After riding the ferry from Aqaba, Jordan to Nuweiba, Egypt, baggage claim proved stressful. Sifting through bags with fellow travelers on the back of a flatbed truck resulted in a bruised, dust-covered bottom when an enthusiastic tug sent me, quite literally, over the edge. Upon clearing customs and finding the closest beverage merchant, I purchased a warm soda and squatted on the sidewalk to plan my next move. Vacations don’t always flow smoothly. Here are a few stress-busting tips to help you cope.
Serenity: I’ve ducked into street-side temples in Bangkok, and lesser-known churches in Rome to grab an hour’s peace when the chaos got to be too much. Botanical gardens and parks provide peaceful spaces, and rooftop bars are rapidly becoming my favorite urban oasis strategy. In Boston, Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake on Boylston Street has an outdoor deck with over-sized planters, and appetizers starting at less than $10. Also of note is 230 FIFTH, an extensive rooftop garden bar in Manhattan with stellar city views. Outdoor heaters make it accessible year-round, and starters like smoked salmon salad and Malaysian spring rolls are less than $9.
Seaside: I’ve used a waterfront stretch-and-stroll session to unwind in Tel Aviv, and relaxed with a book in the seaside ruins of Byblos in Lebanon. Beach massages are a personal favorite that I’ve enjoyed in Indonesia and Cambodia for less than $12 each. For a light splurge that’s closer to home, the Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville Beach, Florida offers ocean-view suites with one-hour, in-room massages, champagne, breakfast and Wi-Fi at less than $190 per night. When pennies need extra pinching, sand castles and sunbathing are both free ways to put a little sand between your toes.
Exercise: Start strolling. Whether it’s a formal walking tour or an unscripted adventure, put on your walking shoes and rack up some miles. It’ll be great exercise, and provide you with some fun memories and photo ops. Use the treadmill in the hotel’s fitness center, swim some laps in their pool, or ask the front desk staff about bicycle rentals.
Planning: Bring items that will keep you comfortable, and help solve problems on the road. Laptop computers, smart phones and tablet devices like the Kindle Fire provide access to travel information if your schedule changes unexpectedly. Proper shoes can reduce foot pain from a day of on-your- feet meetings, and emergency protein bars provide energy when meal plans are unavoidably delayed.
Stress is a natural part of the independent travel experience. Having a few management strategies up your sleeve will enable you to cope and solve problems as smoothly as possible.
Photo Credit: iStock
