# 4. Stress Factors, Lines, Luggage, and Screaming Children: Stress-Free Travel is Possible "Don't Travel Without Reading this Travel Guide from " Healthy Travel Book "

Whether you are traveling for business, pleasure, or adventure, this is the one book you need to help make your trip productive, fun, healthy and safe!

by: Michael P. Zimring, M.D., and Lisa Iannucci

The information contain in this book is based upon the research and personal and professional experiences of the authors. It is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician or other healthcare provider. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should be done under the direction of a healthcare professional.

The publisher does not advocate the use of any particular healthcare protocol but believes the information in this book should be available to the public. The publisher and authors are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed in this book. Should the reader have any questions concerning the appropriateness of any procedures or preparation mentioned, the authors and the publisher strongly suggest consulting a professional healthcare advisor.

This book is dedicated from the late father , Joseph G. Zimring, M.D. his love and professional integrity continue to inspire me to treat my patients with dignity and respect.
-Michael P. Zimring, M.D.

From the time I was young, all I ever wanted in my life was to be a writer-or so I thought. Then I became a mother and learned that life is about so much more. This book is dedicated to my three wonderful children, Nicole, Travis, and Samantha, who made me realize how good it is to achieve their own. And to my mom, Patricia Quaglieri, thanks for all your never-ending love support - I love You.
-Lisa Iannucci

# 4. Stress Factors, Lines, Luggage, and Screaming Children: Stress-Free Travel is Possible

TRAVELING IS MEANT TO BE FUN, ENJOYABLE, AND ADVENTURESOME. At a time a journey can even be a relief from the daily grinds of house-work, kids, bills, and problems. Unfortunately, security checkpoints, delayed flights, lost luggage, traffic jams, and hearing " Are we there yet?" at regular intervals can knot the stomachs of even the most relaxed travelers.

Preventing bumps along the way requires some planning before you even board the plane, step on the train, get in the car-from the moment you know that you want or need to go somewhere. In addition to taking the necessary steps to minimize the stress and maximize the pleasure, stress-free traveling also means being flexible and having a positive attitude in handing any obstacles, foreseen or not. As Winston Churchill once said, "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."

WHAT IS BUGGING YOU?

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First, you need to figure out what stresses you out. Is it the planning : surfing the web for the best deals, working with travel agents, packing, or tracking vital pre-trip details? Perhaps traveling with the kids tenses you up: bickering between siblings, incessant ( and often expensive ) request for souvenirs, or whining, tired children? Maybe you love to travel but have a hard time sleeping in an unfamiliar bed?

Next, make a list of your travel-related annoyances-as many as you can identify-so you can pinpoint what needs your attention. (Note: This is even more important if you are traveling with any preexisting medical conditions that are associated with stress-related flare-ups: for example, acid reflux disease, arthritis, Crohn's disease, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome or a major personality disorder among others.)

Planning + Spontaneity = Stress - Free Travel

You might want to create a daily itinerary for your trip, especially if you are making all the plans yourself, but be sure not to overschedule the days and have backup options in case something falls through. Expecting the unexpected knowing how to enjoy the spontaneous are key to keeping your stress level at bay.

Stress Factor #1:
BOOKING IT, DANNO!

Should you use a travel agent book your trip, or make the arrangements yourself? The method you choose depends on your personality, your level of patience, and the time available.

Travel agents are knowledgeable industry professional who can provide one-stop, stress-free vacation planning, handling everything from booking flights and cruises to planning activities and tours. If you can't spare the time ( or tolerate the occasional tedium ) to research your trip on the Web, compare prices, and find out whether your membership in the American Automobile Association ( AAA; www.aaa.com )entitles you to any discounts, a travel agent can design a travel package based on your specifications and do the legwork for you. Make sure your agent compares the prices of several airlines and hotels. Some agents focus only on specific airlines and hotels, which won't always get you the lowest fares or rates.

Doing It Yourself : Lisa's Experience

Although an agent can save you time and money, you may save even more money yourself if you're a smart shopper. For example, for a trip with my parents a nd three children, I compared prices at popular travel websites and read articles on vacationing at Disney. In Budget Travel magazine, I read about a hotel outside Disney that offered a significantly reduced rate for grandparents traveling with grandchildren. I did some research to organize the rest of the trip, and can confidently say that I saved hundreds of dollars compared to the travel agent quote- some details were different, but staying under budget certainly relieved some of my stress! It too time, but it was a task that I enjoyed. If I were traveling to an unfamiliar destination, however, I would prefer to leave this work to an agent . I know my own patience level., and I know when to defer to others for their expertise.

