How Can I Make Travel Less Stressful? 7 Simple Tips That Actually Help
Travel can be memorable without feeling chaotic. And it’s not about having the perfect itinerary or packing every possible “just in case” item; it’s about practical choices that make the entire experience smoother.
The best way to make travel easier is to focus on small, practical upgrades—like bringing compact entertainment, using helpful apps, and staying prepared for delays. These simple travel tips can reduce stress before, during, and after your trip without overcomplicating your plans.
Here are some of my favorite travel tips to keep everyone happy (or try to), whether we’re heading out on a road trip or flying across the country.
TL;DR: Simple Travel Tips That Make Trips Easier
Bring a small travel game to prevent boredom during waits
Use apps like iExit to find gas, food, and stops on road trips
Check for free national park access if you have a qualifying disability
Track flights in real time with apps like FlightAware
Use compact travel accessories (like a BevLedge) for extra space
Stay cool with a hands-free neck fan in hot or crowded places
Always use airplane mode to avoid interference and save battery
1. Bring an Easy Travel Game for Waiting Times
If you’ve ever been stuck waiting at the airport, a restaurant, a doctor’s office, or even just during a long stretch of travel, you know how quickly boredom can set in (especially for the kiddos).
Wondering how to keep the kids entertained while traveling? Keep a small, easy-to-carry game in your bag.
Spot It! is one of my favorites. It includes 55 cards (with metal tin for easy storage and carrying) and can be played in 5 different modes so it stays exciting. We have a few different versions (they have specific ones like Marvel or Disney or Paw Patrol), and often bring them with us while traveling.
2. Use Road Trip Apps to Stay Flexible
Looking for simple ways to make road trips easier? If you’re heading out on a road trip, a little planning can go a long way, and one tool I highly recommend is the iExit app.
iExit shows you what’s coming up at upcoming exits, so you can:
Find food options
Compare gas prices
Make decisions on the fly without guessing
It’s especially helpful when you don’t want to lock yourself into a rigid plan but still want to make smart choices along the way.
3. Take Advantage of Free National Park Access
If you or someone you know has a permanent disability—including conditions like diabetes, PTSD, or ADHD—you may qualify for free lifetime access to U.S. national parks.
Some states offer similar access for state parks as well.
It’s one of those benefits that can open the door to more accessible travel experiences and it’s absolutely worth looking into if it applies to you or someone in your family.
4. Track Flights in Real Time to Avoid Surprises
Flight delays and changes can be a frustrating part of travel, and missing updates can make a hectic itinerary seem impossible. Staying informed is such an important part of making travel easier to navigate.
I recently added FlightAware to my travel checklist, and it’s been incredibly helpful. With FlightAware, you can sign up for free flight status alerts and often get updates about delays or gate changes before the airline notifies you.
It’s a simple way to feel a little more in control, especially on travel days that don’t go exactly as planned.
5. Use Smart Travel Accessories for More Space
Airplane trays can get crowded quickly.
One small upgrade I’ve loved is using a BevLedge. It’s a compact clip-on tray that gives you extra space for things like your drink, phone, or headphones.
It folds down small enough to live in your carry-on, and it’s one of those items people always ask about once they see it in action.
6. Stay Cool with Hands-Free Accessories
Staying cool can make a big difference in how you feel when you’re traveling somewhere warm; or even just moving through crowded airports, theme parks, or outdoor spaces.
One simple tool that’s been surprisingly helpful? A rechargeable neck fan.
It sits comfortably around your neck and gives you a steady breeze without needing to hold anything in your hands. That means you can stay cool while walking, waiting in lines, or managing bags (or kids).
7. Why Airplane Mode Still Matters
If you’ve ever wondered whether airplane mode really matters, you’re not alone.
It turns out it does—not because it affects the safety of the plane in a dramatic way, but because it can interfere with communication systems if enough devices are connected at once.
Keeping your phone on airplane mode is a small step that helps keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
FAQ
Q: What are the easiest ways to reduce travel stress? A: Focus on preparation and flexibility by bringing simple entertainment, using apps for navigation and flight tracking, and packing lightweight tools that improve comfort.
Q: What should I bring to stay entertained while traveling? A: Small, portable games like card decks or compact games are great for airports, restaurants, and long waits.
Q: Are there apps that make road trips easier? A: Yes! Apps like iExit help you find gas stations, restaurants, and rest stops ahead of time so you can plan without stress.
Q: How can I stay comfortable on a flight? A: Use space-saving accessories like clip-on trays, stay hydrated, and bring items that improve comfort like neck fans or travel pillows.
Want more tips?
If you’d like more tips like these, you’ll love these Unconventional Travel Tips for Your Next Trip! Also check out my popular Friday Five Newsletter. It’s the best place to get tips like this every week!
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About The Author
Jessica Eastman Stewart is a consultant, workshop facilitator, and podcast guest expert. She teaches busy professionals how to get more organized at home and at work so they can stop feeling worn out and start living a Joyfully Managed Life®! Thousands of readers drop everything when her weekly newsletter, The Friday Five, arrives in their inbox. Every Friday, you’ll get FIVE amazing tips to help life feel INSTANTLY more joyful and easy!
