Are you planning on traveling during the upcoming holidays? Do you have a range of emotions about traveling. Are you excited about a change of scenery and seeing family, but anxious about bad weather, flight delays, and traffic? If so, you are not alone. This is the busiest and most stressful holiday of the year. So, let’s take a deep breath and think about how we can ease our anxiety before we head off to our destinations.
The first thing we have to do is accept the fact that bad weather may interfere with flights; we may have long flight delays; and, the roads may be packed with other holiday travelers. Accepting that these are all potential problems can help us be better prepared and less frustrated should we face these challenges. But, we need to go a bit further and acknowledge the things we have no control over. We have no control over stopped traffic, flight delays, or bad weather.
Now, we can acknowledge what we do have control over such as how we respond to these trying situations. I have to admit I can get frustrated and irritable when I’m stuck in traffic, miss my flight, and then have to wait for the next flight. I had to take a step back and look at the situation. What was I really upset about? I narrowed it down to being upset with myself because I wasn’t prepared. It was my fault I had missed my flight, even if the traffic was bumper-to-bumper. Had I thought about how the traffic might be as I was planning my trip, I would have left earlier.
Planning can help to reduce the frustrations and stress of holiday traveling. Book an early flight, when there are less people on the road. Depart from an airport that isn’t as crowded. Know what you can and cannot bring on a plane, so you aren’t held up with security. Research things like where to park cheaper offsite and know where that location is in relation to the airport. Make sure you have your necessary documents to fly.
Plan out your road trip and know the best areas to stop for gas, food, and lodging. I like to read TripAdvisor for the best interstate stops. I plan filling up the gas around my pre-planned exits. If you are driving through major cities, plan around that city’s busiest traffic time. For example, when I travel through Atlanta, I leave late enough to avoid the evening work traffic. Also, if you are going over mountains, make sure you are comfortable driving at night and check the weather for ice and snow. I like to use the Waze app because other drivers are commenting on the traffic, alerts, accidents, and construction that are ahead of you. The app also has voice navigation, monitors your speed, and offers re-routing to save time.
Aside from planning, it may be helpful to adjust your mindset to one that accepts the unpredictable chaos that holiday traveling can bring. Make the decision you are going to look at the positive of every situation. Just this small shift in attitude can make the difference in how you response to a sudden disruption in your plans.
I hope these tips help you to have less stress while traveling. I wish each and every one of you a joyful holiday season!
4745 Old Road 37, Lakeland, FL
(863) 608-9392
lakelandcounselors@lakelandcounselors.com