18 Ways to Help You Travel Like A Pro After Covid-19
Cynthia Amin • May 11, 2021
Do you love to travel, or do you dread it? For many people, travel is fun, except for the packing part. What to take, what to leave, how will I know if I have everything I’ll need? There’s a fine line between packing too much and not packing enough. Here are some of my favorite tips to make packing quick and easy.
For all the work-related travel and vacations I have taken over the years, I consider myself an experienced traveler. When I arrive at my destination, I am usually the first one to order a cup of English breakfast tea or a glass of full-bodied red wine. I sit back, relax, and take in my surroundings. I may even wipe a tear of gratitude from my eyes and appreciate how fortunate I am to be able to travel.
However, what can cause anxiety is preparing for the trip and what goes into getting to the airport. For example, did you secure your home, do you have any pets that need to be cared for, are you leaving children behind? Have you located and packed your passport? Did you check the expiration of your passport? Do you need a visa? Do you have your visa? Do you need any immunizations? How about the simple question - how am I getting to the airport? Am I going to drive? Take an uber? Have a friend drop me off?
Anticipating all your needs both real and imagined before traveling is always a burden. And of course, what causes most people a lot of stress is the age-old question – what should I pack and what should I leave home?
I used to travel with multiple over-sized suitcases taking everything I think I might possibly need. I traveled with changes of shoes for every outfit, multiple handbags, and fabulous accessories to match every outfit. When traveling with more than one suitcase you run the risk of one of your suitcases not making it to your destination on the same flight. On top of that, most of what you pack usually ends of staying in the suitcase.
Planning Your Trip
Do you plan every aspect of your trip? After many trips, I gradually realized that having every aspect of my trip planned took the surprise and spontaneity out of traveling. I felt like I needed to have full control over every aspect of my trip. When you plan so carefully, and something goes wrong it can throw you and your travel companions into chaos. And as we know when you travel, things can and do go wrong, especially if you are traveling internationally. Traveling this way is exhausting for yourself and your travel companions.
Over time, I have learned to relax when I travel. The purpose of travel is to discover another place and through that travel experience, discover something about yourself. It is hard to discover yourself when weighed down with excess luggage, irritability, and stress.
The most important travel advice I can give you is to travel lightly, but as comfortably as possible. When you travel, as in life, less is more. Keep your packing as light and as simple as possible. Your check-in and flight should be as easy and pleasant as possible. When you arrive at your destination you should be free of stress and ready to explore the new destination.
To make travel as uncomplicated as possible, let’s talk about some actions you can take to have a stress-free vacation:
Packing Tips
1. Get Organized
How many days will you be traveling and what do you plan to wear and do each day? Include swimsuits, exercise gear, a dressy evening look and your intimate under apparel. If you begin with a comprehensive look at your trip you can begin to cut back and simplify the packing. Start here and I promise that nothing will get left behind or forgotten.
2. Maximize Clothing Choices
Travel with neutral clothing. By combining simple and elegant black, brown, navy, or grey with neutrals or neutral prints, you’ll have a travel wardrobe that’ll stretch for miles. Remember all neutrals coordinate, and it’ll make your life a whole lot easier to not second guess your choices. Plus, make sure you have a great pair of jeans. Jeans are very versatile, and they can be dressed up or down.
3. Photograph Your Outfits with Accessories and Shoes
Once your selections are made, try on your outfits and if possible, take a photograph. This makes sure that the outfit fits, it is not dirty, ripped or torn, and you have a record of the outfit, accessories, shoes, and any handbag choices. When you reach your destination, you can scroll through your phone and decide what you want to wear on any day. It’s a great time saver and you are also creating a record of great outfits for future travel.
4. Wear Things More Than Once
Make your clothes work for you and wear your clothes more than once. Learn how to mix and match your outfits. After all you are on vacation, and most likely you will not see these people again. Store accessories such as jewelry, sunglasses, or electronics cords within your clothing. They won’t get tangled up in each other, and you’ll avoid packing extra organizational containers. You can separate everything when you arrive at your destination.
