Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
Stress is a significant public health concern, directly linked to a variety of mental and physical health problems, including anxiety, depression, heart disease, immune system issues, insomnia, and digestive problems.
While holidays are meant for relaxation and rejuvenation, a lack of proper planning or mindset can turn them into stress sources rather than the relaxing breaks we look forward to.
In this guide, we're here to help you navigate stress-free travel and effective stress management, ensuring your time away is as rejuvenating as you hope.
What is Stress?
Stress triggers a primarily physical reaction; it signals to the body that it's facing a threat, activating the 'fight or flight' response. This response unleashes a sophisticated blend of hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine, priming the body for action.
This triggers a series of responses, including the redirection of blood to muscles and the temporary suspension of non-essential bodily functions like digestion. The sensation of a racing heart and rapid breathing is due to adrenaline, which not only provides a surge of energy but also sharpens our focus, allowing us to swiftly react to the situation.
The issues around stress come when our body goes into a state of stress in inappropriate situations. When blood flow is going only to the most important muscles needed to fight or flee, brain function is minimised, this can lead to an inability to ‘think straight’ and if we are kept in a state of stress for long periods, it can be detrimental to our health. Therefore, it is crucial to manage our stress levels and find ways to alleviate and prevent it.
Travel and mental health
Dr Sarah Jarvis is the Clinical Director of the Patient Platform, an active medical writer, broadcaster, and the resident doctor for BBC Radio 2.
After so much time without travelling, holidays have taken on a greater appeal than ever. Many of us dream of jetting off to a sun-drenched island for a week of doing nothing or being hugged at the airport by our much-missed family members. There is one thing all holidays have in common: they provide us with a much-needed escape, whether you choose to lay by the pool, wander tropical rainforests, or slide through crisp powder snow.
Find out more in my blog about the benefits of travel on mental health.
How Does Travel Contribute to Stress?
Travelling can be a significant source of stress due to several factors, including the unfamiliarity of new destinations, which can leave travellers feeling lost and disoriented. The potential of transportation delays is another common stressor, as they can disrupt carefully made plans and lead to missed connections or important events. Language barriers add another layer of difficulty, making simple tasks like ordering food or asking for directions challenging and sometimes embarrassing.
Furthermore, changes in routine can unsettle travellers, as the comfort of familiar habits is replaced by the need to adapt to new schedules and environments. These factors can all trigger the body's stress response, leading to heightened feelings of anxiety and frustration, which can overshadow the enjoyment of the trip.
Travelling also demands a considerable amount of planning and organisation, which can be particularly overwhelming for some people. The process of booking flights and accommodations requires careful research to find the best deals and ensure a pleasant stay. Creating itineraries involves juggling various attractions and activities to maximise the travel experience, while also leaving room for rest and spontaneity.
Packing, too, is an art that requires forethought to ensure that all essentials are included without overburdening oneself with unnecessary items. All these tasks need to be completed before embarking on a trip, adding to the pre-travel stress.
Moreover, travel frequently entails being in close quarters with others, including both fellow travellers and local inhabitants. Aeroplanes, trains, and buses can be crowded, limiting personal space, and challenging one’s patience and tolerance. This proximity can generate social pressure, leading to feelings of self-consciousness and anxiety in individuals who are wary of invading others’ space or being judged for their behaviour.
Furthermore, the emergence of COVID-19 has significantly heightened these stressors, introducing concerns about health risks in close environments. The pandemic has made people more cautious and sometimes anxious about the prospect of being near others, especially in confined spaces like those often encountered during travel.
What Are the Benefits of Travel on Stress?
Despite the potential stressors associated with travel, there are many benefits to embarking on a trip that can help alleviate stress and improve overall well-being. Here are some of the ways travel can benefit our mental health:
Unplugging from your daily routine: Travel allows us to take a break from our busy routines and disconnect from everyday responsibilities. This break can provide much-needed rest and mental relaxation, helping to reduce stress levels.
Exposure to new environments: Visiting new places exposes us to different cultures, languages, and ways of life, which can broaden our perspectives and provide a sense of adventure. This exposure can help alleviate stress by taking our minds off daily worries and providing a fresh outlook on life.
Opportunities for physical activity: Many travel destinations offer opportunities for physical activity, such as hiking, swimming, or even walking tours. Engaging in these activities can release endorphins and improve mood, helping to combat stress.
Encourages mindfulness: Traveling requires us to be present and aware of our surroundings. This focus on the present moment can help reduce anxious thoughts about the past or future and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
Builds resilience: Travel often involves navigating unfamiliar territories and overcoming challenges, which can build resilience and confidence in dealing with stress. These experiences can also provide a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
READ MORE: Why is Travel So Important?
How Can I Manage Stress on Holiday?
In today's fast-paced world, it's not uncommon to find yourself swamped with work, family duties, and a myriad of other responsibilities. This constant hustle can lead to heightened stress levels and leave you feeling busier than ever. It's vital, however, to prioritise moments of relaxation to safeguard your mental and physical well-being.
Taking a holiday presents an excellent opportunity to alleviate stress by providing a break from the daily grind. Whether through relaxation, exploration, or new experiences, stepping away from your routine can significantly help in rejuvenating and recharging your energy.
