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Stress-Free Travel: Here’s How To Keep Calm and Travel On

Last updated April 4, 2024

It’s a fact. Whether business or pleasure, travel is stressful. In addition to planning and packing for a trip, the actual traveling to and from a destination can induce travel stress.

Add to this the current health climate—well, it seems that stress and anxiety are here to stay for some time.

From delays at the airport to staying in a strange environment, travel stress can mount and ultimately affect your well-being.

With a little preparation and commitment, though, there are a number of ways to reduce travel stress.

Seven Stress Less Techniques

If the goal is for stress-free travel, you can make use of various techniques both before and during your trip. Some of these require anticipating what factors might trigger your travel stress. Others are simply good practices that promote not only a stress-free trip but also generalized wellness.

With this in mind, the following seven tips for stress-free travel should be considered. Depending on your specific triggers, you might choose to incorporate some or all of them.

But in any case, these seven practices have the potential to make your journey a pleasant one.

1. Allow Extra Time During Your Journey

Many times, travel stress is caused by a simple lack of time to manage travel challenges. One of the best techniques is to simply allow yourself extra time during your journey for stress-free travel experiences. 

2. Anticipate (and Plan) for Travel Challenges

Some travel challenges can be predicted just based on past experiences. With a little forethought and planning, you can enjoy stress-free travel by anticipating what’s to come. 

3. Plan for Useful Distractions

When travel stress occurs, the mind tends to race. This can add insult to injury in terms of anxieties. Having calming distractions (like music) on hand can also help you achieve stress-free travel. 

4. Employ the Power of Positivity

Negativity and complaining only fuels stress and anxiety. Therefore, make your best effort to think positive thoughts or put a positive spin on things. This can often have a significant effect on promoting stress-free travel.

5. Use Calming Breathing Techniques

Breathing exercises are great for all types of anxiety and promote generalized wellness. Experiment by breathing slowly in and out for 10 seconds each. In no time, you will find yourself feeling calm and relaxed. 

6. Identify and Rationalize Your Anxieties

If you start to feel anxious, identify what is triggering your travel stress. In many cases, you can pinpoint the cause and rationalize your way through it. This will reduce your level of travel stress and enhance calmness in the process. 

7. Leverage Physical Relaxation to Reduce Stress

From a holistic health perspective, the mind and body are certainly connected. Trying to physically relax tense muscles and postures through yoga can also help reduce travel stress. 

So the next time you feel travel stress starting to mount, test out some of the above strategies to help you stay calm and stress-free. In all likelihood, you will have a much more enjoyable trip as a result. 

About Vacayou

At Vacayou [pronounced VACAY – YOU], we believe that travel has the power to change lives. The power to revive, rejuvenate and redirect your inner wellness warrior . And that’s why we’re here. Vacayou brings the world of wellness travel to you! No matter how far or how adventurous, our team scours the globe to curate the best in wellness travel. But the booking process can often be time-consuming and complicated. We’ve made it much easier for you to search, discover, and book wellness and active vacations . With Vacayou’s Instant Book, your dream wellness getaway is now just one click away . Start the trip of your lifetime today, with Vacayou . We are here to help create a healthier global community through wellness and active travel. To keep up with the latest wellness trends and experiences, be sure to  subscribe to our newsletter . 

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How to Stay Calm When Your Trip Goes Wrong

If the road gets bumpy, try these mindfulness techniques..

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Author David Gelles says mindfulness can help you deal with the inevitable uncertainty that comes with travel.

Courtesy of Cros Studios/Stocksy United

Planes get delayed, reservations blundered, restaurants overbooked. Sometimes it even rains on your only beach day. “Travel inherently involves uncertainty,” says David Gelles, author of Mindful Work: How Meditation Is Changing Business from the Inside Out . “Mindfulness can make us more comfortable with that uncertainty.”

The practice of mindfulness—focusing on the present moment without trying to change it—is rooted in centuries-old Buddhist traditions. But in recent decades, Western medicine and psychology have acknowledged its benefits on emotional well-being. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness helps reduce stress and anxiety and can even contribute to improved memory, focus, and emotional flexibility. But some people still understand “mindfulness” as an empty buzzword—or as an intimidating spiritual journey that requires years of devotion in order to derive any real results. “Mindfulness is a capacity that anyone can develop,” says Holly Rogers, a psychiatrist who helped create the Koru Mindfulness program specifically for young adults. “But you have to practice. It’s just like lifting weights.” So what techniques can we use to channel mindfulness when travel mishaps occur? Here’s where to start.

To stay calm in tough travel situations, try meditating or finding small sources of comfort.

Courtesy of Spring Fed Images/Unsplash

Take daily moments to meditate

Whether in your hotel room or on a public park bench, find a comfortable place each day where you can close your eyes and practice meditation. “It’s about [taking] short moments, many times,” Gelles says. “Apps like Headspace , Calm , 10% Happier , and Insight Timer are all great entry points for developing the habit.” The idea of meditation is to gradually train your mind to be present and in tune with the moment. “Feel your senses,” Gelle says. “What does it sound like where you are? What does it smell like? It takes practice, but even just a few minutes a day is enough to start changing the way we think.”

Find your motto

“A gatha is a series of phrases [or mantras] that you repeat in your mind, linked to the rhythm of your breath,” says Rogers. If a canceled flight leads to botched trip plans, the solution to your stress can start with just a few simple sentences. Rogers recommends the gatha “acceptance reduces suffering” to help you calm down when flustered. Focus on breathing deeply while reciting the gatha of your choice. The point, Rogers says, is to “try to let go of frustrations about what has already happened or worries about what might happen in the future.”

Seek small sources of comfort

“One of the main principles of mindfulness is that most of our suffering is caused not by what happens to us, but instead by what our mind does with what happens to us,” Rogers says. For this reason, it can be helpful to seek out specific sources of comfort on the road—especially for travelers with common anxieties such as a fear of flying or anxiety in large crowds. A favorite travel pillow won’t make a turbulent flight less bumpy, but it might enhance your sense of serenity until the storm has passed. Identify what soothes you in moments of stress, and consider it an act of self-care to pursue what brings you solace without shame.

Have a backup plan

Imagine lousy weather at Machu Picchu fogs out your postcard-perfect view, or the Paris museum you’re most excited to explore is closed for renovation during your visit. When you can’t complete your travel “to-do list,” pursue a plan B. “Rather than get caught up in wanting things to be different than they are, [mindfulness is] about recognizing that we’re faced with one reality, and it’s our choice whether that is one we embrace,” Gelles says. Try checking out a lesser-known museum in a nearby neighborhood or wandering down a hiking trail you might not have noticed otherwise. “Mindfulness isn’t about not having expectations,” Gelle says. “What’s important is that we recognize that our expectations are not the determinants of whether or not we have a satisfactory experience. After all,” he continues, “travel, at its best, is not about checking off boxes.”

But if it’s a flight delay or cancellation we’re talking about, arm yourself with the knowledge of what next steps you need to take—so you’re ready to spring into action after you’ve found your zen. >>Next: 9 Essential Tips to Help You Get Better Sleep on a Plane

This story was originally published in 2019; it was most recently updated with new information on May 6, 2024.

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Keep Calm & Make a Travel Checklist 

Taking a trip is often a great way to break free from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Follow these great tips from Collette for a travel checklist that'll ensure stress-free travel on your next vacation!

August 11, 2016

3 minute read

Taking a trip is often a great way to break free from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But sometimes, getting into vacation-mode can cause its own set of unique stressors. Between the packing, planning and coordinating, you might feel like you need a vacation from your vacation. To help you decompress and find some holiday zen, we’ve put together a few tips from Collette for a travel checklist that'll ensure stress-free travel on your next vacation!

