If you're planning a trip, here's what you need to do before you leave.

Planning a trip isn't a walk in the park—before and after 2021. There are a few more things to consider these days, but the basics remain the same. The planning steps become even more complicated if you have to factor family and/or friends into the mix. If you're planning a trip, try not to stress! It's much easier once you have everything written down and booked all the necessary items. Follow the tips we've listed below to help streamline the planning process for your next trip.

#1. Hire a babysitter.

No, your house or apartment won't need to be walked twice a day, fed, and watered, but hiring a house-sitter—whether it's someone you've actually hired or simply a friend, neighbor, or family member—is essential to ensure your home is looked after while you're away. During this time, your house-sitter can turn on the lights, empty any mail left on your doorstep or in your mailbox, take out your trash, and so on—all of which gives the impression that your house or apartment is occupied, which is a deterrent to thieves. Your house-sitter can also check your basement and home systems (especially if it's winter) to make sure there aren't any problems that could worsen over time. Your tenant, condo, or homeowners insurance may not cover damage or theft if you haven't hired someone to periodically check on your home. "Periodically" could mean from every 48 hours to every few days - but the exact frequency is best determined by asking your insurance company.

#2. Seek the help of a travel planner or advisor.

While certainly not necessary, you may want to seek the assistance of a travel planner or advisor to help you navigate your arrival at your chosen destination. You might want to inquire about required and/or recommended vaccinations, obtaining a tourist visa, entry and exit requirements, any pre-existing health conditions that could be a factor in your new environment, local laws, the climate, and where to go if you need assistance upon arrival. A travel planner/advisor can also inform you if your government advises against travel to your destination.

A travel planner/advisor can also help guide you in the right direction to various tourist sites. Your travel planner/advisor may even offer advice or suggestions that might lead you to choose a different destination altogether.

#3. Do your research on your destination.

Do your research on your destination in advance! You can use guidebooks about your chosen destination and a list of all the different places you want to visit. Is the place you want to go new to you? Will you need to learn the basics of a foreign language? Will you need to exchange foreign currency? Consider these questions in your research.

#4. Write a step-by-step itinerary.

When it comes to booking activities, you should consider planning an itinerary. Part of this itinerary might involve booking activities or buying tickets in advance, which can save you money, but you should also plan smaller activities. Consider popular attractions, but leave some time between travel and transit time—not to mention rest! Traveling and exploring can be very tiring, so it's a good idea to leave a few hours in your hotel room to recover.

Consider how you will travel along your itinerary. Will you use public transportation or a rental car? Renting a car can give you more flexibility, but it will also be more expensive. Factor your transportation into your final budget.

You can also allow extra time for unforeseen circumstances or if you see something you think you would like to visit, such as a shop or a town for sightseeing.

#5. Pack light (and write down what you're packing in advance).

When it comes to packing smarter, making a list beforehand simplifies the whole process. You should always consider the possibility of an emergency, so have one or two of those "spare" chargers, sweaters, etc. At the same time, you also need to be careful to pack light, so only the essentials. It sounds complicated, but the best way to ensure you bring everything you need and nothing more is to make a list in advance.

Clothing. Consider: what climate will you be travelling in? Do you have access to a washer and dryer? Will you need formal wear, swimwear, sportswear?

Electronics. Don't forget the chargers! You can always share if you're bringing family and/or friends with you, or simply bring one per device.

Hygiene. Bring a hairbrush and toothbrush, of course, but you might be able to get by by buying shower gel, shampoo, and toothpaste wherever you're going. Most hotels will provide them.

Emergency kit. A first aid kit filled with bandages, prescriptions, gauze, etc. is useful to have with you, just in case something happens.

Other important things to bring include vaccination records (especially if you are travelling to foreign countries), passports, documentation, etc. Anything you think is important and might be used at least once – bring it!