Common Travel Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Over the years I have experienced some hurdles while traveling. Each time I traveled there was always unforeseen issues showing up.

I kept making mistakes that were causing problems for me when traveling. Haven noticed these consistent occurrences I decided to research how to avoid them and also help people facing similar issues.

Mistakes are sometimes inevitable, they can occur at any time even if we don’t plan for them to occur. Traveling can impose some hiccups. It doesn’t matter how long you have been traveling,

if you aren’t careful enough you won’t take note of these common mistakes and you might become a victim.

If you want your trip to be less stressful and you want to avoid mistakes that will inconvenience you, then keep reading while I take you through some common traveling mistakes and how to avoid them.

Common traveling mistakes and How they Can Be Avoided

1. Overpacking

I used to be a victim of this mistake that’s why I had to put as the first one on this list After I was charged so much for my luggage.

I had to learn how to stop Overpacking. The most annoying and funniest part is that I usually don’t make use of almost half of the clothes, so it is actually a waste packing too many clothes which you might end up not using and you will pay for exceeding the weight limit.

In other to overcome this, reduce the number of clothes you pack, just go with the very important ones. You don’t need to keep up with your dress style there. Besides this, it will save you a lot of money and an extra charge fee for the luggage.

2. Having no travel insurance before your trip

Travel insurance rarely comes to people’s minds to purchase, the fact is they don’t even know the benefit of travel insurance. This insurance covers the trip you canceled. So If you eventually cancel or reschedule your trip you have insurance that will cover up so you won’t lose totally. You can also opt for insurance that covers for health or accident emergencies.

3. Not Checking Visa Requirements

Before you embark on any trip make proper inquiries about the visa requirements. Don’t miss this at all to avoid unnecessary surprises, time-consuming, and possibly put an end to your trip.

Instead of being delayed at the checkpoint while purchasing a visa because you didn’t meet up with the requirements, research what they need to enable you to get your visa.

There are many sites that will guide you on this. Keep records of every detail you get, it’s not worth the hassle of going through such embarrassment while applying for a visa.

4. Improper handling of Your Personal Belongings

Being careless is an attitude you must avoid especially when you are traveling.

You wouldn’t want to experience theft. Keep your valuable items safe and always take them along wherever you go. Be very careful and watch over your stuff with care. Get good bags that are not transparent and can contain your stuff and lock them up properly.

5. Marrying near major tourist attractions

Restaurants or cafés close to a tourist center are most likely to be more expensive than the ones far from them. The tourist arena is not the only spot to get good food. If you move further to other locations you will have other options that might even be better with quality food and also affordable too.

Find out from your host or friends that have been there or better still go to their website and ask about an affordable restaurant or café to dine with. Don’t waste your time looking for tourist cafes they are just gonna drain your wallet except you have enough cash though to give them. But if you don’t have enough money, go for what you can afford you don’t need to impress anyone or place a financial burden on yourself.

4. Carrying valuables

There are lots of robbery cases out there, Don’t become a victim of those hoodlums and petty thieves looking for valuables to steal. It’s better to leave those expensive valuables you have at home.

If you are traveling out Keep your valuables close, and avoid stuffing your wallet with too many cards like your credit/debit cards, work passes, IDs, passports, etc. These items will make your wallet appear bigger which attracts thieves. So keep your valuables away from their sight if you need to travel with them.

5. Creating an overambitious itinerary

When you stock your itinerary with so many places to visit and activities to do, you are likely to have a dim trip without a good memory of the places you visited.

Avoid making an exaggerated itinerary. Make a list that you can cover within that time frame and get the best out of it. Like they say “it’s not how far but how well”. Your trip is not about the different places you visited but the impact it had on you in all ramifications.

6. Not having the correct visa

Having the wrong visa can ruin your trip before you even embark on it A well-planned vacation will almost be scattered with the wrong visa. Your trip depends on your visa. If the place you are traveling to needs an entry visa cross check every single detail on the visa, such as your name, location, and date.

Go through some websites to know the accurate time to apply for your visa so you won’t get it late.

7. Forgetting to notify your bank about your trip

The majority of banks have automatic fraud-protection systems in check. For example, if you are supposed to use your card in Canada and you are in Botswana where your bank has no notification, the card might be marked and placed on restriction.

Just notify your bank of your traveling location, time, and duration to prevent such unexpected card restrictions.

8. Not understanding the local culture before your trip

Every country and city has its culture, tradition/religion, rules, and regulations, etc. There are some minor things that seem insignificant but in other places, if such an act is done you will be sanctioned. Get to know their culture and norms to avoid sanctions. They might be irrelevant in your country but in others, it’s a big deal.

Research on your location’s culture and rules so you will be prepared beforehand. When you are equipped with the right information you won’t be deformed.

Learn their way of life and try to adjust while you arrive there. Drop your over-civilized and fashioned self when you find yourself among the middle class or locals that way your trip will be filled with lots of memories and you get to know more about them.

9. Napping when you arrive

Taking a rest after a very long trip is very enticing. You will find it difficult to resist it after the long day because you are already tired from your trip. Before you consider resting remember you need to keep things in order starting with your accommodation and other reservations. Try to wait till nighttime before you rest. Put things in another and arrange your things properly.

Don’t rush to have a nap so you won’t miss things up. Settle down first and go round your accommodation or hotel reservation. You will feel more relaxed when having a nap if you have checked in properly.

ALSO, READ Tips For a Successful Visa Interview