Calm, Cheap, Cheerful Travel is Possible

Traveling can be an emotional and physical roller coaster. Gas prices are skyrocketing and baggage allowances change by the day, so it’s no wonder vacationers are staying home this year.

If you have the right mindset, vacations are a break in the routine, an adventure, maybe a new experience. Hopefully you’re already relaxed. But the truth is, no matter how “zen” your mind during the day to day grind, it’s nice to have some time off.

If you plan on traveling this summer, follow this guide and you’ll be stress-free.

TRAVEL ON A BUDGET (It’s not relaxing if you’re breaking the bank!)

• Stay close to home: It’s often true that we don’t take advantage of “tourist attractions” close to home. I’m sure there’s something within 90 miles of your home that others travel to see and do. Why not check it out? Pack up the car, bring some food, get a place to stay in your price range and have an extended weekend exploring your own backyard. Do something physical for a fun packed challenge. What better way to rejuvenate?

• Spend on airfare, do a home swap: It’s probably something you’ve heard of but never considered. Consider spending your money to travel further, but saving money but swapping homes with someone for free. Try these sites: HomeExchange, HomeForExchange, U-Exchange, HomeForSwap, Craislist Swap For the best price on airfare, try Kayak

• Have a flexible schedule? Be spontaneous: Take advantage of airfare/hotel package deals that come up on a whim. Check websites often and if something interests you, pack up quick and make a mad run for the airport!

• Attend a program: Often times programs are all-inclusive, so if you know exactly how much you’ll spend and if you can afford it. What are your interests, passions, and hobbies you’d like to spend more time on? I’m sure there’s a program for it whether you want to meditate, learn chess, mountain bike, go rock climbing, learn to cook, etc. Summer time is the most popular time for programs, and since they’re prearranged the planning is taken out of your hands. All you have to do is pay, pack, and go!

• Give yourself a budget: Don’t go over it. If you can’t afford to do activity X, find cheaper activity Y or free activity Z. Make friends on your trip – locals will point you in the right direction, urging you to spend time on what’s worth it and save on what’s not.

STRESS FREE TRAVEL PREP (It’s not relaxing if you’re rushing!)

• Make a packing list, Check it twice, Eliminate: You don’t need as much as you think. Throw a bottle of mild detergent in your bag for hand washing if there aren’t machines available at your final destination(s). I’ve just left for a 2.5-month summer sojourn, and I only brought 63 lb. of stuff with me. That may sound like a lot but it includes blankets, pillows, towels, all of my dance clothes, stage make-up, normal clothes, work clothes – and I got it all into one bag!

• Get “non-packing” things done in advance: Forward your mail, fill your prescriptions, make your packing list, buy any traveling extras, arrange for the kennel or a house sitter, sublet your place (saves $), make any other necessary arrangements. You don’t need to think about these things when you’re packing and traveling.

• Books: I used to add a lot of weight by carrying around the books I was reading and planning to read. Well, that’s just dumb. This time I took 3 books and 1 textbook (I’m taking a course online, which allows my mobility). When I run out I’ll go to the library or exchange with new friends along the way.

• Toiletries: Bring the basics: small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap (bar soap works for your body and your face, won’t leak, and won’t take up much room), travel sized shave gel, moisturizer, hair product, mini blow-dryer (if you must, hotels have them), deodorant, and one travel sized fragrance. You should also bring a mini brush, because it works just the same as the big one.
  • *Note* Look for the travel section of your drugstore where you can find airport-accepted sized containers. If you’re only taking a carry on this is all you need to bring with you, and it’s pre-approved (less hassle at security, and no risk of losing your things!)

• Medicines/Ointments: Prepare these ahead of time. Fill prescriptions if you need to, but only bring what you’ll need for the time you’re away. At the end of the trip you shouldn’t have any left, and should be able to discard of bottles/tubes/etc.

• Make-up. Stick to one basic look for day and add an extra shadow or two for night. Oh… and you really don’t NEED those 20 lipsticks

• Shoes: If you’re doing a lot of walking, wear your sneakers to the airport. Might also bring flip-flops or sandals and 2 pairs of dress shoes (white and black?). Don’t bring shoes you might wear once.

• After Each Trip: Make a list of things you thought you brought and didn’t need. Each trip requires different items, but in general you’ll see where you’re over-packing problems lie.

TRAVEL HAPPY BODY (it’s not relaxing if you’re in pain!)

We’ve all felt the aches and pains of a long day of travel. Cars, buses, trains, and planes… they each provide their own un-comforts. Here are a few ways to start (and end) your trip without adding stress to your physical self

• Allow for extra time: Rushing may cause you to carry something wrong and eliminates the ability for breaks.

• Go for Wheels: Whenever possible, roll your luggage. Carry things evenly when you do need to carry something. A backpack is better than an over-the shoulder bag. Try to pack baggage evenly, and pack bags you have to carry lightly.

• Get up and Move: Feeling stiff? Get up. Walk around the parking lot/ airport/ aisle for a little bit. Find a space and do some yoga or pilates. Stretch out your neck, your back, your arms and breath deeply.

• Invest in “travel happy body” gear: Pick up a neck pillow, if nothing else. It keeps you in alignment and reduced travel caused pain. (Trust me, the difference is amazing!)

• Wear comfortable shoes: This will keep you in alignment, comfortable, and it will keep those heavy shoes out of your luggage. For more information about healthy footwear, look no further.

• Allocate time to meditate/exercise: Vacation doesn’t mean you need to neglect routine self-care. Find a space of time in the morning or the evening for yourself to meditate or practice some form of exercise. There is no better time than vacation. If you’re away, find a local gym/pilates studio/yoga center, etc. and take a class. New perspectives are enlightening refreshing, and lead to growth (even if the experience is a total bust).

• Eat well: It’s vacation, so you may splurge a bit more but in general keep it healthy. Don’t go for McDonalds just because you’re at the airport. Keeping yourself on the same diet as normal will keep you and your blood sugar happy. When you start feeling the drag of extra sugars and processed foods you don’t normally consume, you’ll be tired and bloated rather than calm and happy. Make sure to drink water as moving through different climates and sea levels can be dehydrating.

I know this sounds like the packing list seems extremely minimal, but not compared to this list (as heard on NPR). I fit everything I needed into one bag, one backpack, and my laptop case. I might be doing a LOT of laundry, but my travels today were easier, lighter, and calmer than ever.