Most Common Travel Mistakes

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Taking a trip is fun and exciting. Making reservations, packing, and scheduling your itinerary are a big part of the enjoyment. When you arrive at your destination, you’ll be looking forward to all the destination has to offer. However, it’s important to be aware of some of the most common travel mistakes that could put a sour note on your plans. Here is a list of mistakes you will want to avoid.

NOT NOTIFYING YOUR BANK OF YOUR VACATION
Imagine using your ATM card in a foreign country and having it rejected because your bank noticed unusual activity. That may happen if you go on vacation without notifying your institution ahead of time. The bank may monitor your transactions for possible fraud. Your card could be put on hold if purchases don’t seem valid. Do yourself a favor and let your bank know your plans. It’s a simple call that can save you a lot of grief. Also, be sure to do the same for your credit cards.

EATING NEAR A MAJOR TOURIST SITE
Restaurants located at or near a major attraction may be expensive. Close proximity to a popular tourist site brings many tourists their way. They may upcharge as much as they want. Do like the locals and eat away from these areas. You could possibly save yourself some money and find better food.


OVER-SCHEDULING YOURSELF
It’s easy to want to do as much as possible on vacation.  You took the time to leave your home and spend money to get to your vacation. Trust me, I get it. When I got to Disney World I'm a morning Rope Drop to Closing "Kiss Goodnight" kind of girl! It makes sense that you want to fill your days with plans.

However, there is such a thing as planning too much to do. You don’t want to stress yourself out trying to fit everything into one day. Be flexible with your itinerary. It's okay to go back to the hotel and take a nap! If you can’t get to all the places you want to visit, tell yourself “It’s okay!” Make your plans knowing you may change your mind or other circumstances may change your plans.


BOOKING FLIGHTS WITH A SHORT LAYOVER
Remember the scene in Home Alone (my favorite holiday movie btw!) where the McAllaster family is running through the airport trying to catch their flight? That is literally my worst nightmare and can be avoided! Keep in mind that delays of every kind can happen. Also, you may not know the distance between terminals. Trying to get from one gate to another may take longer than anticipated.  Give yourself at least two hours in between flights just in case you need extra time. Headed for a cruise? I recommend flying in the day prior to your cruise. That way if there are any travel delays you won't stress about missing the ship!


NOT LEARNING SOME LOCAL WORDS OR PHRASES
If you’re traveling to another country, it might be useful to know some key words or phrases to get around. Purchase a dictionary or download a translation app to your phone to assist you. You can greet people and ask how much something costs in the local language. Learning the lingo can help make your trip smoother.


NOT PURCHASING TRAVEL PROTECTION
The unexpected may happen during your vacation. Delays, lost baggage, and medical emergencies could hamper your trip. A travel protection plan may help safeguard your travels. It includes a variety of benefits that may reimburse you for certain losses.


Have you made any of these mistakes? Would you like to avoid these mistakes and not stress over your vacation? Let's get in touch and see how I can help make your upcoming vacation as stress free as possible!

HALLIE GLEAVE
OWNER & TRAVEL ADVISOR

hallie@hallieontravel.com
(720) 280-8167