Travel photographs always show us in front of amazing vistas smiling and having the best time in the world. What they won’t show is the drama and sometimes trauma that comes with globe-trotting. I’ll just say right off the bat I am NOT an expert in emotional zen, BUT I have traveled enough to see some pretty generic trends and learned about what not to do. Traveling is hard on the mind, body and emotions. It’s brimming with soaring highs and challenging lows. When you are completely out of your element, mentally, emotionally and physically drained, it is virtually impossible to keep your cool! But here are a few tips:
1. Know You WILL Get Stressed
The first step is knowing that you are in for some stressful situations. It is not possible to mitigate all the problems you will face as you travel without stress. It will come. So learn what you can do to recover from these moments.
For me it is being alone. I expend so much mental and emotional energy when I travel that to recover I need a lot of alone time. This means leaving my friends or family to explore on my own for the day. Or staying in one night when everyone goes out to dinner. I have a fear of missing out on things when I travel and that keeps me going and doing when I should be resting and recovering. It’s my kryptonite.
2. Be Proactive
There are ways to diffuse many stressful situations before they happen.
- EAT! – one major stressor on your body and with groups of any size is when you or someone else suffers from being hangry. Things go downhill like an avalanche when someone is hungry. If someone says they are hungry, literally stop everything and find a place to eat. Eat regular, nutritious meals high in protein and always carry snacks and water with you. Many health problems surface when exacerbated by stress and not enough food/water, like migraines.
- Be Prepared then Be Flexible – Be prepared with information about your travel destination whether that’s through a guide, a book, a tour company etc. Having a common knowledge of the customs, currency, local transportation and area will go a long way with your own comfort level in a new place. Then when your itinerary doesn’t work out the way it’s supposed to, because it won’t, be flexible. You CANNOT see and do everything. It’s not humanly possible. Enjoy the moment and the rush of being somewhere new and unexpected.
- When Someone is having a bad moment – don’t take it PERSONALLY! It’s really not about you. Talk about it and ask how you can help! Don’t ignore the person or the situation because, my friends, it only festers when you’re with someone 24/7.
3. Recover Quickly
When stress hits you on a trip, acknowledge it and take action to change the situation. No matter where you are (stuck in an airport terminal for the third day in a row or not getting along with travel companions) there is always something you can do.
- Talk openly about your stress and ask for help
- Listen to music
- Go for a walk
- People watch (Love this one! Works wonders)
- Read a book
- Meditate
- Use essential oils
- Lock yourself in the bathroom and take a shower
One of the greatest things about travel is it’s ability to hijack all of your senses, so that you are living moment to moment drenched in awareness. It’s the thing I love most about travel. My advise: be along for the ride, don’t try and control it, just let the good and bad come and experience this amazing journey!
I will now try and take my own advise.
Happy Travels,