5. When in Doubt – Leave it Home
If you haven’t worn the clothing or used it in the last month, leave it home. Of course, we are not talking about seasonal wear like swimsuits or ski wear. Think minimal. No, even more minimal than that. This should be a standard travel rule with very few exceptions.
6. Avoid Checked Luggage When Possible
If possible, take what you need in your allotted carry-ons. Avoiding checked luggage will save you a ton of time waiting on the rotating conveyor belt, and you don’t have to stress about anything getting lost. Rely on your hotel’s laundry to clean your neutral pieces. You can also rinse out some items in your hotel sink. You’ll spend on laundry what you saved by not having to check heavy luggage.
7. Check Ahead for Airline Weight Restrictions
If you’re going on a long trip and luggage is necessary, invest in a two-sided suitcase on wheels. It may be heavy, but it is better than dragging around two suitcases. Make sure you check in advance the airline’s checked baggage
weight limits. You do not want to be on the floor in front of the check in counter pulling the heaviest items out of your luggage and frantically stuffing it in your carry-on trying to eliminate the costly up-charge for overweight baggage.
8. Purchase Luggage with Great Wheels
This may need to go without saying, but only purchase luggage with wheels. This goes for carry-ons to full-sized suitcases. There is no reason you should be carrying anything but a handbag these days. Invest in a great set of wheeled luggage with a wide wheelbase for less chance of tipping. And do you know you can buy luggage with built in battery chargers for all your USB devices?
9. Avoid Spills in Your Luggage
Any beauty care item or toiletry with a flip cap needs to have plastic wrap under the cap. Remove the cap, put a small piece of plastic wrap around the opening, and screw the cap back up. This way, if something happens to pop open in your bag, it won’t spill and get all over everything. As a final precaution, double zip-lock your toiletries to keep everything protected.
10. Stay Connected Without Spending a Fortune
Purchase a small, portable hot spot if you do not want to pay for expensive airport internet. Bring your own hotspot and choose a pay-as-you-go plan, and you’ll only have to pay for your internet when you use it.
11. Smart Water Storage
Do you get tired of buying expensive water at the airport? Why not purchase a refillable water bottle
with a filtration system built in. You’ll find you use this a lot when you travel, and at home, too.
12. Medication Must-Haves
Pack a two-day supply of your medications and supplements in your carry-on or handbag. It is best to keep these medications in your handbag instead of your carry-on. Even if something should happen to your carry-on, you’ll still be able to keep to your medication and supplement schedule. If your meds are in your handbag and the overhead compartments are full or not near your seat, or your carry-on gets taken from you, you will still have your meds.
13. Pack Healthy Snacks
It’s always a good idea to pack your own travel snacks. Pack a combination of healthy nuts and seeds, and dried cranberries and raisins in a zip lock storage bag. It’s a filling alternative with both protein and fat to keep you fuller longer. It is also much healthier than salt-drenched airline snacks.
14. Keep Yourself Warm and Comfortable
Both airports and airplanes can be freezing, and it doesn’t matter what destination you are traveling to. It’s a great idea to travel with an extra pair of warm socks and a shawl that you can wrap up in if you get cold. Once on board, you can take your shoes off and put on the extra socks to keep you warm, and the shawl can double as a blanket if you get cold.
15. Carry-On Bag Smarts
Your carry-on “purse” can serve several purposes. This is your second allowable bag, in addition to your small travel suitcase. I always carry a large over the shoulder carry-on bag where I can place my purse, travel documents, two days of medications, phone with chargers and earbuds (in its own zip lock bag), reading material, snacks, warm socks, eye drops, masks, hand sanitizer, wipes, reading glasses, and my noise cancellation headphones. I tie my wrap around the shoulder straps, and I’m prepared for just about anything.
Must-Have Travel Accessories
16. Overseas Travel
If you travel overseas frequently, or even if you’re making a once-in-a-lifetime trip to another country, make sure you have at least two universal adaptors on hand. You’ll regret not having a way to charge your devices when you’re away and must pay a high price for an adaptor.
