Travel tips
youtu.be/7438VkhkFpoHSP travel tips
highlysensitiveperson.net/highly-sensitive-person-travel-tips/Make sure you have the HSP Travel Survival Kit: eyeshades, earplugs (try the Mack’s brand), and sunglasses, and if you are hardcore, maybe a neck cooler or personal fan.
In hot climates, splurge for a room with air conditioning.
Avoid hostels or shared rooms. Get your own room. AirBnb is great for renting full apartments which help you feel more at home.
Give yourself downtime to relax, read a book, or just wander. Take a nap in the middle of the day to recharge from sightseeing.
Research stuff ahead of time. The more you know, the less anxiety you’ll have about something unexpected taking place.
Don’t feel like you have to see every tourist site. The best parts of most vacations aren’t the sites you see, but the interesting stories. (When I went to Peru, the most memorable thing wasn’t Machu Picchu, but rather getting robbed in Cusco. Hah.)sensitive-introvert-travel-tips
putting on a wet wetsuit in cold weather is pretty much the worst feeling ever
What about tours? Avoid organized tours because youif like to explore on your own and be in control of how you spend your day. Others may like tours because it removes the anxiety of having to plan things on your own.
When you are going out exploring for the day, plan ahead and carry anything with you that you might possibly need: a sweater/jacket, umbrella, hat, sunscreen, insect spray, water, band-aids, a snack, or anything else that might make you more comfortable during the course of the day. It may seem like overkill, but you’ll feel better if you’re prepared.
Buy health/travel insurance if it will help you avoid extra anxiety.
Take a taxi or Uber from the airport to your hotel instead of trying to navigate local transportation in a new country. A taxi might cost more, but after a long flight, you just want to get to your hotel.
Make sure the person/people you are traveling with understand your feelings and needs. If you say “no” to clubbing and drinking all night, they’ll understand it’s not because you are boring, it’s because it’s overwhelming to you.
Try to stay in one city/town longer rather than moving quickly from place to place.sensitive-introvert-travel-tips
uh-oh, looks like someone is all templed out.
Give in to the fact that there will be times when you will be uncomfortable and there’s nothing you can do about it, no matter how well you prepare or plan ahead.
Use the $10 rule. When spending an extra few bucks can make your life much more comfortable, stop worrying about the money and do it. Decision time: take a taxi, or walk to your hotel in the searing heat wearing a heavy backpack? Get a taxi! If it’s only a little more dough for a lot more comfort, DO IT! (The awesome $10 rule is from Chris Guillebeau, who has visited every country in the world.)
Collect airline miles so you can redeem points to fly business/first class on long flights. When you upgrade, air travel changes from an awful cattle-car slog to luxury. You also get access to airport lounges when you fly business/first. Trust me, it’s a total. game. changer.
Don’t feel like you need to “keep up” with what other people do. There are no rules to traveling. Go at your own pace and do what you want to do.
highlysensitiveperson.net/highly-sensitive-person-travel-survival-kit/Sleep Mask: Block out any offending light sources when you are trying to get some precious sleep. Recommended: Bucky 40 Blinks Ultralight Sleep Mask. The Rolls Royce of eyeshades, its contoured cups conform to fit comfortably on most faces and it doesn’t put pressure on the eyes, allowing the wearer to blink freely in the delicious darkness.
Ear plugs: Crying babies? Loud teenagers? The tick…tick…tick…of an annoying clock? None of it matters when you’ve got a pair of these foam wonders.fan
Travel fan: Remember that 5-hour bus in 90 degree weather with no air conditioning, no open windows, and no air movement whatsoever? I do. Or how about the overnight train where the air was so stifling you felt like you couldn’t breathe? I still have nightmares about it. And I wish I had one of these little guys with me. Recommended: Travelon 3-Speed Folding Fan. This battery-operated fan can be hung around the user’s neck or placed on a table or flat surface. It’s great for travel in hot countries without A/C.
Good Sunglasses: Get a good pair with 98-100% UV protection. Those without UV protection will relax your pupils, letting damaging radiation hit your retina. Consider the wrap-around kind that cover more of your face. -Sunclouds as they are polarized, inexpensive, yet nice-looking shades.
A hat: It’s freaking bright outside, and you don’t want skin cancer, do you?
Neck cooler: This ridiculous looking thing should only be used in dire situations when you don’t care if you look like a dork. Soak it in water overnight, and the next morning, you’ve got a squishy neck ornament that stays cool all day. It feels kind of amazing when you are climbing into Egyptian tombs or exploring Angkor Wat. Recommended: Neck cooling “Kafka Tie” from REI. (Or, make your own, or buy on Amazon.)
Travel tips:
Many of us enjoy the idea of travel but might be hesitant because of how hard it can be on our systems to be away from the comforts of our home.
