Is working driving you mad? Is your hectic family lifestyle too much to handle? Then it might be time to think about taking a break and getting away for a few days.

While a holiday is probably, just what you need, the idea of planning your trip might put you off. Planning a trip can be stressful, especially if you aren’t organised about it. But if you are well prepared, then planning a relaxing trip away should be as stress-free as the trip itself.

Here are our five top tips for planning a relaxing trip away without getting stressed:

 

1. Brainstorm

It might sound a little odd, but the best way to find a destination that you and your travel buddy are both happy with is by brainstorming. Any destinations that come into your head write them down.

As well as just throwing destinations you like the sound of onto the board, it is also about choosing somewhere that can offer you the relaxing break you need. It is important to think carefully about this, if you choose the wrong destination, you could go home more stressed than when you left.

Narrow it down to three destinations and do some research on each of them. The best way to do this is via the internet and by asking other people who have visited them for advice.

 

2. What causes your travel stress?

If travelling itself stresses you out, ask yourself what it is that causes you to become stressed. Is it travelling via a plane? Is it all the waiting around? Is it the worry of missing a flight? Is there a certain form of transport that makes your stress worse?

Think about what causes you to become stressed when travelling and try to find ways to get around it. For example, if using buses causes you stress, book a taxi from the airport instead. Or, if plane travel causes you to become stressed, consider taking a ferry or train instead.

 

3. Choose your accommodation wisely

The aim of your trip is to relax and unwind, so it is important to choose accommodation that will allow you to do that. Instead of opting for a family-friendly hotel, why not choose an adult only hotel or a spa hotel in Bali? Give yourself a proper chance to relax and unwind by choose suitable accommodation.

 

 

4. Don’t plan to do too much

Although there will probably be a few things that you want to see and do while you are away, don’t plan to do too much. Instead, focus on having time to relax and unwind.

If you try to fit too much in, you will only end up stressing yourself out. Stick to a maximum of one activity a day, and spend the rest of the time relaxing at your hotel.

     5. Don’t start your trip stressed

Start your trip as you mean to go on, and don’t leave stressed. Instead, book an extra two days off work before your trip so that you can spend some time relaxing beforehand. Plus, having a couple of days free before you trip, will give you time to prepare everything and get organised.

If you are feeling tense, make an appointment for a massage the day before you travel. This will help relieve tension in your muscles and should make you feel happier and more relaxed.

Photo link:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Taj_Spa_4.jpg