6 Travel Mistakes to Take A Break From
Travel can be super fun and exciting, but it involves thorough planning. Aside from logistics for each trip, there are some general rules or tips you can follow for packing and scheduling, making the trip a lot easier. If you’re not used to traveling too often, it is easy to make some of these travel mistakes, and if you’re a regular, there’s no harm in refreshing with tips and tricks right before your vacation!
Skipping visa details
This tip is essentially valuable for the time when you are traveling outside the country. First, You will want to ensure that your passport is valid and has not expired, and the second requirement to check is if you have gone through all the visa essentials. Some countries need specific documents for a visa, so it is crucial that you make a list of things needed and check them along the way. The last thing you would want is to start your trip only to find out you missed out on a small detail, and it can lead to cancellations. Also, some places won’t allow you to travel even if your passport is valid but only has six months left for renewal. These countries need you to have a passport that is valid for more than six months.
Not budgeting
In the excitement of traveling to a new place, don’t forget that you also have to budget your expenses, especially if you are traveling to a place where the currency does not match yours. So do that math at home and allocate some funds for each day. Revisit the things to do and make a note of all the expenses you’ve already paid for online and how much cash you will need with you at the location. Carrying too much cash can also be a problem in case of a mishap. Try to make some bookings online, like your accommodation and any activities you would like to try. You can pay for food and other spontaneous activities through cash. Even inter-city transport or cabs or sharing rides within the city.
Missing out on flight details
Be sure of your flight schedule to avoid any issues later. Not only can this affect your travel but also your bookings after reaching your destination. Consider the time zone differences, and check if you have made the bookings at your destination according to those. Also, remember that you may have to take connecting flights for some international flights. Be careful of how this works. Sometimes you may have to check in your luggage again, so you will need a good few hours of gap between your flights. However, even if your luggage will reach the destination directly, ensure there is still enough buffer time between the two flights. Think of contingencies like what if the first flight gets delayed? Also, always get travel insurance when you are flying, especially internationally.
Refusing travel insurance
Like it’s mentioned above, always get travel insurance. This may seem like an extra, unnecessary cost to you, but when you are taking international flights and multiple flights, something may go wrong somewhere. Not just in terms of baggage loss but other emergencies like sickness or an accident. Travel insurance covers all these things. If you’re going for a short trip, it may not seem like a priority, but consider getting it when you are traveling for a longer duration. Use your credit card to make the booking, and remember that many credit card companies offer travel insurance benefits. If your credit card does not have those benefits, check if you can buy insurance separately. Weigh your pros and cons and make an informed decision.
Overpacking
A rookie mistake that should and can definitely be avoided. Yes, you’re excited and want to wear all your best clothes, but think practically. Do you want to pay extra money during check-in for your luggage? Also, think of your destination, do you think you need so many varieties of clothes? How about repeating some outfits and coordinating different outfits together? You can even shop for some clothes locally and keep your luggage less cluttered, at least at the start of the trip. Another trick is to wear your bulkiest clothes on the travel days so your suitcase remains light. Also, if you are traveling for a long time, you can even consider doing laundry halfway through the trip.
Incomplete research
Planning day-to-day activities and doing research about your destination are essential in making the right bookings. You’ve booked your flights and accommodation, but you now need to make bookings for each day. If you are planning to visit museums, make sure that they are open on the days you want to go. Is there any special exhibit that you want to see? Check out the days and timings for the same, which may not be the regular museum timings. Also, check for local holidays and festivals that may affect your travel. Exploring local culture is a wonderful experience, so make sure you are prepared to immerse yourself in the fun and tourist limitations that may arise due to these holidays. Some businesses may remain closed, flights may get canceled due to weather, and ferries may not be taking passengers on certain days; these are all contingencies that you have to be prepared for.
Find offbeat locations and befriend a local guide who can take you to exclusive spots. If you are traveling solo, then you may make some friends in the hostel, and that can be another exciting adventure to explore. Always make sure that you respect the local rules and culture and blend into them. The last thing you want is to offend the locals and create trouble for yourself that can land you in a sticky circumstance.