Find ways of getting rest before the trip because you don’t want to start out too depleted. You want to start out with full energy. Try to fit in bits of nature.
If you’re visiting relatives, try to space out the time in between visits and find out which ones are priority. For example, one weekend going to your partner’s family home for a party, and they wanted to get together for breakfast and dinner the day before as well as visit before the party the next day. This could be too much, especially if driving takes six hours. If the dinner on Friday night is important and seemed to be just as important as the party Saturday night; therefore, You can decide not to attend the daytime activities and instead take some rest so that you can fill up your tank for the evening activities.
You have to find ways of being creative. It can be difficult for everyone to understand you, but it is possible for you to understand yourself, know your needs, and express them as best you can to your family. Otherwise, you do it all and go through potential emotional meltdown, high sensitivity, and possibly illness. You get to choose which scenario you want. Take care of yourself in the way that makes you feel most balanced.
Tips for traveling by car:
• On long car rides, try renting a larger car for more space so you can lie down or stretch out.
• Take ear plugs, pillows, blankets, an eye mask, headphones, and music and/or meditation recordings.
No matter what kind of family activities, trips, or vacations you are doing, make time for yourself. Plan activities in between times of rest. Rest the day before and after busy days if possible. It’s okay to rest in between family activities and gatherings and come later or leave early. Take breaks from the crowds as needed and take little walks around outside if possible. Learn what you need to be your best and advocate for those needs. If you’re happier and more balanced, those around you will benefit, but only you know your limits and boundaries!
Here are some more travel tips from HSPs:
Travel solo.
Wear sunglasses.
Take noise canceling earphones for the plane and in the airport.
Take tissues with lavender oil to sniff on the plane.
Take puzzle books, books to read, and/or some crafts with you.
Drink a ton of water.
Hydrate and rest.
Listen to music to escape the crowds in airports and to center yourself.
Stop to enjoy the view (wherever safe).
Do no more than two major “tourist” sites if in a city. Sometimes if one takes too long and is very busy, then one is enough. Maybe consider visiting smaller towns and taking walks in the countryside.
Spend money on convenience where possible.
Use a car service instead of driving yourself if you can.
Choose hotels with room service/in-room dining. When overwhelmed and tired, it’s a relief to know you can order in to eat.
Choose higher-end hotels when possible. They are generally quieter and have a concierge.
Consider taking advantage of the TSA Precheck service to make going through airport security much less overwhelming. All large airports that are typically overwhelming use TSA pre-check, and if the smaller airports don’t have it, it’s usually okay because the security line is much shorter and the experience is much calmer.
Have a “buffer” day before and after the trip. Use the “before” day to pack, check trip details, and relax. Use the “after” day to sleep, rest, unpack, and decompress to gently ease back into daily life.
If necessary, make the trip shorter to have buffer days if that extra time is really helpful to you.
Being away from home for more than a week is stressful. Take more frequent short trips instead of long trips.
Make a pack list that has every single thing you need regularly, with space for trip-specific items. Laminate the list and use a dry- erase marker to add things and check things off.
To help you sleep, take a portable noise machine, a small fan or ear plugs and an eye mask.
Don’t feel the need to “do everything” while traveling. Choose one or two activities (museum, tour, etc.) and plan time to rest after!
Meditation.
Go at slightly less busy times of the year (i.e., during the off season).
Alternate excursion/busy days with relaxed days.
Be to yourself like a mother would be to a child. Schedule plenty of rests. Make sure to always have a snack and water with you.
Travel solo or in small groups instead of large groups.
If it costs extra (and you can afford it) and it will reduce hassle, go for it. Do yourself as many favors as you can while traveling to cut down on overwhelm.
Plan for a recovery day off work prior and immediately following the trip. Enjoy the cultural experiences knowing that you don't have to necessarily partake in all of the foods. Sugars when traveling is a recipe for energy depletion. Stay hydrated. If you go with a group make sure they have "free time" scheduled in... you will need it for yourself. Have fun.
Noise canceling headphones, favorite essential oils, yoga while waiting in the airport, eye masks, earplugs, a great movie to escape into, lots of walking, water, snacks, and no computer work!
Don’t over plan too many activities. Rest if you get tired and eat on a schedule.
Have a plan. The more planning you do the more comfortable you will feel. Don’t pressure yourself to enjoy every moment - some things are just a drag! Try to eat regularly and hydrate. Have something fun on the horizon for after the trip.
If you’re visiting a city, try to find a park for relaxation and beauty.
Organisation ahead of trip. Eat clean food, keep well hydrated. Earphones, good book. Anything that worries you about the journey, address it early so that you’re proactive not reactive. Then enjoy!!