For help finding a travel agent near you, visit the American Society of Travel Agents website at www.astanet.com ( you can search the zip code ). Word of mouth, of course, is the best way to find an agent who did a terrific job for someone else, so ask your friends and family for recommendations. Ask the travel agent how long he/she's been in the business, and check his/her certification. Membership in professional travel agency associations is a plus. An agent with at least
five years' experience can also complete a two-year graduate program offered by the Institute of Certified Travel Agents ( www.icta.com ) to earn the qualification of Certified Travel Counselor or CTC.

Stress Factor # 2
The " ACK " in Packing

Life is funny to humor writer Michele Wojciechowski ( www.wojosworld.com ) but packing for a trip is not. "Packing stressed me out the most,'' says Michelle. "I was always panicked that I would forget something -- Things that may not usually think of, like taking one sweatshirt the summer in case the weather gets cold, or bringing medicine for mosquito bites. Sure, sometimes you can buy the stuff you need wherever you're staying, but sometimes you can't.''
So Michele made packing a serious business, creating a personalized packing list on her computer. "Before each trip, I print it out-the list includes everything from clothing to toiletries," she say. My husband and I cross it off as we pack it. This eliminates forgetting major items and has really, decrease our pre trip stress.

Stress Factor # 3:
"We're Sorry, But We Don't Have Your Reservation --- Or Your luggage "

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This is probably one of the most frustrating things a traveler can hear. It is very important to carry copies of any and all reservations you made through a travel agent, tour operator, or the Internet. Print out any details including confirmation numbers and payment information.
As for your luggage --- if you're aren't traveling luggage free, that is! ---first make sure to tag it properly, and put your name and your destination address inside ( not your home address ). Second, pack as though you are going to lose your luggage. Does this sound crazy? Maybe, but if you're heading to Australia and your bags are heading to China, at least you'll have your necessities and valuables on you. Don't pack cash, important documents, medication or anything valuable in you checked luggage. Pack these thing in your carry-on bag, along with a change of clothes.

Stress Factor # 4:
Security Lines

In this era of heightened security, you need to expect delays. The key to saving time in security screening is spending a little extra prep time before you get to the airport. The Transportation Security Administration ( TSA; www.tsa.gov ) provides the following suggestions to reduce your wait time:

LOCK IT UP

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The list below identifies luggage locks that are "accepted and recognized " by the
TSA, which means that TSA screeners have the tools to open and relock them without damaging them or cutting the lock if a physical inspection is required. Some of the locks listed are specific brands, whereas others are manufacturers that produce a wide variety of locks, only some of which are compatible with TSA screener's tools. If you plan on using a luggage lock for air travel, check the packaging to ensure that it has language similar to "accepted and recognized ). Before you travel, check the TSA's website for an updated list of accepted and recognized brands.

American Tourister Accessories
Atlantic Luggage
Austin house Travel Essentials
Brookstone Easy Check
Eagle Creek Travel Safe
EasyGo
eBags
Franzus Travel Smart
Lewis N. Clark
Master Lock
Prestolock SearchAlert
Royal Traveler by Samsonite Accessories
Samsonite Luggage
Sharper Image Target Embark
Voltage Valet

If it is necessary to open a bag, TSA screeners will always strive to do without breaking the lock, and they do have the ability to open luggage and/ or locks not listed above. Time pressures, however, may occasionally require cutting the locks rather than sorting through the many manufacturer's multiple master keys. It is very important to the TSA that your baggage makes it onto your plane and screeners will do everything possible to balance security need with customer service considerations.

At The Airport

Keep available the airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID ( such as driver's license ) for each adult traveler until you exit the security checkpoint.

Place the following items in your carry-on bag prior to entering the screening checkpoint: cell phones , keys, loose change, money clips, personal digital assistant ( PDA ), lighter, large amounts of jewelry, metal hair decorations, large belt buckles.

Take your laptop out of its case

Take of any outer jackets ( you do not have to remove your sport jacket

Be sure to check the TSA's website ( www.tsa.gov ) before you leave for the most up-to-date information.

