Planning a holiday should be exciting, not stressful. But even the most experienced travellers can make mistakes that affect the whole trip. From overbooking your itinerary to skipping essential details, these missteps can lead to unnecessary hiccups.

To help you travel smarter, here are some of the most common travel planning mistakes — and what to do instead:

Overpacking

• Stick to essentials and versatile pieces; check the weather forecast beforehand.

Not buying travel insurance

• Accidents happen — protect your trip, health, and finances.

Ignoring entry or visa requirements

• Always research requirements for each destination.

Overloading the itinerary

• Leave room for spontaneity and downtime.

Booking without comparing options

• Work with a travel expert to find better deals and experiences.

Avoiding these mistakes doesn’t mean sacrificing spontaneity — it means having the freedom to enjoy your trip without unexpected issues. And if you’d rather leave the details to someone you trust, working with an experienced travel planner can take the guesswork out of the entire process.