If there is one thing that I have quite a bit of experience in… it’s traveling. Hopefully I have learned a thing or two about traveling well. From the early days of sleeping curled up on trains through Europe to taking red eyes with small children to other continents, I have been there. These days, I like to call myself a middle traveler. No longer considering budget airlines, but also not quite luxury travel either, so I get to find the fun mix of exploring unique and interesting experiences but also making sure I’m comfortable.
I have wanted to put this list together for a while, including all the items that keep me (a sensitive person who gets migraines easily) mostly happy and comfortable for all kinds of trips with multiple destinations. While traveling can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you’re a sensitive person who thrives on comfort and routine, I find that planning is the most important step. Here’s how to make every journey—whether by plane, train, or boat—a pleasant adventure.
Planning Your Travel: Setting the Stage for Success
Choose Your Destination Wisely:
Select locations that align with your preferences. Sometimes you are in the mood for an adventure and sometimes you want to curl up in a resort somewhere and finish that great novel. Check in with your traveling companions and decide what the vibes are. If you dislike loud cities, opt for serene countryside retreats or quieter coastal towns. Research climates, cultural norms, and activities to ensure they suit your energy and comfort levels.
Timing is Everything:
Travel during off-peak seasons to avoid overwhelming crowds. Midweek travel days are often quieter, cheaper, and less stressful.
Research Hotels Thoroughly:
Look for accommodations with excellent reviews for cleanliness, comfort, and service. Prioritize hotels with soundproof rooms, blackout curtains, and good air conditioning or heating. If you’re sensitive to smells or allergens, ensure the hotel offers hypoallergenic bedding or non-smoking options.
Packing for Comfort and Wellness
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Essentials for Sensitive Travelers:
- Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to block out noise. I have this pair and have enjoyed them tremendously, especially when that screaming baby from 3 rows back starts up. Check them out: Bose Noise canceling Earbuds
- If you like to enjoy in-flight entertainment, this gadget comes in handy: allowing you to use your own earbuds instead of the cheap wired headphones the airline gives you. It plugs into the audio jack and you can bluetooth in your own ear buds. Check them out: Airfly Wireless Transmitter
- A sleep mask and travel pillow for better rest. Truth be told, I have yet to find a neck pillow that I can rave about (taking any recommendations if you have one), and I have tried my fair share. I feel like it’s trial and error until you find one that works for you, but I will say that the light blocking eye mask is an absolute must for me. Those paired with the noise cancelling earbuds and I can almost guarantee some kind of shut eye.
- A charger/cord organizer that is thin and easily slips into my to-go bag – keeps everyone’s devices charging for the whole trip. Electronic Cord/Charger Organizer
- Comfort items like your favorite snacks (does everyone have their favorite airplane snack or is it just me? Chocolate covered almonds forever!) We pack our favorite teas and plenty of water too.
- Don’t forget all your usual vitamins, greens or protein powders or nightly sleepy time tea. Aside from time changes, weather differences, the all-you-can-eat buffet and that slightly stiff hotel bed and floppy pillow – your body needs all the support it can get while it’s outside your regular routine. Try this for to-go powder storage and easy dispensing while on the go: Stackable Powder Container
Health and Wellness Kit:
- Travel-size toiletries that suit your skin’s sensitivities. I always try to purchase travel sized options of my favorite products, but sometimes thats hard to do. When I do bring my full sized bottles, I find these help to make sure they arrive without any pressure related issues: Silicone Bottle Covers
- Medications, supplements, or first-aid items you might need. I love this one: Roam Travel Pack. It has everything in an easy to shove in your carry on pack.
- Melatonin or jet lag vitamins. This is really personal preference. I have had good luck getting sleep while taking melatonin on flights, but end up having worse jet lag, so it’s a toss up for me. These are what we’ve used for our flights. Olly Sleep Gummy
Clothing Considerations:
Now, this is usually where I try to start early, overpack and simultaneously forget some very important items. (I once found myself in the GAP on the first day of my honeymoon buying a week’s worth of underwear) Does this make me qualified to give advice? Yes it does, because I’ve learned the hard way. My best success for packing is lists and laying out every outfit with a general travel schedule. I have a pre-made packing list and I give it to my children to help them pack their own bags as well. Choose versatile, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. Layers are key for temperature fluctuations, especially on planes and boats.
