Everyone makes mistakes, especially when it comes to travel. However, some errors can have a devastating impact on your trip.
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your next adventure goes as smoothly as possible. Also, don’t forget to back up your pictures! They are one of the best parts of a vacation.
1. Not Planning Enough
The wise Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Whether you’re a new or seasoned traveler, something is always bound to go wrong. However, mistakes can be minimized by preparing well before your trip.
Travelers who prepare by browsing Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration, shopping for the perfect backpack, and booking flights in advance are generally more ready to handle any unexpected mishaps that may occur on their vacation. But many people’s preparation stops there.
Another mistake travelers make is sticking to a strict itinerary that leaves no room for spontaneity or meeting locals. It’s okay to hit the major tourist attractions, but don’t forget to explore local favorites and get off the beaten path! It’s also important to set realistic expectations. Overly posh and trendy destinations can leave you disappointed. Likewise, if you visit a popular destination during peak season, it can be extremely crowded.
2. Not Checking Your Passport
Losing your passport while traveling is one of the scariest travel mistakes you can make. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help prevent it. First, make sure to have several copies of your passport before you leave home. This way, if your passport is lost or stolen, you’ll have documentation to help you get a replacement quickly.
Also, avoid keeping your passport in the same place as your other valuables, such as cash and electronics. This can increase the chance of theft, says Margolis. It’s a good idea to keep your passport separate from your checked bag and in the line of vision at all times. Finally, it’s important to conceal your passport from the elements. A significant amount of water damage can cause your passport to become unusable, so be careful with it.
It’s also a good idea to check with your airline or TSA about their baggage policies before you depart for your trip. This will help you avoid any unexpected fees or delays.
3. Not Packing Enough
Whether you’re going on a day trip or an extended vacation, it's important to pack enough so that you have everything you need for your trip. This includes things like your passport, money, travel insurance and medications. You should also remember to pack important electronics, such as a smartphone, so that you can Yelp the best restaurants, get directions and call your family and friends to let them know that you’re safe.
It’s also a good idea to pack extra clothes and accessories, such as sunscreen, in case you need them. And, don’t forget to pack some comfortable shoes that you can walk in. You’ll also want to bring a few travel-sized toiletries, such as a small bottle of face wash and toothpaste, so you don't have to buy those items at your destination. You can use a sample-sized travel bag to store these items. This will make it easier to keep track of them.
4. Not Checking the Weather
Especially when it comes to outdoor activities, weather is a major factor in determining whether a trip can be enjoyed or not. For example, high wind speeds make surfing dangerous and should be avoided, while fog can obstruct hiking trails and cause travelers to get lost. Therefore, travelers should always check the weather continuously while they are on their trips and consider rerouting their itinerary in accordance with the conditions.
It is recommended that a traveler keeps a weather app on their phone to get early information about the peak and off-seasons as well as the general climate of a specific destination. This will help them to pack the right kind of clothes and to prepare for the possible unforeseen calamities. Moreover, they can also save time and money by postponing their trip when bad weather is predicted. Additionally, they should listen to radio stations that offer road condition information while driving and keep it at a low volume so that it doesn’t interfere with their concentration.
