Seasoned travel advisor Gennady Podolsky knows that careful planning is critical for an enjoyable vacation abroad or road trip at home. However, he cautions that in addition to ironing out itineraries and packing lists, travelers must also be mindful of certain behaviors and practices to avoid to ensure a smooth journey. Here, Gennady Podolsky outlines eight common travel mistakes and provides solutions to help vacationers travel like professionals.

Don’t Overload Your Itinerary

Many travelers cram their days full of sightseeing and bus tours to get the most value. The result is a blur of quick attraction visits and rushed meals to stay on a tight schedule. Podolsky warns that this whirlwind approach often leads to fatigue and frustration, making it challenging to enjoy experiences fully.

Instead, he advises working with tour operators to build in open blocks of unscheduled time. That way, travelers can immerse themselves in a destination at a more reasonable pace. Independent travelers should design their sane itineraries, allowing them to see top sites without feeling strained.

Pack Light 

Hauling excessive luggage is tiring for travelers racing through airports. It also means transporting and washing more clothes. Podolsky recommends a minimalist strategy, starting with a small carry-on bag. Travelers should carefully evaluate whether each item is an absolute must-have before packing. The goal is only to include essentials.

He further suggests versatile neutral-toned clothing like cream or tan tops and pants that can be dressed up or down. Scarves, belts, and other simple accessories help transform essential pieces for evenings out.

Leave Valuables at Home

When traveling, Podolsky cautions against taking expensive jewelry, electronics, and other high-value belongings. These attractive targets increase travelers’ vulnerability to pickpockets and thieves abroad.

He advises using secure storage like zippered or hard-to-access pockets to protect their things better. Cross-body bags also make snatching more complex compared to handled purses. Podolsky adds that reducing the cards in your wallet makes you less enticing to potential robbers. Anti-RFID wallets can protect your identity by blocking criminals from remotely scanning your payment information.

Respect Local Customs

An international vacation presents an extraordinary chance to immerse yourself in a new region’s cultural traditions. Podolsky encourages researching beforehand by reading reputable guidebooks and watching videos about your destination. Additionally, take time to learn key phrases in the local language. Showing this effort earns goodwill and leads to a richer experience.

However, some travelers dismiss informational resources and arrive ignorant of regional etiquette. Their inappropriate behavior, like violating conservative dress codes or failing to treat locals respectfully, can spur adverse reactions. Podolsky reminds visitors that knowing and following local laws is critical for avoiding trouble. Overall, remembering your guest status goes a long way.

Discover Hidden Gems

Every destination has go-to tourist spots, but sticking only to these well-trodden options means missing out on authentic local flavor. Podolsky advises going off the beaten path by tapping knowledgeable residents to uncover less-discovered neighborhoods and sites. Taking time to explore independently also leads to travel moments that are not possible on crowded tours of main attractions.

Don’t Eat at Tourist Traps 

Large sites often have on-property restaurants catering to visitors. However, Podolsky notes these eateries frequently provide lower quality, overpriced food than other local options. Instead, he suggests asking hotel staff or friendly locals for their picks of top area restaurants and signature dishes to sample. Airbnb hosts may also provide their dining recommendations.

Inform Your Bank

With checklists for flights and hotels, it’s easy to overlook a critical planning step. Podolsky points out that forgetting to notify your bank and credit card company about an upcoming trip can cause payment disruptions once you’re on the road. Institutions may automatically flag foreign or uncharacteristic purchases as potential fraud without a travel advisory. Avoid this hassle by calling ahead with your destination and dates.

Get Travel Insurance

A policy can protect against financial burdens if you become injured or ill abroad or must end your trip early due to an emergency. However, Podolsky stresses thoroughly reading all coverage details and exclusions before leaving to ensure you understand what scenarios apply. For example, know whether geopolitical events are included and if particular activities you plan to do are eligible for claims. An hour now can save hours handling issues later.

By keeping Podolsky’s travel tips in mind, vacationers can avoid these common blunders and instead focus on creating memorable experiences. Careful preparation leads to smooth journeys and may inspire repeat visits to a cherished destination.