Most people think they are crushing the travel game, but the truth is, a lot of us make mistakes when we travel. Travel mistakes can cost you a lot of money or even worse, cause you to have a bad experience. Are you making these 10 mistakes while you travel?
1.Trying To Cram In Everything
Packing as many activities into the day as possible isn’t a great idea. Without fail, you’ll end up hating your day because it was exhausting. The itinerary was way too packed, you’ll get cranky, and by the time you get to where you were going, you won’t really want to be there. Being overly ambitious will ruin a trip. Instead of trying to cram in everything possible, pick the things you really want to do and space things out. Give yourself me time to actually experience and enjoy the destination.
2. Not Planning At All
Not planning at all is just as bad as over planning. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll end up spending a lot more, could possibly miss out on things entirely, and run a bigger risk of getting scammed. Try to plan out as much of the day as you can, a little planning can help you save time and money and make your trip overall much better experience. A few minutes of research would have saved them tons of time, money and disappointment!
3. Overpacking
We all have been guilty of overpacking for a trip at one point or another. The more you pack , the heavier your bag will be and more you have to carry around. Almost every airline charges for checked baggage now, so overpacking is paying more for your flight, which is a complete waste if you don’t even use the items. Take only what you need and remember, you can always buy things wherever you are going.
4. Not Doing Anything Else But Touristy Things
Dont get me wrong, it’s fun and cool to go and visit museums, monuments and attractions. But dont be afraid to ask locals what they do for fun. Check out a local bar, go shopping at the local markets, and try to experience the local’s real everyday life on your trip. It is something you could never find in a travel guide or video that ends being the best night of your trip.
5. Passing On The Local Dishes
Try the food that the area is known for. Drink that craft beer or specialty cocktail. Get that amazing dessert, You’re on vacation so calories don’t count, anyway. If you only eat the things that you are used to, you’ll be missing out on the culture . Be adventurous and try new things!
6. Over-Drinking
You should let loose and enjoy your vacation, but waking up with a massive hangover is never a good time. Getting super drunk in a foreign place poses a safety threat and ruins your whole day plans as well. Have a good time, but know your limits and be aware of your surroundings.
7. Using the Wrong Credit Card
Not all credit cards are created equal. Make sure your credit card doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees. So you don’t get charged every time you use it. Only use cards with no foreign transaction fees and on top of that, you’ll get tons of travel perks! It’s one of the ways you can travel for free.
8. Not Reading Reviews
There’s a reason why reviews exist. If you choose to ignore them, don’t be disappointed when things don’t turn out as you had hoped. A few complaints are one thing, but seeing loads of bad reviews are a clear sign to stay away. Another thing to look at is how the company responds to each review – both good and bad. The way a company responds to reviews shows their level of customer service. The best companies acknowledge the good reviews and offer solutions to anyone that might have a problem with their service.
9. Cheaping Out On The Wrong Things
Spending a little extra money is worth it, especially if it saves you time. Spend the extra money to get a pass that helps you skip the line if it saves you 2 hours. Pay the bus fare if it will get your destination a lot faster and less stress. If the non-stop flight is only $100 more, but saves you an 8-hour airport layover, do it. Your time is valuable. If spending a little more money means getting to experience more on your trip, it’s worth it.
10. Not Setting A Budget
On the other hand, not setting a budget is a big mistake . Don’t blow your entire life’s savings on a weekend in Vegas. Give yourself a realistic budget that factors in some unexpected expenses. This way you can still have fun, but won’t regret it when you see your bank statement.
If you’re planning to be away for a while, it might be a good idea to schedule money transfers from a savings account to a checking account, so you don’t overspend.
