We all know that travel can be a test of patience. We've all been there: the endless airport security lines, the extremely basic aircraft snacks, and the ever-present fear of lost luggage.

Yesterday, it really frustrated me at a connecting flight baggage check-in.

The attendant, bless her heart, seemed to be channelling a kiskadee guarding its nest, triple-checking my boarding pass, then my passport, then back to my boarding pass, all the while scrutinising my carry-on like it held a suitcase of diamonds.

The real kicker? My checked bag was a whopping 0.5 pounds overweight. Yes, half a pound.

The equivalent of a medium sized apple. The attendant wouldn't budge as she muttered something about airline regulations.

Now, don't get me wrong, rules are rules. But, in that moment, I realised travel needs a serious dose of stress-busting techniques.

Because let's be honest, the physical toll of lugging 50 pounds plus (if you are a Bermudian), rushing through terminals, and enduring questionable turbulence and small seats is real.

So, how can we turn a stress-fest of travel into a journey of Zen? Here are a few tips to keep your mind and body happy, even when faced with the most airline-compliant attendant:

Pack light, pack smart: Resist the urge to overpack. Invest in travel-friendly clothes that mix and match, where you do not have to take a jacket off if possible and pack only the essentials.

Your body (and your sanity) will thank you. Imagine breezing through check-in with a single, non-overweight carry-on.

Embrace the walk: Airports are essentially giant indoor walking tracks. I literally calculated my walk from the airports, entrance to my final gate and calculated 1.25 miles.

Ditch the moving walkways and use the extra steps to stretch your legs and burn off some preflight jitters. Plus, you might even stumble upon a hidden gem of a coffee shop or bookstore.

Hydrate like a pro: aircraft air is notoriously drying, which can exacerbate stress and leave you feeling sluggish

Come prepared with a reusable water bottle and refill it whenever possible.

Mindful moments: Breathe. Seriously, take a few deep breaths, roll your shoulders, and focus on calming yourself down. Stuck in a long security line?

Use the time to listen to your audio book or play a cognitive game. You'll be surprised at how a few focused moments can reset your mood.

Move it, move it: Let's face it, cramped aircraft seats aren't exactly conducive to a full-blown cardio session. But that doesn't mean you can't get your body moving!

Stretch your calves, roll your ankles, and do some gentle arm circles to keep your blood flowing and prevent stiffness.

Remember, a little planning and some stress-busting techniques go a long way.

By taking care of your physical and mental wellbeing, you can conquer travel with a smile (even if that smile is hidden behind a slightly sleep-deprived face).

Now, if you'll excuse me, while I plan my next trip!

Travel stress free and B-Active For Life!

• Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience