For many people, the holiday season can be as stressful as it is exciting. For me, as a queer woman with no family, it’s an emotionally challenging time of year. I often choose to travel during the holiday season as a means of self-care. Here are a few of my favorite tips for keeping safe and sane while on the road this holiday season.
Enroll in Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
I’ve been traveling professionally for 12 years. Enrolling in Global Entry and TSA PreCheck has been the best thing I’ve done for myself. It’s especially useful during the holiday season, when airport lines are legendary for being long and time-consuming.
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows travelers to skip the typical passport control line when they arrive back into the United States from abroad. Members enjoy expedited clearance into the United States by using automatic kiosks at select airports. I’ve never waited longer than a few minutes to use one of the Global Entry kiosks, even when hundreds of people are waiting in the regular passport control line.
Once enrolled in Global Entry, you automatically get all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, enabling you to skip the long lines at domestic security checkpoints for an expedited screening. It’s a two-birds, one-stone program. Plus, you get that smug feeling that comes with zipping by hundreds of people waiting in a snaking line.
Download your favorite audiobooks before your flight
Some folks are music-on-flights people, and some are audiobooks-and-podcasts people. I’m definitely in the latter group. I use the Audible app to download books while I’m in the airport terminal before I board long flights. They’re great for when you’re offline and bored with the in-flight movie selection.
Pack melatonin for long-haul flights
Nothing impacts my mental health quite like missing sleep. Even with more than a decade of travel under my belt, unchecked jetlag still squashes any hope of exploration upon arrival if I’m traveling more than five time zones away. Taking a couple of melatonin gummies on a long-haul flight has been a game changer for me.
Melatonin is the hormone our brains produce in response to darkness. It helps with the timing of our circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. I wake up less groggy than taking sleeping pills because it’s a naturally occurring hormone, and it allows me to take on my day once I land — just like I would at home.
Create healthy boundaries and stick to them
With this time of year comes all types of events, like family get-togethers, corporate celebrations and Friendsgiving gatherings. It can feel overwhelming to be outside your comfort zone — especially when an event requires you to travel.
Create boundaries for yourself that allow you to preserve your energy. Don’t feel obligated to stay with a friend if you’d rather take some space and book a hotel. Stick to your vegan cuisine no matter what your conservative uncle has to say. Drink sparkling water with lime in a fancy glass to avoid coworkers questioning you about your sobriety. Whatever your boundaries are, create an action plan to stick to them regardless of the social awkwardness. You’ll thank yourself later.
Invest in noise-canceling headphones
Noise-canceling headphones reduce the distracting background sounds of the airport and allow me to relax in the terminal. The noise-canceling feature also allows you to listen to your device at a lower level, which can prevent hearing loss over time.
Add an empty reusable water bottle to your carry-on
Packing your own water bottle allows you to stay hydrated on the go. I also like to pack Liquid I.V., my favorite powdered electrolytes, to add an extra punch of hydration when I’m on long flights. Fill up the bottle in the airport after you cross security and you’re not only contributing to your health, but also creating more sustainable travel habits. Avoid drinking alcohol and coffee to excess when you travel, because they both are dehydrating and can contribute to anxiety.
Invest in high-quality travel day attire
There are few things better than being cozy and feeling put together. Have an outfit that allows you to feel your best while you’re battling the stress of holiday travel. My go-to travel day outfit is a matching sweatpants set that fits well. It’s polished enough not to look sloppy, and also comfortable enough to allow me to curl up in my seat and enjoy the ride.
Utilize any extra points and miles for an upgrade
It’s not an exaggeration to say that utilizing points and frequent flier miles has changed my life and the way I travel. Most people earn status on airlines by using a rewards credit card connected to an airline status program. If you aren’t accumulating miles or points toward a program every time you fly, then you are leaving money on the table that can be used for future free flights, hotel stays and, yes, upgrades. There’s nothing like being able to sleep in a lie-flat bed — that you paid for with points— while flying to your destination.
Pack a fully charged power bank
I was recently on a trip where there were no outlets on the plane. I boarded with a 20% battery, and it was a long flight. But worse was the chaos that came with trying to find an outlet and a converter in an international airport so I could charge my phone, access my hotel information and call an Uber. Those little power banks are not just a bit of travel peace of mind, but they’re also a safety consideration when you have to access important travel details on your phone.
Schedule self-care
When we’re visiting friends and family, it’s easy to prioritize loved ones over yourself. This also happens when we’re on vacation. Many people try to squeeze in every activity and schedule every second of their trip. Remember: You are important too. Make time to relax and give yourself the love and attention you deserve. Even if that just means pretending to do some last-minute holiday shopping so you can spend an hour at a coffee shop blissfully alone.
Treat yourself with kindness
Avoid holiday travel burnout by practicing self-care on the road. It’s good for your mind and body, and also helps ensure you won’t return home feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation (we all know the feeling, right?). Find more travel wellness tips in these articles:
- Wellness travel: Why it could be the post-coronavirus stress-buster you need
- Skyscanner study reveals: Spontaneous travel can make us happier
- Treat yourself: Top luxury hotels for a little (or big) splurge
