Tips for stress free travel

Stress who needs it or wants it?  Stress is what you are trying to leave behind when you are going on vacation.  Until you arrive at your cush resort in the Caribbean stress may be following you.  You have to book your flight, find the perfect resort, choose the times that fit best, pack, and plan out everything you want to do while you are there.  Then you have to hope you didn't forget something.  On top of it all you have to deal with cranky people, crying babies, and the dreaded walk through security.  Here are some tips for stress free travel:






(photo courtesy of www.lgmasa.org.au)  This is what you are going on vaction for. 

Booking
Choose a flight that is early in the morning, because they are less prone to delays.  If you are tired and able to sleep on a plane (unlike the writer) you can catch up on the quiet flight.  Everyone else may be just as tired!

Picking an Airline
According to U.S.A. Today, Jet Blue offers the most leg room on their planes, Southwest Airlines is the airline to look to for the lowest prices.  Look for an airline that has TVs in each seat to help ease the stress during turbulence.  Make sure you confirm your seat 24 hours prior to your flight, and look to see if you can get a more spacious seat in the exit row. 

 

Avoiding fees

If you don't have a lot of luggage it is possible to avoid all interactions with airline staff.  If your luggage is too big to cram in the overhead space relinquish it plane side.  This will also help you avoid the expesive luggage fees. 

 

Airport Ease

You are going to need to either get a ride from a friend or park your car at the airport while you are gone.  Consider an off-site airport parking facility.  Most off-site airport parking facilities provide a shuttle.  Some will drop you off curb-side in your car, and drop your car off at the closest parking lot on your return.  Off-site parking facilities not only save you money, but they offer you peace of mind.  The less time in a crowded parking lot the less likely someone is going to run their luggage across your car's paint. 

(photo courtesy of www.ebaumsworld.com)  Avoid finding this on your return.  Use an off-site parking facility.