Travel should feel exciting, right? But let’s be real—sometimes, the stress of planning can get in the way. The good news? With a focus on stress-free travel and a little planning, you can make the whole experience smoother, more relaxed, and filled with joyful travel moments.
The idea of ‘slow travel’ is gaining popularity, and for good reason. At its core, it’s about taking your time—soaking in a destination, being present in the moments, and immersing yourself in the culture. Instead of rushing through a multi-stop itinerary, slow travel encourages lingering longer in one place to experience it truly.
Over time, Dan and I have naturally gravitated toward this approach—long before it had a trendy name—and there’s so much goodness in it. That said, I don’t think every trip calls for slow travel. The key is to find the pace that feels right for you.
Maybe one trip is about leisurely mornings and getting to know a single destination deeply, while another is about chasing adventure and making the most of every moment. Either way, the goal is the same: to travel in a way that brings you joy.
Finding Your Own Travel Pace
Why am I so passionate about joyful travel? Because there’s nothing quite like the privilege of exploring the world. I’ve made the mistake of overbooking trips to the point of exhaustion, and I’ve heard so many stories from others who wasted parts of their travels simply because they didn’t take a little time to prepare. If you’re spending the time and money to go somewhere, you should truly enjoy it.
Joy looks different for everyone. Sleeping in until 11 a.m. or skydiving on a trip wouldn’t bring me joy, but for someone else, it might be the highlight of their adventure.
The point is to pursue what makes you happiest when you travel. Because I’ve found that when I prioritize joy on a trip, it doesn’t just stay there—it carries into my everyday life.
It’s easy to think that a vacation guarantees instant happiness, but I don’t think that’s always true.
Often, the person planning the trip is putting in the effort to make that joy happen, and that feeling can start long before you even leave—if you let it!
Anticipation, planning, and those little moments of excitement before a trip can be almost as fun as the adventure itself.
Here are eleven practical and inspiring ways to bring more joy into your journey, starting with the planning process and continuing into your travels.
1. Kickstart Stress-Free Travel with a Pre-Trip Ritual
Instead of jumping straight into logistics, build anticipation for your trip with a fun pre-trip ritual. Make a special playlist, watch a movie set in your destination, or browse through travel blogs. This helps shift your mindset from stress to excitement and adds a touch of inspiration.
How I put this into practice: For joyful travel, I love diving into a book set in our destination before we go. It sparks my imagination and gives me a taste of the place before I even get there.
2. Plan Just Enough (But Not Too Much)
Joyful travel begins with smart planning—securing the essentials while leaving room for spontaneity. Plan a few things like a must-do activity, a sought-after restaurant, or a guided tour—so you don’t miss out, but keep a running list of ideas to pull from once you arrive. That way, you have structure without feeling locked into a rigid schedule.
How I put this into practice: Not every destination requires pre-booked plans, but for some, securing the essentials ahead of time leads to stress-free travel. I like to have one to three activities or reservations booked in advance, and beyond that, I keep a running list of activities and restaurants we can pull from once we arrive. This helps us avoid scrambling for last-minute plans while still giving us the freedom to go with the flow.
Looking for activity ideas during your travels?
I love Get Your Guide for booking tours, excursions, and unique experiences. It’s one of my favorite resources to make sure we don’t miss out on any adventures while we’re traveling!
3. Tackle Travel Planning in Bite-Sized Pieces
If you have some time before you’re headed out on your adventure, tackle the planning little by little.
Often, some of the overwhelm of travel planning comes when you feel like your list is never-ending. Whether it’s actual logistics for your trip or making arrangements for things while you’re not home, like who will take care of your dog or the kids.
Make a to-do list and each week try to tackle one or two things so it doesn’t creep up to a week before the trip and you’re left rushing (which is right up there with getting stuck in the middle seat on a long-haul flight).
How I put this into practice: I have another trusty list that I refer back to so I’m never starting from scratch. I just switch out the dates and destination(s), doing a little at a time so it feels like something I want to do versus something I dread doing.
4. Give Yourself a Travel Buffer
Rushing from one thing to the next can steal the joy from a trip. Plan for buffer time—arrive at the airport early, leave space between activities, and give yourself time to slow down and savor the moment.
How I put this into practice: For us, a buffer usually means choosing slightly longer layovers when we don’t have direct flights. When possible, I don’t choose flights that have less than an hour layover. And if we’re traveling in the winter months, I try to avoid making connections in locations that are likely to be impacted by snow storms.
