7 tips for reducing holiday travel stress, including hydrating and making a checklist

From what to listen to on Spotify to getting to the airport early, save your nerves while travelling this holiday season with these tips

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People travelling for Thanksgiving queue to go through security at San Francisco International Airport. Traveling during holidays can be stressful, but there are steps you can take. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 5:15pm, 2 Dec 2024Updated: 7:11pm, 2 Dec 2024

Travel can be stressful in the best of times. Now add in the high-level anxiety that seems to be baked into every holiday season and it is clear that travellers could use some help calming frazzled nerves.

Travel pros say there is plenty you can do ahead of time to make for a happier and less stressful holiday journey.

1. Make a list and check things off

A week before you leave, write down things you need to bring and tasks you need to do before the trip.

A great way to reduce stress while travelling during the holidays is to make lists of tasks to complete before your trip and things to take. Noise-cancelling earphones or earbuds will block out annoyances. Photo: Reuters

“This can include essential packing items, as well as simple tasks like cleaning out old food from the fridge or watering the plants,” says Jess Feldman, special projects editor at Travel and Leisure magazine.

“The key is to leave the list out for the entire week before you go. I cross the to-dos off throughout the week, and it helps me feel extremely prepared, lessening the stress every time.”

2. Carry your comfort zone with you

Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds can go a long way towards blocking out annoyances during travel, although if you use them you should keep an eye on display boards or your phone for any flight or gate changes.