17. Disconnecting in the Politest Way Possible
Make sure you travel with large, conspicuous noise canceling headphones. If you travel a lot for business, there’s nothing quite like massive over-the-ear headphones to say, “Now’s not a good time to talk.” Even if you don’t want to listen to music, noise-canceling headphones can help you tune out the noises of travel and focus on work, or they can help you sleep.
18. Length Matters
Whether you’re an iPhone or Android lover, before you leave on your trip, purchase a longer-than-normal charging cord. Hotels notoriously have difficult-to-reach outlets, so a six-foot-long charging cord will help you keep your phone (or device) charged and right at your bedside.
Final Thoughts
If you’re traveling for business or pleasure, plan ahead, reduce what you pack to the very minimum, and expect the unexpected. By implementing these simple strategies, you can reduce the stress of travel and stay present to enjoy the moments and memories you’re creating.
Learn to enjoy the travel experience from the moment you begin planning until you return home. Once you learn to travel stress free the world truly becomes your oyster!
Like these tips and ready to start the planning process? Contact us at 301-989-1654
or send an email to cindy@colesvilletravel.com
Until then, stay inspired.
Cindy
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Travel is supposed to feel exciting. But for many people, planning a vacation can also bring stress, nervousness, and overwhelm. If you’ve ever worried about flying, airports, safety, delays, or simply being far from home, you are not alone. Travel anxiety is more common than people realize. This is felt even among experienced travelers. The good news? Travel does not have to feel stressful. With proper planning, realistic expectations, and the right support, you can reduce travel anxiety and actually enjoy the experience again. What Is Travel Anxiety? Travel anxiety is the stress, fear, or nervousness people experience before or during a trip. It can happen whether you are traveling domestically or internationally. Some travelers experience mild nervousness, while others feel intense stress leading up to departure day. Common forms of travel anxiety include: • Fear of flying • Anxiety about airports • Stress over travel documents • Fear of getting lost • Worry about international travel • Anxiety about safety and unfamiliar places • Stress from crowded airports and long flights • Fear of travel delays or cancellations Even luxury travelers and seasoned travelers can experience travel stress. Why Travel Feels More Stressful Today Modern travel has become more complicated than it used to be. Travelers now navigate: • Airline delays and cancellations • Entry requirements and passport rules • Crowded airports • Long security lines • Flight changes • Overpacked itineraries • Constant travel updates online Social media can also create pressure for vacations to look “perfect,” which adds another layer of stress. Sometimes travelers become so focused on planning every detail that they forget to enjoy the journey itself. Signs You May Be Experiencing Travel Anxiety You may be dealing with travel anxiety if you: • Feel overwhelmed before a trip • Constantly check flight details • Overpack “just in case” • Avoid booking trips altogether • Feel nervous days before departure • Worry excessively about things going wrong • Struggle to relax while traveling Recognizing travel anxiety is important because once you understand it, you can take steps to manage it. How to Reduce Travel Anxiety 1. Plan Ahead One of the easiest ways to reduce travel stress is to avoid last-minute planning. Organizing flights, transportation, travel insurance, and important documents early create peace of mind. 2. Keep Your Itinerary Balanced Trying to do too much can make travel exhausting. Leave room for downtime, relaxation, and flexibility. Some of the best moments of travel happen unexpectedly. 3. Work With a Travel Advisor Many travelers feel less anxious when they have professional support before and during their trip. A travel advisor can help manage: • Flights • Hotels • Transportation • Destination guidance • Travel requirements • Emergency assistance Having expert support allows travelers to feel more confident and prepared. 4. Arrive Early for Flights Rushing through an airport increases stress immediately. Giving yourself extra time can make the travel experience feel calmer and more manageable. 