Travel can be invigorating, but it can also be draining. Sitting upright on long-haul flights, sleeping on uncomfortable hotel beds, spending hours each day walking and exploring - these are all recipes for feeling depleted. But this doesn’t have to be the case. With a little planning and preparation, you can take comfort with you on your travels to ensure you’re getting the most out of your trip without your mind and body paying the price. Looking for ways to stay comfortable while traveling? We’ve got you covered with these six tips.
6 Simple Tips to Help You Stay Comfortable While Traveling
1. Stay Hydrated & Nourished for Comfortable Travel
Before we dive into external comfort tips, let’s talk about two ways you can impact your comfort from the inside out: hydrating and eating well.
Hydration levels have a direct correlation to energy, focus, inflammation levels, and body temperature regulation, among other things. Staying properly hydrated ensures your body can feel at its most comfortable from the inside out. When traveling, carry a reusable water bottle, electrolyte packs, and/or your favorite herbal teas for easy hydration.
Also be mindful of the food you’re putting in your body while traveling. Many people experience gastrointestinal distress during travel due to anxiety, changes to daily movement routines, changes in elevation, and/or eating foods they typically wouldn’t. It’s okay to treat yourself on your journey, but try to ensure you’re eating a well-balanced diet full of nutrient-rich foods. Your tummy will thank you.
2. Pack Smart to Keep Comfortable in Any Climate
We now know that hydration can help regulate body temperature, but there’s plenty more you can do to ensure you stay at a comfortable temperature throughout your travels. When packing for your trip, include layers to shed or pile on as needed for fluctuating plane temperatures and varying weather conditions. A scarf can be a great accessory for air travel, for example. You may also want to bring a personal fan (like one of these handheld fans) for stuffy airplanes and hot sight-seeing days. And consider packing warm socks for drafty accommodations or a portable humidifier if you’re sensitive to dry hotel room air.
3. Curate Your Soundtrack
Music and podcasts can be impactful when it comes to grounding yourself, setting the mood, or calming your nerves. Before you travel, take some time to create a few playlists - one for relaxing, one for energizing, etc. Consider the different moods or settings you’ll encounter while traveling, and cater your playlists to them. You may also want to consider noise-cancelling headphones for when you’re traveling publicly (on planes, trains, buses, etc.). They can also come in handy when trying to sleep while rooming with other travelers or in a hotel on a noisy street.
4. Invest In Your Footwear
Travel typically involves a lot of walking, even when it’s not planned. Quality, supportive shoes can be a game-changer when it comes to ensuring you stay comfortable while traveling. It may be tempting to choose style over comfort, but your feet will be thanking you later if you opt for shoes designed for walking. You may also consider packing cozy slippers or compression socks for getting more comfortable on flights or at your accommodations. Footwear can impact posture, energy, and mood during travel, so keep it top of mind before you set off.
5. Assemble Your Must-Have Travel Comfort Accessories
When preparing for your trip, assemble comfort-first accessories to keep handy on your travel days. Some ideas for items to bring: Neck pillow, eye mask, scarf, handheld fan, ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and an easy-access personal “feel good” pouch curated to your preferences (lip balm, hand wipes, facial mist or cream, essential oil roller, calming mints, herbal tea packets, etc.).
6. Keep Your Mental Comfort in Mind Too
There’s a lot you can do to impact your physical comfort during your travels, but travel in general can also take a toll on mental well being, especially when trying to make every second of your trip count. Remember to take breaks from overstimulation, rest when needed, and resist overpacking your schedule. Consider incorporating time for nature walks, workouts, meditation, massages, or other activities that help you decompress.
Feeling overwhelmed while traveling or in anticipation of traveling? Check out our article on how to stay calm when life feels overwhelming for tips to help you cool down when you’re emotionally overheated.
Keep Calm and Travel On
Traveling, whether for business or pleasure, can be taxing on the body, but comfort doesn’t have to be sacrificed when you’re on the go. With a few mindful choices and a little preparation, you can feel rested, relaxed, and ready for the adventures that await. Enjoy the journey with these comfortable travel tips.