Cut Travel Anxiety in Half

— -- If you were hoping for an article on the fear of flying, please see the one I wrote for ABC News a couple years back. Today's topic concerns the general free-floating travel anxiety that can afflict even seasoned travelers. The more complicated the trip, the worse it can get.

Don't be a victim. And you won't if you follow this advice. It has always worked for me.

1. A little homework helps

Plan your trip: Pick out attractions or activities you absolutely must see. Then, if possible, book tickets or make reservations in advance online. Do this ASAP because many activities, events and tours sell out quickly. A great example is visiting the White House, which gets booked up months ahead.

Don't over-plan: Leave some blank space on your vacation calendar because it's hard to relax if every day is crammed with Do This, See That, Go Here activities. Take time out for a few do-nothing days where your only activity is sunning yourself on that Caribbean beach or wandering the boulevards of Paris (I highly recommend both).

In other words, leave time for experiences you won't find online. Yes, apps are great and load 'em up, but there's nothing like chatting up a local who wants to show off his city (and favorite dining spots).

2. Jump the lines at security

U.S. travel: If you haven't signed up for PreCheck, I urge you to do so. It costs $85 but that's good for five years of fast-lane airport security, and all it takes is filling out a short form online and an in-person interview that lasts about five minutes.

International travel: If you'll be crossing borders, sign up for Global Entry (only $15 more). It includes PreCheck and makes return trips to the United States so much easier.

3. Pack right, pack light, pack early

You've probably heard that JetBlue now charges for all checked bags so that's one more reason to use a carry-on. You can do it, and rolling your clothes is an easy way to get everything you need in a bag.

Watch the weight and dimensions of all luggage, even carry-ons, as airlines are getting much stricter about bags allowed on planes. Some travelers swear by squashy, gym-type bags because when there's no room in the bins, they can always shove them under a seat.

Pack a day or so early, then write down a list of items to add to the bag at the very last minute. You'll find doing this particular chore ahead of time will cut stress and anxiety like nothing else.

4. Use electronics minimally

Your boss allowed you to go on vacation, right? That means the office will survive without you so quit checking email. Heck, I'm the CEO but my company gets along just fine when I'm off on an adventure. Besides, the whole point of a vacation is to reduce stress so let the inbox go. If the office absolutely positively has to get a hold of you, they'll find you.

5. Stay calm and let go

Earlier this week, United Airlines grounded all its planes across the United States because of a computer glitch. The grounding didn't last long, but because one delay leads to another and another, it was a day-long mess at many airports, which leads me to the moral of this tale: sometimes stuff happens and sometimes there's nothing you can do about it.

This is when you'll want electronics on hand -- the perfect time to catch up on “Game of Thrones” -- and why you'll want to pack (in a carry-on) charger cords. Maybe some snacks, too. Sometimes, there's nothing you can do in a situation except wait it out.

But remember, no matter how many hours you're stuck in an airport or waiting in a line, keep your cool and be polite. As one airline gate agent told me long ago, "Who would you rather help, the jerk who's cursing you out or Mr. Nice Guy?" Do yourself a favor and be the nice guy.

Any opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author.