1. Do Your Homework

• Before your travel adventures commence, do a little research on the destination at hand. Whether you’re dying to experience some local cuisine or want to plan one or two side trips, taking the time on the front end of your travels to create an itinerary with essential information can be a life saver later.

2. Know Your Flight Schedule

• Or in this case, the plane. A good rule of thumb when traveling to any major airport is to arrive two hours before your scheduled departure time. Between unexpected issues like traffic, security lines, and baggage checks, it’s better to have time for a pre-flight cocktail than to rush the gates.

3. How to Pack Light

• It can be hard to resist the urge to pack your life in your suitcase, but schlepping baggage around is never fun. Packing staple pieces that can be mixed and matched with other basics will help stretch your wardrobe longer and keep your bags lighter. Also remember to roll, not fold your clothes. Rolling your garments takes up less space and will make them less prone to wrinkling.

4. Put Your Phone Down

• It’s almost become second nature to constantly check emails, social media and our text messages. But taking time to put down the phone and take in the sights, especially while on vacation, is essential. If you MUST check your phone, choose one designated time and enforce a strict time limit of half-an-hour to an hour tops.

5. Plan Your Vacation Clothes

• The last thing you want when traveling is to feel inhibited, especially by your clothing. Wearing breathable fabrics like cotton, chambray and poly blends will keep you cool (even when you’re not). As for footwear, opt for slip on loafers or boots with zippers to save you time in the TSA line. Keep accessories like belts and jewelry to a minimum as well to avoid extra time in the security lines.

Whether you’re taking an active tour traversing through the jungles of Indochina or taking a relaxing river cruise through Belgian waterways, your next vacation should be one of pleasure and fun. With these tips along with Collette’s ability to handle all the other details, you can keep calm and travel on!

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Slang dictionary

Keep calm and carry on, what does keep calm and carry on mean.

Commonly featured on posters, clothing, novelty items, and internet memes, keep calm and carry on is a popular slogan calling for persistence in the face of challenge. It was first used on a British propaganda poster during World War II but now enjoys general currency as an expression of resilience.

Where does keep calm and carry on come from?

The basic verb phrase carry on means “to continue” doing something, but here, it specifically means “to persevere” and is often associated a British “stiff upper lip.”

According the UK’s official History of Government blog, the British Ministry of Information developed a series of three posters in 1939 to rally and reassure its populace as World War II ramped up. The third, and now iconic, poster flashed Keep Calm and Carry On in white, capital letters underneath an image of a crown on a bright, grabbingly red background. Who, exactly, coined the slogan is unclear. The other two posters featured equally comforting slogans: Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution; Will Bring Us Victory and Freedom is in Peril; Defend it with all Your Might .

The British government printed nearly 2.5 million copies, reserving them to boost morale in case of a particularly bad German bombing. It never did display the posters, and most were recycled in 1940 during a wartime paper shortage.

The Keep Calm and Carry On poster languished in number and obscurity until Stuart Manley discovered a copy in 2000 tucked away in a box of old books for his bookshop, Barter Books, in Alnwick, England. His wife and co-owner, Mary, framed and displayed the poster. Patrons fell in love with it, and the booksellers printed tens of thousands of copies over the decade.

The poster skyrocketed in popularity after the 2008 recession, explained Foreign Affairs Correspondent Jon Henley in 2009 for The Guardian . Social psychologist Alain Samson observed for Henley that “[t]he words are also particularly positive, reassuring, in a period of uncertainty, anxiety, even perhaps of cynicism.”

Since then, keep calm and carry on exploded as a meme. Everyone from crafters to tweeters have riffed on the slogan. Variations typically follow the template Keep Calm and X : Keep Calm and Drink Tea or Drink Beer , swapping out the crown icon for a teacup or pint glass. One can Keep Calm and Hug a Tree or Keep Calm and Hug a Texan . In the early 2010s, the keep calm and carry on meme became so widespread that it spawned clever parodies. Some flipped the message: Now Panic and Freak Out . Others made clever puns: Keep Calm and Carrion . Yet more went full meta: Change Words and Be Hilarious or Meme Meme and Memey Meme .

Today, one can keep calm and do whatever it may be that gives one special pleasure, pride, or a sense of community and identity: Keep Calm and Knit On , Keep Calm and Watch Stars , Keep Calm and Go Buckeyes . And, thanks to enterprising designers, one can flaunt their preferred calm-keeping on everything from coffee mugs to cell phone cases to throw pillows.

Lookups for keep calm and carry on spiked in 2012, according to Google Trends. Early that year, the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow discovered 15 more originals of the rare wartime posters.

Examples of keep calm and carry on

Who uses keep calm and carry on.

Broadly popular, keep calm and carry on and its many derivatives enjoys particular currency in memes and on products.

Thanks to its recent virality, keep calm and carry on now also enjoys general use in speech and writing, especially in social media posts or headlines, to indicate some state of affairs is moving along in spite of setbacks. Writers particularly favor the expression when commenting on British-based current affairs. For instance, one tweeter linked to a Financial Times article with “Keep calm and carry on—reasons for UK resilience since Brexit vote.”

This is not meant to be a formal definition of keep calm and carry on like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of keep calm and carry on that will help our users expand their word mastery.

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How to Actually Relax on Vacation

How to relax on vacation? It's easier said than done. As much as we love a holiday, the combination of planning, booking, traveling, and being in an unfamiliar place can be exceedingly stressful. (Though, you know, we at Traveler hope that our destination guides , intel , and recommendations—from the best places to go in 2024 to some of our favorite hotels and cruises ever —help alleviate the sense of overwhelming bounty the travel world has to offer.) Truly, there’s nothing worse than returning from a trip feeling more uptight than before you left. Ever need a vacation from your vacation? Not fun.

So, below, we round up the best ways to make sure you actually relax on vacation—from the ultimate packing tips to advice from experts on the best ways to truly unwind.

A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

Pack properly

When it comes to organizing your holiday, spontaneity can be really fun. Booking flights, activities, and restaurants all can be improved with a sprinkling of carpe diem. For packing, however, organization is key. Whatever you do, don’t leave packing until the day of travel. There will undoubtedly be a few items that spring to mind just before you head out the door, so make sure you aren’t already frazzled and sick of packing when that happens.

Making a list is always helpful in ensuring you don’t forget anything important, but if you’re not a list kind of person, then just make sure you give yourself enough time to remember anything important. Start with the essentials: passport , phone, charger, keys, wallet, visas or travel documents, prescription medication .

Throwing a bunch of mismatched clothing items is never the best policy, so think of what the weather will be like at your destination, dress codes at any fancy restaurants or events you might be attending, cozy outfits for evenings in, and suitable footwear for a variety of activities (there’s nothing worse than discovering the only shoes you’ve brought give you blisters on day one). For toiletries, packing your liquids in a transparent plastic bag will save you time during security, so you aren’t frantically scrambling through your bags while in line.

Structure and schedules can help

Organized fun may not  always  be the best kind of fun, but when it comes to being able to enjoy your holiday to the fullest, sometimes a little structure is the best way to achieve that. Think about what you want to get out of your vacation: Is there a particular restaurant you want to try ? A museum you’ve been desperate to visit? A beach you can picture yourself snoozing on? Doing your research will help guarantee you can slot in everything you want to experience during your trip.