5. Focus on the Experience — Not Perfection No trip is perfect. Delays happen. Weather changes. Plans shift. Travel becomes much more enjoyable when you focus on meaningful experiences instead of perfect schedules. Can Travel Anxiety Ever Be Helpful? Surprisingly, a small amount of travel anxiety is normal. Traveling pushes people outside of their routines and comfort zones. That nervous energy often comes from stepping into something new. Travel builds: • Confidence • Adaptability • Independence • Cultural awareness • Personal growth Many travelers return home feeling stronger and more empowered than before they left. Final Thoughts on Travel Anxiety Travel anxiety is real, but it should not stop you from seeing the world. The key is learning how to travel in a way that feels comfortable, supported, and enjoyable for you personally. The world is still full of incredible experiences waiting to be explored, sometimes you just need the right preparation and support to enjoy them fully. Call us at 301-989-1654 to stay connected or visit our website https://www.colesvilletravel.com Stay inspired! Cindy #TravelAnxiety #TravelTips #WomenWhoTravel #LuxuryTravel #TravelStress #TravelPlanning #TravelAdvisor #GroupTravel #TravelWell #MindfulTravel #TravelWithCindy #ColesvilleTravel #InternationalTravel #TravelLifestyle
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Are you passionate about exploring the world and love sharing adventures with your friends? Travel is most meaningful when it’s shared with the people you enjoy most. If you love exploring the world and bringing friends together, there’s a well-designed, effortless way to do just that. With expert support from Colesville Travel, every detail is thoughtfully arranged whether you prefer a fully escorted experience or a relaxed journey at your own pace. Through our Adventure Ambassador Program , you can enjoy beautifully curated group travel while receiving exclusive benefits along the way. If you’re ready to travel well with your circle, we invite you to explore the Adventure Ambassador experience. 1. Become the Trusted Curator for Your Travel Circle Many people dream of traveling but are hesitant because of the details involved such as selecting the right destination, choosing accommodations, and coordinating experiences. By bringing your circle together with the support of Colesville Travel, you offer them a beautifully curated trip where every segment of your travel is thoughtfully arranged, making group travel feel effortless, refined, and truly enjoyable. 2. Take the Stress Out of Group Travel Bringing a group together doesn’t mean managing every detail yourself. Colesville Travel takes care of all the arrangements in advance, so you don’t have to worry about coordinating the details. Colesville Travel handles all trip arrangements, ensuring a seamless experience so your group can travel with ease, comfort, and confidence from start to finish. Everything will be organized for maximum fun and minimal hassle. 3. Inspire Your Friends to Explore Traveling together invites your friends to enjoy experiences they may not have chosen on their own - beautifully curated and effortlessly enjoyed. From private wine tastings in Italy and refined beach retreats in the Caribbean to unforgettable safaris in Africa, immersive food experiences in Bangkok, or exclusive museum visits in France, every detail is thoughtfully arranged to reflect the destination at its very best. With the support of the Adventure Ambassador Program and the expertise of Colesville Travel, you and your guests simply arrive, relax, and savor the journey. 4. Enjoy Meaningful Rewards While Traveling Well One of the most rewarding aspects of traveling with your circle is the added benefits that come with it. Through the Adventure Ambassador Program , thoughtfully curated group travel can include exclusive savings, preferred amenities, and in some cases, complimentary travel opportunities. With Colesville Travel handling every detail, your passion for exploring the world is enhanced with meaningful rewards, without compromising comfort, quality, or experience. 5. Create Lifelong Memories and Connections Travel is about more than where you go, it’s about how it makes you feel and who you are sharing it with. Traveling with your friends allows you to create moments that linger long after the trip ends: elegant dinners with unforgettable views, enriching guided experiences, and shared discoveries in beautiful destinations. With every trip carefully arranged, these trips naturally become cherished memories and lasting connections. Final Thoughts Travel is at its most rewarding when it’s shared. If there’s a destination you’ve been dreaming about, this is your opportunity to experience it alongside friends in a way that feels effortless, refined, and thoughtfully curated. With expert planning and personalized support from Colesville Travel, you and your circle can enjoy the journey from the very first idea to the final memory, beautifully arranged, and entirely your own. Contact Colesville Travel at 301-989-1654 to learn more or click Adventure Ambassador Program for more information. Until then, stay inspired Cindy #TravelWithFriends #GroupTravelMadeEasy #MatureWomenTravel #TravelLeadership #AdventureAmbassador #SharedAdventures #GirlsGetaway #TravelCommunity #LuxuryTravelWithFriends #TravelTogether