Stress Factor #5 :
White knuckles and High Anxiety

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Nothing makes stress levels soar higher than the fear of flying. According to psychotherapist and author Tina Tessina, Ph.D. ( www.tinatessina.com ), fears of flying is usually the result of negative " Self-talk " that exaggerates the dangers of flight. "Sometimes it is caused by a bad experience such as having a friend or family member who was in an airplane accident, or experiencing a very turbulent flight," says DR. Tessina. "Even the 9/11 TV coverage can induce flying anxiety.''
To cope with the anxiety, she suggest desensitization. "First, learn a relaxation technique, such as deep breathing, self-hypnosis or meditation,'' she says. ''When you have learned to relax yourself and turn off the mental 'chatter,' try picturing an airplane trip, and stop the mental picture at each step of the way ( packing luggage, driving to airport, entering airport, checking bags, entering airplane , taking off, in flight, landing ). Calm yourself down using your relaxation technique. Do this repeatedly until you can get all the way through an imaginary flight without anxiety. Then, ask a calm friend to go with you to the airport ( at a time when you're not flying ) and do the relaxation steps again, in the actual airport. Once you can stay calm doing this, then try a short flight, preferably with the same calm friend."
Dr. Tessina offers several other tips to help decrease flying anxiety, as follows:

Take a tape player or CD player and headphones tomplay soothing music or a self-hypnosis tape during the flight.

Bring a book-on-tape or a handheld solitaire game to keep yourself busy.

Stay away from newscasts and television programs about flight accidents. If necessary, get your news from the written word ( which doesn't have the hyper-anxious feel of televised news ) so you can manage what you take in.

Being well rested and properly fed will enhance your ability to calm yourself.

Stress Factor # 6:
Delays and Layover

image source: http://blog.sleepinginairports.ne

Stuck on a four-hour layover, or unexpectedly delayed at the airport? Skip the watering hole! Today's airports offer a surprising array of diversions fro spa treatments to art exhibits, so you can use this extra time to relax and rejuvenate. The key is to check the airport's website before your trip. You'll be surprised to see how a little bit of research can turn "downtime" into a fun experience for everybody.
To help take out those traveling kinks, try the instant massage tables and assorted spa treatments at the Philadelphia Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Aqua massage, an increasingly popular alternative to traditional massage, combines hydro therapy and dry-heat therapy. Yu lie in the machine while dozens of water jets, enclosed in a waterproof mantle, soothe or invigorate you for five to twenty minutes ( and you don't get wet! ) The wellness spa Oraoxygen is equipped with an oxygen bar, showers and body treatments.

Stress Factor # 7:
The Ones You Leave Behind

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If you're a frequent business travelers, you're probably keyed up to be back home, but your spouse doesn't even notice ---he/she is irritable and tense. What's wrong? Studies have shown that your busy travel schedule may be physically and emotionally affecting your spouse. in fact, stress-related psychological disorders, skin diseases are three times more likely to occur in people whose spouses travel frequently.
"When one partner leaves on business, the whole load of household and family responsibility falls on the spouse remaining at home,'' says DR.Tessina. " If the plumbing goes out, or a childhood illness or knotty parenting issue arises, the at-home partner is effectively in the same situation as a single parent. The at-home person often feels as if the traveling partner gets all the perks ( hotel room service, social events with business associates, the ability to escape routine ), leaving the at home partner stuck with all the day-to -day problems. This builds resentment and creates power struggles between the partners."
How can couples handle these problems of lengthy or frequent separation? "Stay in touch," advises Dr. Tessina. "The traveling partner needs to make sure the at-home partner feels appreciated, and to be as much a part of decisions made at home as possible." If you are the traveling partner, you can do the following things to make your at-home partner's life easier while you're away:

Work together as a team

Before you leave, make certain he/she has a support network of friends and/or family, and make arrangements for extra help if needed.

Although mixing business and pleasure doesn't always work, consider making a solo business trip a family affair instead. Taking your children on a business trip may seem like sheer madness, but more and more travelers are creating family time by toting the tots along.

For now here are the things we should learn on how to travel healthy a guide from " HEALTHY TRAVEL BOOK " by: Michael P. Zimring, M.D., and Lisa Iannucci

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