Have you ever noticed that some travellers seem to go into complete meltdown if part of their travel plans change, whereas others seem calm and collected? That’s because the people that keep it together when things don’t exactly go to plan are usually highly effective travellers who utilise a range of tried and tested habits to ensure that they are prepared for pretty much anything.

Especially when doing independent travelling and visiting less modern destinations, most things and processes do not work as you are used to at home. They may not be to as high a standard as we would like or are used to. The physical or communications infrastructure may be lacking, attitudes may be different, creature comforts may be wanting and we may be unaccustomed to lifestyle paces. On the contrary, effective travellers embrace these differences as part of why they chose to travel, rather than comparing to home.

To enjoy our precious travels to the fullest, here are seven habits of highly effective travellers that we all need to master to make our travels as smooth and stress-free as possible.

1. Be Patient – Don’t Complain

When things don’t go as expected, effective travellers don’t waste time complaining. Instead, you’ll find them seeking another solution to the problem instead of getting themselves all worked up and taking it out on airport staff or anyone else who will listen. Losing your temper because you’re hungry or been up for 48hrs will not help – quite the opposite. Take deep breaths and realise how lucky it is to be where we are and what we are doing. If things looks like it’s going to take a while, find a nearby joint to have a beer, watch the world go by and make it all part of the experience.

2. Risk Assessments

Ask yourself what is important to you? Comfort? Cost? Time? Adventure? Plan, prep and optimise accordingly. Any seasoned traveller will carry out a basic risk assessment of their travel plans and consider the probability of something going wrong, so they always have a plan B, C, D to turn to. From slightly unreliable public transport to changeable weather, effective travellers think ahead and prepare for all probable outcomes, impacts and mitigation actions for each of them.

3. Pack Smart, Not Light

Whether you are a folder or a roller, travelling light isn’t always a good idea when heading off on your next adventure and the most effective travellers always pack smart. Using LeanPac^® System Combination Bundles, you too can learn how to pack smart and streamline your packing without leaving any essential items at home.

Use each packing cube to pack for different weather types or activities, and you’ll ensure you have everything you need for a great getaway without taking too much. The key is to get what you need when you need it and better yet, with modular packing, no unpacking required.

4. A Win-Win Attitude

For a stress-free adventure, all highly effective travellers are open to negotiation and compromise. In all situations involving another party, may it be strangers or people in your travel group. Regardless of local culture or standards, outcomes should be sought that will leave everyone reasonably satisfied. Importantly, all should feel respected in the process e.g. when haggling.

Group travel can try anyone’s patience, so e.g. effort should be put into agreeing travel activities with the rest of the group to help keep everyone happy. The ability to go with the majority vote and perhaps try something you hadn’t planned on doing not only keeps the peace, but you could find yourself enjoying the experience too!

5. Problem-Solving Mode

Responding with flexibility to unanticipated changes is not easy but a must for effective travellers. Any experienced traveller always plans ahead naturally but through risk assessment (point 2) knows and expect changes too. Solving problems that might crop up during your travels without losing your head is a sign of an effective traveller, so take a few deep breaths and start investigating scenarios and potential solutions so you have something to work from when the time comes.

6. Lean Thinking – Get More For Less

Always be on lean (resourceful) mode. When planning, prepping, problem, solving, decision-making, develop a reflex action and always make a habit of conducting quick analysis based on your priorities whether they are comfort, cost or time. Cheapest option may not be the best option; more expensive may not be the better and free may not be bad or time consuming. In a nutshell, be a lean mean cost-benefit thinking machine.

7. Check-In Online & As Soon As Allowed

Oversold flights are resolved by order of check-in, so any effective traveller will check in as soon as they can to ensure that they get the best seats and aren’t asked to travel on a later flight due to overselling. This is particularly true the longer your flight duration. Also, you increase your chance of getting the seat you want aisle or window without paying extra. This way, you start your holiday on a good note or end it with a comfy ride home.