( Beautiful Illustration by Heatherlee Chan… )
- Keep it simple and save money… Don’t spend loads of money on the “best” clothes… Relaxed, informal clothes work best for travel and vacation… Take one dressy outfit, then buy something locally when you arrive for special occasions…
- Avoid stress by traveling light… Keep luggage to a minimum… What do you really need to take? Start a family contest when going on vacation and see who takes the smallest bag…
- Nervous about flying? Take deep breaths from the bottom of your stomach, with your mouth open… Now place your open hand on your stomach… Add pressure… Gently but firmly, rub back and forth, round and round… You will soon feel relaxed and back in control… ( There are many simple exercises and techniques like this in my book “The Essence of Self Healing”… ) Mentally visualize a stress free, incident free, smooth journey…
- Drink plenty of water while traveling… Avoid coffee and alcohol… Carry some hard fruits and nuts to snack on… This will ensure you stay feeling energized and relaxed and avoid feeling bloated and travel sick… Only read or watch movies for small periods of time… Take regular breaks, walk around when possible…
- While traveling, kick off your shoes… Undo belts, buttons and waistbands… Give yourself room to breathe! Socialize with others if you feel like it and ignore others if you don’t.. It’s ok, remember, you are on vacation…
- During travel and vacations of any kind, get into a positive frame of mind… Expect the best… Don’t look for delays or expect to get lost or ripped off… Choose how your experience will be and make it a positive choice…
- Break normal patterns and routines… Take time out each and every day to de-stress… Read a book… Take a walk… Journal… Sit in nature: the mountains, a park, a beautiful garden, by the sea, by a lake… Find beauty and simplicity… Repeat firmly in your mind once or twice a day: “I am letting go of everything I no longer need”…
- Try to have as few plans as possible. ..Take your vacation one day at a time! For a change, don’t book up extended stays in a hotel before you go… Schedule your first night or two, then look around and see where else you want to be… Open up to the traveler and adventurer within…
- Make an effort to speak the native language! Even a few words will delight the locals and make a difference to how you are treated and received… Leave expensive cameras and equipment at home… The less you have to worry about the more chance you will have to really relax…
- Have a real adventure! The world is getting smaller… Take travel insurance if you need to help you feel secure… Check out destinations off the beaten track, ones that are not quite so popular… Do your research – you can save money and find great deals… Exotic destinations you’ve only dreamed of can be within your reach…
