I plan bucket-list trips for a living. Here are 4 mistakes I see travelers make when booking their own vacations.

"As an adventure designer for Flash Pack, a company that plans trips for solo travelers, I put together cool itineraries for a living. I pay razor-sharp attention to all of the logistical details that go into planning our clients' excursions. Although it's really fun, it can be quite difficult. In my experience, here are the biggest mistakes I see travelers make when they plan their own itineraries and trips."

"It's amazing how far a little research can go in bringing an extra thrilling twist to your trip. I used to lead tours through New Orleans, and the French Quarter's bright lights were always a major draw. However, I discovered that some of the best local bars featuring live, world-class jazz music were actually located in less-touristed neighborhoods. These spots just weren't on the cookie-cutter tourist itineraries, so it took a bit of research to find them."

Solo travelers frequently cram schedules, omit downtime, and limit themselves to popular highlights, which reduces cultural immersion and spontaneity. Research into less-touristed neighborhoods and unexpected activities uncovers authentic local experiences, such as world-class jazz bars located outside major tourist hubs. Combining mainstream attractions with unconventional approaches—dining in a cave amid prehistoric rock art, abseiling down Table Mountain after a cable car ride, or hiking a backdoor route into Petra—adds depth and excitement. Secret or private experiences, like camping on a secluded island or arranging a masterclass with a local performer, create memorable, non-cookie-cutter moments. Careful logistical planning matters, but building flexibility and rest into itineraries preserves energy and discovery.

Read at Business Insider