How to Reduce Stress on Your Travels

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(Newswire.net — December 14, 2018) — It’s the tension in your shoulders, the migraine forming in your frontal lobe, the shaking hands and quiver in your voice – it’s called stress and we all suffer it at some point in our lives.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 59 percent of Americans feel that this is the worst point of U.S. history – that’s a history that includes the Vietnam War, segregation in many states, and the September 11th attacks.

For many, this is symptomatic of a huge variety of issues. Job security is low, the ‘gig economy’ is reducing the prospect of good wages, and this is the first time in a century that the prospects of the young are significantly worse than those of their parent’s generation.

APA stated:

When asked to think about the nation this year, nearly six in 10 adults (59 percent) report that the current social divisiveness causes them stress. A majority of adults from both political parties say the future of the nation is a source of stress, though the number is significantly higher for Democrats (73 percent) than for Republicans (56 percent) and independents (59 percent).

On the plus side, travel is easier than it’s ever been in human civilization. It’s one of the few upsides to an increasingly divided country, that we can hop on a plane to a new destination in a matter of hours.

But for many, a plane trip is as stressful a life event as moving house.

That’s why we’ve put together this short list of tips to make your travels stress-free.

Park your car privately

Trying to park your car at the airport is a major headache that involves negotiating your way through maze like slabs of concrete and endless rows of busyness.

But private valet services exist that can make parking your car a cinch. Looking4.com is an ideal example, offering a private service that will collect your car at your terminal and help make sure you catch your flight on time.

Priority boarding

Getting on your flight before everyone else will help you pick the best seat in the metaphorical house, and saves you having to stand in queues.

Priority boarding isn’t as prohibitively expensive as you might think, and can be enjoyed by even the cash-strapped traveler.

VIP departure lounge

Standard departure lounges are a major cause for stress. They’re crowded, have poor interior design and can feel claustrophobically clinical.

That’s why choosing a VIP option is better for your mental health. These lounges differ from airport to airport, but generally feature gratis food and drinks, free Wi-Fi and plenty of comfortable seating.

Those are our tips! Are you a regular traveler who wants to share their tips on relaxing during a long trip? Or maybe you’ve found some excellent traveler’s discounts and want to share them. Either way, let us know in the comments below.