Avoid these 5 classic travel mistakes so you can have a good trip

Everyone wants to have the perfect trip. They want to get the best deal, stay at the best hotels, eat the best food and have an enjoyable flight. Much of the success, or failure, of any trip has to do with planning. You can let things ride and under-plan or you can meticulously over-plan your trip. To ensure you have a great trip, the key is to fall somewhere in the middle.

To help you plan a great trip, avoid the following common travel mistakes when you plan your next adventure:

1. Relying too much on travel agents: Travel agents are great for planning trips, but the Internet has significantly increased your travel options. You can save a lot of money by doing some research online and booking with an online agent, especially if you are looking for a last-minute deal.
2. Sticking too much to a schedule: Trying to plan every minute of your trip is not only exhausting, but you could miss out on once-in-a-lifetime experiences simply because they weren’t on your list of things to do. For a truly memorable travel experience, book a few things to see and do, and then talk to the locals about the best places to explore in the area.
3. Missing out on local culture: Staying at luxury resorts and doing the touristy things can be part of travel, but to get the most out of your trip, you really should take in some of the local culture. No one wants to come home from a trip with regrets. Plan to venture off the resort, check out the local area, talk to the local people and eat at a local restaurant or two to gain a better appreciation for the culture of the location you are visiting.
4. Underestimating costs: Sticking to a travel budget can be tough, and it can be easy to underestimate costs, especially when it comes to dining and entertainment. Always research the costs of your activities before you travel, and make sure you account for the exchange rate when you make purchases. Try to overestimate costs to give yourself a buffer in your budget.
5. Packing too much stuff: Lugging around a stuffed suitcase is not ideal, especially if you are travelling a long distance. It can make travel more difficult, and it could cost you more money in the form of baggage fees. Pack only what you need for your trip, and leave the nice-to-have things at home.
6. Not getting travel insurance: This is perhaps the most common and potentially damaging travel mistake that travellers make. Travelling without travel insurance is risky. Travel can be unpredictable, and having travel insurance gives you the peace of mind in knowing that you can get travel assistance if your flight is delayed, if you lose your baggage or even if you have to cancel your trip before departure.