Travel Should Be More Fun — and a Lot Less Complicated – Simple Travel Tips

Let’s be honest — travel can get way too complicated. You start with the dream of a relaxing escape, and suddenly you’re knee-deep in packing cubes, GPS fails, and 14 different bookmarked “must-see” lists.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

After years of weekend getaways, road trips with Steve, and spontaneous stops with Mr. Jax riding shotgun, I’ve learned this: the best trips are the simple ones. The ones where you don’t overthink, don’t overpack, and don’t try to cram in every possible attraction.

Here’s how we keep our travel fun, easy, and stress-free — and how you can too.

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Skip the Overpacked Schedule

We’ve all done it — packed the itinerary so tight we needed a nap by day two.

Now? We pick one or two main things we want to do, and that’s it. The rest of the time, we leave space for wandering, relaxing, and spontaneous finds (like that random fudge shop in Bryson City that ended up being the highlight of our day).

One of our favorite simple travel tips is this: leave room for the unexpected. A slower schedule gives you time to actually enjoy the place you’re in — not just check it off a list.

Tip: If it starts to feel like work, you’re doing too much.

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2. Choose Chill Destinations

Some places just feel easier. Smaller towns like Murphy, NC, St. Augustine, or Bryson City have charm, walkability, and a slower pace — which is exactly what we’re after.

You don’t have to fly across the world or navigate a massive city to have a great experience. Sometimes the best trips are the ones a few hours from home.

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3. Travel With Someone Who Gets You

I can’t stress this enough: find a travel partner who walks at your pace — literally. There’s nothing more annoying than someone who’s ten steps ahead while you’re still looking at the map (or trying to enjoy your coffee).

Steve and I move at the same speed, and that alone makes a world of difference. A good travel buddy won’t rush you, pressure you, or hijack the entire trip. They’ll be happy just being there with you.

For more on this, check out my post on the qualities of a good travel partner.

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4. Keep Planning Simple

I used to stress over trip planning — tabs open, notes everywhere, color-coded maps. Now I jot down a few must-dos in my phone and go.

We also keep a physical road atlas in the glove box for those no-signal moments in the mountains. It’s saved us more than once, and flipping pages feels a little nostalgic too.

👉 Here’s the one we use and recommend.

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5. Build in Breathing Room

Want your trip to feel easier? Stop cutting things close.

We add buffer time to everything — leaving early, stopping for coffee, taking the scenic route. Not only does it reduce stress, it also makes the journey feel more relaxed.

One of our best trips happened because we left an hour early and ended up at a flea market with the best peach cobbler I’ve ever tasted.

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6. Let Go of the “Perfect Trip” Idea

Real talk: there’s no such thing as a perfect trip.

Something will go wrong. The weather won’t cooperate. The restaurant you were excited about will be closed on Tuesdays (ask me how I know). But one of the best simple travel tips I’ve learned is this: let go of perfection and lean into the moment.

The best memories often come from the unplanned parts. The more flexible you are, the more fun you’ll have — and that’s the heart of stress-free travel.

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Final Thoughts on Simple Travel Tips

If travel feels like a chore, it’s time to change how you do it. Slow down. Simplify the plan. Focus on the fun, not the checklist.

One of the smartest, simple travel tips I can offer is this: stop trying to make every trip perfect. Instead, look for what feels easy, enjoyable, and right for you.

Travel should be more fun — and a lot less complicated. And the good news? You don’t need a passport, a suitcase full of gear, or a flawless itinerary to make that happen.

You just need to give yourself permission to do things the easy way — and that’s the first step toward truly stress-free travel.

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✨ Ready for an Easy Getaway?

Here are a few of our favorite no-stress destinations:

• 🏞 Things to Do in Murphy, NC
• 🌄 Things to Do in Bryson City, NC
• 🌉 Top Spots in Chattanooga, TN

One tank of gas, a good playlist, and you’re on your way.