When you’re planning a trip, you probably focus on the big things. Where you’re going, when you’ll arrive, and how you’ll get there are all at the top of the list. You probably also start planning things you’ll do, places you’ll eat, and other stops you want to make along the way. While those big things might make up the bulk of your trip, there are some common things that travelers forget that also determine how much you enjoy your vacation.

You don't always realize you need a place to put your luggage between hotel checkout and your evening flight until you're standing in a hotel lobby with three bags. You don't think about how many times you'll need to charge your phone until you're trying to navigate an unfamiliar city with 5% battery remaining. You may not plan how you'll get from the airport to your hotel until you're standing outside the terminal trying to figure out which transportation option you're supposed to use.

Travel preparation begins with thinking about the things that don’t come straight to mind, and these travel planning tips can help you avoid a crisis on your next trip.

What Are You Going to Do With Your Luggage?

Your luggage has one job. It’s there to get your belongings from one place to another. However, there are probably some moments throughout your trip when you aren’t actually going from Point A to Point B.

Hotels often schedule checkout for 11 a.m., but if your flight home doesn’t leave until 7 p.m., you need to find something to do with your suitcase. Even if you travel light with a small bag, the idea of packing it around for six or more hours can make the last day of your trip far less enjoyable. You may also run into this problem if you arrive at your destination hours before you can check into your hotel.

Many hotels offer luggage storage for incoming or outgoing guests. However, it’s a good idea to check on this before you arrive so you can make the necessary plans.

Your Phone Suddenly Becomes Much More Important

When you’re at home, your phone is just one of the objects that you use throughout the day. However, when you’re in a new place, your phone becomes an important source of information, navigation, and more. Your phone may also serve as a boarding pass, payment tool, and your emergency contact list.

All of these potential uses for your phone make mobile charging a vital part of any trip. Losing 20% of your battery while sitting at home is an inconvenience. Losing 20% while you're trying to navigate an unfamiliar city can be a completely different experience.

You don’t have to rush out and buy the most sophisticated setup. Instead, it’s a good idea to keep your phone charged and invest in a reliable mobile charging device so you never have to deal with being completely disconnected.

You May Need Cash at the Worst Possible Moment

Modern travelers use less cash than any other generation, but that doesn’t mean that there will never be a time when you need access to physical money. There are still plenty of stores, parking garages, and service providers that don’t accept cards or mobile payments. Suddenly, you find yourself in a position where you have to find an ATM. Depending on when that happens, you might be in jeopardy of missing a meeting or a flight.

While the amount may vary, it’s a good idea to keep some cash on you while traveling. Obviously, you shouldn’t carry so much that losing it would put you in a financial bind, but being able to pay cash for a cab ride or for access to a parking garage is important.

Your Plans Need Room for the Things That Go Wrong

No one wants to think about their trip going wrong, but planning for some unexpected obstacles can help you avoid falling into a state of panic. If you’re driving in an unfamiliar area, you may unknowingly park somewhere that you shouldn’t, which can result in your vehicle being towed.

Other obstacles are completely out of your control. When a flight gets delayed, you may need to make a hotel reservation at the last minute. Looking ahead at what options are available to you provides some peace of mind and can save your trip.

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