Do you have a hesitation in traveling?

Planning and staying calm is more important than ever

Overcoming flight anxiety leads to a better trip

The fear of flying is more reasonable than ever. The news and reports of airports being evacuated every so often do not help. Flying is safer than driving but headlines can make it seem otherwise.

First, get plenty of rest. Try to get extra sleep before the trip. Eat well and get some exercise ahead of time as well.

Information. Provide family, friends or those at your destination with your travel plans and where you are scheduled to be at various times.

If you take any medications, consult with your doctor to see what is best.

Take a good book, a favorite snack and a small luxury item that you can hold onto in order to make you feel more comfortable.

Avoid the rush. Be on time and try to be a little early. It's much more relaxing to sit at the airport and watch others run and be frustrated than it is to join them. Lines are longer than they used to be.

Breathe. Stop and pay attention to your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths.

Drink. Stay hydrated with water or juice but not so much as to have to use the restroom repeatedly. Use your judgment. Caffeine makes some more jittery so you may want to avoid coffee or some sodas. Alcohol should be avoided. One drink may help you relax, but any more than that and you may lose some control.

Stay calm and relax. Be a passenger, read that book and enjoy.

Do you have strategies for traveling?

Planning is more important than ever

The freedom to exercise or not, the freedom to travel

We travel and enjoy it personally and professionally. Your choice to travel is your choice alone. If you don't feel comfortable venturing away from home, don't do it. If you do choose to travel, go full steam and enjoy it to the max.

E-tickets or paper? Proceed with extra caution as you book airfare online these days. Take the time to read the fine print before you buy. Electronic tickets have always been a luxury. I've used them since day one and as a person who never checks luggage, it allowed me to go directly to the gate. Today, I recommend getting paper tickets ahead of time. With them in hand and only a carry on bad, you can still bypass the check in counter and proceed directly to the gate. You must have a receipt for your electronic ticket in hand to proceed past terminal security. In some places, this is not good enough. Puerto Rico for example, you must have a paper ticket or a printed receipt from the airline desk. So you may wind up standing in an extra long line instead of avoiding one! A paper ticket solves that issue.

If your flight is cancelled, a paper ticket can be easily transferred to another flight or another airline. An e-ticket puts you in an extra line. You must first stand in line to get a paper ticket and then another line to get it transferred. By that time, the seats may be gone and you may be looking for a hotel room.

Insurance deserves a second look. Previously, I wasn't too keen on insurance as long as I was certain I was going on the trip. Today, I recommend looking at more closely. For a cruise or any major tour package, I recommend it. The initial cost is minimal and but the risk and chance of problems is greater. Always fly in the day before a cruise or tour. With flights getting canceled, bumped and delayed on a regular basis, you can not afford to cut it so close. The price of one night in a hotel is less than the cost of an extra flight to catch up with your cruise ship in another country!

Pack light. Prepare to have your nicely packed travel bag dumped out onto a table in the airport. Using clear plastic bags to separate your items will help. They can segment your items for easy repacking. Buy your toiletries at your destination. Razors, scissors, clippers, aerosol cans may all be confiscated at airports. This only costs you more money in the end and delays fellow travelers. Do not gift wrap presents, as they will only be torn open at the airport. The best thing is to ship them separately or wrap them at your destination.

Charge your batteries. Any electronic device (laptops, cell phones, cd players, games, etc) will be inspected and you'll probably have to turn it on for security to show that it's a real working device.

Sports enthusiasts. Avoid wearing or carrying any clothing you may have used at the gun club or rifle range or anyplace where guns may be fired. Sensors may detect residue from firearms or explosive material. You'll then be enjoying the company of airport security for quite some time as your plane arrives at your destination.

Bring a good book and small change. This is the best advice for an enjoyable trip. No matter how long the wait, if you have a good book and maybe a soda or snack, it will be tolerable. Using the time wisely, enjoyably and productively will reduce the stress of travel this season or any time of the year.

Travel smart and your trip will be enjoyable.