Travel without stress
After riding the ferry from Aqaba, Jordan to Nuweiba, Egypt, baggage claim proved stressful.
Sifting through bags with fellow travellers on the back of a flatbed truck resulted in a bruised, dust-covered bottom when an enthusiastic tug sent me, quite literally, over the edge.
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Upon clearing customs and finding the closest beverage merchant, I purchased a warm soda and squatted on the footpath to plan my next move.
Holidays don't always flow smoothly. Here are a few stress-busting tips to help you cope:
SERENITY
I've ducked into street-side temples in Bangkok, and lesser-known churches in Rome to grab an hour's peace when the chaos became too much. Botanical gardens and parks provide peaceful spaces, and rooftop bars are rapidly becoming my favourite urban oasis strategy.
In Boston in the United States, Poe's Kitchen at the Rattlesnake on Boylston Street has an outdoor deck with over-sized planters, and appetisers starting at less than $US10 ($9.66).
Also of note is 230 FIFTH, an extensive rooftop garden bar in Manhattan with stellar city views. Outdoor heaters make it accessible year-round, and starters like smoked salmon salad and Malaysian spring rolls are less than $US9 ($8.70).
SEASIDE
I've used a waterfront stretch-and-stroll session to unwind in Tel Aviv, Israel, and relaxed with a book in the seaside ruins of Byblos in Lebanon.
Beach massages are a personal favourite that I've enjoyed in Indonesia and Cambodia for less than $US12 ($11.60) each.
For a light splurge that's closer to home, the Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, offers ocean-view suites with one-hour, in-room massages, champagne, breakfast and Wi-Fi at less than $US190 ($183) per night. When pennies need extra pinching, sand castles and sunbathing are both free ways to put a little sand between your toes.
EXERCISE
Start strolling. Whether it's a formal walking tour or an unscripted adventure, put on your walking shoes and rack up some kilometres. It'll be great exercise, and provide you with some fun memories and photo ops. Use the treadmill in the hotel's fitness centre, swim laps in the pool, or ask the front desk staff about bicycle rentals.
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PLANNING
Bring items that will keep you comfortable, and help solve problems on the road. Laptop computers and smart phones provide access to travel information if your schedule changes unexpectedly.
Proper shoes can reduce foot pain from a day of on-your-feet meetings, and emergency protein bars provide energy when meal plans are unavoidably delayed.
Myscha Theriault is the best-selling co-author of the book 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget, and founder of TrekHound.com, a web site for independent travellers.
