Seeking the Travel Life

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Travel
    • Travel the U.S.
    • Travel Europe
    • City Guides
    • Travel Tips
  • RV Life
    • RV Destinations
    • RV Meals
  • Travel Memories
  • About
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy

Travel Travel Europe Travel Tips

6 Travel Tips for Having a Stress-Free Vacation Abroad

After many years of traveling I have experienced my fair share of vacation stress. Vacation stress is super frustrating because who wants to use up their money and vacation time on a stressful trip, right? Over time I realized the biggest cause of that stress was really the type of traveler I was, and the way I had approached traveling. While I have loads of other tips I would love to share, I feel that these 6 tips are without a doubt, THE most important. Here are my 6 travel tips for having a stress-free vacation abroad:

Pin
Share
Tweet
Share

6  Travel Tips for Having a Stress-Free Vacation Abroad

1 | Pack light.

I used to be the kind of person who over packs. You know the type – the extra-large suitcase, the large carry on, AND a giant “under seat” tote bag. I’m embarrassed to even think about it. LOL! Here’s what I learned: The more luggage, the less mobile you are. You will be miserable, and you will be annoying to travel with.

If any part of your trip involves a train/tram/bus, there is no guarantee that you will have anywhere to put your suitcases. In addition, you will make a lot of people angry if your suitcases eat up all the available seats on a full train.

You will be hating life if you have to wheel your luggage across cobblestones for several blocks. By the way, if you’re needing help from your traveling companions at this point, you’re not likely to get it (unless you offer to buy them a drink). No one likes wheeling luggage across cobblestones.

My first trip to Europe was as a college student years ago. I remember being so proud of my packing. After all, I was ready for any circumstance and any occasion! No so. I managed to overlook one important thing – how to handle all of that darn luggage! Everywhere I went, I literally held people up, and annoyed taxi and bus drivers. On many trains and metro lines there wasn’t hardly enough room for a carry on, let alone my entire closet. People were literally glaring. I never made that mistake again.

2 | Be a savvy traveler, not a tacky tourist.

A tacky tourist makes no effort to understand the local culture because they don’t think that there is any better culture than their own. They are seeing the sights and don’t care what the locals think of them. They give the rest of us travelers a bad name.

A savvy traveler is armed with information. They have made an effort to learn about where they are going to. They’ve done their homework and try to understand the culture of where they are visiting.

The savvy traveler knows that every country they visit has a difference in their etiquette, how to tip, how to hold utensils, ways to greet people, dress code in churches, use of credit card vs cash, etc.). Each country has their own language and distinct personality. They also might even have their own currency.

A savvy traveler also knows that their own personal views, and cultural background, are not necessarily important to others from different countries.

Just like they are back home, savvy travelers always try to be polite and courteous. Tacky tourists, on the other hand, are usually in a big hurry, and often quite rude and pushy. They are busy taking as many pictures as possible without regard to those around them.

A traveler makes an effort to learn some local phrases and attempts to connect with the locals. They know that this is all part of the adventure, so they make it fun! It’s much more courteous and polite to say hello and ask if they speak English in their local language then it is to just start speaking English. Trust me, it makes locals happy that you would try and use their language. A tacky tourist assumes that everyone speaks their language.

3 | Stay organized and one step ahead of your itinerary.

At the end of every day, usually over dinner and wine or beer, we do a recap of the day. We also review our itinerary and plan for the next day to make sure we haven’t forgotten anything and understand any logistics involved.
This is where some of our best memories have been made. Sitting around talking and laughing and sharing stories and pictures of the day. This is a great time to write some of these stories down in a travel journal.

By the way, this is also a great time to start quizzing yourself on your phrases if you’re moving to a new country the following day! I cannot tell you how much fun our family has had trying to work through various foreign phrases! 😊

4 | Make it meaningful.

Meaningful trips are not necessarily the ones where you go from site to site. In my experience that can be a little boring.
Engage your senses and you’ll come away with a fantastic experience. Try some local foods while taking a cooking class. Smell the flowers (or the fish stalls, LOL) at a local market. See the beauty in all both architecture and nature.

Do something different. Instead of a walking tour, maybe try a bike tour. It is a super fun way to see more sights in less time (because you are moving faster). One additional benefit of a bike tour? You’ll give your aching feet a break.

While we fondly remember seeing the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame in Paris, our favorite part was wandering from shop to shop to assemble a picnic. It was like a scavenger hunt for adults. We bought bread from a baker, chose wine from a wine shop, cheese from a fromagerie, fresh fruit from a market, and flowers from a pretty stall. We had the most perfect picnic along the Seine at dusk, in full view of the Eiffel Tower lit up. Fantastic memory.

5 | Be flexible.

Be flexible. Not everything is going to go as planned. Perhaps you may be more tired than you think, your flight is delayed, or a major site you wanted to see is under construction. Regardless, make sure to build alternative options into your itinerary.