Booking restaurants or bars in advance will save you valuable time; buying tickets for galleries or museums means that you won’t be forced to wait in line for hours on end; and a quick Google search of a beach will tell you how long you need to leave for transport there and back, plus anything else of note (when does it get crowded, are there sun beds, are there places for food nearby, etc.).

Of course, leave yourself some time for last-minute decisions and spontaneity . The unexpected is often the most fun, but only if you’re in the best mindset to embrace it when it appears.

Spend some time outside

For most of us, the majority of our working days are spent indoors. Vacations are a great time to get some much-needed fresh air and vitamin D, plus there can be some serious health benefits to getting outdoors on your holidays. “Spending time in nature helps travelers relax by reducing their mental fatigue, boosting happiness, and restoring their concentration,” Dr. Mahrukh Khwaja, a Positive Psychologist (MAPP), founder of Mind Ninja, and author of  Navigating A Squiggly Life , tells Traveler . “An unthreatening natural environment allows the mind to wander freely and relaxes the brain’s strong focus on specific tasks.”

That’s not to say you need to prioritize exercise on your holidays, but raising your heart rate slightly during a trip, be it from walking, swimming, hiking , or dancing, can do wonders for your ability to relax for the rest of your time away. “Studies show that travelers spending time in nature and taking part in hikes, walks, or cycling exhibit a reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension,” Dr. Khwaja explains. “Research also shows that tourists staying in green environments produce lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.” All that to say, simply spending more time outdoors can help you relax on your travels and therefore more fully enjoy your time away.

Soak up the local culture

Immersing yourself in a new place’s culture and history can help you unwind. It can be hard to switch off from the stresses of home, whether that is stressing about your workload when you return, resisting the urge to check your emails, or worrying about family members waiting for you at home. Meeting new people , learning new things, and educating yourself about the place you are visiting can help you get out of your head and momentarily forget those stressors waiting for you.

“Taking holidays can enhance our quality of life and happiness through the experience of new, novel moments, increasing our sense of meaning, and an increase in positive emotions, such as awe, gratitude, and curiosity when we immerse ourselves in different cultures,” Dr. Khwaja says. “Studies also report that traveling and taking a break from work reduces work stress, exhaustion, and absenteeism through the practice of switching off, slowing down, and prioritizing experiences that nourish travelers.”

Cognisomatic hypnotherapist  Jessica Boston  explains why broadening your horizons might help your mental health long after your holiday ends. “Being in a different environment to our usual one challenges the algorithms of our perceptual reality. Our subconscious mind makes sense of the world through our standardized algorithms of safety and possibility,” she explains. “When we are on holiday , our subconscious mind takes information in and decides if something is the same, similar, or different to something it already knows, and then takes action on how to respond appropriately—for example, recognizing any potential threats or danger).”

Traveling gives us a perfect time to exercise these mental skills. Boston goes on to say, “It’s easy through times of stress for these processes of coming to terms with our perceptual reality to get more narrow. We become lazy and more ‘blanket’ in how we perceive new experiences, which can damage our mental health. Travel challenges our perceptual reality and sets off a chain reaction where we can make sense of the wider world more easily. This can help us become more hopeful of what we can achieve beyond our basic understanding and, therefore, help us to feel better. We begin to think: ‘If this is possible, what else is possible?’”

Take your time

We rush around every day, running to catch trains and hurrying through our commutes, finishing off tasks as quickly as possible and willing the clock to move faster so we can finish work and rush back home . It can be tempting to treat holidays the same way—rushing to make sure you can squeeze in everything you want to do in a short period of time. But holidays are a time to pause and slow things down. It’s not often that we return to a destination more than once, so it’s important to appreciate the little things as much as possible. Pacing yourself through activities and things you’d like to do means you give yourself the time to actually enjoy each individual moment. Give yourself longer time periods that you think you might need to explore, so that if you end up really enjoying something in particular, you don’t need to rush onto the next thing.

Practice mindfulness

Before you skip this section, hear me out. I don’t mean you need to meditate on your next holiday (although if you’d like to do so, go ahead). Being mindful allows you to appreciate things you may otherwise have overlooked. Take your time to think about all the different sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of your new surroundings. Looking up, for example, is a travel tip I’ve often received; as weird as it sounds, by glancing upwards now and then you might catch sight of intriguing architecture, tiled buildings, murals on walls, or—if you’re lucky—a buzzing rooftop bar you won’t have noticed otherwise.

“In our hectic daily lives, the urgent pace driven by our anxieties and a demanding culture often keeps us from being in the present moment,” Boston explains. “There is a bid for attention from so many outlets, and anything related to survival keeps us constantly watching for imminent danger. This habitual state makes it challenging to be truly present as our minds continuously w1orks overtime.”

“Stepping away from the familiar environment that reinforces these patterns offers a natural break from survival cycles,” she expands. “Slowing down to pay attention to new cultures, sights, and sounds helps us to be fully in the present, which recalibrates our relationship with time and effortlessly realigns our priorities. Suddenly, the pressure of a work email diminishes when juxtaposed with centuries of history or diverse ways of life. By slowing down, you will find that you discover new aspects of yourself and find simple joys that remind you that now is the time is now to fully enjoy yourself. Your ability to practice being present will reshape your perspective and reposition your priorities leading to a greater sense of inner peace.”

“The pressure of a work email diminishes when juxtaposed with centuries of history or diverse ways of life.”

Dr. Khwaja agrees: “A key way in which our brain can benefit from traveling is through the practice of being mindful abroad. Researchers report practicing mindfulness as a tourist, such as increasing awareness of our external environment, grounding ourselves to the present moment, and non-judgmental perception about a destination has positive impacts on our wellbeing, actions, and thinking responses. Mindfulness allows us to move from stress to awareness and broadens our attention to reframe life circumstances in a positive way.”

Treat yourself while on your trip

Obviously, a vacation in itself is a treat—and it can be an expensive one at that. But if you are already going on holiday, then it’s important to make sure that you aren’t spending the entire trip worrying about how much everything costs and scrimping on experiences while you’re there. This harks back to the earlier point about organization: If you plan accordingly, you’ll be able to balance out more affordable experiences with some finer ones too. A vacation is supposed to be a spoiling experience, so make sure you give yourself the opportunity to enjoy the trip as much as you can afford to.

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Planes, trains and automobiles! The holidays can be a crazy time for travel. Whether for business or pleasure, by air, land or sea, travel can put us at a heightened state of excitement and, yes, stress.  Safety is always the primary concern, but it’s important to keep our energy field protected as well as our physical self so when we reach our destination, we arrive in a calm and healthy state of mind, ready to make the most of our experience. During travel, we are bombarded with increased and varying types of energy. We could all use a little extra protection to avoid any undue turbulence. Delays, crowds, security, traffic, anxiety – these are all par for the course in this day and age of travel. Sometimes we just need to release ourselves from all the external forces that are beyond our control and do what we can to manage our inner state of mind. Certain  tumbled stones  can offer protection while traveling. Some can be worn on our bodies or carried with us as a much-needed travel companion. Others can be packed in with our luggage to safeguard our belongings. These crystals for travel safety will help calm, detoxify and shield us, paving the way for smoother sailing. Here are some tips for how we can go with the flow during our travels this holiday season.

Don’t Leave Home without these Crystals for Safe Travel:

Crystals to carry with you or pack in your luggage for safe travel:.

