The 6 Travel Tips Everyone Wishes They Knew Sooner
Travel doesn’t have to feel like a tornado of to-do lists, last-minute dashes, and that sinking “Did I forget something?” feeling. While the movies make chaotic travel seem endearing, real-life meltdowns at the airport check-in line are decidedly less cute.
But what if you could approach your next trip with the cool confidence of someone who’s done it all—and done it well?
That someone is Samantha Brown, a globe-trotting TV host who’s spent over 15 years exploring the world for a living (and for fun). With camera crews, kids, and countless destinations behind her, she’s mastered the art of traveling with purpose, peace, and just the right amount of pastry breaks.
So, are you ready to shift from frantic to fabulous? Id so, here are Samantha Brown’s six golden rules for travel that doesn’t just go smoothly—but actually feels good.
6 Best Stress-Reducing Travel Tips
1. Start Early So You Can Start Calm
You know that frantic “what do I wear?!” suitcase panic the night before a trip? Samantha Brown wants you to skip it entirely. Her advice: pack a week in advance.
“I hate that feeling of being rushed,” Brown shares. “That’s why I pack a week before and create a checklist of what’s in the bag. Otherwise, you start second-guessing everything and tear it all apart.”
Early packing is a gift to your future self—it frees up mental space to focus on other pre-trip details (and let’s be honest, no one has ever regretted being too prepared).
2. Arrive Like You Mean It: Super Early at the Airport
We’ve all heard the rule: arrive at the airport two hours before your flight. But Brown takes it a step further. “They say two hours before departure, but I say two hours before boarding time,” she insists. That extra cushion lets you breeze through security, hydrate, grab a snack, and maybe even breathe a little.
“The best way to remove 90 percent of travel stress is to just give yourself enough time,” she says. And honestly, when was the last time you regretted not rushing?
3. Don’t Expect Instant Relaxation
After months of planning and anticipation, arriving at your destination can feel… oddly disorienting. You’re there, but now what?
“Sometimes, when I arrive at a destination, I sit there and feel paralyzed,” Brown admits. That’s why she recommends starting small. “Go for a walk. Bring your kids, or just explore your new neighborhood solo. What’s around you? What’s open?”
The goal isn’t to dive headfirst into a packed itinerary. It’s to ease into the rhythm of the place—find the nearest café, get your bearings, and let your new environment sink in.
4. Do Less, Enjoy More – One Big Thing Per Day
Ever tried to cram four museums, two tours, and a five-course dinner into one day? You probably ended up exhausted and remembering none of it. Brown’s golden rule: limit yourself to one major activity per day.
“You want to build in time to absorb what you just did,” she advises. “And not rush to the next thing.”
Worried you won’t see enough? Brown gets it. “For people who feel like, ‘This is my only shot,’ my advice is: Do those must-see things first thing in the morning. Be productive early, then have a long lunch and be lazy in the afternoon.”
5. Make 3 P.M. Your Sacred Rest Hour
Here’s one travel tip no one talks about, but everyone needs: block out your midafternoon for rest. Always.
“No matter your age, everyone crashes in the afternoon,” says Brown. “Give yourself permission to be slower.” Whether it’s ice cream with the kids, a pastry in the shade, or a quiet moment in a nearby park, this simple pause recharges your body and your patience.
6. Create One Daily Ritual That Grounds You
Routines don’t kill spontaneity, they anchor it.
And so, when everything’s new, a small daily ritual can be your anchor. Brown always creates a simple habit in every destination: a regular café, a morning stroll, or a nightly ice cream with her family.
“That comfort allows you to relax,” she explains. “It becomes something you don’t have to think about.”
It’s a powerful reminder that not every travel memory has to come from a landmark—sometimes it’s the familiarity of your favorite corner café that stays with you.
Final Boarding Thoughts
The best kind of travel doesn’t just show you the world — it helps you show up for yourself. With Samantha Brown’s practical, soul-soothing tips, you can leave the chaos behind and embrace a calmer, more intentional way of moving through the world.
So, the next time your brain goes into pre-trip panic mode, remember: prep early, slow down, and make time for that afternoon pastry.
As Brown reminds us: “The best way to remove 90 percent of travel stress is to just give yourself enough time.” Wise words for your next adventure, and maybe even for everyday life.
