Not Researching the Destination
A very important stage on the eve of the trip is exploring the country where you are going. But it happens that at this stage tourists do not have enough patience, diligence, and attention. I’m looking for data quickly, without double-checking, and even without really delving into the text. – Inaccurate information sometimes leads to funny situations (okay, they’re funny only after the matter). For example, we read: “In England, be sure to check out the food and gifts from the Middle Ages.” Do not repeat my mistakes – give enough time to study the manuals, concentrating well. Show your children how interesting our world can be if you take the time to learn it better. Look into other people’s ideal tourist days: it’s like going several routes to the task “How to spend a Sunday in Rome.” Even within one country, there may be many beautiful and interesting places. Get to know more of them; then the trip can be more diverse. Do not grab all at once. Even going to one city for several days, select a small area: the problem of understanding what can be seen in two neighboring days can be a difficult task. Online you can find a large number of resources where tourists share their experience of pastime in a particular country – take the opportunity to study not only the recommended routes of travel agencies but also options from other travelers. Different social networks (Foursquare, Instagram) are packed with tips for those who are going to have a rest in the very near future. Also, focus on thematic forums; for example, if you are interested in art, ask the like-minded people which museums are best visited in Paris.
Overpacking
You may have heard many seasoned travelers advising people to overpack, and yet you may find yourself struggling to fit everything into your luggage. Overpacking is one of the most common travelers’ mistakes that many people make. Not only can it lead to unnecessary stress of having to carry heavy bags around, it can also result in extra costs and travel delays. When you overpack, you are running the risk of having to deal with strict baggage weight restrictions, especially on budget airlines. This could lead to the need to pay for the extra weight or the embarrassment of having to unpack and wear multiple layers of clothing just to get through the check-in process. Additionally, if you bring a large suitcase on a trip, you may also find it frustrating to lug it around on public transports or along narrow, crowded streets. This limits your flexibility and may result in additional transportation costs, such as having to take a taxi instead of walking because your luggage is too heavy or having to pay for a larger car if you want to use a rideshare service. Also, if you overpack and buy souvenirs during your trip, you may find that there isn’t enough space in your luggage to fit them for the journey back. This could lead to having to spend extra money on a new bag or postage. Furthermore, when you overpack, you are more likely to bring things that you do not need. This could mean that it takes longer to pack before a trip and you may forget things along the way because there are simply too many items to keep track of. In the worst case scenario, you may not realize that you have lost something valuable until you need it during your trip. All of this could have been avoided if you had been more mindful of what you packed in the first place. In light of these potential issues, it is highly recommended that you take some time to plan and consider what to pack before a trip. It is best to find a reasonable balance between underpacking and overpacking. This can be achieved by making a packing list and analyzing each item to see whether it is essential for the trip. Always take into account the weather at your destination and any non-replaceable items, such as prescription medication or important travel documents. By packing light and smart, you will find that traveling becomes a much more enjoyable experience. So, the next time you are preparing for a trip, remember that less is more and do yourself a favor – avoid overpacking!
Ignoring Travel Insurance
Therefore, in case of an unexpected event such as a flight cancellation, a sudden illness or a medical emergency, travelers with insurance are able to claim properly without any hassle. However, it is more than just failed holidays. Without insurance, travelers could lose a considerable amount of money if a family member dies while on holiday, as tourists would want to be able to cancel their holiday and be reimbursed. It is also worth mentioning that in the worst case scenario – where users have a serious accident and are not able to pay for their initial treatment – they could be refused the help and support that they need! Also, it should be taken into account that medical costs abroad can be financially crippling and there have been plenty of cases where holidaymakers, who were not properly insured, had to consider selling homes in order to pay for treatment. In general, it cannot be denied that travel insurance is the most useful thing that holidaymakers can bank on, if any problem arises during their trip. As a result, the main point is to remind people planning to travel or to take out travel insurance as early as possible in their booking process. Well, travel insurance can always be purchased at any time, with the ability to provide cover for a trip that has been booked months ago and also for any trips that have been planned for the future, without having to worry about the expenditure. In reality, ignoring travel insurance could lead to serious consequences and horrific experience during a trip. Hence, the significance of not ignoring travel insurance, as what has been emphasized in the checklist.