Travel is changing and, in many ways, it’s getting better. As someone who’s been planning trips for decades and traveling the world firsthand, I can tell you this with confidence that 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year to travel, especially for travelers who value comfort, culture, and meaningful experiences over rushing from place to place. If you’re thinking about traveling in 2026, whether it’s a bucket-list destination, a long-awaited celebration, or simply time to enjoy the world again I hope this guide will help you understand what’s coming, where to go, and how to prepare so your trip feels exciting instead of overwhelming. What’s Trending in Travel for 2026 One of the biggest shifts I’m seeing is that people are traveling with more intention. Travelers aren’t just asking where they want to go but they are asking how they want to feel while they’re there. From my research here is what’s stands out for 2026: Fewer Trips, Better Experiences Instead of packing in multiple destinations, travelers are slowing down. Travelers are staying longer, making deeper connections, and are taking the time to actually enjoy the destination. These items are becoming the priority. Comfort Matters More Than Ever Premium economy, business class upgrades, smaller group tours, private transfers, and well-located hotels are no longer “extras” but are part of traveling well. Meaningful & Cultural Travel People want experiences that feel personal: food tours, local guides, heritage travel, music, art, wine, and history and not just photo stops. Small Group & Hosted Travel Travelers love knowing someone else has handled the details. Small group journeys, escorted trips, and curated itineraries are especially popular heading into 2026. Where to Go in 2026 While the classics will always be popular, 2026 is the perfect year to explore destinations that offer rich culture without the chaos. Here are a few standouts travelers are gravitating toward: Europe—Beyond the Obvious Think Portugal, Southern Italy, France beyond Paris, river cruising, and train-based itineraries. These allow you to see more without constantly unpacking. Africa & Heritage Travel Countries like Ghana, South Africa, and Morocco continue to grow in popularity, especially for travelers seeking history, connection, and powerful experiences. Alaska & Expedition-Style Cruising Alaska remains a favorite, especially for travelers who want nature, wildlife, and comfort all in one trip without flying overseas. Caribbean with Purpose Instead of just beach time, travelers are choosing islands that offer culture, food, rum tastings, sailing, and local experiences alongside relaxation. How to Prepare for Travel in 2026 (Start Now) Here’s something I say often and it’s more important than ever: The best trips are planned early. Waiting until the last minute usually means fewer choices and higher prices. Travelers who start preparing for their trip early, enjoy better flight options, better hotels, and far less stress. Here’s what I recommend doing now: Check Your Passport Many countries require passports to be valid at least six months beyond your return date. This is one of the most common and preventable travel issues. Start to Think About Timing Popular destinations and cruises are already filling up for 2026. Flexibility helps, but early planning helps even more. Decide How You Want to Travel Do you want independent travel, small group experiences, or a fully escorted trip? Knowing how you want to travel makes planning smoother and more enjoyable. Working with a Professional Travel today involves more moving parts than it used to. Having someone who understands the destination, the logistics, and your personal travel style makes all the difference. Why 2026 Is a Year to Travel Well If there’s one thing experience has taught me, it’s this: travel should enrich your life, not exhaust you. 2026 is the perfect opportunity to travel smarter, to choose destinations that inspire you, choose experiences that matter, and travel at a pace that allows you to truly enjoy the journey. Whether you’re dreaming about Europe, Africa, cruising, or something completely new, now is the time to start the conversation. Final Thoughts Are you ready to start planning? If you’re thinking about traveling in 2026, I’d love to help you shape a trip that fits you, I will take into consideration your comfort level, interests, and travel goals. The earlier we begin, the better your options will be. Travel is an investment in yourself. Let’s make it a great one. Contact Cindy at Colesville Travel today at 301-989-1654 or email cindy@colesvilletravel.com and let us help you start planning for 2026. Stay inspired, Cindy #ColesvilleTravel #TravelwithCindy #Travel2026 #TravelTrends2026 #FutureTravel #TravelPlanning #TravelSmart #IntentionalTravel #MeaningfulTravel #LuxuryTravel #SlowTravel #SoftAdventure
