You’ve saved up for that perfect getaway from the 9-5 grind and you’re counting the days to pack your bags. You scan travel magazines and look search online holiday travel tips and safety tips for travellers. But more often than not, we tend to overlook certain practical aspects of holidaying. The best of travellers are wise enough to understand the things that shouldn’t be done. Being well aware of travel precautions is the mark of a true traveller and that sets them apart from an ordinary tourist. Before you go ahead and add more miles to your credit, here are some essential tips to make your next holiday stress-free and make the most out of it.

1. PACKING A PUNCH

It’s easy to fall for the urge to pack all your favourite clothes and shoes to look your best everyday while you’re at it, but packing light has many advantages. Do yourself a favour and just pack the essentials and your shoulders and back will thank yourself later. Remember that you’re there to see the places and not for the places to see you.

2. NOT DOING ENOUGH RESEARCH/DOING TOO MUCH RESEARCH

Not knowing the basics and must-sees and leaving everything in destiny’s hand might be a costly idea. But knowing too much about the nook and corner of the destination might kill the flavour of novelty. So find the sweet spot of knowing just enough and maybe leave some details unknown for serendipitous surprises.

3. NOT WAITING THE RIGHT TIME FOR TRAVEL DEALS

Counter intuitive to the early bird mentality, a lot of travel deals go unnoticed due to impulsive booking. If you’re flying, try booking about 2-4 months prior when it’s likely to be the cheapest. Wait for last minute offers if you’re going on a cruise.

4. NOT LEARNING BASICS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE AND LOCAL CULTURAL NORMS

It’s not guaranteed that the locals will know English or the language you speak. So spend some effort in learning the basics of the language to communicate better with the locals. Also bear in mind to respect cultural norms and dress appropriately.

5. NOT CARRYING EMERGENCY MEDICATION AND FIRST AID

Even the best of us can fall ill during travel. Carry First Aid and medications for cold, headache, traveller’s diarrhea, and allergies if any. Because holiday health and safety is no child’s play.

6. NOT TAKING TRAVEL INSURANCE

Anything can go wrong when we are away from our safe zone. It is always advisable to take travel insurance. Especially if the plan includes potentially dangerous adventure activities.

7. CARRYING TOO MUCH LIQUID CASH

Unless you want to run the risk of getting robbed or pickpocketed, carrying a lot of liquid cash is a bad idea. Only carry enough for essentials.

8. DINING AND SHOPPING AT MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Dining and Shopping at major attractions are systematically overpriced and not justified for quality. So go through food blogs and reviews for the best places to dine and scan travelogues to know where to shop for indigenous products and souvenirs.

9. NOT USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Not only using public transport will save you commute money, it offers a different window to explore the place and culture than sitting isolated in a cab which is usually overpriced for tourists.

10. NOT RESPECTING NATURE

Last but not least, respect nature. Don’t get into juvenile acts of tampering with local flora and fauna. Avoid unethical wildlife related tourism and always avoid littering.

Be prepared and be a wise traveller the next time you set foot in a new destination.