Our last adventure, before illness changed the rhythm of our lives, was to Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya. We traveled for three weeks with two large Tumi duffels and our carry-ons, and I was reminded once again that the ability to travel stress-free begins long before you arrive at the airport. My Ultimate Concierge and I learned over decades of travel, from Africa to India, the Galapagos Islands, and Antarctica, that reliable luggage, thoughtful packing, and organization are the first steps to enjoying the ride.

But darling, this story is about more than luggage. It is about how to travel stress-free when the world is wide open, and how to carry the spirit of travel when your own world has narrowed. As I sit here in our condo in the sky, gazing at calm Lake Michigan, which reminds me of the Pacific Ocean I so adore, I realize I have been living in a social vacuum.

I have been hibernating in my condo in the sky, doing my due diligence as a loving Florence Nightingale, texting, working at my computer as a volunteer and National Board Member for the Zionist Organization of America and Founder of ZOA Women, working out in my salon, going out for a mani and pedi, occasionally lunching with a friend, and playing Mahjong. I also stay in touch with world events. Yet, I did not fully understand how small my daily world had become until I took two of my grandsons to a favorite haunt for dinner, Gibsons Steak House.

A Wake-Up Call

Waiters came to the table and asked, “Where have you been? We missed you.” In awe, I realized I had lost almost three years of living in the real world. A deep sadness and shock swept over me as it dawned on me that I had been living in a bubble. I realized how socially starved I had become. I had forgotten the energy that comes from conversation, laughter, and simply being among people.

I was not feeling lonely. I was experiencing the quiet shrinking of my once-expansive life. I once organized my life around adventure. Airline tickets, theatre tickets, restaurant reservations, passports, and the excitement of discovering what was around the next corner. Shelly and I embraced the world together. Then dementia arrived. It quietly unpacked our bags and rearranged our life.

Holding Onto Hope to Travel Stress-Free

Now, almost three years later, because of a dinner out with my grandsons, it dawned on me that while I am caring for my Ultimate Concierge, my own life deserves tending. I asked myself a daunting question: Where do I start to rebuild what once was without my best friend, my darling, by my side in the same way? Illness changed my map. I do not want it to change my destination. There is still tomorrow.

My challenge is learning to organize a meaningful life around a reality I never asked for. I do not quite know how. I must learn. I will struggle with options. My elixir will be my daydreams, a mix of trial and error in my head that will eventually lead me to my answer. I had the opportunity to travel to Israel with my daughters and sons-in-law last month and opted out. I wanted desperately to travel with them, but I could not bring myself to leave my Ultimate Concierge.

Why I Still Write About Travel

So I decided to write about travel because I miss it so much, and I enjoy sharing what I know. Giving back to others has always made my heart sing, especially when it is appreciated. Darlings, the key to how to travel stress-free is organization. In today’s story, I am sharing the best travel tips I have picked up over years of wandering through the world.

As I have often said, “I have wandered through life lusting for all it has to offer.” There are many legs to a journey. The first leg of your trip begins in your mind. Managing worry is an important part of preparing for travel. Staying calm, organized, and realistic can help prevent stress from stealing the joy of your experience. Remember, your dream is just a dream until you give it structure.

How to Travel Stress-Free Begins in the Mind

The subject on my mind today is how to organize a trip: how to choose a travel agent, how to prepare your home, how to organize your room upon arrival, how to plan your days, and how to bring home meaningful memories. This story is a mix of interesting potpourri.

Alongside my Ultimate Concierge, I have traveled the world. We visited every Middle Eastern country except Iraq and Libya. We explored South America, Cuba, Europe, Indonesia, Africa, and beyond. We were a great team because Shelly quenched my thirst whenever I approached him with a trip idea. He would say, “Let’s pack up and go.” A favorite adventure began on March 9, 2023. We traveled with three of our grands, Scott, Logan, and David Good, to East Africa.

 

Learning Through Experience

The opportunity to expand my worldliness in a multitude of ways would not have been available to me without productive organizational skills. To study and enjoy my travels, I taught myself through trial and error and with the advice of others. It is my joy to share my skills in today’s musings. How to travel stress-free and enjoy the ride.

The first leg, so to speak, of any trip begins at home. Your mind should be geared toward leaving home organized. That means making list after list and checking them twice. Then making sure everything on your list is crossed through before you leave home. It is a massive chore for me because I live a big life. Writing lists is taken seriously!

