We can’t ignore that 2020 is making things tricky when it comes to travel. The global pandemic has probably aborted many travel plans. A lot of holidaymakers have chosen staycations in the UK over international vacations this year. But even staycations have been challenging. With COVID uncertainty, it’s fair to say that we can’t blame them. However, the situation will, thankfully, not last forever. With adequate safety measures and a vaccine in place, we can expect that one soon – it will be safe to plan a weekend abroad again.
Unfortunately, Brexit adds another challenge to our travel plans. Will it be easy to visit our favourite EU destinations next year? As of today, there is no clear indication about a future Brexit deal. So, it’s hard to tell!
However, even if you ignore Brexit and COVID-19, we’re developing new skills to make travel unnecessary hard for us. Indeed, as if life were not stressful enough for enthusiastic travellers, we frequently seem to be making potentially harmful travel decisions for ourselves. Don’t believe it? Take a look at these common travel stress issues:
We spend far too much on airport costs
Flying doesn’t come for free. You can find cheap connections and last-minute discounts to make things easier, but that doesn’t make your airport trip budget-friendly. Most of us tend to fall in the traps of unnecessary airport costs due to poor planning. It is tempting to bring dozens of outfits to make sure you’ve got something to wear for most occasions. However, most people end up not wearing half of the clothes they brought with them. Pack smartly, and you’ll be able to save substantial luggage cost. Another common money black hole at the airport is food. You end up paying for overcharged treats if you don’t pack a few snacks for yourself!
The eternal dilemma: Location
If you have children, you are familiar with the peak season prices. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to travel during school terms, where popular destinations are more affordable. Travelling at peak times is a source of stress and discomfort. Nobody enjoys crowded areas and overpriced holiday deals. However, if you can’t afford to secure a holiday house for sale, you need to get smart about your holiday plans. Holiday rentals and hotel rooms are expensive during peak seasons. However, you can find smart deals for early bookers. However, you’re unlikely to avoid the crowd, even with a smart deal. That’s why more and more holidaymakers consider buying a second home for their vacations. You’ve got a cosy retreat to recharge your batteries during a cheeky weekend away! Weekends are manageable, even during school terms!
So much to do, so little time
We get it. It’s exciting to visit a new place. But don’t get overly enthusiastic when it comes to your day-to-day schedule. You should plan loosely what you intend to do and visit, but refrain from creating days packed with visits and activities. Why so? Because you’re on holiday! This isn’t a marathon. Focus on relaxing and enjoying each moment. Running from a museum to the next is unlikely to be fun. Instead, learn to be flexible with your vacation. Read about the things you’d like to do, and whenever possible, book your tickets ahead. Just keep a realistic approach to your day-to-day schedule. There will be no getting up at 7 AM to queue for the Louvres: Mona Lisa is not worth the tiredness and the blisters!
Stay away from tourists spots
Where are the best places to eat abroad? If you’ve got a Michelin-starred restaurant in mind, you will, of course, need to brace yourself for the cost. However, if you’ve got no specific requirements, there’s no need to pay the tourist’s price on your restaurant bill. Eat like a local instead! There are two excellent reasons for this. Firstly, you’re likely to find more affordable prices. Secondly, local restaurants for residents tend to give you a delicious insight into the country’s culture. What’s the point of visiting a foreign country if you’re trying to eat the same thing you would at home? Visiting local restaurants is cheaper and more enjoyable. Besides, most places have a translated menu, even though they may not speak English fluently, so you can still order safely. More importantly, you don’t have to face an army of potentially rude tourists. We all know them. They are loud, demanding, and obnoxious, which can make your stay unpleasantly stressful.
Travel stress and travel costs go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, most of us don’t take the time to figure out what makes travelling challenging. With a little strategic planning, you can learn to identify your travel stress triggers: Crowded, loud, and expensive areas. You can’t get rid of all obstacles, but you can transform your holiday experience into a relaxing and soothing retreat with a little planning magic.