There’s no single “right way” to travel. Every individual traveler has their own style and preferences, and no two people dream of the same “perfect trip.” with that being said, there are certain traveling best practices that apply across the board. Here’s what you should keep in mind if you want your next trip to be especially enjoyable.

Plan Ahead

A little proper planning can go a long way toward maximizing the fun of your next trip. If you hit the road without doing your homework, you’ll never know what possible excursions you missed out on. In the internet era, it’s easier than ever before to plot out your travel activities ahead of time. You can even set a trip on Google Maps using your smartphone. You can set up stops along the way to your destination, this makes road trips much easier.

Don’t Overfill Your Schedule

While planning is essential, make sure you don’t overdo it. Some optimistic travelers fill their schedules with far more activities than they could ever hope to actually complete. Once they fall behind, they become absorbed by the tense game of catch up that soaks the fun out of their trip. Don’t let this be you, be sure to plan to spend some time at each of your stops. Be realistic and make sure to be flexible as well.

Find Some Great Places to Eat At

Eating delicious meals in fun, exciting places is one of the principal delights of traveling. If you settle for chain restaurants or your old favorite foods, you’ll be denying yourself some other great places to dine in the city you’re currently in. With a little research, you can find all sorts of places to sample the local cuisine. Alternatively, you could ask the locals upon arrival or simply follow your nose. Be sure to take the time to do this and your trip will be that much more enjoyable overall.

Avoid the Crowds

Many otherwise-spectacular attractions are spoiled by the obnoxious throngs of camera-wielding tourists. You can’t complain about their presence (since, after all, you’re one of them), but you can do your best to avoid them. By waking up early to beat the crowds or scheduling your trip for the off-season in your destination, you can give yourself much more of an enjoyable experience. Be flexible and remember that you are on vacation, do not stress over the little things.

Follow Your Instincts

While the steps mentioned above all revolve around planning, don’t deny yourself the opportunity to fly by the seat of your pants once you’ve reached your destination. Some of the best travel memories stem from unforeseen opportunities and unexpected turns of events.

Between the allure of new places and the thrill of hitting the open road, it’s no wonder that traveling remains such a popular activity. All trips are special in their own way. By following the advice above, you can maximize the excitement and bring your upcoming adventure to the next level.