Let’s face it; the act of travel has become stressful.

We go on vacation to get away from the pressures at work and at home, but navigating through the airport and getting on your flight can be the most stressful part of your trip!

After 10 plus years of traveling the world, we’ve compiled a list of stress-free travel tips to help you have a happy vacation from start to finish.

You don’t want anxiety to build before you’ve even left the airport. Therefore, we have some tips to help you travel stress-free and enjoy your vacation from the minute you drive up to the terminal.

1. Arrive Early

Gone are the days when you can show up an hour before your flight. Give yourself plenty of time to account for any unforeseen circumstances.

You may encounter long waits for parking shuttles, which can cause unnecessary stress. That’s why we recommend arriving three hours early, regardless of where you’re flying. This way, you won’t have to worry about missing your flight.

Tip: If you don’t want the hassle of dealing with shuttles, consider utilizing Valet Service. When using valet parking, you can simply pull up to the terminal, drop off your keys, and walk straight to check-in.

2. Pack Light

Packing light can significantly enhance your travel experience. If possible, try to travel with only a carry-on bag. This will save you time at the check-in counter and minimize stress.

• Traveling light means saving time at check-in.
• You’ll find you don’t need half the items you bring, leading to a more relaxed vacation.

Less luggage also means more space and comfort while traveling, as you won’t be struggling to fit oversized bags into the overhead compartments!

3. Check-In Online

Checking in 24 hours in advance can save you a substantial amount of time at the airport. We consistently check-in online and either print our tickets or save them on our smartphones, allowing us to head straight to security.

If printing isn’t an option, you can still check-in online and print your boarding passes at a kiosk upon arrival. This step can save valuable time and reduce stress.

4. Skip The Security Lane

Security lines can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of traveling. Acquiring elite status with airlines can give you access to faster security lanes.

For those who don’t travel frequently, certain credit cards offer benefits that allow you to skip long security lines, significantly easing the travel experience.

5. Be Prepared

When you arrive at security, being prepared can make a substantial difference. Keep all items that need to go into the bin easily accessible. Have all liquids packaged together, laptops ready to be removed, and pockets empty.

• Opt for easy slip-on shoes, as they need to be removed during screening.
• Avoid wearing hats or jackets to facilitate easier passage through security.

6. Relax

After check-in and security, it’s essential to unwind. If you have lounge access, this is a perfect time to enjoy some peace. Many lounges provide complimentary food, drinks, and other amenities to enhance relaxation before your flight.

Lounges offer a retreat from the airport chaos, helping you feel calm and composed before your journey.

7. Create a Care Package for Travel

Before boarding, compile all necessary items into a small bag that you keep with you in your seat. This care package allows for an enjoyable flight experience with everything you need readily available.

Consider including:

• Noise-canceling earbuds
• Chapstick
• A small tube of moisturizer
• Travel toothpaste and toothbrush
• Face mask
• Your credit card for potential in-flight purchases
• Sunglasses
• Electronics for entertainment
• Basic medications for common travel ailments
• Handy wipes and tissues

Having these items at your fingertips enables immediate relaxation, allowing you to enjoy your journey without rummaging through overhead storage.

Travel should not be a source of stress. Even in today’s hectic environment, it can be a comfortable experience. Consider these tips for a smoother travel adventure.

Do you have tips for stress-free travel? We would love to hear your insights!