Booking Mistakes
Now, let’s talk about booking mistakes. First, avoid the mistake of not comparing prices. Take advantage of the various online tools available that allow you to compare prices from different sources, which helps you to get the most value for your money. Also, don’t just restrict your comparisons to flights and hotels. You can find package deals that would save you a lot of money, and there are even some travel sites that will help you to compare all of these at once. Next, avoid the mistake of booking last-minute. Unless you are booking with rewards points or are specifically looking for deals that apply to last-minute travel, you will find the best deals by booking your travel as early as possible. It is a common misconception that waiting until the last minute will allow you to take advantage of major discount prices, and as a result many people make the mistake of holding off on booking until very close to their date of travel. However, in most cases, you are going to be spending significantly more money if you wait to book a flight or a hotel at the last minute, since these providers know that emergency or urgent bookings are not made by people looking to save money. Planning ahead will help you to avoid any emergency booking situations. Another mistake that people often make is ignoring reviews and ratings. Quite simply, this is an unforgivable mistake. There are countless independent and professional traveler reviews available online to all of us, and there are so many resources to help us navigate the system of reviews and determine which ones are accurate or helpful. By taking others’ past experiences and expertise into account, you can save yourself from huge disappointments, costly experiences, or just bad travel in general. Finally, don’t overlook the importance of checking for visa requirements – it’s too important not to! For the love of all things that are holy, do not make this crucial mistake; it can and will ruin your trip before it even begins. Visa requirements are not just for legal scholars and immigration experts – it is your absolute responsibility to make sure that you are in compliance with these rules. Not knowing or understanding the visa requirements can lead to being rejected before a major trip, or even being deported before you have left the airport. Find a reliable source, such as a government travel site or the website of the country’s embassy to which you are traveling, and learn what is necessary.
Not Comparing Prices
Another common mistake travelers make is not comparing prices. This can apply to several aspects of the trip, including the flights, accommodation, tours, and so on. Usually, the more you search, the better deals you will be able to find. However, many travelers just go for the first site that they visit and book the first price that they see. It is important to make sure that you are using price comparison sites when booking any elements of your trip. This way, you will be able to see all of the options that are available and can make sure that you are getting the best deal. Also by comparing prices, you can realize that there may be cheaper alternative options available. For instance, there could be budget airlines that offer flights to your destination for a lower price. By comparing the prices of flights, you could end up saving a substantial amount of money, which you could then put towards a different part of your trip. It is also important to check the prices at different times of the day. Sometimes, flight or accommodation prices can fluctuate through the day as different deals and offers go live. Therefore, spending time comparing the prices at different points in the day could mean that you end up with a much better deal.
Booking Last-Minute
This mistake is often related to the thought that when an airline or hotel has unsold rooms or seats at a certain point before the travel date, the prices will drop, and the traveler will get a good deal. While there is potential for this to happen, there is also a very good chance that prices will be much higher than if the traveler had booked in advance. This is especially true for popular times of year or popular destinations when prices are much less likely to drop as the date of travel approaches. This approach is very risky and depends on luck, being only occasionally successful. Every traveler is in a position to book well in advance and save money. Also, those who book in advance have a much wider choice of airlines, routes, and times of departure. The same applies when booking hotels, especially in big cities, where not only prices can be higher but there is also a risk that the preferred hotel might be fully booked. In short, it is always better to secure that desired holiday, make a significant saving by not delaying the booking, and have the peace of mind that no disappointments or additional hidden costs will occur.