I try to keep and store many of these items in my travel bags so they are ready to go for every trip and I am not constantly tracking things down right before a trip. If you travel often enough, it is worth it in my opinion to have a separate set of chargers, toiletries and travel accessories that just stay packed and ready to go at all times.
Navigating Different Modes of Travel
Traveling by Plane: Our most popular mode of transportation and quite frankly, one that I am trying to constantly improve. The question really is, to upgrade or save your cash? Is it really all about the leg room or laying flat? Window and aisle seats in economy are now extra cash, so how much are you willing to spend to get comfortable on your flight?
- Book Smart: Choose a seat in a quieter section, like near the front or by the window for fewer disruptions. I I have found that paying extra for premium economy is usually just enough extra personal space to make you comfortable.
- Arrive Early/Board Last: While arriving early allows you to grab some decent food before your flight, we almost always are the last to board. We don’t usually have carry on luggage that needs overhead bin space, so I’m not sitting down in that cramped seat until I absolutely have to.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Bring your own water and snacks that you know your body handles well, as in-flight options usually leave a lot to be desired. TIP: Always check with your airline app 3-4 days prior to your flight, this is usually when they allow you to pre-order specific food options, often choices you aren’t able to make day of. This is also when they open any award travel upgrade options, you may be able to use points to upgrade your seat all together
Traveling by Train:
- Upgrade if Possible: First-class or quiet cars are ideal for sensitive travelers.
- Pack Light: Trains often have limited luggage space, so bring only what you need.
- Entertainment: Download relaxing podcasts, audiobooks, or music to keep you relaxed during the journey.
Traveling by Boat:
- Prevent Motion Sickness: Pack anti-nausea medications, ginger candies, or acupressure bands.
- Choose Your Cabin Wisely: Opt for midship cabins on lower decks for the most stability.
- Plan Onboard Activities: Research relaxing areas or spa options on the boat for a more enjoyable experience.
Booking the Right Hotel
Read Reviews Before Booking:
I am guilty of reading too many reviews, that it can sometimes give me analysis paralysis. BUT…. I like to know exactly what I am getting into. Figure out your families secret to travel success and make sure you can accommodate most of that list when you book (pools, a good breakfast buffet, a good lounge). Prioritize amenities that matter to you.
Location Location Location:
Choose accommodations in neighborhoods close to your planned activities in order to minimize the hassle of commuting. Wondering around can be one of the best ways to explore a new destination, its great exercise and often leads to finding some real gems.
Planning Activities That Keep You Feeling Great
Pace Yourself:
Avoid overloading your itinerary. It can feel like you have wasted your time in your new location if you don’t see everything on your list. However, seeing a few things but also leaving having thoroughly enjoyed your time without constant rushing and exhaustion is a greater success! Leave time for rest and spontaneous moments. For every day of sightseeing, consider scheduling downtime in a park, cafe, or your hotel room.
Explore Mindfully:
Seek out activities that align with your preferences, like time in nature, spa treatments, or guided tours in smaller groups. We have recently started trying to book a day with a private tour guide, and the gift of not worrying about navigating a new city and having a local be able to answer all your questions has really improved our overall satisfaction.
Handling Challenges on the Go: Traveling Well
Communicate Your Needs:
Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need, whether it’s a specific menu request at a restaurant or a seat change on public transport. Most people are happy to accommodate when asked politely. This can make all the difference if something isn’t going well on your trip. Never hurts to ask!
Embrace Flexibility:
Unexpected delays or changes can be stressful, but try to see them as opportunities to practice adaptability. Having backup plans (like alternative routes or activities) can ease the stress of disruptions.
The Key to Traveling Well
By planning thoughtfully, prioritizing comfort, and being attuned to your own needs, you can create a travel experience that is not only manageable but deeply fulfilling. The key is to honor your preferences, plan ahead, and give yourself grace when things don’t go perfectly.
I’m in the middle of planning our Spring Break trip, so stay tuned and I will share how I decided on our itinerary and how I planned and booked the many stops.
Happy travels!