5. Determine Your Travel Crew Wisely
Who you travel with can make or break your experience. Going with family, a partner, or friends? Make sure your travel companions align with your trip style—whether it’s adventurous, laid-back, or a mix of both. And if you’re traveling with family… well, sometimes you just have to roll with it!
And here’s a pro tip—have a quick chat with your group before you leave so everyone’s on the same page about travel styles and expectations. A little convo upfront is way better than mid-trip tension over clashing itineraries.
How I put this into practice: We keep our travel crew small—just a couple of close friends who share our travel habits, preferences, and budgets. We all like doing similar activities and we all pitch in on planning the trip so it doesn’t feel like the burden all got left to one person.
6. Choose Accommodations That Excite You
Your stay can set the tone for your entire trip. Whether it’s a boutique hotel, cozy Airbnb, or a resort with a stunning view, pick a place that makes you happy to return to after a day of exploring.
How I put this into practice: I love discovering places to stay that are thoughtfully designed. As a naturally observant person, I notice the little things—and it brings me so much joy when hotels or vacation rentals pay attention to the details and add those special touches.
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7. Streamline Packing for Less Stress
A chaotic suitcase can lead to a chaotic trip. Pack versatile pieces, use packing cubes, and create a go-to packing list to make the process smoother. A little organization goes a long way, making for more joyful travel.
How I put this into practice: I handle most of the packing, and having everything organized gives me peace of mind that I haven’t forgotten anything. I have another note (are we noticing a theme here?) on my phone that I always use to ensure I get all the important items as I’m packing up our bags.
8. Sprinkle in Little Luxuries
Joyful travel is about savoring the little luxuries—the small, delightful moments that make your trip extra special. Upgrade your plane seat for extra legroom, grab a fancy coffee from a cute local café, or find a scenic spot to take in the view. These small things can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.
How I put this into practice: I like to find meaningful keepsakes or jewelry that remind me of our trip long after we’re home. They’re great conversation starters and little reminders of our travels.
9. Document the Moments That Matter
Whether it’s through journaling, photos, or short videos, capturing your travel experiences helps preserve the joy long after the trip ends. But remember to balance documenting with being present in the moment.
How I put this into practice: Since I run this site, taking photos of our trips is a must, but I’ve also started jotting down little notes about meaningful moments. It’s fun to look back and remember the small details that might have otherwise been lost in the bustle of the trip.
10. Good Timing = Better Travels
Timing is the secret to stress-free travel—and the key to joyful travel moments. While it’s not always possible to control your schedule, choosing activities, excursions, meal reservations, and transportation (like flights and trains) at times that work best for you can make a big difference.
If you’re not a morning person, plan for a slower start to your day. If you love exploring when places are less crowded, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Being mindful of peak hours and seasonal crowds can help make experiences more enjoyable.
How I put this into practice: As much as I love taking the first flight out, we’ll always opt for one that lets us start the day early and get a full night’s sleep—without the stress of sleeping through an alarm (IYKYK). It might mean getting to our destination slightly later, but we’ll also be well-rested and in better spirits once we’re there.
11. Save the Best for Last
Plan something to look forward to on your last day, whether it’s a memorable meal, a scenic walk, or a relaxing send-off. Ending your trip with a special moment helps you return home feeling fulfilled rather than rushed.
How I put this into practice: If there was a meal we couldn’t stop talking about during our trip, we like to head back to that restaurant again for our last night. It can be a little extra fun because often the waitstaff recognizes you, making it feel like you’re not just another passing tourist.
Less Stress, More Joy—That’s the Goal
Did my passion for adding joy to travel come through? I know I nerd out on this stuff, but I really hope you take something from it—especially if you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed by trip planning or disappointed by a vacation that didn’t quite go as expected.
You don’t have to be as much of a planner as I am. These ideas aren’t rules; they’re just little tweaks that can help make travel feel easier and more enjoyable. Maybe only a couple of them resonate with you, and that’s okay! Take what works, adapt it in a way that makes sense for you, and leave the rest.
Here’s the thing—joyful travel isn’t about doing it all, it’s about doing what feels right for YOU. By focusing on stress-free travel and what brings you joy, your trips will be fulfilling, effortless, and filled with moments that stay with you long after you unpack your bags.
With joy,
Bri
