Traveling is a wonderful way to experience different regions and cultures and interact with new people. But discovering the unknown is not without its challenges or its mistakes. From overpacking and missed flights to unchecked hotel reservations and expired passports, it’s not uncommon for people to have some slips along the way. That being said, knowing how to avoid common travel mishaps and mistakes can help one embark on their journey stress-free.
Overpacking
While this may not sound like a big deal at the moment, overpacking can put a real dampener on one’s mood throughout their trip. Trying to carry too much baggage could result in excessive flight fees, messy hotel rooms, and too much laundry. It would also require a lot of lugging around from one destination to another, resulting in a strained back.
So, pack only what is necessary and leave some room for souvenirs. Start packing a carry-on bag and only size up if required. Think about the weather at the destination, as well as the planned activities when selecting items, and look for neutral pieces to mix and match outfits as much as possible.
Skipping travel insurance
Travel insurance often feels unnecessary, which is why many people end up not opting for it. But this could be a huge mistake, especially in case of emergencies such as delays, cancellations, lost baggage, or other mishaps. To avoid this travel mistake on the next trip, always purchase travel insurance before the trip and prevent financial losses.
Forgetting to check airport and flight timings
No one wants to start (or end) their trip on a negative note. A quick tip to avoid the stress of delays and missed flights during travel is double checking the details to ensure one reaches the correct terminal at the correct time. Schedule a little extra time for unexpected delays as well.
Relying on credit cards alone
Many credit card companies offer handsome deals, discounts, and rewards when users make travel bookings and hotel reservations with them. While these are enticing, it is important to remember that these may also end up with high transaction costs (for international usage), or limited use in certain areas. To avoid running into issues while traveling, always carry a mix of credit cards and local cash. Also, exchanging currency at the airport is a costly travel mistake, so consider using a reputed local bank or foreign exchange service to get a favorable rate.
Ignoring local transportation
As a result of lack of knowledge, or perhaps majorly for convenience, many travelers often ignore local transportation options in lieu of cab services or rental cars. While these do add a touch of independence to one’s trip, they may not always be cost-effective.
Learn about the local transportation system before embarking on the journey. Check out local bus, tram, and train lines, along with route charts and costs to save time and money.
Budgeting too closely
While it’s important to work with a budget when traveling, leaving no room for extras or surprise expenses could quickly become an issue. To avoid this stress while traveling, always set aside a travel emergency fund and carry some extra cash.
Squeezing too much in the itinerary
On a vacation, it’s only normal to want to do and see as much as possible. While it is a noble goal, being too ambitious with the itinerary is a common travel-planning mistake to avoid as it could end up leaving one feeling rushed and tired. Remember to schedule some time to relax and take in the local beauty. Spending quality time at the destination will help travelers make the most of their visit.
Not reading the fine print
There is a lot of fine print to check out before a trip. This includes the terms and conditions set by the airlines, hotels, travel agencies, etc. with regard to cancellation policies, hidden fees, refund policies, and much more. Always read through these before finalizing bookings and embarking on the trip.
Sticking to popular tourist attractions
Major tourist attractions are popular for a reason. But these often tend to be extremely crowded (and expensive)! To make the most of one’s time in a new destination, try to take advantage of other sites and attractions. Avoid picking hotels, restaurants, and cafes on the tourist path. Instead, talk to the locals, ask them for recommendations, and set off on the way to explore the road less traveled.
Carrying too many valuables
This is one of the biggest travel mistakes to avoid. Valuables, such as jewelry, cameras, etc., are not only expensive but also dear to one’s heart. On a vacation, though, it is possible to lose them. This could be a result of general forgetfulness, petty theft, pickpocketing, or other reasons. That is why, to prevent this common travel error, it is advisable to leave any irreplaceable items back at home.
That being said, if carrying valuables is necessary, following certain safety tips and tricks may help keep them safe.
- Wear a jacket with zip pockets or a fanny pack to store cash and credit cards.
- Don’t carry cards that aren’t needed (such as travel cards, loyalty cards, etc.) as these could make the wallet look thicker, catching more attention.
- Don’t leave any precious items unattended.
- Use the hotel room safe to lock in all valuables.
- Buy an RFID-blocking wallet for credit cards and passports.
- Make copies of all important documents, including passports and flight tickets. Keep both digital and physical versions handy.