Here are my 5 ways to get yourself mentally prepared and ready to travel!

All about the Foreign Adventure

Remember that one of the purposes and pleasures of travel is that you will be experiencing something new. Because it is new and foreign, you cannot expect to control every situation. Take a deep breath and go with the flow. Keep your wits about you but be open to new experiences and do as the locals do. If you come from a western country, you may expect complete order with times, locations, fees upfront, names etc easily available and identifiable. But in some countries that you’re exploring, they will have their own way of doing it, and in my experience, it works out 99% of the time.

Be open to doing things differently, you’re smarter and more adaptable than you give yourself credit for. Once you get through a few challenging issues, you will be in such a better position the next time something goes a bit wayward.

How to Stay Calm and have Fun before the Trip

Stay off the negative side of the internet is #1. Don’t fill your head with scary what-ifs. Don’t dwell on negative experiences written by individuals on review sites. Listen to upbeat music, have a drink, talk to your travel partner if you have one about what you’re most excited to do, see, and eat. You booked this trip for a reason! remember that.

Prepare for a Successful Journey Ahead

Prepare for what you know you can within reason. For me the best way to set my mind at ease is knowing that when I land i know where i’m going and how to get there. With new countries i usually opt for having the hotel organise a pickup. It is more expensive but removes the stress for the arrival when you’re likely tired and out of your mind. You can sleep it off at the hotel and hit the town like a local when you have your wits and energy.

Pack early before your trip (not the day before or the day). It’s amazing what you will forget and then remember when it’s already too late as your up in the air. See our post here for a packing checklist.

Get to the airport early! better to be sitting at the gate than sweating in traffic with 40mins before takeoff.

Check visa requirements and vaccination requirements (the world of covid19 is still here).

If you’re completely clueless, make use of blogs like this and Youtube travel vloggers. There’s a wealth of information out there.

How to Stay Calm During the Flight

The best way is to keep your mind active. Fortunately we have technology that does exactly that. Fill your phone with your favourite TV shows and movies (Netflix lets you download!), podcasts, games, and even take a thing called a book. Eating is another great way to keep the nerves down, so in those times of stress have one of your favourite snacks on hand.

If all this fails – resort to breathing:

1. Take a slow and regular breath in through your nose.
2. Breathe out through your mouth slowly.
3. Repeat this process at least 10 times or until you begin to feel your anxiety lessen.

Tips on How to Sleep Comfortably on a Plane

Ok, I don’t admit to be very good at this but with these tips you might have a chance. The aim here is to make your seat as comfortable as possible. This might be much easier if you aren’t flying cattle class (economy), but for the purpose of this article, i’m going to assume you are.

1. Wear comfortable clothes – don’t board a long flight with jeans and a shirt. Sportswear is great!
2. Have an eye mask and block out everything visually
3. Use earplugs or headphones – white noise or relaxing music can be particularly useful.
4. Take your shoes off (If your feet don’t stink of course)
5. Put your seat in recline when the timing is right
6. Neck pillows and back pillows – sometimes staff may have spares if you don’t have one, so don’t be afraid to ask. The worst answer you can get is “No sorry”
7. Stay hydrated – Drink water!!!!
8. Get on the plane already tired. Exercise before the flight does wonders.