12 Genius Ways to Avoid the Most Common Travel Mistakes

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A dream vacation can quickly turn sour if you haven’t taken steps to avoid these common travel mistakes. 

From lost luggage to flight delays, any number of obstacles could prevent you from enjoying your vacation to the fullest. Thankfully, a little preparation goes a long way toward preventing avoidable travel mistakes. 

Save yourself the hassle of a vacation nightmare with these genius travel tips and tricks:

Mistake: Packing Valuables or Essentials in Checked Luggage

Picture this: you’ve deboarded a 10-plus-hour flight, and all you want is a shower, a hot meal, and a nap. However, your checked bag, which contains your passport, is nowhere to be found. What do you do now? Lost bags are an unfortunate reality of air travel and can seriously hamper a vacation if you’re left stranded without essentials.

Solution: Bring Must-Haves in a Carry-On

Keep personal items and valuables in your carry-on luggage to travel stress-free, knowing your must-haves are close and personal. Opt for a spacious carry-on bag that can fit travel documents, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries. Even if your checked suitcase is lost, you’ll have everything you need to make a game plan. 

Mistake: Bringing Too Much

Most people tend to overpack when preparing for vacation. Stuffing your suitcase to the brim with clothes, shoes, and accessories will significantly weigh you down. An excessive amount of luggage makes navigating airports and transportation hubs challenging. You may also have to pay extra airline fees if your baggage is overweight. 

Solution: Maximize Your Luggage

An easy way to avoid risking overweight luggage is to purchase a suitcase with a built-in scale. A luggage scale is essential to determining how much your bag weighs and whether you need to reorganize or ditch several items. Packing cubes can also help you keep clothing pieces as compact as possible. Don’t forget to save room for souvenirs, too.

Mistake: Not Being Prepared for Stomach Issues

It’s easy to overindulge when traveling to food-centric destinations. A myriad of unique cuisines will tempt you, and you may feel obligated to sample every dish or drink on the menu. However, trying all these new foods can often lead to issues like indigestion or food poisoning, every traveler’s worst nightmare. You don’t want to miss out on all the exciting sights and attractions due to an upset stomach.

Solution: Prioritize Your Gut Health

Balance is essential to stay strong and healthy throughout your vacation. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and incorporate nutritious options for sustained energy. The last thing you want is a sugar crash or belly ache during a sightseeing tour.

News-Medical recommends tourists also begin taking probiotics two weeks before traveling and throughout their trip to prevent digestive issues. Probiotics aid your overall gut health and protect against harmful bacteria found in some foods and drinks.

Mistake: Forgetting to Enjoy the Moment

Being completely present is challenging when technology is so prevalent in daily life. Documenting your travels is a fun way to remember and share your experiences with others. However, being hyper-fixated on scoring the perfect Instagram picture or constantly updating your status can distract from the beauty in front of you.

Solution: Unplug for a While

When exploring a new place, challenge yourself to unplug from your devices for a few hours. Of course, having your phone available for emergencies is wise, but you don’t have to be scrolling 24/7. Set social media aside and focus on enjoying the present. Better yet, visit an off-the-grid location where you can truly escape technology. 

Mistake: Ignoring Local Customs

Unfortunately, many travelers overlook the importance of learning and respecting local customs. Something considered typical in your home country could be offensive or taboo in others. You never want to start a trip on the wrong foot by being unintentionally rude or immediately outing yourself as a foreigner.

Solution: Research the Culture Ahead of Time

Before embarking on your jet-setting adventure, research the culture of your destination country. Familiarizing yourself with basic do’s and don’ts will provide a more seamless travel experience. When you understand local traditions and norms, you won’t have to worry about accidentally stepping on locals’ toes. 

Mistake: Making Too Many Plans

A common mistake people make when traveling is planning too many activities. Some believe you must fill every second of your free time to maximize your vacation. Overplanning can quickly lead to feeling tired and overstimulated. Disappointment also occurs when things inevitably change or fall through, as often happens when visiting new places.

