Sometimes situations are out of your control — like when there’s bad weather or an international conflict forces you to cancel your trip.
But many issues travelers encounter are their own fault. They could have been avoided if they had taken a few steps to prepare.
To ensure your next vacation is hassle-free, consider the following.
1. Overpacking
Who wants to pay for excess baggage fees or waste time at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination?
Bringing more than necessary is one of the biggest travel mistakes you can make, so don’t do it.
While it’s tempting to pack clothes for every possible occasion, it’s easier to pack a week’s worth of clothes and then find a place to wash your clothes while you’re on your trip.
You’ll save time and money, especially if you’re staying in an Airbnb or a place with laundry appliances.
2. Not considering travel insurance
You often don’t need to pay for travel insurance. A lot of the time, you can get free travel insurance by booking your trip using the right credit card.
Check with your card company to see what protections they offer.
If it’s not enough, you can pay for a plan. Policies often protect you if your trip is canceled or delayed and if you have to go to the hospital while abroad. Travel insurance usually can replace your lost personal belongings as well.
Here's one place you can check prices
3. Not booking early
Thinking about booking your hotel later because that’s when you’ll find last-minute deals?
Maybe, but maybe not. It’s often better to start looking for places to stay well before your trip so you can explore all your options and make sure you don’t overpay.
If you’re visiting a popular tourist destination during the holidays, rooms and rentals may book up fast. Or you may end up paying premiums because you’re booking late. Be sure to at least have a backup plan early on.
4. Not researching your destination
You’re traveling to a new place. Find out as much about it ahead of time.
The best things to do and any special events that are in town may not be common knowledge.
Be sure to go to who you can trust. Another visitor’s recommendation isn’t going to be as valuable as that of a local.
It’s good to know cultural etiquette specific to the area, too.
5. Not leaving time between connections
Sometimes you can’t avoid late arrivals and departures. But you can control how much time you leave between connections.
The closer in time they are to each other, the less control you have. If you have enough time, you can account for unexpected circumstances.
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