How to Prepare for Stress-Less Travel & What to Expect Right Now

You're probably cautious already at this point. Believe me, I know, I was too. That's why this blog is so relevant right now. So let's work through this together. 

Now that the world seems to be opening up again...well, with some ups, downs, and many kinks along the way, I am sure you're ready to leave the nest again. Explore the world outside of your four walls, the map, a screen, neighborhood, however modern technology kept you connected in the meantime. Now, whether leaving the nest means tiptoeing or a giant leap is all up to you. However, we all know how stressful traveling was pre-apocalypse -- okay, that's dramatic, but it felt like the end was near for basically all of 2020, no? Anyways, since I've done a few road trips here and there and more recently, a flight (for the first time in 5 years, with all three kids, might I add), I thought I'd share some preparation steps I like to take to make not only vacation itself less stressful, but also the planning stages and return home.

But first...let me reassure you that while traveling right now can be a frightening because it feels new again and you aren't sure what to expect, it's not all that bad if you, yourself are prepared.

Here's what to expect and how you can stay ahead of those kinks I mentioned earlier. 

• Airports and Airlines require double-layered masks that cover both the nose and mouth, and the masks must not have valves or vents, only a handful will allow gaiters. The exception to this is in between drinking and eating, in which case I did see travelers get told to cover their face in between sips/bites, but I am sure it depends on the staff. They will remind you frequently if they see you without or are wearing it improperly. Additionally, the federal mask requirement is for age 2 and up in U.S. airports (see appropriate airport/airline requirements) and remember this goes regardless of whether or not you are vaccinated. 
• They frequently announce/display signs on how you can get pre/post-travel COVID-tests that are required by many destinations, to make traveling swift and safe. 
• They have sanitizer stations throughout the airport.
• Airlines sanitize between flights and hand out sanitizing wipes as you step onto the plane as well. 
• Expect some restaurant and shop closures throughout some airports and/or special hours (typically set aside for cleaning and capacity limitations). 
• There are cleaning staff consistently cleaning between busy times. I saw them almost hourly during our 5 hour wait (missed flight, whoops). 
• While they have signs encouraging 6 foot distance whenever possible, this is usually not the case during peak hours or any type of line (check-in, security, shops, etc.)
• They are also encouraging the use of the contactless check-ins and baggage. Basically, you check in on your phone, then at the airport you head to the little contactless kiosk surrounded by protective shields, where you weigh your bags and print off your luggage tags and boarding passes yourself, then all you have to do is drop your bags off at the counter where an employee will take it for you. However, there are still staff there to assist you in the event you are having issues or need help. 

Otherwise, operations are being run as normal. The airports are still packed most times of day. 

It's important for you to remember that YOU are responsible for YOUR travel plans, which means that it is vital to the success of your trip to read any and ALL airport, airline, country, state, and local laws and regulations prior to travel. Right now those laws and regulations seem to change daily, so stay on top of it. Remember to simply be considerate of those around you and maintain basic hygiene and mannerisms as you should have been prior to the last year and a half anyways. I'm including the CDC link to get you started on travel safety and requirements right now -- Travel | CDC

PRO TIP (from personal mistakes/experience): Book in advance. Try to fly in the early morning or late night flights as they are far less packed. Also, while paying for non-stop flights is a bit pricier, it does mean less exposure to people during travel, so if you can and have higher anxiety about travelling right now, I'd recommend that option. If you can't, make sure that the airline understands your needs, so that they can accommodate you accordingly or assist you in finding something more suitable. However, if they are common "needs" then also know that they aren't going to make an exception for the individual unless you paid/planned ahead of time with the airline. In that case, be prepared to make other arrangements or make some sacrifices. 

Now that that's out of the way, let's get ready for the fun part -- vacation!

First and foremost, pick your destination (this is the hardest part). Where in the world do you want to go? I am positive your list has grown since early 2020, because we've had nothing but time to research and literally expand our horizons.

Once you've chosen your destination, decide what the main goal of your trip is along with 2-3 smaller goals or priorities; whether they be for downtime or something prevents you from fulfilling your main goal, at least you'll have a back up plan. Basically what is the sole purpose of your trip -- to see family, a friend's wedding, a tourist attraction you've dreamt of seeing since you were a kid, or simply experiencing local life -- and if you have extra time or downtime, what can you do as an alternative?