Solution: Plan a Semi-Flexible Itinerary

To avoid vacation burnout, keep your travel itinerary somewhat flexible. Having a few activity ideas will help guide your daily plans, but you should also set aside free time on your calendar. Having a few hours to do something spontaneous or rest up before the next attraction will keep you feeling fresh. 

Mistake: Overspending

Finances can be a significant concern when planning a trip. Travel costs can quickly skyrocket between transportation, lodging, food, and activities. Not setting or completely blowing your spending limit will leave you stressed and struggling to recoup.  

Solution: Budget and Save

Set a firm budget and begin setting money aside before your vacation. Be realistic about how much you expect and are willing to spend on travel. Leave a comfortable buffer for emergencies like canceled flights or lost luggage. One excellent way to avoid hurting your wallet is to create a specific travel fund that you regularly contribute to. When you crave another getaway, you’ll be ready to go with the money you’ve saved over time.   

Mistake: Skipping Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may seem like a money-making scheme, but it’s helpful if things go south. No one wants to think an injury or natural disaster will impact their vacation. However, preparing for the worst will give you peace of mind and prevent unanticipated expenses. 

Solution: Get Insurance Before Your Trip

According to Nationwide, travel insurance typically covers things like lost luggage, cancellations, and sickness, depending on your plan. Compare travel insurance companies to find the best option and set up a policy before embarking on your trip so you can fully relax. Many companies offer affordable plans for dollars a month, making travel insurance accessible for everyone. Some credit cards include free travel insurance as a perk, so check your membership benefits before purchasing a plan.

Mistake: Not Having a Backup Plan

Even if you’re a meticulous planner, sometimes things won’t go your way. You may need to change your plans at the last minute while traveling due to poor weather, a transportation delay, or an unexpected sickness. Not having backups in mind can cause stress, leaving you scrambling to create a new plan. 

Solution: Have Alternatives Ready to Go

Research a few backup ideas in case one of your planned activities goes awry. Even a vague alternative will eliminate much hassle and worry. Understand that things happen, and you may need to roll with the punches when visiting a new destination.

Mistake: Relying Solely on Credit Cards

While most international destinations accept credit cards, some are cash-only. Other places charge expensive fees and only accept specific cards your bank may be incompatible with. Plus, you’ll be out of luck if you lose your credit card and don’t have an alternate way to pay. 

Solution: Withdraw Local Currency

Consider withdrawing a set amount of local currency before or at the beginning of your trip. Keeping cash on hand is preferable if you run into issues using a credit card. In some foreign cities or at certain stores, cash may be the only accepted form of payment.

You can find currency exchange services at most major airports, making it easy to obtain cash. If you’re concerned about using your debit card abroad, bring United States dollars to exchange for local currency once arriving at your destination.

Mistake: Relying on Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services

While taxis, Uber, and other ride-sharing services are convenient, they can consume a significant portion of your vacation budget. These transportation options capitalize on tourists who are willing to spend. You may pay double to travel between destinations in a taxi than you would using public buses or trains. 

Solution: Utilize Local Transportation

Many cities worldwide have affordable and efficient public transportation systems. Buses, trains, and metros can save you significant money when traveling. Research options in advance and consider using citywide transportation services if they’re safe and reputable.  

Mistake: Not Making Reservations for Popular Attractions

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your dream restaurant or activity only to learn there’s no availability. Reservations are a must for certain places that are world-famous and popular among tourists. This is especially important if vacationing during peak travel times. 

Solution: Book Activities in Advance

Consider reserving top itinerary items before your trip begins. If you are set on a specific meal or attraction, booking it in advance eliminates the possibility of missing out. Research what tends to sell out or run out of capacity at your destination to plan accordingly.  

Money-saving travel hacks for your next family vacation

A family trip is an excellent way for parents and kids to make lifelong memories together. Hack your family getaway to save on transportation, accommodations, activities, and more.