5 Tips for stress-free Traveling

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As someone who traveled full-time in an RV with my family for three years (and we still travel domestically and abroad multiple times a year), I’ve learned a lot about how to maintain a joyful, stress-free routine while on the road. Whether you’re taking a short vacation or embarking on a long-term adventure, the right mindset and preparation can help you have an unforgettable experience. In this post, I’m sharing 5 essential tips for creating a joy-filled routine during your travels.

1. Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Start

The more you plan ahead, the smoother your trip will go. When we were traveling full-time in an RV, we had to plan everything meticulously, from booking campsites to researching local attractions to avoiding low clearance tunnels and overpasses. Here’s how you can apply this to your own travels:

• Book flights, accommodations, and transportation ahead of time to ensure you get the best options.

• Research your destination to know what you want to do and make reservations for popular activities or tickets.

• Check your passport expiration date to avoid any travel disruptions (especially if you're traveling internationally).

• Map out your route and know how you'll get around, whether that's by train, bus, or car. When driving an RV it’s important to check multiple maps- Google maps is not always accurate!

Having these things sorted before you leave will help you feel more relaxed and ready to enjoy your trip.

Travel Tip: Remember to pack a cozy pashmina—it’s perfect for chilly plane rides or long bus journeys. I love this one!

2. Set Realistic Expectations: Embrace the Adventure

Travel is an adventure, and with any adventure comes a little unpredictability. Setting the expectation that not everything will go as planned can help you stay calm when things don’t work out. Whether it’s a flight delay, a last-minute change in plans, or a weather hiccup, remember that it’s all part of the experience.

On our way to Zion National Park, we didn’t realize that you had to make an appointment to drive a big rig through the tunnel into the park. We had to turn around and drive an additional 2 hours to enter through the other direction.

Adopting a flexible attitude and focusing on the positives will help you fully enjoy your time away, even with annoying detours!

3. Be Flexible: Go With the Flow

Plans are bound to change, and sometimes, the best moments come from the unexpected. While traveling full-time in the RV, there were days we didn’t stick to our original itinerary, and those were often the days we discovered something new and exciting. If a museum is closed, explore a local café. If your hiking trail is blocked, find a scenic detour. The more flexible you are, the more you’ll enjoy the journey.

Travel Tip: Comfortable shoes are a must for those spontaneous detours. I recommend these shoes for exploring city streets, especially abroad.

4. Buy Clothes That Make You Feel Good

When you’re on the go, feeling good in what you’re wearing is essential. After all, you want to look good for photos, but also feel comfortable throughout your adventures. I’ve learned that choosing the right clothes can make or break your trip. For example, a linen dress is breathable, versatile, and perfect for most climates. Research what locals wear at your destination and dress accordingly for comfort and confidence.

Travel Tip: I LOVE this linen dress and pack it for all my summer trips.

5. Have Fun: Enjoy Every Moment

The most important thing to remember when traveling is to have fun! Whether you’re strolling through a new city or relaxing at a remote beach, take time to appreciate each experience. Capture memories with photos, engage with locals, and enjoy the freedom that comes with travel. It’s all about soaking in the sights, sounds, and people around you. And don’t forget to relax and have fun along the way! Believe me, even the most stressful moments you will look back on fondly!

Join My Lush Lounge Community

If you want to dive deeper into how to make every aspect of your life joyful, including travel, consider joining my Lush Lounge community! It’s a space where we share tips on everything from travel hacks to living a positive, fulfilling lifestyle. You’ll get exclusive insights, resources, and support to help you create a life you love.

Cheers,
Courtney