Here are some tips to consider for your next trip.

PREPARE & PACK IN ADVANCE 

You don't want to arrive at your first destination on your dream vacation feeling like you need to sleep for at least two days. You're going on vacation, you should feel relaxed and enjoy every day on your trip! So start your packing at least a week before departure, and have your bags sitting by the door ready to go a minimum of two days before you fly away. Then you'll be able to enjoy a farewell dinner celebration with friends and/or family the evening before your trip, instead of having to pull an all-nighter doing laundry and getting your bags packed. Every day that you pack, it will make you more and more excited about your trip as well.

PACK & TRAVEL LIGHTLY

This makes tip No. 1 a LOT easier. Of course, you've got to look absolutely fabulous in every photo. But just remember, you must drag all those bags through airports, train and metro stations, in and out of taxis and sometimes even up or downstairs. If I can do five weeks in Europe with just a backpack and the largest FAA approved carry-on, then you can too. And what a convenience it is to never check a bag on all those flights!  When you’re out on your tours, all you need is your phone and one credit card in one pocket, and about $10 of local currency and your hotel key in the other. Even most street cart vendors take digital wallet payments now.

GIVE YOURSELF SPACE

This goes for before, during and after your trip. I highly recommend you take at least the day prior to your departure off work, and return home a minimum of two full days before you have to return to work. This gives you breathing room if your flight home is delayed or canceled, or in the case your flight home is way oversold and the airline is offering $10,000 to take a flight a day later. But give yourself space during your trip as well. Yes, you want to see all the amazing sights and maximize your time in each place, but you need days to chill and relax and catch up on sleep as well. Trust me, you'll be happy you did, especially on those days when you leave your hotel at 7 or 8 in the morning on a tour and don't get back until 10 p.m.

DON'T PLAN EVERYTHING

Do your research to determine which tours and sights you know for sure you want to do and see, and get those booked before you leave. But leave some free days to rest, sit by the pool (or beach), get a massage, take a walk, hit the gym, etc. You will also find some hidden gems on those free days if you get out to walk the city!

STUDY THE CULTURE & CUSTOMS BEFORE YOU GO

I don't mean a college-level course or an attempt to become somewhat fluent or conversational in a language before you depart. But do familiarize yourself with the customs and etiquette before you leave. That way you won't be awkwardly searching google to find out "do you leave tips at restaurants in Japan" while the server hands you the check. You will feel a lot more comfortable in a foreign country if you look up some basic etiquette and cultural tips before you go.

Edwin Neimann was bitten by the travel bug at a young age and has been to 23 countries (including Russia) so far, with plans to visit many, many more over the next few years. A huge AvGeek since childhood, Edwin has figured out every trick in the book for how to fly Business & First Class without paying for it, so check out his YouTube channel (ECN Travels) to find out how and discover his other helpful travel tips and tricks as well.