10 Common Mistakes that Could Ruin Your Trip (and How to Avoid Them!)
Planning a trip is exciting, but even the most carefully planned vacations can go awry due to common travel mistakes. Overpacking, neglecting to verify local customs, or forgetting a visa requirement can lead to major inconveniences.
Proper research and preparation are key when planning a trip, and knowing how to avoid common travel mistakes can save you from unnecessary stress and expenses.
Let us look at the ten common travel mistakes that could ruin your trip and provide practical tips to help you travel smarter.
To avoid being stuck at the airport, you must complete all entry standards before leaving for your dream location. For example, you’d need to obtain a US visa for travel to the United States or a UK visa for travel to the United Kingdom.
Travel Smart: Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes
1. Not checking visa requirements in advance
Imagine getting to the airport and being told you don’t have the proper visa!
Many tourists think they can get a visa when they get to their destination, only to discover that said destination requires documents that have been authorised beforehand.
Additionally, some countries have certain requirements for entry, including a limited passport validity time or proof of vaccination.
How to avoid it
You must always do extensive study on visa requirements before making travel arrangements.
You must apply ahead of time because certain visas take weeks to process. You need to check the official government websites to make sure you have the right information if you are visiting the US or the UK.
Check the validity of your passport as well. Most nations require it to be valid for at least six months beyond the dates of your travel.
2. Overpacking and bringing the wrong items
Although it can be tempting to bring everything you might need, doing so can make traveling difficult. It can be annoying to carry bulky luggage, incur additional baggage fees, or not have enough space for souvenirs. On the other hand, your trip may suffer if you neglect to bring necessary items like power adapters or clothing suitable for the weather.
How to avoid it
- Stick to versatile clothing selections and make a checklist before packing.
- Examine the weather forecast and learn about the climate where you are going.
- Keep everything organised by using packing cubes.
- Remember to pack travel-sized toiletries, any required medications, and a universal power adaptor.
- Travel with hand luggage only. The backpack I recommend is this Cabin Zero bag. You can use my affiliate code TRAVELLINGJEZEBEL for a 15% discount on all Cabin Zero products!
3. Forgetting to buy travel insurance
A common misconception among travellers is that nothing bad will ever happen to them.
However, anyone may experience unforeseen circumstances like medical crises, misplaced bags, or trip cancellations (I have personally experienced all of the above!).
You might have to pay a lot of money out of pocket if you do not have travel insurance.
How to avoid it
You can purchase an all-inclusive travel insurance that covers lost luggage, medical emergencies, cancellations, and theft.
Make sure your policy covers adventurous activities if you are participating in them. The travel insurance that I recommend is SafetyWing.
4. Not researching local customs and laws
Different nations have different laws and cultures, and ignorance isn’t an excuse to flout them.
For instance, did you know that chewing gum is prohibited in Singapore?
Public demonstrations of affection may result in fines in many Middle Eastern nations, and LGBT travellers should be particularly cautious, as homosexuality is outlawed in some countries.
How to avoid it
Make an effort to learn about the laws and customs of the place you are visiting.
To demonstrate respect, especially in conservative areas, learn some simple words and actions. Be sure to always dress appropriately in places of worship.
5. Booking flights with short layovers
Although a brief layover might seem like a fantastic way to save time, you risk missing your next flight due to delays, lengthy security lines, or unforeseen terminal changes (just ask me about the time I missed two flights and lost my luggage due to a short delay from Bangkok).
Delays in getting to your destination and expensive re-bookings may result from this.
How to avoid it
International layovers should always be planned for at least two to three hours.
If you plan to change flights, be sure you have enough time to pass through customs and security. Select flights with layovers in airports with a reputation for having good transit services.
6. Ignoring fees and currency exchange rates
Relying on expensive ATM withdrawals or using incorrect exchange services can result in needless costs. Also, tourists often neglect to find out if their bank charges fees for international transactions.
I once found that my bank was charging me 80 cents per card transaction when I was in Italy – considering I was paying by card for all of my coffees and pastries, that increased my overall spend quite significantly!
How to avoid it
You should try to avoid exchanging money at airports, when rates are usually the lowest, and compare currency rates before your trip.
To reduce expenses, take out greater amounts from reliable ATMs and use travel-friendly credit cards that waive international transaction fees.
I use Monzo, which never charges me for using my card abroad. If you’re from the UK, you can use my Monzo referral link to get £10 for free!
7. Relying too much on technology
Travelling is made so much easier by mobile phones and handy apps, but depending too much on technology can backfire.
The battery of your phone battery may run out. A Wi-Fi network may not be available. Or you may not be able to load your travel documents.
How to avoid it
You can save documents such as plane tickets and hotel bookings, in several locations on your phone.
You can also usually download offline maps of your journey or destination.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can print down your important travel information and keep a portable charger with you.
8. Ignoring health preparation and travel vaccinations
Some places come with health hazards, such as yellow fever or malaria, or require vaccines. Getting sick while traveling can cause costly medical bills and ruin your vacation.
How to avoid it
You can visit the CDC or WHO websites to review health advisories. To obtain recommended vaccinations, visit a travel clinic at least four to six weeks before departure.
Keep a compact first-aid kit on you that contains the necessities, such as painkillers, motion sickness medication, and any other medications you may need. Rehydration sachets are a must!
9. Not notifying your bank of your trip abroad
Foreign transactions are often flagged as suspicious by banks, which leads to card blocking. This may prevent you from having money when you need it most!
How to avoid it
Before you depart, let your bank know the dates and locations of your trip. It’s also wise to keep several payment methods on hand, including a backup debit or credit card, and have sufficient cash, in case something goes wrong.
10. Putting things off until the last minute
Putting off printing tickets, obtaining visas, or verifying the validity of your passport until the last minute might lead to needless worry or even keep you from travelling altogether!
It might be tempting to leave everything until the last minute but trust me – getting the essentials sorted is non-negotiable.
How to avoid it
You must verify that your passport will be valid for at least six months after the dates of your trip. Also, print out important trip documents, such as airline information, hotel reservations, and insurance data, and apply for visas well in advance. You can preserve digital copies via email or safe cloud storage.
Final Thoughts
Although travelling can be an exhilarating experience, minor errors or oversights can result in significant problems (you only need to read my article about staying safe in Asia to know that much!).
You can minimise needless stress and make the most of your vacation by being aware of these simple travel planning tips.
You can travel the world with confidence and peace of mind if you do a little planning.
Have a safe trip!
Until next time,
XOXO
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