Traveling is fun, but let's face it - it's also kind of stressful. We've probably all went on a vacation, only to return home feeling like we need a vacation! Between packing, flights, and your trip itinerary, there are many things to stress about.

Geoffrey Morrison understands. He used to travel once a year with a huge suitcase and a rigid itinerary. He would stress over train and flight connections, making it on time to many different sightseeing tours and so on. It's tempting to try and fit everything in. Now he's an avid traveler and has learn a lot along the way, some of which he shares in a New York Times article.

Before we delve into Morrison’s tips, here’s one of our own. Consider purchasing travel insurance so you won't have to worry about unforeseen medical expenses or other travel-related emergencies.

The first tip Morrison wants you to follow is to pack less. He travels for weeks with only a large backpack. The trick? Take a few hours to do laundry while you're away or spring for a laundry service. Being more mobile will eliminate stress over hauling pounds of luggage around. If you're not sure what to leave at home, he suggests the following: voltage converter, hairdryer and bathroom items, most of the clothes you're going to pack, cash, and anything you "might" use. You can find more details here.

Another tip to reduce your stress is to plan less. Having a full itinerary may make you feel prepared for your trip, but once you get there, you may be stressed having every minute of your vacation planned out. This leaves precious little time to relax. Morrison suggests being more flexible by loosely planning some things and leaving some time open. Find restaurants with loose reservation cancellation policies, so that you have some nice eateries booked, but if you decide to cancel at the last minutes, you won't be stuck paying a fee.

Slowing down in life is hard. But when you travel, really try to physically slow down. Don't try and visit 10 cities in 10 days. It will make you stressed and tired. Schedule a few days per city so you have time to really experience the city and enjoy yourself.

You may think shutting down your phone during a trip is a good way to force yourself to disconnect. Morrison suggests shutting off your work email but keeping your phone on so you can access Google Maps and travel sites that may come in handy. Getting lost or not being able to confirm reservations because you shut your phone off is easily avoidable.

Finally, having the right apps on your phone can save you from a headache. There are map apps, translate apps if you're in a country that speaks a different language and transportation apps to help with getting from one place to another during your trip.

Also, it's a good idea to be aware of "peak" seasons and dates in your travel locations. If you don't like dealing with crowds, you'll want to check local holiday and school schedules and be sure to avoid those times. Consider booking your trip during the off-season and you'll avoid crowds and save money too.

Follow these tips and hopefully your stress will be reduced on your next trip!