More and more women—especially women of color—are choosing journeys that feed the soul as much as they satisfy their desire to travel. Cultural heritage travel has quickly become one of the most powerful ways to explore the world, offering travelers a space to connect with history, identity, community, and personal growth. As travelers look beyond traditional sightseeing, they’re discovering destinations that speak to their roots, broaden their perspectives, and create moments of deep reflection. From the castles of Ghana to the historic streets of Paris, these journeys inspire a sense of belonging and an even greater appreciation for the richness of global culture. Why Cultural Heritage Travel Matters For many women, cultural travel offers: A deeper understanding of identity A sense of connection to shared history The chance to honor ancestors and explore personal narratives Opportunities for discovery, healing, and empowerment These experiences aren’t about looking into the past, they are about growing forward. And with the world becoming more accessible than ever, there's no better time than now to take a journey that feels truly meaningful. Destinations That Inspire Connection and Growth Ghana: A Homecoming Experience Ghana stands at the forefront of heritage travel. From the Door of No Return at Cape Coast Castle to the vibrant traditions of Accra and Kumasi, visitors often describe their time here as life changing. It’s a place where the past speaks powerfully and the present welcomes with open arms. Travelers can explore art, music, food, and a sense of cultural pride woven into everyday life. Paris: Celebrating Black Art, History & Global Influence Paris is more than romance; it’s a city shaped by global voices. From Josephine Baker’s legacy to the powerful Black history exhibits at the Musée d’Orsay and the activism rooted in Montmartre, Paris invites women to discover their place in a much bigger story. It’s a destination where culture, creativity, and empowerment meet together. London: A Tapestry of Global Stories London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, rich with museums, archives, and neighborhoods that highlight the contributions of people of color. From the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton to landmarks tied to the Windrush generation, the city offers a layered journey through history, migration, and cultural evolution. The Caribbean: A Celebration of Identity & Tradition Each Caribbean Island tells its own powerful story. Whether exploring the African-Caribbean heritage of Barbados, the Maroon communities of Jamaica, or the historic plantations and cultural revival in Antigua, travelers find a blend of joy, resilience, music, and ancestral connection across the region. It’s a warm, welcoming place to experience culture in motion. 10 Countries Ideal for Cultural & Heritage Journeys These destinations offer rich experiences for travelers, especially women of color looking to explore identity, history, and culture: Ghana – West African heritage, storytelling, and history. Senegal – Goree Island, arts, and traditional culture. South Africa – Apartheid history, Indigenous cultures, and cuisine. Morocco – North African traditions, architecture, and design. France (Paris + beyond) – Black history, arts, global culture. United Kingdom (London) – Migration history and multicultural neighborhoods. Barbados – Caribbean identity, music, and heritage sites. Jamaica – Maroon culture, music, and ancestral connections. Brazil – Afro-Brazilian history in Salvador, Bahia. Colombia – Vibrant Afro-Colombian communities and coastal traditions. These countries offer travelers the chance to experience heritage, artistry, and cultural pride while also enjoying food, nature, fashion, and modern city life. A Journey That Stays with You Cultural heritage travel isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement. Women are choosing trips that allow them to reflect, reconnect, and return home transformed. Whether standing on sacred ground, walking through historic neighborhoods, or sharing stories with local communities, these journeys leave a lasting imprint. If you’re ready to curate a heritage-centered trip for yourself or a group, I’m here to guide you every step of the way—bringing decades of experience, global connections, and heartfelt understanding of what these moments mean. Final Thoughts Cultural heritage travel is more than visiting new places, it’s about discovering yourself through the stories, history, and traditions of the world. Discover the transformative power of cultural heritage travel for women, where every trip offers meaningful experiences, connection, and personal growth. From exploring history in Ghana, Paris, and London to immersing yourself in the rich cultures of the Caribbean, your journey can be unforgettable and inspiring. Contact Cindy at Colesville Travel today at 301-989-1654 or email cindy@colesvilletravel.com and let us help you plan a cultural heritage vacation that speaks to you. Stay inspired, Cindy #CulturalHeritageTravel #WomenOfColorTravel #MeaningfulTravel #VisitGhana #TravelParis #ExploreLondon #CaribbeanCulture #WomenWhoTravel #BlackWomenTravel #TravelWithCindy #ColesvilleTravel #SeeTheWorldDifferently