Ignoring Reviews and Ratings
Thirdly, travelers often make the mistake of ignoring reviews and ratings. In the digital era, the internet provides a powerful platform for sharing opinions and reviews, and travelers should take advantage of the vast array of resources available. Reviews and ratings can be found on a variety of platforms, including online travel agency sites, Google, and social media. It is important to note that while reviews and ratings are useful resources, travelers should be critical of what they read and not take everything at face value. It is not uncommon for some reviews to be fake or manipulated, so it is always a good idea to look at the general consensus and compare across different platforms. For example, if you are looking for restaurants or cafes, try to read a mix of positive and negative reviews, and take note of specific comments made by reviewers. One should also pay attention to the dates of the reviews, to ensure that the information is up-to-date. By ignoring the insights provided by reviews and ratings, travelers may miss out on hidden gems, waste money on overhyped tourist traps, or worse, expose themselves to health and safety risks. For example, a poor food hygiene rating could indicate a risk of food poisoning, and negative comments about unclean or unhygienic environments should not be ignored. By reading the experiences of other travelers, we can learn from their mistakes and have a more enjoyable trip. In the digital era, the internet provides a powerful platform for sharing opinions and reviews, and travelers should take advantage of the vast array of resources available. Reviews and ratings can be found on a variety of platforms, including online travel agency sites, Google, and social media. It is important to note that while reviews and ratings are useful resources, travelers should be critical of what they read and not take everything at face value. It is not uncommon for some reviews to be fake or manipulated, so it is always a good idea to look at the general consensus and compare across different platforms. For example, if you are looking for restaurants or cafes, try to read a mix of positive and negative reviews, and take note of specific comments made by reviewers. One should also pay attention to the dates of the reviews, to ensure that the information is up-to-date. By ignoring the insights provided by reviews and ratings, travelers may miss out on hidden gems, waste money on overhyped tourist traps, or worse, expose themselves to health and safety risks. For example, a poor food hygiene rating could indicate a risk of food poisoning, and negative comments about unclean or unhygienic environments should not be ignored. By reading the experiences of other travelers, we can learn from their mistakes and have a more enjoyable trip.
Not Checking Visa Requirements
According to “Common Mistakes Travelers Make and How to Avoid Them,” another popular booking mistake among travelers is not checking visa requirements for the countries they plan to visit. Failing to research visa requirements or not following up to resolve potential visa issues can lead to disastrous results – from delaying the entire trip because of unexpected bureaucracy, suffering a loss of visa fees, or even resulting in not being able to enter a country. No one would want such bad things to happen, but still most of the time this mistake is due to negligence, assumption that things will just fall into place, or misinformation. Well, some travelers are indeed lucky enough to resolve visa issues on the go, but trust me it’s just not worth taking the risk. The wise action is: as soon as your initial trip planning is confirmed and you know the countries that you will go, check the visa requirements right away. You want to make sure, as early as possible, that everyone who is going to travel has the required visa or is eligible to apply for a visa on arrival if such an arrangement is offered by the destination country. This includes any transit visas for any connecting flights. For some people, particularly those living in developed countries, visa application is almost a formality because there are generally fewer restrictions and a high percentage of visa approval. However, always bear in mind that visa requirements and the approval processing time can vary significantly from one nationality to the others. For example, a Schengen visa application from a person holding a Chinese passport is subject to at least 10 working days of processing time, but it takes at least 2 weeks to even a few months for Indonesia, Morocco, Jordan, and most African countries. Passport and visa documents for every tourist and citizen who plans to visit all the countries stated in this section are required to be submitted for verification. It is important to email the embassy concerned to verify the most up-to-date information about visa applications and make sure that every visitor’s situation is properly addressed. Any one of these requirements is missing or violated, not only might the entry be denied to the destination country, but the boarding by airlines could also be affected. The situation becomes even more complex when there is a serious security or humanitarian crisis that leads to border closures or visa restrictions in certain areas of the world – as what happened to Syrian passport holders or travelers who had visited Syria in the past. Always keep yourself updated about any world affairs or public announcements, and allow extra time for visa applications in case of any unexpected circumstances that may potentially delay the process.