• Did I make a copy of our passports?
• Do I have our list of vaccinations?
• Did I list emergency contacts?
• Did I schedule when my plants need watering?
• Did I arrange care for America, our pooch?
• Did I call the doctor?
• Did I pack medications, chargers, reading glasses, and comfort items?

For example, America is healthy, but nevertheless, I take him for a check-up before a long trip. When my Ultimate Concierge and I traveled, I also phoned our doctor and asked what preventive medications we might need. I use the Apple app Reminders as my list organizer. It is simple, and I owe my sense of sanity to my Reminders app. Remember, darlings, life without organization is havoc. I have lived with chaos, so I know this to be true.

Travel Stress-Free by Caring for Yourself Before You Go

Organization is not only about passports, luggage, and reservations. It is also about self-care. A woman cannot travel stress-free if she leaves home exhausted, scattered, or emotionally overloaded. Before you travel, tend to yourself.

• Get enough rest.
• Drink water.
• Pack early.
• Do not leave every decision to the night before.
• Choose comfortable clothes that make you feel polished.
• Pack shoes you can actually walk in.
• Bring a wrap for cold airplanes.
• Give yourself enough time to arrive at the airport without panic.
• Download your documents.
• Charge your phone.
• Pack a small pouch with medication, lip balm, hand cream, tissues, and anything else that makes you feel cared for.

These details may seem small, but small details are what separate stress from serenity. Self care before travel says, “I am not going to run myself ragged before I even leave home.”

A Travel Plan Begins With the Right People

I have always employed a well-traveled and respected travel agent. Do not hire an agent until you check that person out. Beware of the agent who plans your trip only from a computer. The first question I asked our new agent before planning our trip to Singapore and Bali was, “Have you spent time in Singapore and Bali?” She had. She was able to answer my questions because she had walked the streets and experienced the culture.

My travel agent and I were a productive team, working hand in hand. I did not allow her to make decisions without my input. When I received her travel app with our entire trip laid out, I knew we were in good hands. If you choose not to have an agent, do your homework. Watch documentaries. Listen to podcasts. Read books. Ask trusted friends. I often say, “Nothing good happens by accident.” Consider watching the History Channel, listening to podcasts, and watching videos. Here are a few videos that rank high on traveler’s lists:

• Fearless and Far (off the beaten path)
• Sabbatical ( dives into the culture through connecting with people)
• Itchy Boots for the solo traveler
• Discover with Ruhi Cenet ( unique locations, people, and natural phenomena.)

These videos and books can be very helpful for planning a stress-free trip, offering practical tips and insights from experienced travelers.

Organization Upon Arrival

Arriving at your hotel is a key moment. Having a plan for what to do immediately after you arrive ensures a smooth start. Personally, I believe in asking those I trust for advice. I learned from my southern girlfriend, Norma Jean, that one should check the room before accepting it. She taught me to say, “Please show me the room I will love the first time.” It works!

When luggage is delivered, I do not let the porter leave. I ask questions about the remote, Wi-Fi, hangers, and towels. Our room becomes organized, and we can relax.

Several years ago, we traveled to the Cotswolds without a proper plan. We needed a guide. I missed restaurants and learning opportunities. What I learned is to leave very little to chance. Every day and evening should have a plan. We make reservations, buy tickets, and hire guides. Organization, darlings, organization. That is how to travel stress-free.

While planning is essential, sometimes magic happens when you let go. Wander. Explore. Be curious. You might discover a hidden café or meet someone unforgettable. Travel is about both planning and surprise. If things go wrong, breathe. Some detours become your best stories.

Meaningful Memories

Next, let’s discuss souvenirs. I do not shop for the sake of shopping. I look for meaning. In Africa, I bought an ostrich egg. In Cuba, a portrait. From Israel, my red Kabbalah strings. Genuine feelings direct my purchases. You might want to copy me. It will make your memories richer.

You can meet new people, join tours, and create new stories. Stay present. Enjoy the moment. To enjoy stress-free travel, a checklist is essential. Pack documents, medications, chargers, and comfort items. Think about flights, transportation, and timing. Arrive early. Stay organized.

The sounds of Gibsons reminded me I had become socially undernourished. It was my awakening. If I could organize travel, I could organize life. Not a lonely life. A meaningful one. I may not travel far right now, but I can still expand, toward connection and purpose.

Travel is not only about distance. Sometimes we travel across a room. Sometimes we travel back to ourselves. Organize what you can. Release what you cannot. Take care of yourself. And remember, darlings, you can still travel stress-free and enjoy the ride. What tips can you share for making travel stress-free? Please share your thoughts with me in the comments section below.