How to eliminate stress from your vacation… and leading up to it!

The whole point of taking a vacation is to de-stress and take better care of your mental health. Why, then, is the planning aspect of a getaway, as well as the prospect of travelling, often so stressful in itself? The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. Here are our top tips for eliminating travel stress both before and during your hard-earned vacation.

Don’t do it alone

Travel planning can be challenging, especially for those who lead busy lifestyles and have limited free time to focus on the task at hand. It can be helpful to rope in the experts to guide you and to take care of various tasks on your behalf. Be sure to check out the Mr Hudson trip planning service. You simply tell us your travel preferences and budget, and one of our expert planners will put a custom itinerary together based on your responses.

Belo Horizonte, Brazil | Photo: Helena Lopes

Notify your boss and co-workers of the dates that you’ll be away at least six weeks ahead of your intended departure and be sure to communicate clearly that you plan to unplug completely while you’re away

Make your intentions clear at work

One of the biggest stressors associated with travel is worrying about taking time off of work. You stress about whether your company will manage without you, as well as the pile of work that awaits you upon your return to the office. You might also find yourself worrying about your co-workers trying to get hold of you during your holiday.

The secret here is early communication. Notify your boss and co-workers of the dates that you’ll be away at least six weeks ahead of your intended departure and be sure to communicate clearly that you plan to unplug completely while you’re away.

Photo: Maximilien T'scharner

Photo: Marcin Kalinski

Zephyr Cove, USA | Photo: Keegan Houser

Ensure that you make your way to the airport with lots of time to spare before catching your flight

Prepare

Think about the reasons why you’re feeling stressed before you’re due to go on vacation and prepare adequately just in case any of those worries turn out not to be unfounded. It helps to pack your luggage, as well as your carry-on bag, with lots of supplies that could assist you in rectifying a potential problem while you’re away. You should also ensure that you make your way to the airport with lots of time to spare before catching your flight. Airport check-in procedures are lengthier nowadays due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Photo: Lisa Emanuel

The best way to transition your mindset is to spend some time outdoors surrounded by nature

Get out into nature

If you’re having trouble letting go and immersing yourself in the experience once you arrive at your destination, the best way to transition your mindset is to spend some time outdoors surrounded by nature. The fresh air will work to soothe and calm you, while the excitement of exploring your surroundings will spark that contented vacation feeling and leave you longing for more.

Carretera Austral, Coyhaique, Chile | Photo: O'car Johann Campos

For more information regarding our trip planner, book your free consultation call with us now.

Make the choice

Relaxing during your vacation is indeed a choice, and if you don’t actually make it, your entire getaway will have been for nothing. So, treat yourself to some positive self-talk and block any lingering concerns out as far as possible. Before you know it, you’ll be sitting poolside with a cocktail in hand practically floating on Cloud 9—which is the kind of vacation that you deserve