Why does travel planning feel so stressful? 4 easy ways to fix it before your UAE summer escape

Planning a trip is fun, until it isn’t. Flights, trains, accommodations, packing lists and then you spot that one dreamy seaside town in a brochure and feel tempted to change everything. Again. No wonder trip planning can feel less like a holiday and more like homework. Psychologists call it decision fatigue — when too many choices cause your brain to just… shut down.

So, if you're heading out this summer and already panicking about what needs to be done (or hasn’t been done), here’s how to take a breath literally and reset.

When you divide a big task into smaller chunks, it not only feels less stressful, but it also actually boosts your motivation. So instead of trying to plan the whole trip in one sitting, take it step by step: Book your flights today, choose your hotel tomorrow, and save the sightseeing itinerary for the weekend. These small wins give your brain a boost and help you avoid that “I can’t do all of this!” feeling.

Relax by the riverside in Porto, or spend an extra day in Lisbon? But oh no wait, you promised your friends that you would do a cycling tour in the mountains. Stress, stress and more stress.

Well, stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, your body’s ‘fight or flight’ mode — which floods you with cortisol and adrenaline. But controlled breathing can reverse this. Research published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (2017) showed that slow, deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering relaxation and improving focus.

When you feel swamped, try inhaling deeply for four seconds, holding for four, and exhaling for six. Just a few cycles can clear your mental fog.

And maybe settle for relaxing by the riverside in Porto. Just saying.

Scrolling endlessly through tabs and notifications can heighten anxiety. There will always be that one scenic route that you will miss, or the chocolate fountain that you can’t fit in.

And that’s when you step away for a bit.  A 2018 study from the University of Pennsylvania found that limiting social media and screen time significantly lowered feelings of loneliness and depression. Even a short break from screens, a 10-minute walk or stretching session — helps reset your mind and reduces stress, making it easier to tackle your travel plans when you return.

Studies show that rigid expectations often fuel stress.  Multiple studies, especially a 2004 research titled From needs to travel behavior: A theoretical framework. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, and 2014 one confirm that travelers who maintain a flexible mindset enjoy their trips more and experience less anxiety Instead of trying to control every minute, accept that plans might shift — maybe a café is closed, or the weather isn’t perfect. This mindset shift reduces pressure and opens you up to unexpected joys.

So, what’s the verdict? Travel planning doesn’t have to feel like a burden. By breaking tasks down, practicing mindful breathing, unplugging for a bit, and adopting a flexible attitude, you can beat overwhelm and start enjoying your trip well before you even leave home.