The holidays are right around the corner, and you may be making plans for travel this season. With unexpected flight delays, viral infections lurking around, and other disruptions to your itinerary, traveling during one of the busiest times of the year can be stressful.

Understand that its completely normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed during your trip, especially with so much outside of your control, said Dr. Nina Vasan, chief medical officer of the mental health platform Real .

Whether you are traveling home for the holidays or taking a vacation to a new destination, here are some expert-approved tips to make holiday travel less stressful this year.

Plan ahead

If youre worried about sudden changes to your travel itinerary, it may be helpful to make a plan ahead of time.

Vasan recommends thinking of potential situations like flight cancellations, weather changes and lost baggage . You can then incorporate steps such as knowing alternate flight options or taking only carry-ons, if you have the option to do so.

Having a crisis plan in place can decrease your feelings of anxiety because you already know what to do if something disrupts your itinerary, she said.

Balance your itinerary

Trying to fit everything into your trip, from visiting multiple family members to touring new places, can be a lot.

Dont feel obligated to make a fully booked travel itinerary or feel like you have to be productive at all times. Focus on spending quality time with others and make sure to spend some time for yourself to take care of your mental health, said Katie Duke, a certified nurse practitioner in New York.

If youre traveling for an organized event like a holiday, give yourself some space before or afterward to take a relaxing break. Duke recommends doing something that gives you joy, like taking a walk outdoors or grabbing your favorite drink at a local cafe.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness, the ability to be present in the moment, has been associated with reduced anxiety . There are many ways to practice mindfulness, like focusing on your breathing, journaling how youre feeling, or engaging in a guided meditation.

The physical action of taking a few deep breaths can be really useful in releasing stress and promoting a state of calm, Vasan said.