Living a nomadic lifestyle, traveling from country to country, is an amazing way to live, but does come with it’s own challenges. Long flights, crowded trains and unexpected delays of all sorts can make any trip a little stressful. Jumping from one time zone can take its toll on your health and stress levels.

Before becoming full-time travelers, I enjoyed travel, but got quite stressed about the whole process.  My anxiety would soar when I saw the airport check-in line or security line.  I was always convinced I would miss my flight….even with my two hour arrival buffer.  The reality was that I had only missed one flight in my entire life. It was a return flight and was caused by no fault of mine.  So why did I let the act of travel stress me?  Going on vacation is supposed to be a time to relax and re-energize.  How many times have you returned home after a long trip just feeling you needed another vacation just to recover from the stresses of traveling?

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As we move around the world, I have found that I am now actually enjoying the act of “travel”.  We have figured out what works well for us and find that we are more relaxed and enjoy airport terminals and train stations.  Here are a couple things we do to help us enjoy what used to be stressful:

Tip #1:  When planning a trip, use varied forms of travel.

If you are always flying to your destination, consider taking the train next time.  Cross-country travel by train does take more time and your holiday schedule needs to be able to accommodate this.  We first started traveling by Amtrak back in 2016 and choose this whenever we have the time. When we are traveling long distances, we book a sleeper car, enjoying privacy, great window views of the countryside, sleep, showers and an added bonus of all dining car meals are included with your sleeper car ticket.  We arrive at our destination more relaxed and ready to enjoy whatever we have scheduled.  If a sleeper car is not going to work for you, you can still see amazing country views from any seat or viewing car and the dining room does provide good menu options for purchase.

In Europe, we have enjoyed traveling on regional trains as well as the Eurostar.  Different from the US, European trains play an integral part of daily life.  People rely on the extensive rail system for daily commuting as well as long distance holiday travel.  You haven’t lived until you have stood on a freezing cold train platform in the middle of winter!

Tip #2:  Take advantage of airport lounges whenever possible.

This may sound like a no-brainer, but many people do not know that they can take advantage of airport priority lounges.  Comfortable seating, charging stations, food and beverages.  Some of the larger airport lounges have quiet rooms, massages, shower rooms as well as sleeping pods/rooms.  You don’t always have to be a frequent airline traveler/member to enjoy these amenities, some lounges allow you to purchase daily passes and others are available with credit card memberships.  If you find yourself in an airport with an extended delay and a meal is in your plans, you might want to inquire about a pass for the same price of an expensive food court meal.  Personally, we use the benefits of a Platinum American Express card that includes free use at hundreds of lounges world-wide. Actually, we have never been to an airport that does not have a lounge of some type that we can take advantage of.  When we are not stopping long enough to enjoy the lounge, our AMEX membership allows us to purchase meals from a variety of restaurants with a daily meal credit that varies and usually covers our entire meal and beverage.

Yes, there is an annual fee to have the Platinum American Express card and it isn’t cheap.  Since we have taken full advantage of lounge access, free food, beverages (alcohol as well), we have completely off-set the annual membership fee simply by the money we have saved.  We find ourselves arriving at the airport earlier so as to have a nice meal, relax and start our travel with as little stress as possible.  The free glass of wine also helps!

Tip #3:  Long flight?  Sleep is a necessity.

I am going to admit that I am a lucky traveler that is able to sleep fairly well on an airplane.  No, we do not fly business or first class.  We choose to fly coach and when available, we will add the comfort plus option for that little extra legroom and comfort seats.  But there are things you can do to help you get a little shut-eye so you can arrive as refreshed as possible and ready to tackle any jet-lag head on.

I have a few things I keep in my carry-on that help me ease the discomforts of long flights and will not leave behind.  First is a good pair of noise cancelling headphones.  I personally use them for listening to relaxing music that helps me drift off to sleep or to get in a quick meditation session, but also comes in handy for listening to audiobooks or a movie while noise from other passengers is blocked (not just the crying baby but the loud snoring that comes from the passenger behind you).  If you aren’t one that can sleep listening to music, grab a good pair of earplugs!  Note: please pay attention to the flight crew’s instructions and don’t plug in until it is appropriate to do so.

Second item I don’t fly without is a nice, oversized, comfy scarf.  No matter the season, airplane temperatures can swing from extremely hot to freezing cold.  I don’t carry a travel pillow or blanket.  I use the scarf to keep me from getting cold by draping over my shoulders and arms.  I can also use it as a headrest if necessary. I don’t have to juggle an awkward pillow when making connections or arriving at my destination, just wrap it around your neck or tuck it into a carry-on.

Third, I always carry a bottle of water and a few healthy snacks.  Drinking water and staying hydrated is key and can help reduce swelling in your feet or legs that comes with sitting for long periods of time.  I don’t like to wait to be offered water and generally miss out because I am napping!  International flights will generally offer meals, but I like to have a healthy snack option to ward off hunger between the meals and you won’t go hungry if a meal isn’t enjoyable.  Note: Make sure if you are flying internationally, you know the custom’s guidelines for food entering the country you are arriving at.  Don’t get caught having food that is banned.  Fines are high and throwing away uneaten food is costly.

Staying comfortable and getting rest while flying, will not only make your flight more enjoyable but it can help you keep your jet-lag to a minimum.  Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your next long distance flight:  Travel Survival Tips for Economy Class

Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind. – Anthony Bourdain