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Travel can be a great experience, but often it is stressful and hectic. World traveler and photographer Brandon Odaprovides his top 7 tips to help your trip run smoothly. Starting with packing for your trip, these insider tips will give you useful information to reduce stress and make your trip more enjoyable.

1. Pack Wisely

Novice travelers frequently overpack. Not only is hauling excess luggage a major hassle, but it can also be expensive thanks to new checked bag fees instituted by most U.S. airlines. Choose your clothing for your trip with an eye toward comfort and utility. If you need a formal outfit, only pack one. Check into the possibility of doing laundry at your destination. Ideally, you can get by with only one carry-on bag. This will eliminate the possibility of the airline losing your bag, costing you precious time. If you are checking a bag, choose a smaller bag to prevent overpacking.

2. Be Flexible

Travel can be difficult for people who need a lot of control over their daily activities. Unplanned detours and delays are frustrating and can cause anger and resentment. When traveling, it’s best to adopt a flexible mindset. If your flight is overbooked, take the vouchers offered and spend a little time exploring the city where you have an unexpected layover. If you adopt an attitude of discovery, you’ll find it much easier to cope with the vagaries of travel.

3. Learn a Few Words of the Local Language

If you know how to say “Hello,” “Please,” “Thank you,” “I’m sorry,” and a few other easy phrases, you’ll find that your travel experience runs much more smoothly. You can use a fun and free language learning app on your phone. Locals will appreciate that you made the effort to communicate with them and will appreciate your politeness. You may find that they are more likely to help you if you run into trouble.

4. Photocopy Important Documents

Losing your passport or driver’s license can ruin your trip. It’s crucial to carry copies of your important documents, like your passport, visa, and driver’s license. Keep these in a separate bag from the documents themselves. If you have copies of your information, it will be much easier to navigate the process of getting them back.

5. Put Important Items in Your Carry-on

When you’re packing, keep all of your medications and documents in your carry-on. It’s also smart to pack toiletries and an extra pair of underwear just in case your luggage is lost or if you have to spend the night in an airport without your luggage.

6. Buy Travel Insurance

Better safe than sorry. Travel insurance can help you with the cost of a canceled trip as well as pay for medical attention while you are away. This relatively small expense can save you thousands of dollars, and it makes sense for everyone to carry travel insurance.

7. Be Spontaneous

Don’t stay locked into your itinerary. Allow some time to wander your destination and discover new things. This will bring the feeling of joy back to your travel experience, reducing stress.

While travel can be tough, these 7 tips from Brandon Oda will help you streamline your preparation and will help you enjoy yourself. Whether you are a novice or seasoned traveler, use these tips to help you prepare for your trip and to have fun at your destination.