It’s Heart Day! Giving Thanks
I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as I write this post. And honestly I don't know why. Four years ago today, my beautiful, vibrant daughter had open heart...
Many families find themselves traveling during the holidays each year. Statistics so that more and more people are driving or flying 50+ miles to spend time with loved ones. It’s a necessary journey in order to relax and enjoy the holidays, so it’s important to try keeping it as low-key as possible.
It may seem very enticing to wait for that last minute deal, but sitting on the edge of your seat can also be very stressful. Avoid the nail biting and get the flights, car rentals, and accommodations booked as soon as you can. 6 Tips for Less Stressful Holiday Travel
Create a list of everything that will need to be done while you are away. Give this list to someone you can trust along with a door key. If you have pets, make sure the person you choose is okay to deal with animals. If you have someone handing your mail, plants, pets, and everything else while you are away, you can enjoy your holiday travel with much less anxiety!
It’s possible a flight may be delayed. Getting your family into the car may take much longer than normal. Combat these little dilemmas by planning in an extra hour or two of travel time. Leaving a day early to reach your destination is an even better way to reduce stress. If flying, arrive at the airport at least three hours early – the place is likely to be a madhouse packed with fellow travelers!
It’s worrisome if you need to buy last-minute gifts when you arrive at your destination. Having everything bought and wrapped (if driving) beforehand leaves you with more family time once you’ve made your journey. Having your gifts shipped separately to your destination is a great stress reliever if you are flying, as you don’t have to worry about packing them in your luggage.
Get a good night’s sleep before you head out to your destination. Eat a healthy meal that is filling and likely will not upset your stomach before you leave. Hunger and fatigue are two ways to easily become stressed when traveling, so nipping these in the bud is best. 6 Tips for Less Stressful Holiday Travel
By car, nighttime driving can be beneficial in a number of ways. The kids can sleep, meaning no “I’m hungry” or “Are we there yet” being repeated. It may also mean fewer stops for bathrooms or food. There is also less traffic at night, which is goof for those whose blood pressure rises at the mere thought of sitting on a busy highway.
These holiday travel tips can help you reduce your stress level so you can enjoy the journey. Above all, try to be flexible and not worry too much any minor delays or issues!
Great tips! It’s definitely hard not to be stressed with the chaos of the holiday season.
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