If you’re reading this blog, you’ll appreciate the art of travel as much as the rest of us. But travel is just that – an art. While anyone with a bit of time and budget can do it, not everyone has mastered the intricacies of traveling.
From missed flights to tourist traps, a few rookie mistakes can quickly turn the best experience into a series of unfortunate events. The good news is that most of these pitfalls are easily avoidable with a bit of foresight and common sense.
Think of traveling as a skill – one where practice (and a few good tips) makes perfect. As your first step towards travel success, read up on these eight common travel mistakes and how to avoid falling victim to them.
10. Underestimating time required for security
Have you ever experienced the panic of sprinting through an airport – heart pounding – only to arrive at the gate as your plane taxis down the runway? Even if you do make your plane, any long journey that starts with sweat and panting is an unpleasant one.
Security lines can be unpredictable. One minute, you’re breezing through; the next, you’re stuck behind a family of eight, unpacking what seems like a lifetime’s worth of electronics.
But there is an easy way to avoid this drama. Rather be early than late, and arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight – three before an international one. You’d rather sit at the airport with time to spare than be rush through at the last minute.
9. Booking flights too close together
There is a special allure of a tight connection. If the stars align, you could hop off one flight and onto the next without a long layover to endure. But in reality, one delayed flight can create a domino effect of missed connections and lost luggage.
Give yourself extra time, and make sure your layovers are always longer than an hour. If you’re traveling internationally and need time to go through border control, clear security, and recheck your baggage, I recommend two to three hours.
8. Carrying valuables
Carrying valuables is always a risk, no matter which country you visit. Sure, your favorite watch or designer handbag might complete your outfit, but it also makes you a traveling target for petty crimes like pickpocketing.
Leave expensive and flashy items at home unless absolutely necessary. If you must bring valuables, I recommend getting travel insurance to cover any unfortunate events. For necessary things like cash and your phone, bring along a moneybelt or a hidden bag, and stay aware of your surroundings in crowded places.
7. Not learning any local phrases
Imagine arriving in a foreign country to indecipherable signs and a language you can’t understand a word of. We might think English is understood by most, but in reality, the world is a big place, and there are plenty of countries and people with little to no English comprehension.
Learning basic phrases like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ shows respect and can open more doors than you might think. Not only will it help you navigate your way around, but it also shows respect for the local culture and language and can lead to more genuine interactions.
6. Dining close to major tourist attractions
If you’re visiting popular tourist destinations like Rome, Italy, or London, UK, you’re going to want to stay well aware of tourist traps. If you choose to eat at restaurants near the major attractions, expect to shell out a small fortune for a below-average meal.
Understanding the logic that venturing a few blocks away from major sights can open up doors to authentic cuisine at more reasonable prices. The same is true for accommodation. The quick rule of thumb is that anything located right by major attractions will always be more expensive and less authentic.
5. Not checking your cell phone plan
The SMS I receive on arrival in a new country – ‘roaming charges apply’ – is one I will forever dread and fear. No one wants to arrive home after a wonderful trip to an exorbitant phone bill.
The best way to avoid this is to contact your provider about an international plan before you leave your home country. I like to download an eSim, which can be topped up using your phone at any time.
But there are also some countries where purchasing a cheap local SIM is a better option. Do your research beforehand, and be certain to turn off your data as soon as your flight departs your home country.
4. Staying on the beaten path
There’s a comfort in the familiar – but putting yourself in new (and often uncomfortable) scenarios is what travel is all about. Most of the magic happens off the beaten path. Sure, you might still want to hit all the major tourist attractions, but make sure to balance these with the lesser-known neighborhoods.
Explore residential areas, try interesting street food, and attend local events. You’ll leave with richer experiences and stories to share that no guidebook could offer. Just be cautious and make sure you research any safety concerns and respect local customs along the way.
3. Not buying travel insurance
‘Nothing will go wrong’ – said every traveler before something went horribly wrong. Thinking you don’t need travel insurance is a common mistake. Sure, spending a few hundred dollars on something totally intangible at the time might seem unnecessary. But one little mishap, and you’ll wish all you had to spend was a few hundred dollars.
Accidents, illnesses, flight cancellations, lost baggage, and stolen items. Bad things happen, and it’s always worth being prepared for the worst than being surprised by a hefty international medical bill.
Travel insurance offers financial protection and peace of mind. It’s a small price to pay for a more relaxed adventure.
2. Creating an overambitious itinerary
It happens to the best of us. We all like to stack out itineraries full, especially if it’s our first time visiting a new place or we have only a few short days to make the most of it.
It all sounds great until you’re exhausted, cranky, and can’t remember what landmark you just toured.
Spread tours and activities out and leave ample time to explore on foot, eat leisurely meals, and relax at your accommodation. Downtime is important. It allows you space and time to reflect on your experiences. You’ll also want to leave time for impromptu experiences. Take it from me, spontaneous adventures can sometimes end up being the highlight of a trip.
1. Overpacking
Overpacking is a common travel misstep that can add stress to just about any journey. Lugging around heavy bags is a physical pain, as is negotiating extra weight charges with moody airport baggage handlers. If you’re traveling for over a week, I recommend packing light and doing laundry at your destination. You’ll also want to leave space to buy a few new things.
Start by selecting the correct type of luggage. Then, consider your destination’s weather and cultural expectations to pack appropriately. My biggest hack is to pack mini-sizes for all my toiletries.
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