If you're Highly Sensitive, traveling can be quite a challenge. I adore travel, but new places come with higher levels of stimulation simply because they're new. Plus, traveling often comes with expectations about sightseeing--"a sort of stomp-'til-you-drop tourist mentality." Here are tips to transform your travel experience.
Make a Travel Plan
As part of getting ready, plan ahead. That way, you’re not over-stimulated with details when it’s time to leave. I find that if I can start packing a day or two ahead, I’m much calmer. I feel confident that I’ve covered all the bases. I make a checklist of important items, including a travel kit. I also arrange to leave extra time in my work schedule before I depart and when I return.Create a Travel Kit
When traveling, plan to pack a few extra items to make yourself extra comfortable. I suggest you develop a kit filled with essential travel gear to have ready to grab at anytime for those unexpected trips that can arise. Here are my tried and true goodies for plane travel:- Eye shade
- Ear plugs
- Travel pillows and/or neck support
- Big bottle of water
- Protein snacks like nuts, seeds, or cheese, along with fruits and veggies
- CD player with comforting music
Additionally, I ask for a blanket once I'm onboard the plane because I am sensitive to the varying temperatures. I also dress in layers and bring a scarf.
Consider Creature Comforts
Be sure to give yourself permission to bring along what you need to feel deeply contented once you arrive. I do work to balance this with weight considerations; heavy suitcases are a form of stress I choose to live without. The key here is to experiment with what best supports you and then allow yourself the gift of bringing it along.Along with my plane kit, I bring Epsom salts for baths or foot soaks. Also, I bring essential oils such as lavender, which I use in my baths or directly on my feet (a trick I learned from a fellow coach for a great night's sleep).
One of my clients allows herself a pair of lightweight sweat pants; she needs them to unwind in a hotel room at the end of the day. She also permits herself to ship home travel purchases so that she can feel comfortable filling up her suitcase with "Linda things." For long term stays she goes the extra mile and cleans her hotel room thoroughly and gives herself permission to buy items that will support her stay, like a humidifier for dry hotel air.
Sleep Well
For many Sensitive Souls, one of the greatest travel challenges is getting adequate rest. Many aspects of traveling can make sleep difficult, such as unusual textures, noise and light, and the vibrations in large hotels, not to mention the excitement of being in a new place and wanting to see it all. Here are a few thoughts:- Get a good night's sleep before you leave.
As mentioned, I pack ahead of time so I'm not running around at the last minute fretting over details that get my mind racing and prevent sleep. I also go to bed early if I have an early departure.
- Consider staying at a bed & breakfast or small hotel.
The ambient building vibration is significantly less or non-existent, and the comforts of a more home-like environment are immeasurable. Staying with a friend or family member offers similar benefits but may have other drawbacks!
- Bring your own bedding.
It may sound over the top, but I find that when I bring my own quilt, I can get a great night's sleep in a new place.
- Take naps and plan a realistic schedule.
When I overbook, it's hard for me to sleep. When I plan to rest midday, I sleep better later and I am able to fully appreciate my travels. I also strive to be realistic in what activities I undertake.
