by 
Calm your anxious traveling heart today with these 19 tips:
1. Make a master list
Calm your heart by creating a master list containing all the things that need to be done before you leave, the day you are leaving and the day you are coming home.
2. Take a picture of all the things you need to do before you leave
Save your brain the pressure of having to remember everything by taking pictures of the things that need to be taken care of before you leave home. Take a picture of the thermostat to remind you to turn it down. Take a picture of the stove to make sure all the buttons are turned off and snap a quick shot of all the doors and things that need to locked. Save yourself from the epiphany of not knowing what needs to be done last-minute.
3. Pack your favorite snacks
Are you a picky eater? Save yourself from the hassle of not having the food you enjoy by packing your favorite snacks. A package of granola, pretzels and your favorite comfort food will help cut back on any unnecessary stress.
4. Use your vitamin tray for more than vitamins
Have jewelry that you are afraid you’ll lose in the clutter of your suitcase? Go ahead and double your vitamin container as a jewelry box to save yourself from the stress.
5. Be aware of peak seasons and plan accordingly
When visiting a specific location, research peak seasons for travel. Plan to visit right before peak season hits or right after. This way you travel in good weather and avoid the crowd.
6. Books, guides and reviews … study up
Exhaust all of your resources. Do not be afraid to read discussion boards, a multiplicity of reviews, maps and guidebooks. The more you know, the more you can do with confidence.
7. Bring a folder to hold all necessary paperwork, itineraries and passports
Gather all of your important documents, papers, itineraries, passports and IDs and place them all in a trusty folder. Having all documents in one, easily accessible place will save you from impending stress.
8. Create a detailed plan …
After you have studied and thought through all the things you want to try to do at your destination, draw out a detailed itinerary. Sounds Type A, right? That’s OK. Have one thing you would like to see each day and one thing you would like to eat. Making a prioritized list will help you keep a level head on your travels, because you will already have your day practically planned out.
9. Accept that your plan will not go perfectly
Remember to “keep calm and carry on.” Things will never go exactly as planned. Embrace the chaos.
10. Map out what you need to pack
After you have planned out your daily itinerary, you will be able to create a list of all the essentials you need to pack. If you are hiking, swimming, salsa dancing or going out at night, you will want to plan accordingly.
11. Bring picture-worthy outfits
It’s true that when you look good, you feel good. Bring clothes that make you feel confident and attractive-outfits you would post a picture wearing.
12. ALWAYS pack a sweatshirt
Always pack your most comfortable sweatshirt, even if you are going to the desert. Restaurants and airports can be chilly and having a comfort item will make travels that much more enjoyable.
13. Never leave important things to the last minute
The night before you travel and the day you leave are hectic and stressful enough. Do not inundate yourself with tasks that could have been taken care of previously. Plan and prepare your time wisely.
14. Triple check your toiletries
Sounds tedious, right? Do it. Check to see that all your medications, ointments and beauty essentials are stowed in spill-proof containers.
15. Take just a carry-on bag when possible
Nothing induces heaps of stress than lost luggage. If possible, pack all of your travel needs in a carry-on bag and skip the process of checking in a bag. If you’re worried about liquid essentials, nearly every airport contains basic beauty products to purchase.
16. Create a soothing playlist
Set the mood right with some of your favorite calming tunes.
17. Schedule down time
If you fear the stress of constantly doing things, do yourself a favor and schedule down time. Take in the perks your hotel has to offer. Indulge in a cup of steaming tea and a nice bubble bath.
18. Document your trip
Vacations don’t last forever but their memories can. Document the many events that occur on your adventure. Take pictures, create a short video and write in your journal. Let the memories last forever.
19. Enjoy the journey
Embrace the adventure and live in the moment!
Editor’s note: This article was first published on Family Share. It has been republished here with permission by the Family Share Network.