A man with a camera photographing a blonde female with a backdrop of hot air ballons and a scenic view.
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Every month has its own set of unique challenges when it comes to traveling. March is no exception. To help you navigate those challenges and experience stress-free travel, I have put together a list with helpful solutions.

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Pack those allergy meds for stress-free travel

A man sneezing, and he should have packed his allergy meds for stress-free travel.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

Seriously! Depending on your location, you may already be noticing a huge increase in allergy symptoms! The weather is starting to warm up, in its yo-yo like fashion, coaxing the planet back to life. Budding trees and growing grass are causing an increase in airborne pollen which can make you feel awful.

Moreover, the windy beginning to the month of March stirs up dust, mold spores, and all sorts of other “ick” that can make your immune system overreact.

If that isn’t enough, bees are starting to fly about, and many people have an allergy to things that sting.

So, it is very important to pack all the medications you need to manage your allergies if you want stress-free travel.

Plan for a variety of weather conditions

A thunderstorm over the water which is not good for stress-free travel.
Photo by Raychel Sanner on Unsplash

It’s no secret the planet transitions from winter to spring in March. This makes for some seriously indecisive weather! In the blink of an eye, it can go from 80 degrees and sunny to 25 degrees and sleeting. In fact, it’s one of those months you can experience all 4 seasons in. Fun, right!

So, you’ll certainly want to check the weather for your intended destination before packing. But keep in mind, weather is also subject to change! For that reason, you’ll want to err on the side of caution. I recommend (at the very least) adding a travel umbrella, a good pair of tennis shoes, and a jacket to your luggage.

NOTE: If you’re traveling by car, make sure you’re prepared for anything from winter weather conditions to flash flooding. You should at least consider packing a roadside emergency kit (switch out the mechanical flashlight for a head lamp so your hands can be free), cell phone, cell phone charger, magnetic road flares, extra blankets, extra food, and extra water.

Research your destination well

A laptop being used to research travel destinations.
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You should always research intended destinations, but there are a few things you’ll want to pay special attention to when it comes to traveling in March. You’ll want to look for festivals and events (like March Madness) that may cause an influx of visitors in specific areas.

Consider booking your travels before or after those events! This will help you avoid delays due to crowds and traffic congestion. As a result, you’ll have a more stress-free travel experience.

Also, I suggest avoiding popular spring break destinations! Instead, opt for lesser-known places with a more laid-back vibe. You’ll be thankful you don’t have to deal with party crowds, and the disgusting mess left in their wake.

Be extra cautious when traveling by car

A red car traveling down a highway.
Photo by Maksim Tarasov on Unsplash

A few things to watch out for while traveling by car in March!

Road crews haven’t had a chance to fix all the overwhelming damage to roadways that occur from months of harsh winter weather. Obviously, the extent of damage and type of damage depends on many things. Regardless, you’ll need to exercise caution. This is especially true when traveling through rural areas!

Additionally, you’ll want to watch out for an increase in road construction as crews work to repair the aforementioned damage. So, give yourself plenty of extra travel time and expect some minor traffic delays.

You’ll also want to watch out for an increase in deer and other wildlife on roadways. They become far more active as the weather warms up. Nothing about smacking a deer with your car at 65 mph screams stress-free travel.

Protect yourself from the sun

A palm tree blocking the sun.
Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash

There will be many days in March when you want to wear a short sleeve shirt, tank top, shorts, etcetera. It’s important to remember that a huge portion of your body hasn’t seen the sun in months. SO, make sure you take steps to protect yourself because you are at an increased risk of burning!

Make sure you pack your sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat (with chin strap), etcetera. Also, it doesn’t hurt to pack THIS, just in case! I know this is 16-ounces, but you can put some in a travel size bottle. It won’t add much in terms of weight, and you’ll be thankful you have it “if” you need it.

Allowing extra time equals stress-free travel

A clock you can use to allow more time for stress-free travel in your itinerary.
Photo by Sonja Langford on Unsplash

You’re probably no stranger to travel issues that can leave you stressed and pressed for time. The bulk of these issues are beyond our control. However, we do have control over our travel itineraries!

When you’re making your travel itinerary consider allowing extra time for those unforeseen issues like traffic accidents, vehicle trouble, flight delays, and etcetera. It will allow you to deal with whatever situation arises without feeling unnecessarily rushed.

Furthermore, allowing extra time in your travel schedule will enable you to stop and explore unexpected sights along the way.

Pack an outside activity or game

A row of kids playing tug of war.
Photo by Anna Samoylova on Unsplash

There will be some beautiful days for outside activities in March. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll probably have a lot of pent-up energy. For sanity’s sake, pack an outside game or activity to keep them entertained.

Make sure you choose something travel friendly. It doesn’t have to be something that adds a lot of weight or bulk to your luggage. Something as simple as a frisbee will suffice.

Be wildlife aware

A beautiful majestic bald eagle.
Photo by Sue Tucker on Unsplash

This time of year, is a very active time for wildlife. When you research your intended destination, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the wildlife in the area. Make sure you know what precautions you need to take to protect yourself. Inversely, you’ll need to take precautions to protect the wildlife!

Furthermore, wildlife viewing is a super relaxing activity that you can add to your itinerary. It’s also FREE! So, consider tossing a small pair of binoculars in your luggage.

BONUS tips for stress-free travel!

In hopes of making your travel planning process stress-free, I am linking some useful resources below!

If you’re ready to book your travels, you can do so from my Must Have Travel Services page. My links will safely take you to the service you need so you can make your reservations.

If you need travel gear or supplies for your trip, you can purchase anything you need through any of the safe links on my Amy’s Top Picks page.

I hope these tips help make stress-free travel a reality for you! Wishing you many blessings and as always, Safe Travels!