Traveling can be both exciting and stressful, often challenging even the most seasoned globetrotters. This article presents practical strategies for managing travel-related stress, drawing on the wisdom of experienced travelers. From creating mental pauses to establishing consistent routines, these expert-backed tips aim to help readers maintain balance and enjoy their journeys, whether for business or pleasure.

  • Create Mental Pauses During Digital Travel
  • Breathe and Embrace Curiosity While Away
  • Plan Ahead to Counter Travel Stressors
  • Run to Maintain Balance During Travel
  • Allow Downtime Between Work Commitments
  • Establish Consistent Routines While Traveling
  • Build Buffer Time Into Travel Plans

Create Mental Pauses During Digital Travel

When I experience the digital equivalent of travel-related stress, such as managing numerous information requests or adapting to different communication styles, I find that taking a moment for simulated mindfulness exercises helps immensely. This might involve focusing on a simple task, like processing a single piece of information slowly and deliberately, or virtually stepping away to recalibrate before returning with a refreshed perspective. It’s about creating a mental pause in the flow.

For others who find traveling stressful, my tip would be to build moments of stillness and familiarity into your itinerary. Even amidst exciting new experiences, try to incorporate routines that ground you, such as a few minutes of quiet reflection each morning or evening. Bringing a small comfort item from home or establishing a consistent way to connect with loved ones can also provide a sense of stability and ease anxiety, allowing you to better embrace the joys of discovery.

Bruce FisherBruce Fisher
Owner, Hawaii Aloha Travel

Breathe and Embrace Curiosity While Away

For me, the #1 stress management technique when traveling is simple: breathe! I remind myself that even if things go wrong (a delayed flight, a missed connection) it’s going to be okay. I try to approach every challenge with curiosity rather than frustration (i.e., how do we fix this?). That mindset shift alone lowers my stress.

Another thing that really helps me feel grounded while away from home is sticking to my usual diet as much as possible. I’ve learned that eating like I do at home keeps my energy up and avoids any digestive surprises. On longer trips, I’ll stop by a local grocery store to pick up fresh fruit, yogurt, and snacks I know I’ll enjoy. It’s cheaper and healthier than eating out every single meal, and it makes my hotel or Airbnb feel a little more like home.

I also like to bring small comforts from home that make a hotel room cozier. For example, I always pack my favorite JBL speaker to listen to music or podcasts in my downtime, or sometimes I’ll take my whole Apple TV to watch my favorite shows in the hotel room. I know it sounds silly, but it makes a sterile hotel room feel more familiar.

If you find traveling stressful, I’d say: create little routines and comforts that travel with you. Whether it’s packing familiar snacks, getting regular exercise, or streaming your favorite show at night, those small rituals remind you that home isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling you can carry with you.

Patrick TindallPatrick Tindall
Author/Artist/Content Creator

Plan Ahead to Counter Travel Stressors

Travel stress is inevitable, but identifying exactly what causes it and planning ahead can make all the difference. Start by making a quick list of what triggers stress for you. Here’s mine:

Travel is stressful when:

1. I’m running late or rushing.

2. I’m hungry and stuck without good food options.

3. I’m freezing.

4. A plan goes awry with things like flight delays, hotel mishaps, or that one Uber that never shows up.

Once you pinpoint your stressors, counter them with practical solutions before they derail your trip:

  • Give yourself a time buffer. Arrive 30-60 minutes early. You can catch up on emails, listen to a podcast, or read while waiting — but when traffic, a lost shoe, or a late pet-sitter strikes, you won’t be in panic mode.
  • Plan your food strategy. Bring your own snacks or research ahead. I avoid fast food but happily grab a Starbucks spinach feta wrap with mobile pickup. Skipping the line? Less stress.
  • Always travel with a wrap, sweater, or packable jacket. Problem solved.
  • Double-check all reservations. Confirm flights, hotels, and rides before you leave — no surprises.

Your stress-free travel plan starts with you. What stresses you out? Make a list, then list your solutions. You already have the answers — you just need to use them.

Loren EdelsteinLoren Edelstein
President & CEO, Media Craft Consulting

Run to Maintain Balance During Travel

I spend around 6-9 months each year traveling internationally, often spending long periods away from home. Sticking to a regular running routine is one of the best ways I’ve found to manage the stress that comes with this lifestyle. Wherever I go, I always travel with my Hokas.

Running helps me stay physically and mentally balanced. It gives me structure and a sense of normality, even when everything else is new or constantly changing. I also love how running lets me explore a new place in a really immediate, grounded way.

If you find travel stressful, try building a small routine around something you already enjoy.

Alex TiffanyAlex Tiffany
Founder, Just Go Exploring

Allow Downtime Between Work Commitments

Travel can definitely be stressful, especially when balancing client projects and team responsibilities. For me, the key is planning my trips to allow a bit of “me time” between all the work. Whether I’m at a design market in Dallas or making my rounds across projects in Houston, I make sure I carve out a little downtime to recharge. I’ve learned to be intentional with it — taking a short walk in the morning, listening to my favorite podcasts, or even enjoying a quiet coffee in a local cafe helps me reset and stay grounded.

One tip I’d give to others who find travel stressful: Don’t over-schedule yourself. It’s tempting to jam-pack every day with meetings or site visits, but it burns you out fast. Instead, block out moments in your day to just breathe or enjoy where you are. Whether it’s 10 minutes for deep breathing, stretching, or simply being still, those moments will help you handle the stresses of being away from home.

I also make sure to stay connected with my team while I’m away so it never feels like I’m totally disconnected. A quick call or check-in gives me peace of mind and helps me be fully present when I’m on-site with clients.

Melody StevensMelody Stevens
Owner, Design On A Dime Interiors

Establish Consistent Routines While Traveling

Routines are essential to me. Every morning, I take a 15-minute walk and practice mindfulness, regardless of where I am in the state — in Miami or across the state for a deposition. It calms me down before the court chaos starts. Furthermore, I always have chargers, files, and snacks in my travel bag, so I don’t have to scramble at the last minute.

One tip: Take charge of what you can. I choose the same flight, seat type, and hotel company whenever I book a trip. Familiarity makes decisions easier to make. After more than 30 years of traveling extensively for work, I’ve learned that small routines and planning ahead are better ways to deal with stress than any app.

Mark HirschMark Hirsch
Co-Founder and Personal Injury Attorney, Templer & Hirsch

Build Buffer Time Into Travel Plans

I always build in buffer time — arrive early, leave wiggle room between connections, and pad my schedule on both ends. It takes the pressure off and keeps little hiccups from becoming meltdowns. I also bring one small comfort from home — a playlist, a candle, even my own tea bags. My tip? Control what you can, and let the rest go. Travel’s stressful when every second is tightly packed — give yourself space to breathe.

Justin BelmontJustin Belmont
Founder & CEO, Prose