• Black Tourmaline - Like your own personal bodyguard, this crystal serves as a protective shield.  Particularly as you navigate through crowds and congested areas, carry it with you to add a protective boundary between you and any unwanted energy that might surround you.
• Moonstone - has long held the reputation as a traveler’s stone because it brightens your spirit and encourages good luck. Moonstone can help to lift your mood whenever you are feeling homesick or fatigued from travel. Keep this crystal packed with your luggage to avoid loss or misplacement.
• Angelite – This crystal is used to comfort, support and reassure.  It will keep you calm and protected during periods of panic, stress, turbulence or fear of flying.  It will also help provide patience with delays. Hold this in your hand as a calming stone and take comfort in this portable guardian angel.

Unakite  - This stone reminds you to stay present throughout your travels. Instead of letting the past or the future distract you, this crystal helps you live in the now. This stone also helps us let go of negative energy and evens us out during delays or unforeseen obstacles. Carry it to stay grounded, present and released from things that are out of our control.

Amethyst - Let’s face it – travel can be stressful! Amethyst has a peaceful and relaxing energy that helps you unwind and find your calm no matter where you or what is going on around you. is one of the best crystals for travel. Known for soothing anxieties and encouraging relaxation, Amethyst urges you to enjoy your adventure. By shielding your spirit from negative energy, Amethyst helps to secure a safe and peaceful journey.  

Aquamarine  - Helps with fear of flying or traveling over water. This stone has a uniquely powerful effect with paired with water. If you are wanting to attract more travel into your life, especially overseas, wear Aquamarine.

Rhodonite  - is the ideal stone for those entering foreign surroundings because it helps to shift your perspective. This way, you can see how your actions are perceived by locals. Make deeper connections with people as you travel and keep yourself energetically protected with the energy of Rhodonite. 

Malachite -  known as a guardian stone for travelers, works to emphasize the wisdom you need to keep yourself out of danger. If you’re in a negative thought cycle about travel, get a fresh perspective about your trip with Malachite.

Crystals to wear on your body for travel protection:

Shungite Necklace - Known as the miracle stone for a technology-driven era, this stone helps purify and detoxify our environment. Wear it as you’re passing through security and navigating crowds of people who, undoubtedly are all on their cell phones, to combat and neutralize elevated levels of EMFs throughout the airport.  

Selenite Necklace   – As a powerful source of light, wear this crystal to keep yourself positive and uplifted. It will also help keep your personal energy cleansed and clear from any other unwanted or negative energy that may be picked up during your travels.

Wellness Travel Tips

While some airports are further advanced in the shift toward wellness-inspired travel, most airports are equipped with lounges or quiet business areas. A couple of airports, like Chicago’s O’Hare International and San Francisco International, even provide quiet rooms for yoga and meditation. Getting to the airport early can relieve the anxiety of rushing to make your flight, and with amenities like quiet rooms for yoga, you can remove the sense that you are waiting by amplifying your experience with exercise. In addition to a yoga space, Burlington International in Vermont features a picnic area on its manicured roof where you can soak in some sun while you snack pre-flight. Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Arizona has expanded on the fitness room idea by combining it with an essential Arizona activity—hiking. Their nearly mile long indoor fitness trail exhibits the beautiful Arizona skyline with views of their mountains, parks and preserves. If you’re flying out of an airport without these conveniences, set up a space in a quiet, lesser used gate.

Set Up a Modified “Sacred Space”  

It can be overwhelming to have to share a space with so many other travelers, especially when all of the seats at your gate are spoken for and you have to stand until your flight. Instead of feeling herded into a progressively cranky crowd, create a   sacred space   of your own. Lay down a blanket in a less populated area without a lot of foot traffic. Define this area by setting down things you have brought that represent home to you. A coloring book can be a fun, meditative activity to help you pass the time. Popping off your shoes, and burying your nose in your favorite book is another way to get comfy in an otherwise uncomfortable situation. You can also try placing a few healing crystals in the corner of the blanket to bring you an energy of renewal and ease. Once set up with snacks, items from home, and a couple of activities, this space will be ideal for shutting your eyes in silent meditation, simple yoga, snacking and relaxing before your flight.

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Travel comfortable.

You don’t have to wear sweatpants, but you do have to make sure that what you are wearing is comfortable. Wear shoes you can walk around in and non-wrinkling clothes that you can stretch out and convert easily if you get hot or cold. Bring a blanket that you can sit on if all the seats are taken, or snuggle up in if the airport gets a little chilly.

Bring Essential Oils

Our essential oil rollers pass the airport regulation of no liquids over 3 oz. and will be a life saver in overcrowded gates. Anywhere that has a lot of people in a limited space is going to get a little musky, especially if those people and air around them are staying stagnant. Combat the stagnant air with essential oil. Take a whiff of your citrus oil when you have your spot among the crowd. This will rejuvenate your energy and release a wave joy. Ask for cup of hot water from a coffee and tea vendor in the airport, and pour ten drops of eucalyptus oil in it. Bring the steam up to your face to bask in the revitalizing vapors of eucalyptus. This scent is particularly helpful as a stress reliever, in clearing nasal passages, for cleansing the air, and in combating sinus allergies and colds. Peppermint essential oil is also great for traveling because it can help with beginning headaches. Apply a touch of peppermint oil to the neck or the wrist to re-energize yourself and unclog the sinuses. 

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How to Combat Flight Anxiety

7 Tips to Keep Calm and Carry on

As any anxious flier can attest, air travel can inspire a sense of dread, panic and, at worst, paralyzing fear. The stress-inducing scenarios can make even the most experienced fliers apprehensive: Turbulence could rattle the plane. A feeling of entrapment could result in claustrophobia. Just pondering whether your pilot is well-rested or if your plane's instruments are intact could spark the jitters. Add a fear of hyperventilation or a panic attack in-flight and it's easy to see why as many as 6.5 percent of Americans suffer from such a severe fear of flying that it's classified as an anxiety disorder or phobia, according to the National Institute of Mental Health . Dr. Lucas van Gerwen, a clinical psychologist, pilot and director of the VALK Foundation in the Netherlands, estimates about one third of the adult population across the Western world has some degree of anxiety associated with flying.

Fortunately, you don't have to succumb to air travel fear. With some guidance from van Gerwen and Dr. Martin Seif, a Manhattan-based psychologist and author who studied phobias to remedy his own fear of flying, U.S. News has pinpointed seven smart strategies for alleviating anxiety before takeoff and staying calm and collected at cruising altitude.

See: 6 Common Travel Setbacks

According to Seif, the "fear of flying is really a confluence of many different fears." By singling out the anxiety that provokes your fear — be it a phobia related to turbulence, crashing or claustrophobia, for example — you can identify the alarming thoughts and images that cause distress and abate flight anxiety. Many nervous fliers avoid taking to the skies entirely, which makes it increasingly challenging to face your fear head on, said Seif. It's also critical to recognize your underlying fears in order to undergo the appropriate treatment. "A good assessment is of vital importance," emphasized van Gerwen, noting that fears associated with flying vary drastically. Once you've identified where your anxiety comes from, you can practice cognitive-behavioral therapy, which includes relaxation and breathing techniques. Plus, you can expose yourself to triggers to vanquish your fear of flying altogether.

Many nervous fliers suffer from a "fear-of-fear," explained Seif. In other words, people are afraid they will not be able to mitigate or control their anxiety in midair. "When we get very anxious, we become intolerant of risk," he said. Though there are stressful situations that are beyond our control, there are some simple ways to ease what Seif describes as "anticipatory anxiety," a phenomenon in which travelers build up negative expectations to respond to the thought of encountering a terrifying trigger. Seif points out that anticipatory anxiety is worse than the actual anxiety experienced throughout air travel. To pacify high anticipatory stress, rely on practical logic that your initial anxiety will subside after rapid changes in altitude or brief moments of turbulence. Another important tool is remembering to distinguish real and imminent danger from present anxious thoughts, which are emotional rather than logical.

