Traveling is supposed to be a fun and relaxing experience. But all too often, it turns into a nightmare. That’s usually because people don’t plan ahead and end up making avoidable mistakes. To help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 travel don’ts.

1. Don’t Overpack
   This is probably the most common travel mistake. People pack way more than they need and end up lugging around heavy suitcases. Not only is this a pain, but it also increases the chances of losing your luggage. To avoid this, make a packing list in advance and only bring what you absolutely need.
2. Don’t Forget to Pack Essentials
   On the flip side of overpacking is forgetting to pack essential items. This can be anything from your passport to your toothbrush. To make sure you don’t forget anything important, create a packing checklist and check off each item as you pack it.
3. Don’t Rely on Technology
   Technology is great, but it’s not always reliable. If you’re relying on your GPS to get around, make sure you have a map as a backup in case you lose signal or power. And if you’re taking digital photos, be sure to bring along an extra memory card or two just in case your camera malfunctions.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things
   When you’re traveling, step out of your comfort zone and try new things. This could be anything from trying new food to taking a dance class. By pushing yourself to try new things, you’ll not only have more fun, but you’ll also create lasting memories.
5. Don’t Spend Too Much Time in Tourist traps
   Yes, it’s fun to visit the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building, but spending all your time at tourist traps will quickly become boring. Instead, explore the less-traveled parts of town to find hidden gems that only locals know about.
6. Don’t Skip Meals
   When you’re sightseeing all day, it’s easy to let meal times pass by without eating anything substantial. But skipping meals will only make you tired and cranky. Make sure to take breaks throughout the day for some food and water so that you can keep going strong until dinnertime.
7. Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol
   It’s tempting to want to drink every night while on vacation, but doing so will quickly lead to dehydration and fatigue. Plus, hangovers are no fun when you’re trying to sightsee the next day! So pace yourself and enjoy alcoholic beverages in moderation while traveling.
8. Don’t Stay Up Too Late Every Night Just like with drinking alcohol, staying up late every night will quickly lead to exhaustion. It’s fine to stay out late once in a while, but try not to do it every single night of your trip. That way, you’ll still have plenty of energy left for sightseeing during the daytime.
9. Don’t Forget Your manners Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you should forget your manners. Remember to say please, thank you, and excuse me when appropriate. In addition, remember to research local customs before arriving at your destination so that you dont accidentally offend anyone.
10. Don’t over plan Your vacation should be relaxing, so don’t try to pack too much into each day. Otherwise, you’ll just end up feeling stressed out. Instead, leave some free time in your itinerary so that you can spontaneously explore or take a much-needed break.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid common travel mistakes and have a smooth and enjoyable trip. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure today!