Money Mistakes
Proper planning for your exchange for foreign currency will leave you with more in your pocket and less of a headache in your upcoming trip. Preplanning your spending by budgeting and doing a detailed analysis of expected expenses is the key to avoiding most money errors but unfortunately less than one in four travelers actually set a daily spending allowance. Many travelers make the mistake of exchanging their currency at the airport, and this is often the most expensive place to do so. Instead, plan on using a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees if possible. Also, try different banking institutions in your home area to compare their exchange rates. As a final option, some travelers may even want to consider opening an account with a bank that offers effective ATM fee reimbursement as a way to avoid traditional money exchange service. Always opt to pay for things like meals, excursions and souvenirs directly in the local currency. This avoids the pitfalls of being charged high dynamic currency conversion rates; often the trader will give you a poor exchange rate compared to your bank and can also add a fee on top.
Not Informing Bank About Travel Plans
Many travelers often overlook the importance of notifying their bank about upcoming international travels. When a bank observes transactions from a foreign location without any prior notice from the customer, it may interpret such activities as suspicious or fraudulent and, as a result, automatically freeze the associated account and debit or credit cards. This is done to safeguard the customer’s funding and bank against any potential risks or unauthorized use. As a consequence of having your banking facilities terminated, your overseas experience could be diminished as you would need to spend time and effort contacting your bank to resolve the issue and asking for replacement cards. To avoid this mistake, experts advise that you should get in touch with your bank at least a few days before your departure. In fact, some banks may allow you to set a travel notice through their mobile banking app which you can do so almost instantly. It is also suggested that you include any layovers or connecting flights in your travel notification to ensure comprehensive protection. Moreover, you are strongly recommended to key in all the approved overseas destinations into the relevant section of your account profile, if such a feature is provided by your bank. This is because some banks use big data and customer profiling to identify and analyze common travel locations for predictive authorization on any foreign transactions. By taking such proactive measures, travelers can enjoy peace of mind while swiping their cards abroad and avoid any potential disruption to their journey. In addition to travel notification, you may also consider contacting your bank to find out more about any fees and charges associated with overseas ATM and credit card transactions. This information is pivotal to your travel budgeting and expenditure planning. Some banks may impose non-negligible foreign transaction fees on purchases and cash withdrawal made on foreign soil and the exact rate can differ significantly across different financial institutions. It is equally important to check whether your existing debit and credit cards have international validity before you embark on your journey. In case your primary bank is unable to offer a reasonable overseas transaction package, you should explore alternatives such as prepaid currency cards or opening a new account with a different bank. Last but not least, travelers should also be aware of the general exchange rate and seek currency solutions that offer competitive rates to maximize the value of their spending power while abroad. By adopting a well-informed and careful approach towards money-related matters before and during a trip, travelers are much less likely to fall into common financial pitfalls and have a much more enjoyable vacation.
Exchanging Currency at the Airport
Some people still exchange currency at the airport despite continuous warnings by travel experts. Most of the international airports have a monopoly on currency exchange, giving you rates that are much less favorable than what you would find in town. On top of that, they charge hefty commission fees for the service as well. It is not uncommon to find a 10% margin between what you get at the airport and what you would get in town. It’s the difference between 90 dollars and 100 dollars for your 1000 bucks! So, while the convenience of being able to hop off the plane, change your money, and grab a taxi straight away might seem appealing, the massive financial loss simply isn’t justifiable! Nowadays, most places in the world are quite used to travelers and have set up money-changing shops to cater for international tourists. Before you leave for your trip, take a note of what the current exchange rate is in your own country. Then, when you get to your destination, use your debit card at an ATM to withdraw some local currency. As the rate will be based on what the banks are using in their transactions, you will get a pretty good deal – usually the same rate that the banks themselves get. Of course, you may have to pay a two or three percent foreign transaction fee, but it still works out cheaper than exchanging your money at the airport!