If you have a fear of flying, it may seem counterintuitive to board a plane. However, if you brace yourself for discomfort and confront your fears rather than stalling exposure, eventually you'll be able to say to yourself: "I'm afraid," followed by the statement: "I feel like I can handle it," explained Seif. And according to Seif, to overcome a fear of flying entirely, you have to be "willing to experience discomfort and take a leap of faith." Taking the reverse action from what feels natural can help you combat your anxiety head on.

See: Afraid to Fly? Check Your Baggage Here

"The key to managing anxiety is to stay closer to the present," said Seif. Instead of replaying the seemingly endless, what-ifs — What if the plane crashes? What if the plane is hijacked? — assert control by turning your attention to the present. "When we're anxious, our whole perspective changes," Seif explained. An excellent way to shift your feelings, and ultimately your attitude, is by staying focused on taking control of anxiety rather than the aspects of flying that are beyond your control, such as sounds, sensations and turbulence. Another way to maintain focus is to socialize with your seatmates or flight attendant, who can lend support and steer you back to the present. Packing comforting supplies, such as music, crossword puzzles, magazines, a book or another in-flight distraction, can also alleviate anxiety.

It's not an unnatural reaction for your heart rate and breathing to accelerate as your anxiety kicks in during your flight. While a fight-or-flight physiological reaction is an automatic response to a frightening trigger, taking deep breaths through your diaphragm can help you find peace. Making your breaths steady and rhythmic will help you combat hyperventilation and induce muscle relaxation, explained van Gerwen. By taking controlled breaths with gradual exhalations, you'll calm your nerves and reduce your stress levels before, during and after takeoff.

Your instinct may be to go against the movement of the aircraft, but experts say you should do just the opposite. "When you fight turbulence, you have extra muscle tension," explained van Gerwen. When you come across bumps, letting your body hang loose and sway with the motion (rather than going against the rhythm of the plane) will help you stay at ease. Van Gerwen also suggests reducing your caffeine intake and flying on a full stomach to help you relax and avoid hyperventilation; taking these precautions will make you more equipped to handle turbulence, bumps or other discomforting situations.

See: How to Avoid the Stomach Flu on Your Next Cruise

Remember the adage, "Knowledge is Power"? When it comes to conquering a fear of flying, understanding flight mechanics, safety statistics and how fear and anxiety affect the human body can help you ground your fears. "Find out something about maintenance and understand how safe a plane flight really is," advised Seif. You can do this by educating yourself on safety measures with online resources or books covering the subject, attending a group therapy program or even meeting a pilot. To combat the fear of having a panic attack or a heart attack, you not only need to be informed about aviation but also need to learn about fear and its effects on the body during high-stress situations, van Gerwen explained.

Digital apps that provide visual and audio aids for remedying in-flight anxiety can also be useful. The Flight App VALK, designed by the VALK Foundation, is a tool intended to put anxious fliers at ease by supplying aviation facts, therapeutic exercises and coping techniques. Among other helpful features, the app offers a brief aviation lesson, flight statistics, information pertaining to turbulence and even a "panic button" that prompts an audio message from a therapist that promises to help users decrease their stress. The app is available on iPhone ($3.99) and Android ($4.88), and does not require an Internet connection while your electronic device is switched to airplane mode. For additional information and tips, consult the Anxiety and Depression Association of America's resource page . 

Have you struggled with flight anxiety? Tell us what steps you've taken to overcome your fear of flying on Facebook or Twitter .

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How to Travel Safely (and Keep Calm)

By Shivani Vora

• June 20, 2017

With what seems a steady drumbeat of terrorist attacks targeting tourist attractions and events, travel today can be an anxiety-provoking proposition. In the last two months alone, for example, Britain, often thought of as a safe bet for travel, has been hit by a number of attacks, including one at a concert in Manchester that left 22 people dead, another at London Bridge that killed six people and yet another this week outside a mosque, which killed one person and injured 11.

Given the environment, is traveling safe and even worth it? Experts say yes, for the most part. “Terrorist attacks are a growing concern around the world, but that shouldn’t deter people from traveling,” said Matt Dumpert, a senior director at Kroll, a security consulting company in New York. “The reality is that a terrorist attack can happen anywhere in the world at any time, so staying at home isn’t going to necessarily keep you safe.”

And, as Seth Kugel pointed out in a New York Times column last year , the statistics are on your side. Other causes of death while traveling, such as car accidents and suicide, far outweigh the chances of death by terrorism.

Mike Ackerman, an expert in travel security and the founder and chairman of the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., security consulting firm Ackerman Group , agreed. “The likelihood of a terrorist attack happening when you’re traveling is very slight,” he said. Even so, he acknowledged, “the fear of one, for some people, is very intense.”

Here, some tips on how to travel in today’s uncertain times.

Determining a Destination’s Safety and Staying Safe Once You’re There

Rely on the State Department: The single best way for travelers to find out if a particular destination is safe is to check the State Department website . Mr. Ackerman advised checking it when you are making your vacation plans, then again before your departure to see if the security status of that destination has changed.

Also, Mr. Dumpert at Kroll said that travelers shouldn’t assume that a destination is unsafe if a terrorist attack has recently happened there. “In general, the security in a destination where a terrorist attack has occurred is bolstered following the attack,” he said.

Avoid Tourist Magnets: Mr. Ackerman advised staying away from attractions popular with tourists because these are often targets. They include large museums, buildings offering city views and outdoor markets. “Any place that attracts large crowds is attractive for terrorists to hit,” he said. He suggested visiting smaller museums, lesser-known neighborhoods and other not-so-touristy sights.

What to Do if a Terrorist Attack Happens Near You

Assess What Happened and Seek Safety Immediately: If you hear an explosion or see an attack, Mr. Dumpert advised taking a few seconds to assess the situation. Once you have an idea of what’s going on, get to safety as fast as possible. “You’re more likely to run into trouble if you don’t take quick and decisive action,” he said. If you are in a mall, for example, head for the nearest exit or find a bathroom in which to hide. If you’re in a hotel, consider all exits, such as a service door, and hiding places, such as the hotel’s kitchen. If you are in a crowded area outdoors, run in the opposite direction from the commotion.

Call for Help: Don’t assume that help is on its way. “What we’ve seen from past incidences is that no help is called for several minutes after an attack because people think that the authorities have already been dispatched,” Mr. Dumpert said. Once you are in a safe place, call the local emergency line. In the United States that’s 911; in many parts of Europe it’s 112; in Asia it varies by country — always know what it is. When you reach a person on the emergency line, immediately relay your name and location so the dispatcher will know where to send help if you get disconnected.

How to Have a Relaxing Vacation

Take Care of Your Body: The times may seem frightening, but try to calm down. “Taking time out for yourself is restorative and helps you deal with your daily stresses more effectively,” said Risa Neuwirth, a New York City psychotherapist who specializes in holistic psychotherapy. Wherever you are in the world, whether it’s a big city, a beach resort or a mountain cabin, practice self-care daily. Consider a massage, a yoga class, beginning your day with a 10-minute meditation or engaging in exercise such as a long walk or a scenic jog. “The idea is to release tension from your body, and all these ways help,” Ms. Neuwirth said.

And don’t neglect nutrition. Ms. Neuwirth said that if you are not eating well, the balance of your body is off, and you’re apt to be more anxious.