A great rule of thumb is to always tackle your important must-see sights first. This way, if you run out of energy later in the day you won’t feel guilty or that you’re missing out.

A side note about jet lag, for years I assumed that jet lag would hit me the first days. It doesn’t. For me, jet lag usually occurs around day three. No matter what I do, I continue to struggle with it. Regardless, it seems that every trip I still manage to overestimate my energy level. I always think I can do more than I actually can.

6 | Stay healthy.

Staying healthy is one of the most important things you can do to make sure you enjoy your trip. As a result, if you aren’t feeling good, your trip may, quite literally, be ruined.

Many people feel that because they’ve paid a lot of money for their trip they need to squeeze in every single sight and activity. Please don’t make this mistake overdue it. Balance your sightseeing with down time, and higher activity days with lower activity days. Make sure to squeeze in some rest, it’s super important.

Dehydration is another cause of problems for travelers. For most people, dehydration will most likely start on the plane ride over, and won’t stop until they’ve returned home. Because of this, make sure to carry a refillable water bottle with you. Fill it when you leave your room, and again when you see a drinking fountain. It’s so important to keep drinking, people!

XOXO
Kori

Other posts you might like:

-Planning a Meaningful and Trip to Europe

-How To Be A Savvy Traveler and Not A Tacky Tourist

 

How to have a stress free vacation abroad. Travel tips for a a great vacation
Pin
Share
Tweet
Share


How to Be a Savvy Traveler and Not a Tacky Tourist »

Get all the latest!

Affiliate Links

This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase using my link, I make a small commission – at no cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I fully believe in and use myself! Please read our Disclosure policy HERE 