Not Having a Budget
Another common mistake that travelers often make is not having a budget for their trip. This may lead to overspending and financial problems, which can affect the overall experience. It’s important to plan a budget beforehand and have a rough estimate of how much the trip will cost. This should include accommodation, food, transport, and activity expenses. By doing so, travelers will be able to manage their spending more effectively. One tip is to use travel budget planners or apps that can help break down the travel expenses and keep track of the spending. Nowadays there are various apps that offer different features such as converting currencies, providing budget summaries, and even syncing across different devices. These can be very useful and make it easier and more convenient for travelers to organize their budgets and monitor their expenditure on the go. In addition, people should also see it as a chance to learn how to spend within their limits. With a budget in place, people will automatically make more consideration on their expenses: they may start questioning whether they really need to buy that extra souvenir or whether eating out at a pricey restaurant is necessary. This is not to say that travelers have to limit themselves enjoyment or avoid splurging on something that they will really value, but it’s about being mindful and discerning with their spending. By having a budget, not only will this help people during the trip and in order to save money where possible, but it may also encourage better saving and budgeting habits in the future after the trip. This is particularly beneficial if people are looking to embark on more trips in the nearer or longer term, as having good financial management skills will make the planning and execution of future travel plans easier and less daunting. Overall, having a budget can help travelers to keep their financial expenditure in check, and turn the focus back on what’s really important: enjoying the travel experience itself.
Safety and Security Mistakes
We all want to enjoy our travels and bring back good memories. However, failing to secure your valuables can result in a nightmare. Use a lock for zippers. Lock your bags in your hostel. Most importantly, do not leave your belongings unattended, even for a moment. I remember my friend lost her phone because she left it on the table for a second to grab a napkin. We can easily become targets of crime in unfamiliar places. Take some time to understand the local laws and customs; learn from the locals. For example, I learned that you cannot drink alcohol in public places in the United Arab Emirates. And if you don’t obey the law, you might get into big trouble—like facing a heavy fine or getting sent to jail. Take time to do some research about your destination before your trip. You do not want to find yourself alone in an unfamiliar place with no help available. Do you? Most cities and destinations have a local tourist police department or embassy located. Make a note for these contact information and keep them in a place that is easily accessible. Also, make sure to tell your friends and family about your travel plans and stay in touch with them. This is helpful for your friends and family to locate you in cases of emergency. And in case you lose something—like your passport, your friends and family can help you by obtaining relevant information such as the passport number and the date of issue. Admittedly, reading all these tips cannot 100% protect you from any unfavorable situation. However, there is no harm to spend a little bit of time to look at some safety travel tips and equip yourself with some basic knowledge about the destination you are traveling to. Any questions or further inquiry regarding tourist safety and travel security can be directed to the American Consular office in the city of your destination together with your local or your nearest embassy. The Consular office is open from Monday to Friday, starting from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. And do take note that most consular offices will be closed in the event of local and American holidays. MaCaughtException suggests the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or S.T.E.P., for two main reasons: getting travel alert and checking in with the local embassy. First, by signing up with S.T.E.P., it allows the U.S. embassy to provide you with safety update such as travel warnings and alerts. Second, this program makes it easier for the U.S. embassy to contact you in case of emergency or family crisis. Always be prepared and have a safety mindset. Treat yourself and your friends to a peace of mind for an enjoyable trip.
