Preparing for an upcoming trip can be a source of anxiety, which overwhelms many travelers. However, it doesn’t have to be this way because something as simple as packing everyday jewelry instead of expensive pieces can help the journey feel more relaxed. Here are practical steps you can take to alleviate these anxious feelings and rediscover the joy and excitement of your upcoming adventure.
Signs of an Anxious Traveler
Levels of anxiety can vary widely among individuals, but any amount of worry is never welcome and appreciated. For travelers, anxiousness can manifest in various ways, such as restlessness, difficulty sleeping, heightened stress, irritability, sweaty palms or even feelings of nausea. Symptoms aren’t necessarily the same from one person to the next because you may also find yourself constantly swapping items in and out of your bags in the days leading up to the trip.
Additionally, pre-trip anxiety may lead to constantly rearranging items in and out of bags as you strive to ensure you have everything you need. This meticulous preparation reflects a desire to alleviate anxiety by being thoroughly prepared for the journey ahead.
Packing Tips
Keeping certain tips in mind can help ease your anxiety about packing for the trip. One of the best things you can do is set aside some time to decide what clothes, footwear and jewelry you want to bring. Even if it’s a few weeks away, you should do this in advance so you already have an established plan.
A great method for deciding what to pack is to lay the items out on your bed and start constructing outfits you want to wear during your trip. For instance, women can start with versatile items like their favorite jeans, street sneakers, a classic black dress and black ballet flats. These pieces form a strong foundation for creating various stylish outfits throughout the trip. For men, consider versatile pieces that can easily mix and match with others. Start with essentials like well-fitted jeans, comfortable sneakers or loafers, a crisp white shirt and a casual blazer or jacket. These items provide a base for creating numerous different combinations.
As you lay each outfit on your bed, photograph it with your smartphone and add the component to a list of items you want to bring. It will make it easy to remember what outfits you want to wear when you get to your destination.Doing this in advance will also give you a chance to get the packing supplies you need, such as travel shoe bags and a travel toiletry set. Make a separate list of items you need to buy so you can check them off as you get them.
Once you’ve decided on everything you want to bring, make a plan for your suitcases and carry-on. You should never automatically assume you have enough space for everything because you may realize only at the last minute that you don’t. Do a test run and arrange everything in your bags as if you were actually packing for the trip. Consider using packing cubes to keep everything organized. Take a photo when you have all the items in your bags so you can see how you arranged them perfectly and be able to recreate the arrangement when it’s time to do the real packing. Make sure you launder all the items you will be taking at least one day before doing the packing.
When the time comes to actually pack, first lay out all the items on your bed and make sure you have everything that was on your packing list. This can give you peace of mind knowing you remembered to bring the essentials and didn’t forget anything. Keep everything on the bed where it is until it goes directly into one of your bags so you don’t accidentally pick it up and put it elsewhere and forget to pack it.
Essential Items
There are certain essential items you’ll want to bring. Keep in mind that while some items seem like they’re necessities, they might not actually be. For instance, you don’t necessarily have to wear your engagement ring or wedding band when a travel engagement ring or silicone rings might suffice. This can significantly reduce stress while you’re traveling because you don’t have to worry about losing the real ones.
On the other hand, some items are absolute necessities, such as your travel documents, the currency of the country to which you’re traveling, your medications, a power bank, a phone charger and your bank card. If traveling internationally, make sure you bring an adapter so you can plug in your essentials.
You’ll also want to bring hard-to-find toiletries you use on a daily basis. For instance, you can typically get a toothbrush in many locations, but if you have sensitive skin, you might not be able to buy the only sunscreen that doesn’t irritate your skin.
Rather than overpacking, you must be discerning about what is genuinely indispensable and what’s not. Having a little extra space in your luggage doesn’t necessarily mean you forgot something because it can also mean you were extremely meticulous with what you decided to bring and took the minimalist approach. Plus, having extra space in your luggage means you’ll have room for souvenirs and other items you pick up along the way.
Nonessential Items
Only pack clothes and footwear you know you’re going to use. If you’re headed to a locale where you’re not going to be swimming, you don’t need to pack a bathing suit. If you’re going on a hiking adventure, dress shoes won’t do you much good.
Remember, packing nonessential items means sacrificing space that could otherwise be used for items picked up during your trip. Packing fewer items simplifies what you need to keep track of and reduces the potential for travel anxiety. By prioritizing essentials and minimizing extras, you’ll have more room for cherished mementos and less things to worry about on your trip.
Start the Trip-Planning Process Today
Don’t wait to get the packing materials, accessories, clothes and other items you know you require for your trip. Start buying what you need today, so you’re fully prepared when it comes time to do the test run of your packing and when it’s time to really pack for the journey. The sooner you get everything in order, the less heavy it’s likely to weigh on your mind and the better it can be for helping to ease some of the anxious feelings.