posted by: Gypsygal Prime

I don’t usually travel during the holidays as I don’t see the point of paying for peak season (i.e. overpriced) tickets/accommodations, or jostling for seats and space in crowded places. A holiday for me means relaxing in my own space, without having to deal with noise and nosy people.

But I ‘m the first to concede that sometimes, we just need to, well, brave it out – the crowds, the expense – and travel during the holidays due to some family obligations and other personal commitments. This week, for instance, I had to go to Singapore to attend a friend’s wedding. And in between packing and completing work commitments and basically cramming, I was thinking how I can manage to do everything and still attend a wedding without looking frazzled and tired.

Below are some ways that helped me in keeping stress levels low while coping with the holiday travel rush:

1. Ask for help

–  You don’t have to do everything on your own just because you’re traveling alone.  Don’t hesitate to  ask  your family/friends/virtual

photo by Heath Doman for www.dreamstime.com

assistant for help while preparing for your trip or when you can’t cope with the many things that you need to do while traveling.

2. Prepare a list(s)

Get a notebook and jot down all the things that you need to do or finish before you travel. Write down also a list of things that you need to pack, your travel itinerary, the must-see sites that you want to visit and even a list of souvenirs that you want to buy. Writing everything down will clear your head, keep you focused and help you in sorting out your priorities.

3. Make reservations

Not only of the plane/bus tickets towards your destination, but the return tickets a well. Use the internet and search for a hotel which can still accept reservations even in such a short notice. Ask your friends or relatives if they can spare a couch for you for at least a night. Traveling during the holidays is tiring, and at the end of the day, all you really want is to lie down on bed/couch/mat and have some precious sleep.

4. Bring a book

This is a time for waiting – waiting for the much delayed flight to take off, waiting for the hotel staff to clean your room, waiting for the harassed waiter to bring the meal that you ordered in a restaurant filled with tourists. There’s nothing you can do  about it so you might as well keep yourself entertained. I always bring books and newspapers with me, as nothing beats the long wait than being absorbed in a good novel.

5. Bring your own food and medicine kit

A must for those who have particular health/dietary needs. A sandwich, a salad or an apple is better than having to endure unhealthy instant noodles and soda that most airlines offer on board.

6. Keep small change ready – and put it in your belt bag.

That way you don’t need to fumble inside your luggage, just looking for some money to pay for the terminal fee, cab fare or a cup of coffee that gives that much needed caffeine jolt.

7.  Remember to breathe

Take a deep breath, close your eyes for a moment and just savor  these few moments for yourself. A brief moment of tranquility will keep you at peace and in focus.
Enjoy your trip. Merry Christmas!

References:

Here are some links which can help you with beating the holiday travel-stress

1. Ann Pizer’s About.com’s  yoga site: Yoga teacher Ann Pizer offers a step by step guide on how to use asanas and simple breathing exercises as a quick fix to stress.  It’s so simple  and you can do it anywhere.

2. How to Be Mindful During the Holidays, in 350 words by Leo Babauta –  Holidays can be a crazy time  –  we try to cram in everything, beating work deadlines while wrapping and shopping for gifts and preparing for family get togethers.  But for simplicity guru Leo Babauta, the key is not to panic but to focus on what’s really important.

3. How to Cope with Holiday Flight Cancellations, Overbooked Planes, and Other Airline Adversity by Wendy Perrin – The title alone say’s it all.   Condé Nast Traveler‘s award-winning advice columnist gives six tips on what do when you’re stuck in the airport.

4. Stranded in the City (of Baguio): Some  Lessons on Letting Go by Prime Sarmiento –  I was traveling in Baguio when  Parma –  one of the worst typhoons in Philippine history – hit this mountain city resort.  Yup, I was stranded for a few days, but I learned how to cope by giving up my inner control freak and letting go.