Everyone loves traveling and someone who doesn’t they are missing a lot of things. Personally, I never let go of any opportunity when it comes to traveling, no matter whether it’s a walking tour in the UK or going to the mountains and feeling closer to nature.
A quote by Ray Bradbury has been stuck in my mind, it says “See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream.” This is very true because the real world is far better than any fantasy you’ve read or seen.
But just like me, I’m sure you also sometimes forget things or make some silly mistakes that later cause you problems while traveling, right? That’s why I’m creating this article that will teach you what mistakes you might be making and how you can avoid those.
Keep reading so you’ll be fully prepared for your next trip.
Packing More Than You Need
Whenever you’re traveling, less is more. Let me explain: Out of all the things you might pack for a trip, chances are, you’ll only wear about 30%, particularly for apparel. Occasionally, you might even find yourself repeating the same piece of clothes or shoes throughout your trip.
So, it’s wise to just carry enough things that fit in your bag, mostly just the necessities. If you forget something, you can buy them in malls and stores in the places you’re visiting. And do not forget that most airlines have restrictive and costly baggage weight and size policies.
Failing to Research Your Destination Well
“Knowledge is power.” This saying holds across all disciplines, even when traveling. If you don’t spend time digging up the details about your targeted destination, the trip can quickly become a disaster.
You can miss out on the hottest spots to explore, important cultural experiences, and exciting activities. Failing to do your homework before your travel can also put you at serious risk.
To understand what I’m saying, look at these statistics on Europe and see the burglary hotspots.
I’m talking about finding yourself in hostile neighborhoods–those with thieves and, even worse, the criminal element, and then we have the scammers and fraudsters who prey on tourists. Research can help you learn how to avoid these individuals or places frequented by them.
Not Setting a Budget
It’s very easy for people to overindulge and find themselves without cash while on a trip. Others even go back home with huge debts, which they would have avoided if they created a budget.
A well-detailed travel budget is your financial road map. It guides you through your trip and allows you to have the best experience without breaking your bank.
An ideal budget for your travels should cover:
- Accommodation: Where you’ll reside and find lodgings that are in your budget and, more importantly, it should be near to the places you want to visit.
- Food: Look for local options, as they’ll be affordable. Eating at fancy restaurants every day will only mess with your budget. Choose places that serve food of your liking and if you are vegan or vegetarian look for such restaurants and options in advance.
- Transportation: You’ll have to decide if you want to avail public transportation or rent any vehicle. Public transport is usually cheap and accessible. But rentals are comfortable and give a sense of privacy.
- Tours, attractions, and Other Activities: Do thorough research on all the attractions, tours, and fun activities. Pick the best ones so you won’t be confused about what to do once you reach your destination. This will save you a lot of time.
- Shopping, Gifts, and Souvenirs: It’s necessary to bring gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones and close ones. Make sure to find such shops and stop by to pick great gifts.
You should also set aside a buffer or emergency fund, if possible 10% of your total budget, for unexpected expenses, such as lost luggage, medical emergencies, and currency fluctuations.
Neglecting Your Health on Your Trip
Anyone can develop an unexpected health issue or fall sick while on a trip, and COVID-19 proved that. So, prioritize your health before, during, and after traveling.
- At least one month before the trip: Check with your doctor and get vaccinated against diseases endemic to your destination.
- During the trip: Your body needs to move and stay active. You also need to eat healthy, take plenty of water, get good rest, and avoid overexertion.
- Post-trip: Keep up with good healthy practices, such as visiting your doctor and exercising.
Missing Out on Local Culture
This interferes with the whole purpose of traveling, right? Visiting a new destination is an opportunity to explore a new culture that’s different from yours. It’s a time to avoid fast food at KFC and try new cuisines at local restaurants.
Additionally, attend local concerts frequented by local artists, visit art exhibitions and markets, and use public transportation.
It doesn’t hurt to interact with the people who live there. They can be super nice and willing to help you find your way through different towns. You can even learn a few phrases for easier communication to make your stay more meaningful and enjoyable.
FUN FACT
More than 90,000 flights are working every day around the world just to transport people to their destinations.
Take Away
There you have it! My list of the five common mistakes you might make when traveling. Yes! I might have missed mentioning a few other mistakes, like not having travel insurance or not checking cell phone plans.
Nevertheless, if you can avoid these key pitfalls, you’ll be one step towards an unforgettable adventure.