And the benefits come on quickly – almost 9 in 10 people in one survey saw their stress levels drop within a couple of days, regardless of what their health was before the trip. This goes on to show how being away from the daily grind can be beneficial for everyone.
So, if you are planning a trip and wondering how to ensure maximum relaxation and stress relief while travelling, here are some tips:
Make a List of What to Pack
One of the things people find the most stressful about going on holiday is packing. A highly effective strategy to mitigate this is to think ahead, by creating a detailed itinerary, for each day. Outline your intended and planned activities - visiting a museum, dining out, or spending a day at the beach.
Once you have this diary make a list of the clothes you need for each activity. You can then ensure you have the right clothes for each day and avoid over-packing. Better yet, you will also remove the stress or worry about packing the right clothes to enjoy your trip.
Additionally, take a moment to check the weather at your holiday destination whilst you are visiting. This will also help if you need to take clothing options should it forecast rain. Being prepared is usually the best strategy to help avoid unwanted stress or disappointment.
READ MORE: Mastering the Art of Packing
Know Your Baggage Limits
Airline baggage restrictions have become more stringent than ever before, with rules that can vary significantly depending on the airline you choose to fly with. It's crucial to visit the carrier's website well in advance of your flight to familiarise yourself with their specific luggage policies.
Additionally, taking the time to carefully measure your luggage against these guidelines will ensure that you select the appropriate suitcase for your journey. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to an unpleasant situation at the airport, where being charged with a hefty fine for an oversized suitcase will undoubtedly add unnecessary stress and frustration at the beginning of your holiday.
To avoid such scenarios, always double-check your luggage dimensions and weight limits to ensure a smooth start to your travels.
Travel Preparation
The journey aspect of holidays is often regarded as the most stressful part of vacation planning. However, with careful and strategic planning, this can be transformed into a relaxing and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. This is especially true when travelling with children; ensuring you have ample entertainment to keep them engaged, entertained, and happy throughout the journey is crucial.
When it comes to the mode of travel - be it flying, taking a train, or boarding a coach - it's vital to allocate sufficient time to arrive at your departure point well in advance. This includes accounting for potential traffic delays, long queues at security checkpoints, and the time needed for boarding processes. Planning for these eventualities can help in avoiding any unnecessary stress or panic, ensuring that the journey starts on a positive note.
Additionally, preparing a travel checklist ahead of time that includes all necessary documents, tickets, and essential items for the journey can further smooth the experience. This proactive approach not only ensures that nothing important is forgotten but also contributes to a sense of preparedness and calm.
Agree and Know Your Budget
Particularly crucial if you are planning a trip with others, it is vital to establish a clear budget before your journey begins. Agreeing on a budget you're all comfortable with can prevent the discomfort of feeling pressured to spend beyond your means or the frustration of missing out on activities you were looking forward to because of budget constraints. Such financial stress can overshadow the joy of your holiday. Make sure to adhere to this agreed budget to ensure a harmonious trip.
Additionally, a step often overlooked but equally important is to inform your bank about your travel plans. This is a precaution to prevent your bank from suspecting fraudulent activity when your card is used in a new location, which could lead to your cards or accounts being temporarily frozen.
A quick call to your bank to notify them of your travel dates and destination can save you a lot of inconvenience, ensuring you have uninterrupted access to your funds while away. This small act can enhance the smoothness of your financial transactions during your travels, adding to a more enjoyable trip overall.
Get the Right Cover
Knowing that you are covered for any unexpected events while on holiday brings immense peace of mind and significantly reduces stress when travelling. This is especially important for those with medical concerns or pre-existing medical conditions. Travel insurance that caters to your unique health needs is not just a luxury; it's a necessity.
Fortunately, here at Medical Travel Compared, finding the right protection has never been easier. Whether you have a pre-existing health condition or are just looking for comprehensive travel insurance, we can help!
Our comparison tool allows you to quickly compare travel insurance quotes from our panel of specialist providers. Ensuring that you find a policy that meets your specific needs in just minutes. This way, you can focus more on enjoying your trip and less on what could go wrong.
Remember to Enjoy Yourself on Holiday
Finally, it's essential to remember the purpose of your travels - to relax, recharge and have fun! Don't get too caught up in planning and anticipating every minute detail; allow for some spontaneity and flexibility. Some of the best holiday memories are often made when we let go of strict schedules and expectations.
Take the time to immerse yourself in new cultures, try new foods, and engage in activities that you wouldn't typically do. Of course, while being mindful of your safety, budget, and travel plans. By doing so, you can fully experience the joys of travelling and create lasting memories that will stay with you long after your journey ends.
Get a quoteTaking the time to meticulously prepare for your holiday can transform the entire experience, turning potential stress into seamless joy. From making detailed packing lists that align with your activities and checking airline baggage restrictions to planning your travel and setting a firm budget, every step ensures a smoother, more enjoyable holiday.
Additionally, securing the right travel insurance gives you the peace of mind necessary to fully relax and immerse yourself in the adventures ahead. With these preparations in place, you're not just planning a trip; you're crafting the memories that will last a lifetime.
Now, with all that planning taken care of, the only thing left is to step out the door and set off on your well-deserved holiday, safe in the knowledge that you're fully prepared for whatever comes your way.