Plan Ahead to Reduce Airport Stress
Airport stress is one of the toughest things about traveling. If you don't want to arrive at your destination stressed out, consider these tips for a pleasant airport experience.
Find a Playlist of Good Music
Before you go, make sure that you load up some calming music to escort you through the airport. As the chaos around you evolves, you'll be able to make your merry way to your gate while listening to good tunes.
Pack Nourishing Food
You may not be aware that you can bring your own food through security; it's so rare to see someone opt out of the overpriced food in the airport food court. Of course, there are some restrictions; liquids, such as soups and juices, won't be allowed through security. But if you bring a healthy wrap or sandwich, you can reduce the stress of trying to find quality, affordable food while giving your body some nourishment to reduce stress levels.
Bring Your Own Blankets
Having your own comforting blankets on board the plane will help you decompress after a hectic experience getting to your gate. Bring a pillow, eye mask, earbuds, and blankets for complete relaxation.
Book Your Transportation
Finding your way to and from the airport can be one of the most stressful elements of the trip, especially if you've never traveled around the city you're flying to. Plan to have an airport taxi service waiting for you when you arrive so you can get to your hotel and settle in quickly. Talk to a service like Yellow Cab to learn about your options.
Plan to Arrive Early
Booking your airport taxi in advance can take a little bit of the uncertainty out of timing because you won't have to budget time to find a parking spot and to walk to the terminal. But your wait still can be unpredictable in terms of how long the lines are. Some airports are beginning to offer wait estimates for their security lines, which is a big help for determining when you should arrive. However, the line wait times can change drastically over the course of just an hour.
The best thing to do is to arrive as early as possible and bring something to do during your wait. Instead of wondering when the line is going to move and if you're going to miss your plane, you can leisurely go through security and get a cup of coffee on the other side.
