Planning a vacation shouldn’t feel too much like work, but investing just a little bit of time into the process means that your travel plans are more likely to go smoothly. We’ve created five tips for planning a vacation that will be both memorable and enjoyable: Wherever you’re going, you’ll find that these are worth trying.

Create a Sensible Itinerary

Plan ahead and decide about how long you’d like to spend at different attractions. Itinerary apps and websites can help with this step, providing suggestions for activities and helping you decide how best to get from one point to the next. It might be tempting to pack every minute with action, but be sure to allow yourself opportunities to relax, enjoy surprises you find along the way, or chat with interesting people you meet.

While you’re researching your options, consider coming up with a backup plan. What if you’re hoping to visit an outdoor venue and the weather prevents you from doing so, or what if the restaurant where you planned to dine has no reservations available? These are just two examples of unforeseen issues that might arise. Having pre-planned alternatives prevents disaster and allows you to continue enjoying your vacation.

Take Every Opportunity to Save

Saving money on the little things means you’ve got more to spend on big-ticket items. Some great examples:

• If Wi-Fi is available, save money on international calling with Viber, a top-rated VoIP app that lets you keep in touch without using expensive data from your cell provider. It’s a great alternative to costly SIM cards, too.
• Get simple snacks, breakfast, and lunch items at a grocery store and save restaurant meals for dinner. You’ll find it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan this way, and your budget will thank you.
• Use public transportation whenever possible.
• If discount cards or programs are available, take advantage of them! Be sure to search by location and compare different offers to see which one best suits your needs.

Read Travel Blogs and Reviews

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when other travelers have been in your shoes! Before you spend your precious vacation time and hard-earned money, find out what others have to say. Look for lodging, airlines, restaurants, and entertainment with mostly positive remarks and you’ll likely find your own experience to be enjoyable. At the same time, don’t let a few negative remarks out of hundreds of positive ones prevent you from enjoying something that appeals to you. Most venues have occasional bad reviews; after all, it’s tough to be perfect 100 percent of the time.

Travel Light

Not only does extra baggage cost you money, it means you’ve got more to worry about as you make your way from point A to point B. A heavy suitcase filled with items to satisfy every contingency is no longer a necessity: Personal care essentials like toiletries are usually free at hotels, and things like umbrellas, and flashlights are readily available at low prices and can be donated to other travelers when you’re finished. Some additional packing tips to try when preparing for vacation:

• Use your mobile or tablet to its fullest capacity by loading it with useful apps: Journaling, photo editing, and downloadable maps are a few examples.
• Lightweight synthetic materials don’t wrinkle, and typically take up less room than woolen or cotton counterparts. Additionally, they’re easy to rinse in your hotel sink so you have less laundry to deal with.
• Choose a versatile, color-coordinated travel wardrobe that feels comfortable and meets cultural expectations at your destination while offering minimalist appeal. A few key pieces and some accessories can keep you looking great without forcing you to carry a heavy burden.
• Wear your bulkiest items to the airport in order to free up more luggage space.

Obtain Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance protects your investment in a few ways: First, it covers costs if you’re forced to cancel and no refunds are available, or if your flight, cruise, or other travel plans are cancelled by the company due to factors that range from bankruptcy to mechanical errors. Second, it provides assistance with unforeseen expenses related to medical emergencies, injuries sustained during adventure travel, natural disasters, lost luggage, stolen credit cards, and more. Be sure that you ask questions before committing to a certain policy, and ensure that you understand what is and isn’t covered. There are different types of travel insurance available, and comparing them is worth the time you’ll spend poring over the fine print.