Hydrate. Make a list. Leave time for yourself. Here are some tips to reduce the stress of holiday travel

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Traveling can be stressful at the best of times. Now add in the high levels of anxiety that seem to plague every holiday season and it’s clear that travelers could use some help calming frayed nerves.

Travel experts say there’s a lot you can do ahead of time to make the holidays fun and stress-free.

Make a list and check things off

A week before you leave, write down the things you need to bring and the activities you need to do before the trip.

“This can include packing essentials, as well as simple tasks like cleaning out old food in the refrigerator or watering the plants,” says Jess Feldman, special projects editor for Travel and Leisure magazine. “The important thing is to leave the list for a week before you leave. I skip routines for the week, and it helps me feel more prepared, it’s less stressful all the time.”

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Go with your comfort zone

Noise-cancelling headphones can go a long way in blocking out distractions during travel, although if you use them you should keep an eye on the display boards or your phone for any flight or gate changes.

Spotify, YouTube and other sites offer music playlists with titles like “Cool Airport Relaxation Music” and “Perfect _ Music Travel Relax.” Or try “Airport Music,” the first album that launched the ambient music genre in 1978.

It’s also good to carry extra medicine, a change of clothes, a toothbrush and a phone charging cable, just in case.

Bringing a snack or sandwich from home can feel comforting and a great alternative to expensive airport offerings.

“I usually pack for the worst situations, like flight delays and cancellations. This includes bringing things to do, such as more than one book, knitting supplies, or a few downloaded movies,” Feldman said. On long trips, he may bring food in a Tupperware container.

Stay hydrated

To combat dry air on airplanes, carry an empty water bottle (fill it up after entering security) and a small bag with travel-sized lip balm and moisturizer.

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Hallie Gould, editor-in-chief of Byrdie, a digital beauty portal, recommends “moisturizing before flying. That means drinking more fluids and using moisturizing skin products to improve hydration, so you’re covering your skin from the inside out.”

And don’t forget your hair.

“Just as the low humidity on the plane dehydrates your skin, it can also dry out your hair. If possible, use a cooler before your trip,” says Gould.

Get app-y and know the rules

“Every airline has different needs when it comes to the onboarding process, advance payment benefits, or seat upgrades,” Feldman said. “It is better to understand all of the above before arriving at the airport so that you don’t get hired.”

Having an airline app notifies you of gate changes, flight delays or cancellations and allows you to quickly find alternative flights or connections if needed.

Give yourself the gift of extra time

Security lines can be much longer – and slower – than expected, as can traveling through a major airport. So giving yourself plenty of extra time can reduce stress. The general rule is to arrive at the airport two hours before departure on domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

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If you’re in a hurry, you can always check out the airport shops and lounges or settle down with a good book somewhere.

“I always make sure there’s a rest area I can go into at my exit gate early,” Feldman said. But even if there is no rest area, he says, “I would like to know what the restaurants and waiting areas (near) the gate are like.”

Try to find the source of your anxiety

“If you understand why you are stressed, it can help to find ways to reduce that stress,” says Lynn F. Bufka, head of the division of the American Psychological Association. So if you’re feeling stressed, are there things you can use? Is there anyone in your family who can help with the planning parts?”

Be aware that crowds, bad weather and canceled flights are beyond your control.

And some people just don’t like long distance travel or flying.

“If it’s a fear, like the fear of flying, it’s important to know that it can be treated, and that treatment can really improve your quality of life,” said Bufka.

Prepare to welcome yourself home

A little more time to prepare your home and make sure you have easy-to-prepare foods in the fridge or pantry will pay off in a big way.

“Always, always clean your place before you go on a trip. “You’re definitely going to feel down after a long trip, and coming home to a disorganized place will make it worse,” says Feldman.

Wash the sheets, take out the trash, put away the clothes, clean the countertops. “Coming home to a clean and tidy place is like coming home, especially after being away for a long time,” he said.

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AP Business Writer Dee-Ann Durbin contributed to this report from Detroit.

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For more AP Lifestyles news, visit https://apnews.com/lifestyle.

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