Relieving Holiday Travel Stress

Traveling can be stressful, even in the best of times. When you add in the additional stress around the holidays, travel can become a nightmare. But there are some things you can do before your travels to make the experience go more smoothly.

Make a list and check things off. You probably won't forget to pack big items, but don't overlook smaller items like your phone charger or a power adapter if you're traveling abroad. In addition to packing items, also include simple tasks that you need to get done before you leave town. Jess Feldman, special projects editor at Travel and Leisure magazine, said, "The key is to leave the list out for the entire week before you go. I cross the to-dos off throughout the week, and it helps me feel extremely prepared, lessening the stress every time."

Carry your comfort zone with you. Noise-canceling headphones can go a long way toward blocking out annoyances during travel. It's also good to carry extra medications, a change of clothes, a toothbrush and a phone-charging cable, just in case. Bringing along some snacks or a sandwich from home can feel comforting and be a great alternative to pricey airport offerings and rest-stop greasy foods.

Stay connected. Because each airline has a different boarding process and procedures for paying for perks in advance or seat upgrades, it is best to understand all of the "ins and outs" before arriving at the airport. The airline's app will let you know about gate changes, flight delays, or cancellations sooner and will allow you to more easily find alternative flights or connections. Whether you are traveling by plane, car, or train, make sure you have apps such as Google Maps and a reliable weather app downloaded before your trip. It is also a good idea to save important phone numbers, such as your airline, hotel, or car rental service, in case of emergencies.

Stay hydrated. In addition to making sure to drink plenty of water, Hallie Gould, editor in chief of Byrdie (a digital site for beauty care) recommends "loading up on skin hydration before your flight. That means... applying moisturizing skin products to boost hydration, so you're covering your bases inside and out." Make sure to pack an empty water bottle (that you can refill once you pass through security), lip balm, and travel-size moisturizer.

Give yourself extra time. Whether you're flying or driving, give yourself a buffer to account for delays, traffic, or unexpected hold-ups. Security lines can be much longer - and slower - than expected, and so can the walk through a large airport. Giving yourself plenty of extra time can reduce stress. An additional tip is to try to book a direct flight to lessen your chances of missing a connecting flight, especially because winter can be unpredictable with snowstorms and other weather delays.

Prepare to welcome yourself home. A little extra time tidying your home and making sure you have some easy-to-prepare food ready in the freezer or pantry will make for a much more welcoming return. Wash the sheets, take out the trash, put away clothes, clean the countertops. "Arriving home to a neat and tidy space is the best homecoming, especially after a long time away," Feldman recommends.

Holiday travel doesn't have to be a source of stress. By planning ahead, staying flexible, and focusing on the positives, you can make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.