While traveling is fun and exciting, it can also be very stressful for some people,so you’re not alone if this is you. The good news is there are seven practical ways for how you can have a better travel experience the next time around.

Avoid focusing on anything that’s gone wrong in the past and put your efforts into making changes so you can have a more successful experience in the future. Take these ideas into account as you prepare to soon depart for another trip so that you can look forward to your next excursion instead of dreading it.

1. Plan Ahead

Planning ahead doesn’t mean you need to have every little detail mapped out and decided when you take off. However, you may want to set a budget so you don’t overspend, and scope out and select a nice hotel so you like where you’re staying once you arrive. Winging it or over planning may cause you unwanted stress and frustration in the end. Therefore,make a list and find a good balance of what you want to achieve before you leave.One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is where you want to travel to, so think long and hard about your options before you commit to a location.

2. Purchase the Right Gear

Improve your next travel experience by being proactive and willing to invest in the right gear for your trip. For example, you can read more here about what you may want to bring with you if you’re going camping and are unsure of what you’ll need. The same motto goes for no matter what you decide to do, whether it’s going hiking, taking a cruise or having a beach vacation. You want to make sure you have the right luggage with you and aren’t feeling unprepared once you reach your destination. You don’t want to show up empty-handed and have to scramble to get what you need once you’re on site.

3. Pack Light

It’s in your best interest to pack light and only bring along what’s absolutely necessary on your next getaway. The fewer items you have to carry and lug around, the better and less overwhelmed you’ll feel. Write a checklist of necessities and try to stick to it so you don’t end up packing extras that are only going to sit in your suitcase. It’s a wise idea to try to fit all you require in a carry-on,so you don’t have to worry about checking a bag and the airline losing your belongings. Go through your closet well before you leave so you can get organized and know what you want to buy and pack for your trip.

4. Branch out

Be curious and willing to talk to the locals, try new foods, and go exploring in unknown territory to improve your next travel experience. You’ll have a much better time when you’re engaged in your travels and are learning and growing as a person. This is a good time to be a bit more adventurous and maybe even surprise yourself as you work on branching out more. Get up early, embrace the culture and participate in activities or events you may not have the chance to do where you live. You might regret it later if you sit in your hotel room all day and refuse to get out of your comfort zone while you’re away.

5. Take Care of Yourself

The better you feel both mentally and physically, the more enjoyable of a time you’re going to have on your next vacation. This is why you should make it a point to stay hydrated, get a lot of sleep and try to fit in some exercise whenever possible. Drinking too much alcohol, choosing to stay up late and eating a lot of junk food will likely leave you feeling fairly miserable at the end of the day. Improve your next travel experience by making it a priority to take care of yourself and not slipping into practicing any bad habits that will interfere with how much fun you have. Also, do your best to work ahead at the office so you don’t have to attend to stressful tasks while you’re trying to relax.

6. Focus on Safety First

Putting your safety first is essential to you having a better travel experience overall. You can do this by locking up your valuables, removing yourself from uncomfortable situations and not trusting everyone you meet.In fact, it’s probably best to leave your expensive jewelry and purses at home so you don’t even have to worry about them being lost or stolen. If you’re traveling alone then avoid walking by yourself in the dark and always report any suspicious activity you see or encounter. The safer you feel,the more you’ll be able to take pleasure in all the wonderful sights that surround you. Always be alert of who and what’s around you and try to avoid getting lost.

7. Be in the Moment

While it’s important to take pictures and document your memories, you also want to be in the moment so you can enjoy yourself. Playing on your phone or working the entire time is likely going to make you feel like you didn’t get much of a vacation after you return home. Stay present to help improve your travel experience so you don’t miss any fascinating or unique elements of your trip. Avoid worrying so much about all you have planned to dogoing perfectly and simplylet what’s happening unfold right before your eyes and allow yourself to absorb what you’re doing without being distracted.

Your next travel experience can be a lot better if you’re willing to put in a little extra effort on your part, both beforehand and on your trip. Use this advice to help you plan accordingly and make certain you have no regrets during your next vacation. Most importantly, have fun and use your next getaway as an opportunity to rejuvenate by leaving your worries and cares back home.