Follow us on Instagram…

Sending a beautiful bouquet of tulips your way! ❤️ We came across these lovely flowers in Vienna next to St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Gorgeous flowers!!! .
.
.
.
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#living_europe
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#danube
#austriatravel
#austria
#bavariatravel
#flower_daily
#photosinbetween #bandofun #abmlifeiscolorful #myunicornlife #candyminimal #handsinframe #theeverygirl #peoplescreative #visualcrush #proptoit #Bloggervibes
Why are all the flower shops in Europe so darn qu Why are all the flower shops in Europe so darn  quaint and pretty? ❤️ We came across this shop in Vienna next to St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Gorgeous flowers!!! Day 3 of our Viking Cruise is a success... 😍
.
.
.
.
#myvikingstory
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#living_europe
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#danube
#austriatravel
#austria
#bavariatravel
#flower_daily
#photosinbetween #bandofun #abmlifeiscolorful #myunicornlife #candyminimal #handsinframe #theeverygirl #peoplescreative #visualcrush #proptoit #Bloggervibes
Morning walk in Vienna. Every turn is a beautiful Morning walk in Vienna. Every turn is a beautiful sight. In search of coffee and sour cherry strudel from Sluka .... 😍😍❤️
❤️ Sweeping view of the Chain Bridge and the P ❤️ Sweeping view of the Chain Bridge and the Pest side of Budapest from Castle Hill! Can you spot the Viking Longship Vilhjalm docked next to the bridge (left)? Heck yeah! We’re on it. What hotel can top this view and location? For those of you who don’t know, the buildings of Budapest are all lit up at night and are spectacularly beautiful! First night tip: stroll across the bridge in the eve after dinner, then when back on ship grab some Palinka (beware it is strong stuff) and head up to the top deck to take in all the lights and sounds of Budapest.  Great first night on our Danube Waltz river cruise. Pretty cool xoxo 😘 .
.
.
.
.
#myvikingstory
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#living_europe
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#hungary
#danube
#hungarytravel
#budapest
#danubewaltz
#matthiaschurch
❤️ Budapest’s Matthias Church on Castle Hill ❤️ Budapest’s Matthias Church on Castle Hill! Don’t you think the vivid colors and pattern of the tiles on the roof are STUNNING? I don’t think a picture does it justice. Must see in person! 😋 The interior is equally stunning, by the way, and we were so lucky to have such gorgeous weather during our visit. Budapest was the first stop on our Viking Danube Waltz Cruise. What better accommodations than a ship with waterfront views docked literally next to the Chain Bridge? .
.
.
.
#myvikingstory
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#living_europe
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#hungary
#danube
#hungarytravel
#budapest
#danubewaltz
#matthiaschurch
Remains of St. Mary Magdalene Church on Budapest’s Castle Hill. The church was destroyed by bombs in WWII
.
.
.
.
#myvikingstory
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#living_europe
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#hungary
#danube
#hungarytravel
#budapest
❤️ Could Cesky Krumlov be any more perfect? Lo ❤️ Could Cesky Krumlov be any more perfect? Love it! UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fantastic photo ops at EVERY turn. So perfect it’s like a movie set - only it’s real! 😄❤️ Great Viking Cruise Excursion through the beautiful Czech Republic countryside. .
.
.
.
#myvikingstory
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#living_europe
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#czechrepublic
#danube
#germanytravel
#bavaria
#bavariatravel
#ceskykrumlov
#UNESCO
❤️ Charming Cesky Krumlov. UNESCO World Herita ❤️ Charming Cesky Krumlov. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Great Viking Cruise Excursion through the beautiful Czech Republic countryside. .
.
.
.
#myvikingstory
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#living_europe
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#czechrepublic
#danube
#germanytravel
#bavaria
#bavariatravel
#ceskykrumlov
#UNESCO
Viking Vilhjalm docked in Passau Germany 😄❤️ Danube Waltz is a MUST do trip! Amazing scenery, ship is fabulous. 
#myvikingstory
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#living_europe
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#passau
#danube
#germanytravel
#bavaria
#bavariatravel
Amazing view of Passau countryside from Veste Ober Amazing view of Passau countryside from Veste Oberhausen. ❤️ Weather is PERFECT!! 70’s! Viking Cruise has been fantastic xoxo 
#myvikingstory
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#living_europe
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#passau
#danube
#germanytravel
#bavaria
#bavariatravel
Charming Krems❤️ Weather is PERFECT!! 70’s! Charming Krems❤️ Weather is PERFECT!! 70’s! Viking Cruise has been fantastic xoxo 
#myvikingstory
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#living_europe
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#krems
#danube
#austriatravel
Durnstein from the Danube! ❤️ Weather is PERFE Durnstein from the Danube! ❤️ Weather is PERFECT on Viking Cruise! Beautiful Chorherrenstift monastery from 1410 and Keunringerburg Castle on hill xoxo 
#myvikingstory
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#living_europe
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#durnstein
#danube
#austriatravel
#wachau
Budapest is amazing at night!! On Viking River Cru Budapest is amazing at night!! On Viking River Cruise on Danube ❤️❤️ travelfun
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#living_europe
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#mustseebudapest
#bucketlisthungary
#hungarytravel
#budapest
#Hungarytravel
Needles Highway drive. South Dakota. This is one o Needles Highway drive. South Dakota. This is one of the top drives in the world. Cannot be missed. Gorgeous!! Very hard to take pictures because road is narrow and curvy. Most shots were through the front windshield! LOL! 😂 .
.
.
.
#travelfun
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#travelamerica
#americasnationalparks
#nationalparks
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#mustseeus
#mustseeamerica
#bucketlistus
#bucketlistamerica
#unitedstatestravel
#unitedstates
#usnationalparks
#travelsouthdakota
#southdakota
#needleshighway 
#custerstatepark 
#loveusa
#roadtripusa
Look closely! 😄 See George? Very cool view of M Look closely! 😄 See George? Very cool view of Mt Rushmore and a side view of George Washington !! .
.
.
.
#travelfun
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#travelamerica
#americasnationalparks
#nationalparks
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#mustseeus
#mustseeamerica
#bucketlistus
#bucketlistamerica
#unitedstatestravel
#unitedstates
#usnationalparks
#travelsouthdakota
#southdakota
#mountrushmore 
#mountrushmorenationalmemorial 
#loveusa
#roadtripusa
Beauty of Mount Rushmore at dusk . . . . #travelfu Beauty of Mount Rushmore at dusk .
.
.
.
#travelfun
#travelideas
#bucketlisttravel
#offseasontravel
#shoulderseasontravel
#wanderlust
#rural_love
#welivetoexplore
#citybestviews
#ruralbestviews
#travellingthroughtheworld
#travelamerica
#americasnationalparks
#nationalparks
#living_destinations
#beautifulscenery
#mustseeus
#mustseeamerica
#bucketlistus
#bucketlistamerica
#unitedstatestravel
#unitedstates
#usnationalparks
#travelsouthdakota
#southdakota
#mountrushmore 
#badlands
#loveusa
#roadtripusa
#mountrushmorenationalmemorial
Load More...

Follow us on Pinterest…

About Seeking The Travel Life

Hello fellow travelers! Like you, I am currently seeking the travel life! My husband and I work full-time, and have 3 sons almost heading off to college. Our family LOVES to travel, but squeezing in an awesome vacation between all this madness, is quite a challenge! Have no fear, it can be done! Join us as we show you how to take the much needed, most epic, and relaxing vacation that you deserve! xoxo  Kori

Recent Posts

  • 9 Unforgettable and Scenic U.S. Road Trips
  • Great Ideas to Get You Started On a Travel Journal
  • Easy 5 Ingredient Crock Pot Meals
  • 8 Favorite RV Friendly Campgrounds in The Carolinas and Virginia
  • Bucket List: Unique Hotels and Vacation Stays in the U.S.

Search our site

Get all the latest travel tips and destination inspiration!

You might also like

Copyright © 2021 · Divine theme by Restored 316