Now, do you want an easy-going, more go-with-the-flow style trip, or would you prefer sticking to an itinerary? (I've done both, and they both have their pros and cons). From there either sit down and write out your itinerary, or move on to the next step.

This would typically be booking. I don't mean simply booking your flight, I mean all of it -- pet boarding, kid-sitting, house-sitting needs, hotels, events, flights, etcetera -- depending on the duration of your vacation and what your needs are throughout the course of your absence.

Then line up all appointments or business/work-related responsibilities for while you're away or for when you come back. So, if you run a social media that means content creation, ensuring you meet collaboration deadlines, and pre-scheduling your content so that people know you'll be gone or to keep things flowing throughout your vacation. If you run a small business, that means making sure someone else can assist you while you're away or letting your customers and clients know you'll be out of the office for a particular time. A student? Get ahead or let your advisor and professors know you're going on vacation so you can make arrangements for assignments, projects, and deadlines. Even if you've been putting off basic appointments, schedule them now while your motivation is high, just keep in mind the typical post-vacation need for a "stay-cation" and allow your overall-self time to recuperate upon return. This will help you avoid burnout. 

This next step is probably the least-exciting, but the best part to experience once you return. Deep clean and "speed" declutter. I know, you're like wtf Nicci that's the part of why I am running away for a bit? Well, typically stress is higher when preparing for a trip, but so is your adrenaline. This means that you're motivated in ways you aren't normally and usually have more time to complete it. Walk through your house and pile up all the things you've been meaning to get rid of and get it out of the house within ten minutes of piling it (this means out-of-sight, out-of-mind and less regrets). Just get it out -- donate, trash, give away, whatever you plan for it, just get it out of sight permanently. Plus, it also means less clutter to clean around. You're probably also looking at the neglected baseboards and grime build-up around door knobs that you forget about or lose the energy to clean post-toilet scrub. You know, basically all the places you clean prior to company, that your company doesn't actually even notice? Yeah, those. Ha-ha. Do those weird things first, because as your energy dwindles, you'll then feel obligated to clean the daily/weekly stuff anyways (bathrooms, kitchens etc.) I assure you, you will literally feel the energy within your house get lighter, it will feel fresher, and ultimately be more calming. Don't forget to include cleaning all of your laundry so that you can pack without the stress of having "nothing to wear" (or at least less stress). Then strip the beds down and let them breathe while you're away, clean the bedding, but don't make the bed again until you get back (it's good for the bed to breathe and a freshly made bed is just next level comfort for your post-travel body). Do a run-through your house, if it's relaxing now, imagine when you get home. (Great, right?)

Lastly, make a packing list and get to packing. Always keep in mind things such as essentials -- toiletries, medications, important travel docs, charging cords, the basics; but also don't forget to keep your itinerary and destination climate in mind. Don't want to go hiking in heels, or skiing in a bathing suit or wearing something that may be considered disrespectful of the local culture. Alongside the basics, consider down time and carry-on essentials. Planes get cold, lips get chapped, and delays happen so entertainment is always a bonus. Also, in the absolute event that you are finding it hard to relax and wind down in between your fun-filled trip, but didn't schedule a spa-day to help the stress that sometimes creeps up during travel (don't worry, I never do either), bring something that'll bring you peace of mind. For instance, I like a good book and my skincare routine. They're calming, beneficial, and easy to make time for. 

IMPORTANT: To further ease the pre-trip stress, make sure you aren't doing all of the prepping the day before. For our last trip, I completed everything above within 3-5 days leading up to our trip and am a huge believer in the power of lists. I would never intentionally encourage you to increase your anxiety or risk of complete burnout. If you make time, to take your time, you are less likely to hit a wall, complete burnout, or worse -- mental, physical, emotional, and even spiritual illness prior to your trip. So, listen to your body and make sure that you slow down, breathe, and if you can't get it all done, it's not the end of the world. 

Now, get out there and enjoy the world and I hope you find some of these tips helpful!

Follow @wholesomely_nicci to stay-tuned for a pre-travel to-do list template and tips for traveling with kids.