Stress Free Travel

Does stress free travel really exist?

Travel at the moment seems to be far from stress free, with multiple rules changing all the time and so much out of our control.

At times like these it pays to recognise what causes us stress and look at whether there is anything that can be done about it. The UK National Health Service recognises stress as “often related to feeling like you're losing control over something”. We can all relate to that with travel in 2021 where we have little to no control over the changing travel rules. 

However, it can be helpful to focus on what you can control. For many people the process of lugging suitcases and large bags around an airport, on and off buses and trains and to and from your accommodation can be very stressful. It is the physical act of carrying very heavy and awkward items up and down stairs and putting them on and off conveyors that can be stressful. There is also a lot of stress associated with the thought of losing your luggage or belongings as well, and sometimes it is this mental stress that is worse than the physical stress. 

It has been scientifically proven that losses are twice as powerful, psychologically, as gains. “Loss Aversion” is a phrase talked about in a Wikipedia article of the same name.  “Loss aversion” was scientifically proven by Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman. They proved that someone who loses $100 will lose more satisfaction than the same person will gain satisfaction from a $100 windfall.

So, the simple solution is to take less when you travel. Lighten your load, both mentally and physically. Reduce the stress you can control.

If you have fewer belongings with you there is less to worry about and your overall mood will be lighter, especially as you see other people struggling with their heavy luggage.

The Under The Radar Team have travelled extensively and for long periods of time with only carry-on bags. It is perfectly feasible to carry what you need and top up with minor purchases when you get to your destination. The stress this avoids is immense.

Stress free travel.

It doesn’t exist.

But, you can reduce your stress significantly by focusing on what you can change and ignore the stuff you can’t.

Lighten your load.