Krista Glover: How to Stay Sane During Thanksgiving Travel

Travel Tips For The Holidays

I was flipping through Travel + Leisure, daydreaming about my 2020 travel plans, when I was stopped cold with by headline: “A Record Number of Travelers Are Expected at Airports This Thanksgiving, TSA Warns.” Noooooooo. The holidays are stressful enough with the family gatherings, hosting and entertaining (even though that’s my favorite part); when you add travel to the mix…save me.

I have done both: traveled over Thanksgiving and stayed home. They each come with their pluses and minuses. Staying home means ditching the packing lists and airport crowds, but it also means hosting a large group at my house and stressing about every piece of décor and appetizer. Traveling means someone else is doing the cooking and entertaining, but it also means packed planes, airport food, and traffic.

If you’re traveling this Thanksgiving, I have a few tips and resources to keep you sane, festive, and feeling your best.

PRE-TRAVEL

Start with your head in the right space. Does your mother always comment on your weight? Does your best friend always unload her relationship drama on you when you? Before you pack your bags, vow to lead with love and draw boundaries where needed. Need a little help clearing your mind and setting your intentions? I love the HeadSpace app for quick, guided meditations. You can also do these on the flight!

Take really good care of yourself. Going into your trip stressed out, with poor nutrition or little sleep, won’t do you any favors. Get a lot of sleep (check out the piece I just wrote about improving your sleep), eat well, and stay true to your fitness goals.

BEAUTY STARTS FROM THE INSIDE OUT, AND A HEALTHY SLEEP LIFE MEANS A HEALTHY LIFE FROM MORNING UNTIL NIGHT.

WE’VE ALL HEARD THE SAYING “FUEL THE FIRE” WHEN IT COMES TO OUR METABOLISM. THROWING WOOD INTO A FIRE TO KEEP IT GOING IS VITAL. THAT’S HOW WE NEED TO LOOK AT OUR BODIES. SMALL MEALS THROUGHOUT THE DAY WILL KEEP YOUR METABOLISM WORKING AT A STEADY PACE, WHICH MEANS IT KEEPS BURNING CALORIES NATURALLY.

And then, like so many bodies do, mine hit a plateau. At 37, my kids turned 4 and 6, and I started to see some changes in my body, my metabolism, my complexion, and my “tude.” I don’t know if the hormone fairy came by and gave me a little pixie dust, but I was all sorts of WTF. It was time for a change, a boost, a recharge.

Plan (then plan a little more)

I love lists. They keep my head on straight. I recommend the Google Keep app/site (they both work together, which I adore) for quick lists. The check mark option feeds my perfectionist soul.

I keep a list of the “always” things we take on trips, so I don’t have to start my packing list from scratch each time, then I add the custom things for each trip. This really comes in handy with the kiddos.

Prioritize Yourself During The Trip

Whether you’re staying in a hotel or your childhood bedroom, you need to make the space feel good. I love this portable oil diffuser by This Works. A few drops of their Deep Sleep Superblend and it’s slumber-ville. Driving to your destination? This car diffuser is genius.

Treat your skin. With Fall comes drier weather, and travel adds a double whammy to the assault on your skin. I don’t know about you, but the better my skin looks and feels, the happier I am. Be sure to pack a few special treats for your skin. I love this collagen powder. It comes in single-serve packets, and you can mix it in water, smoothies or coffee. This Kora Organics Noni Glow Kit is giving me life. Talk about glowy, silky skin.

Start each day with a 5-minute meditation. Remember why you’re coming together to celebrate the holidays. Lead with love.

Oh, and don’t wait until the last minute for anything. You have enough stressors around holiday travel, don’t add any more. Need something for your trip? Buy it now. Have the kids outgrown last year’s coats? Time to shop. Need to leave for the airport 3 hours before your departure? Plan accordingly and maybe even add a little extra cushion time for good measure. Remember, ultimately, this is about family, togetherness, and love. xx