3 Ways to Avoid that "Overwhelming" Travel Feeling

We've all been there in one way or another...The stress of packing, TSA lines, delayed flights, missed connections, & the intimidating, overpacked itinerary. That sentence just sounds like a headache but the good news is: it doesn't have to be all sweat and tears to enjoy your vacation. And yes, some things are just quite blank out of our control. Weather, staffing schedules, aircraft maintenance, & passenger issues are all common road bumps in a travel day that can feel bothersome because it's holding up takeoff and there's nothing we can do to fix the problem. To these situations, my best advice is to simply accept you might be missing your connection or you might end up at your destination a little later than expected, and that is okay! You will learn in this blog post that the best motto to travel (in my opinion) is don't sweat the small stuff. I know it can be way easier said than done to smile and carry on when your flight just got cancelled and have to be at work the next day. But, we come to terms with reality and figure out a new plan. A calm, positive mindset in life may not fully take care of your problems, but it's appreciative more than you know to those who help making your travel day possible.

Now I promise I have actual advice for the travel stressors other than just accepting defeat. Read below to find out how simple tweaks can make or break your trip!

1. Not Everything is A Must-See or Do

I know, I know, this is a hard pill to swallow for some including myself. Believe me, I need to take my own advice here when I say the crammed itinerary may seem fun in theory but in reality, this is one of the biggest factors to feeling the opposite of refreshed after a vacation. Now to the adrenaline junkie who thrives off of constant exploration, all the power to you! But for the rest of the audience, trying to check off every possible excursion, hike, or any adventure for that matter will ultimately distract the feeling of being present. And of course when we go to a beautiful destination we're gonna want to explore as much as we can, but that can also mean going for a spontaneous drive to a hidden beach that wasn't planned at all. I guess what I'm getting at here is sometimes the daily, time-framed schedule and booked tours can take away the purpose of vacation when you're trying to fit the mold of every other tourist. Maybe you pick 3 activities that spark your interest and the rest of the days you simply do what you really want to do, not what you feel like you have to do. Or maybe you ask a local where a "hidden gem" is or an underrated cafe they recommend and you get to learn more about the destination. Not everything needs to be crossed off the bucket-list at once. Again, don't sweat the small stuff if you can't fit everything in!

Traveling looks different for everyone, like I mentioned, maybe you're a true adventurer who needs to be out & about every minute, snorkeling under sea caves. Or maybe you like the quiet ambiance of new scenery and just want to take it in with full relaxation. Or maybe you're somewhere in between. Whatever fills your heart with joy, take that route and make the journey your own!

2. Research Transportation for EVERYTHING

You may be thinking “This one’s a bit obvious Erin, I know I need a rental car and check how to get around my destination”, and you’re absolutely right. I am stating the obvious here when I say triple check you have flight times correct, train schedules accounted for, and any mode of transportation needed to get you from point A to B. However point A to B may not be a simple route you can just take your rental car for and use Apple Maps. Many of those “hidden gems” or “breathtaking views” you see on social media are not always easy to get to. If you’re interested in exploring a unique area, I would strongly recommend researching the transportation methods people are using and take a look at a road map. Google Earth is your new best friend! If you’re finding roads that seem narrow, next to cliffs, or questioning if your vehicle can make it through, consider a new way of getting there. Even social media nowadays is becoming one of the biggest search engines where you can find valuable insight, for example, “How to get to Jaws Beach in Maui safely?” and thousands of videos will pop up. And yes, many touristy places around the world can be designed to make travelers feel more comfortable getting around. For instance, some places have implemented road signs in multiple languages or established new highways instead of forcing tourists to take risky routes. But to avoid the unexpected anxiety of getting lost or getting stuck in the middle of nowhere, maybe spend a couple of extra minutes mapping out exactly where you’re going and what transportation source you may need to book.

3. Don't be Afraid to Ask for Help or Advice!

Now this one is actually following my previous point of researching exactly where you're headed to or better yet, ask a local! Wanting to visit a beach that’s not really on the map? You and I both know this probably isn’t the best idea, but the pictures you see on Google make it worth it right? So don’t be afraid to ask your barista, waiter, or any local for that matter where to find said beach. If it’s safe they will probably tell you the best way to get there or if it’s not a good idea, at least now you know for certain. After all it is their home, they know best! 

Ok now off the transportation wagon, but coming to someone who lives at your destination for suggestions or doubts is almost always a better outcome than even relying on this blog. Imagine if someone came to you in your hometown and asked “what’s the best way to get to x" or "Do you think this restaurant has good, affordable food?”. And hoping you give them a kind, honest answer, it’s probably the most reliable source of information. Trust me, locals in a tourist-heavy place want to protect their home and that means steering visitors in the right direction. They’re probably going to give you the best advice not only for your benefit, but also to help out their own community.