How to manage stress while travelling?

How to manage stress while travelling?

Managing stress while traveling Traveling is synonymous with discoveries, change of scenery, wonder, but also… stress. A small oversight, an unexpected event, a delayed flight, the loss of your luggage, a sick child, an accident, a scam, these are all reasons that can trigger anxiety and disturb your serenity. However, with simple measures, it is possible to manage your stress while traveling!

In the transports

Most travelers delay booking in hopes of getting a great deal. While waiting until the last minute to book has certain advantages in terms of price, this situation can be stressful and cause many concerns. Will there still be free seats for the planned flight? In order to avoid all these questions that darken the pleasure of travelling, it is important to plan ahead and prepare well for your departure.

The day before your departure, draw up a checklist for your trip, this will limit the risk of delays. You can, for example, prepare your suitcase a few days in advance to be sure not to forget anything. Remember to leave early enough for the airport by including, in your timing, traffic jams as well as the various planned stops.

If the loss of luggage worries you, it is recommended to bring valuables to the cabin, but also the personal effects necessary for two or three days.

The theft or loss of identity papers is a constant source of concern throughout the trip. Do not scatter your papers, place them in your wallet as soon as you are well settled. Once you arrive at your destination, make sure you don't leave any personal belongings behind. Review everything: from the sweater or the hat you took off, to your purse, including your suitcases and your briefcase. If despite your precautions you can no longer find your passport, do not panic and follow our advice to find out what to do.

Another sensitive subject, with jet-lag and fatigue, the tourist is easy prey for scammers, especially taxi drivers in bad faith. In unfamiliar territory, you risk paying twice as much as the price of a single ride. To travel without stress and give the right price, remember to find out about taxi fares in the country of destination. Do not hesitate to make an online reservation before your arrival. Otherwise, via Google Map, locate the distance between the airport and the place where you will be welcomed. Before the car starts, ask the driver to tell you which way he's taking you and make sure you see the numbers on the speedometer.

Get out of your comfort zone

To limit the impact of culture shock, favored by the still unknown universe in which you will immerse yourself, it is advisable to prepare yourself psychologically beforehand:

Accept the difference: a trip is an escape to a new place. Culture shock and misunderstanding are common phenomena. Along the way, expect to be confronted with another world with a culture very different from your own. To better adapt, find out about the history, the socio-economic situation, the traditions and the experience of the population of the country of destination. And above all: stay open-minded.

Leave your habits aside: in most countries, customs and/or religion control the style of dress, behavior and way of eating. To avoid misunderstandings and sympathize with the local population, try to respect their values. Show a little initiative and try to comply with the rules of life of the place. If a particular outfit or gesture is imposed on you, try to respect it.

Master the basics of the language: the language barrier is often an obvious factor of stress. Before setting foot in the host country, familiarize yourself with the local language. You don't have to master it. Practice pronouncing the most basic phrases such as polite expressions, vocabulary for looking for a street or ordering in a restaurant. If you can't understand a word from the person in front of you, use gestures. But be careful, only use universal signs, because each gesture can be interpreted differently from one culture to another.

 

 Respect the law

Entry procedures and formalities are sometimes so complex that they cause a lot of inconvenience. Having the certainty that his papers are in order is a source of serenity for any traveler. Before leaving, take the trouble to consult the sites of embassies and other official sites to find out about the administrative formalities necessary for the destination you are considering. You will know if it is essential to have a passport or a visa. If so, make sure your passport is valid for up to 6 months after your trip. Remember to photocopy all your papers, this double copy will facilitate your replacement procedures in the event of theft or loss.

Finally, for your return, inform yourself in advance about the objects that it is forbidden to bring home. In the majority of countries, the bans concern the transport of animals, plant products and certain foods. For your small souvenirs, plan a sufficient amount for the taxes you will have to pay. If you are inadvertently caught breaking certain rules, explain your situation to the police. Keep your cool and show the supporting documents proving that you are a foreigner.

Thefts and scams

Fear of theft and scams can stress travelers throughout their stay abroad. As a general rule, you should be careful when people approach you and offer you cheap accommodation or another service. On tourist sites, it is advisable to check whether the individual is an official guide before accepting his offer to show you around.

Tourists are the first victims of pickpockets and pickpockets. To avoid temptations, do not carry any valuables with you. It would also be wise not to keep your money in one place so as not to find yourself without resources in the event of theft. If the case nevertheless arises, contact the competent authorities, such as the police or the embassy, ​​without delay.

With the children

traveling with a childLearning to manage stress while traveling takes on another dimension when you have children. Traveling with children can cause all kinds of anxiety: losing them, being difficult during visits or even get sick. Some advice to avoid any incident as much as possible:

Teach your children all the necessary safety measures such as not straying too far from you and not following strangers.
Give them phone cards or a cell phone so they can reach you if you lose sight of you.
Prepare them in advance for certain new habits that they will have to adopt once there in order to limit the shock or the stress due to the change.
Provide objects, toys or activities that remind them of home.
Teach them a few words of the local language and give them a piece of paper or a notebook where you have written down your contact details as well as the place where you live, this will make things easier if they get lost.
Taking out appropriate travel insurance also allows you to benefit from better care in the event of a problem.
As there is no situation more stressful than caring for a sick child away from home, it is important to choose a destination and a way of traveling that suits the age of your children.
Health

Travel stress can be caused by a health problem. In order to limit the health risks, especially for children, it is in your interest to update your vaccinations before departure. Some vaccines are exclusively reserved for places in the world such as:

Japanese encephalitis for countries in Oceania and some destinations in Asia
Yellow fever for Africa and South America
Typhoid fever for destinations where hygiene is precarious
Find out about the risks of diseases specific to the destination and the treatments to be done before or after the trip. As there is no single vaccination schedule to follow, it is best to seek advice from a doctor at least one month before departure.

On site, it is necessary to ensure the cleanliness of water and food. Peel fruits and avoid foods that are raw or served in questionable places to avoid getting sick. Also beware of mosquito bites and the risk of bites. Carrying a good medicine kit at all times can be of great help to you in the event of an accident or a minor health problem. Of course, taking out travel insurance is ideal for leaving with complete peace of mind and being sure to benefit from coverage that meets your needs.

The best way to travel stress-free is to be prepared for all eventualities. If you took your precautions