Try a Digital Detox: Being bombarded by worrisome news can intensify anxiety. Miriam Geiser, a travel consultant with KK Travels Worldwide in Chicago who has planned self-care getaways for clients and has taken several herself, recommends a digital detox, in which you take a complete break from using your cellphone, tablet and computer. “It will be challenging at first, but you’ll feel freer and much calmer by the end of your trip,” she said. She suggested a nature-focused trip where you can go on hikes, bike rides and walks; a national park close to home is always a good and affordable bet. Alternatively, try a resort or hotel in a picturesque setting in a more far-flung location. “Even a few days where you’re not technologically connected will do the trick,” she said.

Keep calm and carry on: The best carry-on luggage for every kind of trip

Editor's Note

From frequent travelers to fashionistas, there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to carry-on luggage.

If you fly so often that you are on a first-name basis with your local airport's Transportation Security Administration agents, you need a carry-on suitcase that is durable enough to stand up to repeated use.

If your carry-on bag should be as stylish as you are, you'll want an eye-catching option that expresses your unique personality.

Backpacking through Europe or headed for the great outdoors? You'll need a carry-on bag that's both rugged and comfortable.

Related: Carry-on luggage showdown: Away vs. Roam

Regardless of how often or where you travel, we've rounded up the best of the best to help you find the carry-on bag that fits your travel style.

July Carry On Essential

Size: 21.5 inches by 15 inches by 8.5 inches.

Price: $255.

Buy now: July.com .

Before bringing its product to market, July pored over thousands of customer reviews of other luggage brands to determine what it could do to out-design the competition. The result is a carry-on suitcase that is crush-proof, scratch-proof and sophisticated.

Related: These are the checked bags carried by TPG's staff

The no-nonsense July Carry On Essential has only, well, the essentials – a sleek shell with a TSA lock, an interior compression system and a hidden laundry bag. July's bags are made to last, and it stands by that promise with a lifetime warranty and a 100-day return policy.

For an additional $40, you can order an upgraded version that includes metal bumpers and a portable power bank.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Size: 22.7 inches by 14.7 inches by 9.6 inches.

Price: $295.

Buy now: Awaytravel.com .

This larger version of the original Away Carry-On isn't just bigger; it's better. The Bigger Carry-On is large enough to hold four-to-seven days' worth of clothing.

It's also made with a durable polycarbonate shell and has a slew of functional features like 360-degree spinning wheels, a TSA lock, an interior compression system and a waterproof laundry bag. For easy portable charging, you can pay an additional $20 to add a USB charger to your bag.

Related: Carry-on luggage showdown: Away vs. Rimowa

Just as, if not more important, The Bigger-Carry-On from Away comes in a range of colors, including limited-edition hues that are released throughout the year.

Whether you're looking for a suitcase in your favorite color or you just want something that stands out in a sea of black luggage, you are sure to find just what you are looking for.

Add more personalization with monograms and luggage tags in an array of colors and styles.

Beis The Carry-On Roller

Size: 22 inches by 14 inches by 9-12 inches.

Price: $198.

Buy now: Beistravel.com .

Beis bags are made to look just as good on their hundredth trip as they did on their first, all while gliding through the airport with ease and navigating even the bumpiest of cobblestone streets.

The Carry-On Roller from Beis comes in six colors that coordinate with other Beis products, so you can mix and match or go for the monochromatic look.

Related: 5 best backpacks for every travel style

Beis' The Carry-On Roller also has just the right amount of bells and whistles, with smooth-rolling 360-degree wheels, a cushioned trolley handle for comfort, a TSA lock, interior compression and a built-in weight indicator.

Also, because it's almost guaranteed you'll come home with more than you left with, this Beis bag expands with the simple pull of a zipper.

Monos Carry-On

Size: 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches.

Price: $255 (regular price $284).

Buy now: Monos.com .

With its sleek, rounded design and vegan leather accents, it may be hard to believe the Monos Carry-On is unbreakable and water-resistant. In fact, it performs as well as it looks in every aspect, from the telescopic handle with four adjustable height settings to the antimicrobial interior fabric.

Other standout features include a TSA-approved lock, a built-in compression system, a laundry bag, two shoe bags and a vegan leather luggage tag. Get it in standard colors like black, white and gray or have a little fun with pink, forest green, sky blue or one of Monos' limited-edition prints.

Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On

Size: 21.7 inches by 15.8 inches by 9.1 inches.

Price: $1,400.

Buy now: Rimowa.com .

If you want a bag that can stand up to hundreds of thousands of miles of travel by air, by land and by sea, the Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On is the gold standard ... and not just because it comes in metallic shades of gold, silver and black.

In addition to durability, the Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On features TSA locks, a unique multiwheel system and adjustable interior dividers.

Related: Over 400,000 miles and counting: Review of the Rimowa carry-on bag

The Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On comes with a steep price tag compared to most on this list, but it could potentially be a decade (or more) before you need a new one. Also, Rimowa backs up the longevity of its iconic aluminum suitcases with a lifetime guarantee.

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage

Size: 21 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches.

Price: $195.

Buy now: Calpaktravel.com .

Every bag in Calpak's Ambeur Collection shines in stylish shades of silver, gold, rose gold and metallic black, ensuring this carry-on luggage looks great rolling through the airport toward your next adventure.

Related: I fly almost 100,000 miles per year and don't travel without these packing cubes from Calpak

This hard-sided carry-on suitcase weighs in at a super-lightweight 6 pounds. However, it still has room for handy details like a TSA combination lock, interior organization pockets, compression straps and the ability to expand up to 2 inches.

Paravel Grand Tour Set

Size: The carry-on is 21.7 inches by 13.7 inches by 9 inches; the duffle is 20 inches by 11 inches by 10 inches.

Price: $675.

Buy now: Tourparavel.com .

The Paravel Grand Tour Set includes the brand's popular Grand Tour Duffle and the Aviator Carry-On suitcase. The duffle is best for weekend trips, while the carry-on is better for three-to-four-day trips. Both easily fit in airplane overhead compartments and are made with eco-friendly recycled materials.

Both pieces of luggage have interior and exterior pockets to keep your items tidy. The carry-on also features an interior compression board and a removable laundry bag. Both pieces can be customized with a monogram in a variety of colors.

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On

Size: 21.25 inches by 15.25 inches by 10 inches.

Price: $179.

Buy now: Amazon.com .

Samsonite has been making luggage for more than 100 years, so it knows a thing or two about creating long-lasting suitcases with features travelers want.

This hard-sided bag is ultra-light and made with a scratch-resistant exterior in a rainbow of eye-catching colors like tangerine orange and amethyst purple, plus the requisite neutral shades.

The Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On from Samsonite also has smooth-rolling 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA lock, interior compression and organization, and can be expanded if you need a bit of extra space.

Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner

Size: 22 inches by 14.9 inches by 10 inches.

Price: $120.

The 21-inch Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner has a budget-friendly price tag but doesn't sacrifice style or function. This hard-sided carry-on has an extra-thick textured finish designed to keep scuffs and scratches at bay. It also comes in various colors that coordinate with other pieces in the collection.

Related: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card review

The double spinner wheels ensure a smooth ride, and the expandable zipper can net you up to 15% more space for those times when you just can't quite fit everything you need without sitting on your suitcase to force it closed.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

Size: 24 inches by 15 inches by 4 inches.

Price: $178.

If you need a carry-on bag large enough to store all your travel essentials yet comfortable enough to carry while hiking through a new city (or running between airport terminals), the Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack is the perfect addition to your luggage lineup.

This backpack features a breathable back panel that provides structure and comfort, exterior and interior organization so you can always find what you need and adjustable shoulder straps and a hip belt for a custom fit.

