.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Those TSA lines at the airport can be a great time to practice deep breathing or listen to your favorite podcast. But if the lines\u2014especially security lines during the holidays\u2014stress you out, consider applying for TSA Pre\u2713\u00ae<\/a> ($85 application fee for a 5-year membership for domestic travel) or Global Entry<\/a> ($100, 5-year-membership for domestic and international travel) to zip through security much quicker. Tip: On occasion, if you\u2019re traveling on the same reservation with someone who has TSA Pre\u2713\u00ae, you can go through the TSA line with him or her. Kids 12 and under can always accompany an adult who’s traveling with TSA Pre\u2713\u00ae.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019re staying with family and are car-less, consider springing for a car rental. It will give you freedom to come and go as you please, including exiting stage left during awkward family conversations, if need be.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Anticipate what you\u2019ll need to make the journey comfortable. By creating a unique-to-you \u201cme break\u201d kit, you\u2019ll have tools to remove you from the chaos. It should include whatever helps to inspire relaxation, such as noise-canceling headphones, neck pillow, meditation apps, books, movies, your favorite music, essential oils, melatonin (to help with sleep), an eye mask and chewable health supplements.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s not just about you, especially if you\u2019re traveling with others. Their<\/em> mood will likely affect your<\/em> mood, so why not prepare goodies to keep them satisfied and occupied? If you have children in tow, be sure to (over)pack plenty of snacks and diversions to keep them occupied during those times when you\u2019ll be indulging in your \u201cme break\u201d kit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lighten your load\u2014literally. If you\u2019re traveling long distances by plane, train or bus, it may make sense to have your gifts shipped to your destination, rather than lugging them throughout the journey. Consider any shipment fees an investment in your mental health.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Feeling ill or agitated doesn\u2019t help while traveling, and in the case of illness, you may not be allowed to travel at all. Make necessary medical appointments, get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated in the weeks leading up to your holiday travels. Self-care is not a luxury; it\u2019s a health necessity<\/em>. Be gentle and kind to yourself so that you are better able to extend the same to those you meet along the journey and at your final destination.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re traveling with people that might open topics you\u2019d rather avoid or you\u2019re bunking in their spare bedroom for the holidays, it\u2019s healthy to acknowledge the likelihood of falling into the conversations you deem awkward, taboo or unwanted. You can\u2019t always control or change the people around you, but you can<\/em> control your response. Rehearse your response, even if it\u2019s delicately deflecting or changing the subject, so that you\u2019re prepared and not caught off-guard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to slip-slide into the negative. Our brains, according to noted neuropsychologist Rick Hanson, are Teflon for the positive and Velcro for the negative. Rather than ALLOW yourself to dwell on travel scenarios that aren\u2019t going your way, draw empowerment from the good stuff going on in your life, no matter how \u201csmall,\u201d and extend that kindness to others. Who knows, it could net you a complimentary upgrade from an agent being unfairly berated by other travelers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Delays, cancellations, crowds, tantrums and sticky conversations: Some things cannot be predicted or avoided. In these moments, if you cannot step away completely, take a short pause. Place your hand on the chest and take three very deep breaths before you speak, honk the horn or Tweet. While it might seem clich\u00e9, there\u2019s science<\/em> behind why it\u2019s helpful: A deep exhale hacks the vagus nerve, which calms the nervous system. This can help to inspire a wiser response versus an emotional reaction you may later regret.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For more advice on how to navigate and manage holiday stress, the American Psychology Association offers a Holiday<\/strong> Stress<\/strong> Resource<\/strong> Center<\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\nConsider<\/strong> off<\/strong>–<\/strong>peak<\/strong> travel<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Budget WAY more time<\/strong> than<\/strong> you<\/strong> think<\/strong> necessary<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Book separate flights and accommodations<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Create<\/strong> a<\/strong> running<\/strong> list<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Use TSA Pre\u2713\u00ae or Global Entry<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Rent a car<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nCreate<\/strong> a<\/strong> travel<\/strong> relaxation<\/strong> kit<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Consider<\/strong> what will appease OTHERS<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Ship<\/strong> your<\/strong> gifts<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Nurture<\/strong> yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nPrepare for those loaded conversations<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Cultivate gratitude<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Exhale \u2026 deeply<\/strong><\/h2>\n