Was relying on the facilitation of travel procedures as an indication of the result of Istikhara sufficient, despite feeling distressed and the advice of close friends not to travel?

If you have sought Allah's guidance (istikhara) and your travel has been facilitated, then praise Allah and be patient with what He has decreed for you. Your contentment with Allah's decree and destiny is better for you. For Allah is more merciful to you than you are to yourself, and His choice for you is better than your choice for yourself. There may be much good in your travel that you do not realize now. Stop dwelling on what has passed and rely on Allah in all your affairs.