Bottom line

No matter where you're headed or how you plan to get there, you need a carry-on bag that can smoothly navigate the terrain (even if that terrain is the airport's moving walkway) and hold everything you need for your adventures.

Every bag on this list looks good and performs well enough that you'll likely find the one that deserves a spot in your closet.

Related: The best credit cards for online shopping

• Corrections

From Wartime Reserve to Pop Culture: What Is the History of ‘Keep Calm and Carry On?’

The ubiquitous British phrase ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ has a long history dating back to World War II’s era of motivational propaganda.

The ubiquitous catchphrase ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ has become the quintessential symbol of the United Kingdom, representing stoical resolve and restraint in the face of hardship and struggle. Today the phrase appears everywhere from posters and mugs to tea towels. Often printed in a vintage font and featuring the British crown, the phrase conjures up the plucky, patriotic determination expected of Brits during World War II under the leadership of Winston Churchill , a sentiment that can also be applied to a myriad of new situations today. But where did the phrase actually come from, and how did it become so widespread?

Wartime Propaganda

During the buildup to World War II , the British Government established the Ministry of Information (MOI) to produce a series of morale boosting posters for display across Britain. Designed with bold, big text, and catchy slogans, alongside the British crown, the aim was to capture as many Britons as possible. Of the slogans the team came up with were ‘Freedom Is in Peril – Defend it With All Your Might”, along with “Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory.” The third, perhaps unsurprisingly, read “Keep Calm and Carry On.”

However, the third ‘Keep Calm” poster was never officially sanctioned for display. Instead, although it was printed, it was kept in reserve, while the other two were more widely circulated throughout notice boards, public transport and hoardings across the UK. 

A Wartime Reserve

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The MOI had originally envisioned the ‘Keep Calm and Carry On” as a fitting message which would only be issued if Britain faced a ground invasion by Germany, which would have resulted in widespread panic. As this never happened, the poster never made its way out into the public eye. Meanwhile the other two posters were deemed a more suitable message of courage and fortitude. In 1945, the majority of the reserve ‘Keep Calm’ posters were destroyed after the war in 1945. Author Bex Lewis, who Wrote Keep Calm and Carry on: The Truth Behind the Poster (2017) noted, “There was a fear that morale would fall apart, but it turned out that people didn’t need to be told to keep their chins up – they just wanted to be told what to do.”

Rediscovery in the Early Aughts

Some 60 years later, during the early aughts, one of the few remaining Keep Calm and Carry On posters was rediscovered by a bookseller from Barter Books hidden in amongst a pile of books in an auction. The bookseller hung the poster over the cash register of their store in Northumberland, where customers began asking where they could buy their own copy. Shop owners Stuart and Mary Manley began printing their own copies due to popular demand, but they had no idea just how widespread the catchphrase would become. 

Recent Times

It wasn’t until 2008 that the Keep Calm and Carry On slogan became mass-produced, and by the following year it was firmly in place across British society. The shop at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London played a significant role in bringing the caption out into the public eye. For some, it encapsulated the instability of the banking crash, when an age of austerity was suddenly being ushered in by politicians (who weren’t following the same rules themselves), followed by the looming threat of terrorism. The term ‘austerity nostalgia’ as been applied to the rising interest in such wartime memorabilia as the ‘Keep Calm’ slogan, symbolizing a popular desire to resurrect some idealized version of modernist times, when it seemed as though British people had the grit and reserve to weather any storm.

Nowadays, you can still expect to find the phrase printed on merchandise in museums stores, gift shops and tourist attractions across the UK, where it has become as familiar and overused as the Coca-Cola emblem , or perhaps the similar wartime vintage poster featuring ‘Rosie the Riveter’ . Meanwhile, several copies of the original belong to the National Archives and The Imperial War Museum in London. In fact, the phrase is now so well-known and cliched across the UK and beyond that it has been parodied many times over, from ‘Keep Calm and Save the NHS’, to the more playful ‘Freak Out and Run.’

Which Countries Were Major Players in World War II?

By Rosie Lesso MA Contemporary Art Theory, BA Fine Art Rosie is a contributing writer and artist based in Scotland. She has produced writing for a wide range of arts organizations including Tate Modern, The National Galleries of Scotland, Art Monthly, and Scottish Art News, with a focus on modern and contemporary art. She holds an MA in Contemporary Art Theory from the University of Edinburgh and a BA in Fine Art from Edinburgh College of Art. Previously she has worked in both curatorial and educational roles, discovering how stories and history can really enrich our experience of art.

Frequently Read Together

Who Was Winston Churchill? The Dark Side of Britain’s Great Hero

How Economist John Maynard Keynes Essentially Predicted World War II

The Secret Life of Queen Victoria You Didn’t Know

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Click on the Image to see all the articles written about the UK. Also check out the page with the Top 10 UK Beaches   by TripAdvisor   here ,  and  Were to eat healthy foods in London Here !

Click on the Image to see all the articles about Italy. Also, check out the page on Tuscany Holidays , Where to eat in Rome and the new  Sardinia Section !

Click on the Image to read the articles written about Poland.  I wrote a piece about the Concentration camps in Auschwitz and I’m working on the lovely cities of Warsaw and Krakow.

Click on the Image to read the articles written about Malta .  Funny Video and very informative Infographic!

After a fantastic week in Turkey, here is the post  about this amazing country, loved every second of it!

Another section still work in progress (I’m such a slow writer!) But I loved Greece and I was delighted to discover a less famous area: Thessaloniki & Halkidiki!

Click on the Image to read the articles written about the beautiful and sunny Barcelona  and Madrid .  Not to be missed! I love that country!

SOUTH EAST ASIA

Click on the Image to see all the articles written about the Philippines and check out the Photo Gallery  with my best shots!

Click on the Image to see all the articles written about Myanmar (for now I just have the   Photo Gallery but new articles are coming soon.

Click on the Image to see all the articles written about Cambodia, plus read why I want to try a river cruise on the Mekong River here !

Click on the Image to see all the articles written about Indonesia and check out the Photo Gallery with my best shots! 

Click on the Image to see all the articles written about Thailand, the Photo Gallery  is coming soon, stay tuned!

Click on the Image to see all the articles written about Sri Lanka and check out the Photo Gallery  with my best shots!

AMERICAS & CANADA

Click on the Image to see all the articles written about North America. For now I only have the Photo Gallery  for NY, but stay tuned for more to come!

Click on the Image to see all the articles written about Latin America. Also, don’t miss my page about Playa Del Carmen in Mexico!

Click on the Image to see all the articles written about Canada. Photo Gallery and new articles coming soon!

Click on the Image to see all the articles written about South Africa. Gallery  and a few new posts coming soon. Thanks for your patience!

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Great work. Well done. Hats off for your hard work.

Canada is in North America.. North America consists of 2 countries. Canada and the USA

Hi Caitlin, Thanks, I know even if I put it separately in here. This page was done quickly and I need to revise it since… forever? But thanks for the clarification anyway! PS I should change North America for the US, I love the Canadian photo 🙂

Hi Clelia, My fiancé and I are thinking on going to Sardinia on our honeymoon in the middle of September, during 2 weeks. Do you have specific recommendations taking in consideration it is not just a regular vacation but honeymoon? What places should we visit? WE would like to have half culture half relax/beach time. Many thanks in advance, Leonor

Hi Leonor, first of all, congratulation for your honeymoon! Sardinia is definitely a great choice 🙂 Can you tell me your average budget? As depending on that I can suggest different solutions for you!

Cheers Clelia

Thank you Clelia! 🙂 I would say around 2.500€ per person for two weeks (including the flight Portugal-Sardinia, Sardinia-Portugal, which is around 300€). I heard that Sardinia is really really expensive. Is it true? Thanks again, Leonor

Hey Leonor, so let’s say that you have around 150 euros per day per person (I already excluded the flights) , then you’ll have to consider renting a car (I checked up online here and for 2 weeks is around 300/350, so 13 euros per day per person), minus meals, which depends on how much you want to spend but I guess than unless you just want to eat a pizza every day (good but not ideal) 😀 you might spend 50/60 per day per person. Which leaves you with around 60/70 euros per person per night, meaning you could book a nice hotel for 120/130 euros per night.

Sardinia might be expensive, it’s true but it all depends on where you go, what time of the year (low or high season) and even in high season you might find good deals! I am almost done creating the “ One-week itinerary post ” for Sardinia, where I recommend accommodations in different areas with the prices I’ve found online per person (I checked in June/july to give an average price). maybe that could help you. Same goes for the other article “ Sardinia for couples “ where I also suggest nice places to stay in each location. I always put an average price so people find it easier to see what’s more convenient!)

I hope this will help you in deciding what’s best for you! Cheers Clelia

an impressive list I must say! any chance of traveling in South America more? I’d love to see some reports from Brazil or something. Of course I understand that choosing a destination is not that simple, but maybe?

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OpenAI's CFO is trying to get the company's investors to keep calm and carry on

• OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar emailed investors the day after three top execs suddenly left, per CNBC.
• Friar sought to soothe investor worries, saying the firm is still "laser-focused" on AI that can bring them returns.
• OpenAI has been seeking a $150 billion valuation, and Friar said its first investing round is oversubscribed.

OpenAI's chief financial officer, Sarah Friar, is trying to assure investors that the company is still in good hands despite the sudden exit of three top executives, according to an email reported by CNBC.

The outlet's Kate Rooney cited an email from Friar to OpenAI investors on Thursday night, a day after the firm saw the departure of its chief technology officer, Mira Murati .

Two other leaders, VP of Research for Post Training Barret Zoph and Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew, are also leaving.

Friar's email spoke of their exits directly, saying that even after the switch-up, OpenAI still fields a "talented leadership bench."

"While leadership changes are never easy, I want to ensure you have the full context," she wrote, per CNBC.

She also told them that the promise of their returns was still airtight.

"Collectively, we remain laser-focused on bringing AI to everyone and building sustainable revenue models that fuel our operations and deliver value to our investors and employees," she wrote.

Friar herself is a relatively new hire , joining the firm in June after helming Nextdoor.

OpenAI has been trying to raise a valuation of more than $150 billion .  Friar wrote in her email that its current funding round of $6.5 billion looks ready to close by next week amid oversubscribed demand.

Bloomberg reported in August that Friar, in a separate memo, told employees that the funds raised would be used for computing power and operating costs.

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The startup is also reported to have plans to nix its nonprofit board control and restructure into a for-profit benefit corporation.

Word of such monumental change, coupled with the influx of investors' funds, has raised concerns about how closely OpenAI is now sticking to its original vision of building artificial generational intelligence — hyped as humanity's next giant step in tech — for the benefit of everyone.

When Business Insider spoke to several seasoned investors in the wake of the OpenAI departures, some observed that the company seemed to be continually beset with messy internal change. Perhaps the most infamous of these episodes was when its board ousted CEO Sam Altman in November, only for him to return days later .

Still, others told BI that given OpenAI's potential to fundamentally change how people use tech, the recent turbulence may not matter in the long run.

Murati, McGrew, and Zoph left OpenAI just a month after other top leaders stepped away from the company in August.

OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular office hours.

Watch: Sam Altman moves to Microsoft after OpenAI fires him as CEO

• Main content

Heart Tissue Shows Signs of Aging After Just One Month in Space, Study Finds

Scientists sent bioengineered heart tissue samples to the ISS to study how to keep astronauts safe during future long-term space travel

Margherita Bassi

Daily Correspondent

A few years ago, biomedical scientist Jonathan Tsui flew to Florida with unique baggage. He toted compact chambers—smaller than a cell phone—containing 48 bits of human heart tissue.

Tsui brought the samples to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where in March 2020 they were loaded onto a SpaceX craft and sent to the International Space Station for a month. The goal? To study the effects of low gravity conditions on the human heart in preparation for long-term space travel.

After just 30 days in space, the heart tissue samples not only weakened, but also demonstrated irregular beating patterns and hallmark symptoms of aging. The results of the study were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Tuesday.

“With current plans for manned missions to Mars and beyond, the need to better understand, prevent and counteract the harmful effects of long-duration spaceflight on the body is becoming increasingly important,” the researchers write in the paper.

Scientists have known that low and zero gravity conditions have an adverse effect on human bodies for a while. Muscle atrophy , bone loss , reduced heart function and irregular heartbeat are just some of the symptoms that can impact astronauts who spend a long time in space.

Most, but not all, of these conditions are resolved over time after returning to Earth, which is good news for NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who currently have to spend an extra eight months on the ISS because of technical issues with their spacecraft.

But to more deeply understand these health problems, scientists wanted to study them on a molecular level—something that has been difficult to achieve in the past.

“It’s not possible to do the different molecular and functional studies in human astronauts,” Deok-Ho Kim , biomedical engineer and co-author of the study, tells Nature News ’ Gemma Conroy.

Instead, Kim, Tsui and the rest of their team used human induced pluripotent stem cells—which can develop into different types of cells—and coaxed them to turn into human heart muscle cells, per a statement from Johns Hopkins University. Then, they strung the individual samples together, with each one mounted between a pair of posts. One post per tissue sample was stiff, while the other was flexible, which allowed the tissue to contract like a beating heart. The flexible post contained a magnet that passed on tissue contraction data to a sensor.

The entire system is called a heart-on-a-chip , and it was housed in a small contraption meant to mimic an adult human heart chamber—the one that Tsui traveled with to Florida, where he had to continue caring for it for a month before launch. At the ISS, astronaut Jessica U. Meir cared for the tissues, which involved changing their liquid nutrients weekly.

“An incredible amount of cutting-edge technology in the areas of stem cell and tissue engineering, biosensors and bioelectronics, and microfabrication went into ensuring the viability of these tissues in space,” says Kim in the statement.

As the heart tissues contracted on the ISS, the research team, 250 miles below, received bursts of real-time data. They compared the incoming numbers to measurements from a set of identical samples still on Earth. When the heart-on-a-chip returned from the ISS, the team continued their analysis, and the results were striking.

The heart tissues had grown to beat half as strongly as the Earth-bound samples, and the period between beats stretched to five times longer. Heartbeat irregularity, known as arrhythmia, can cause heart failure, but the tissue’s contractions regained a normal cadence after returning to Earth. On a molecular level, sarcomeres—proteins that aid contraction—were shorter and disordered after space exposure, and cells’ mitochondria, responsible for energy production, had become deformed.

Last year, scientists sent another set of samples to the ISS, this time to test drugs that could potentially counteract the effects of low gravity. The study is ongoing, and since the impact of low gravity on heart tissue is similar to that of advancing age, the results could also hold implications for the treatment of age-related cardiac problems.

And with future tissue-on-a-chip experiments, researchers could study how other organs respond to spaceflight, Joseph Wu , a Stanford University cardiologist who was not involved in the research, tells Nature News . “The platform’s ability to function in a microgravity setting whilst maintaining tissue viability is a major advantage,” he adds.

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Margherita Bassi | READ MORE

Margherita Bassi is a trilingual storyteller and freelance journalist with a particular interest in ancient history, astronomy and human interest stories.