Not Securing Valuables
It is essential to take the necessary steps to secure your valuables when you travel. First and foremost, do not place all valuables in one bag. This is to prevent putting all your valuables in one place, hence a single point of failure from theft. Instead, consider using multiple layers of protection to deter theft. For example, you can store your most important items such as your passport and extra cash in a travel security belt, and the rest such as your credit cards and regular cash in your wallet. Secondly, consider using anti-theft bags that have security features such as lockable zippers and slash-resistant straps. Keep your bags and valuables in sight and within reach. It is important to keep your bags within your line of sight at all times to avoid pickpockets. Never leave your bags unattended, for example at a restaurant while you go to the restroom. Also, consider securing your bags using a bag protector/cable lock to a fixed item when the situation does not allow you to keep your bags next to you. Lastly, you can also consider using portable safes when you are in your hotel. Most portable safes are small and cable lock enabled, meaning you can secure the safe to a fixed item like a bed frame and prevent a thief from walking away with the entire safe and your valuables inside. Always ensure that your hotel safe is secured to a fixed item that cannot be easily tampered with or removed, and place your valuables inside the safe before you leave your hotel room to explore.
Not Being Aware of Local Laws and Customs
When traveling to a different country, it is important to remember that you are a guest there and should always be mindful and respectful of the local laws and customs. Ignorance is not an excuse. The culture and lifestyle in some places can be very different to what you are used to. For example, some countries have very strict laws about how much skin women can expose in public and it may be illegal to drink alcohol in the street in some places. It is very important to spend some time before leaving for your trip to research what the local customs and traditions are in the place that you are visiting. Many travel websites and airport websites will have a section on local laws and customs so make sure you spend some time reading through them. Also, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website has a section on every country in the world that tells you about local laws and customs so make sure you read this guidance as well. But remember that this guidance is only a starting point – things can be very different from place to place within a country and the world is changing all the time. Always make sure that you know enough about a place to be respectful and mindful of the local laws and customs and if in doubt, it is best not to do something that you are not sure about.
Traveling Alone at Night
One approach to avoid bad experiences from happening might involve “not traveling at night at all”. In fact, some seasoned travelers recommend either arriving at your next destination during the day if possible or staying overnight at a hotel whenever you encounter a situation that involves traveling alone at night. When you do have to travel at night, try to keep abreast of the latest safety information or warnings about your destination. For example, some cities are known for having higher crime rates at night than during the day and it is important to know where these areas are and plan alternative travel routes. If you are still uncomfortable with the idea of traveling at night or have a late arrival scheduled, consider booking a legitimate tour – preferably with a reputable company – as a safety precaution. Not only will you be able to see new sights and attractions but also receive guidance and assistance from trained tour guides.
Not Having Emergency Contacts
The best way to prepare for potential problems is to have emergency contacts available to you at all times during your trip. You never know when you may need to access this information, so it’s good practice to make sure that it’s easily accessible. This means that it’s not just a case of having the information stored on your phone. You should ensure that your phone is passcode-protected and that emergency contact information is available without unlocking your phone. Perhaps the most obvious solution is to have a small card in your wallet that lists all the emergency contact details you need. This is particularly important if you are traveling with children, as in the event that something happens to you, someone else will need to know who to contact on their behalf. If you’re going to be behind the wheel for the majority of your trip, researching motoring support services may also be a valuable use of your time. Some providers may offer multilingual help lines and it can be useful to note this down just in case you find yourself in a situation when you’re struggling to communicate in a foreign language. Also, remember that the Emergency Services phone number in your destination country will not be the same as that of your home country. Work out what number you need to call in an emergency and make a note of it. Finally, remember that emergency contacts are not just there for when you become ill or have an accident. It may be necessary to alert someone if there’s a problem while you’re at home. For example, inform your neighbor that you will be away so that they can keep an eye on your property. This will be particularly useful if they’re aware of who they need to contact because you’ve left emergency contact information with them. All of these things will contribute to providing complete peace of mind not just for you, but for your friends and relatives at home too. So, spend a little time researching the most appropriate people or services and make a plan for how you’re going to keep that information close at hand while you’re away. Being prepared can help to reduce the stress and worry associated with an emergency and can also help to reduce the amount of time it takes to get help in a critical situation. Grab your laptop or pull out your phone and take a few minutes to make sure you have the necessary emergency contact information ready for your trip.