The Most Common Travel Mistakes & How To Avoid Them
- M&K International
- May 22, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: May 15
Some of the travel mistakes i will write about, are just a minor inconvenience, depends of course how you see it, but others might absolutely ruin your travel experience, trip or vacation.
Nonetheless, they are all all important reminders of what NOT to do when you travel.
Packing more than you need
The first mistake you should avoid is pretty obvious, yet it happens all the time as people tend to pack way more than they need. Especially girls, right? You want to take all the cool bikinis, dresses, shoes, etc., but it’s just not practical. Halfway through the trip, you realize you didn't wear half of the things that are in your bag!
A capsule wardrobe is the best for this, and of course, planning ahead. Pack such things that you can combine in more than one way and focus on lightweight clothing.
Here is a tip: lay out everything you would want to take with and at the end, get rid of a third of it.
Not checking entry requirements beforehand
It is as simple as that—no visa, no vacation. And that is something you want to prevent. Depends on where you are from, of course, as the requirements differ. Some countries can issue a "quick" visa right at the airport, but it also can be more expensive or require you to stand in long queues.
But there are countries where you HAVE TO apply online several days ahead and fill out a questionnaire.
Another warning is that most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months, so double-check the expiration date; otherwise, you might not be allowed into the country, and let me tell you, after several hours on the plane, turning around on the spot and going home is the last thing you really want!
Not double-checking your documents and bookings for errors
ALWAYS double-check your name and details on any ticket or booking you are about to make.
A little mistake or misspelling happens easily, but it can cause major problems. The staff can deny you boarding the plane as the name on your ticket and ID does not match, you may have booked the hotel only from tomorrow, and today they are sold out, and so on.
Always double-check!
Underestimating time required for security at the airport
It does not matter if we fly internationally or just within Europe; we are always at the airport at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure.
As you never know what can happen. You might forget something at home or in the hotel, and this time still gives you some time to go back for it or deal with the problem on the spot.
During security, you have to take some stuff out, and then you might be pulled aside for special luggage tests and stuff like that, and that can be super stressful when constantly checking the time of your departing aircraft.
Also, if you are with friends or with your partner, you just risk getting into an argument, which is really not necessary; you will be stressed for no reason, and that is not a good start to your vacation.
You can use the excess time at the airport to organize and plan the last details of your trip, research some more places you want to visit, or simply relax with a book.
Booking flights with a short layover
Long airport waits can be boring, but if you do not plan well enough and try to cut the time, a short layover can backfire.
If you booked two connecting flights as one ticket from one company, you are ok, as the connecting aircraft usually waits a couple of minutes, or if you truly missed it, then the company has to help to put you on another available flight.
Whereas if you booked singles, let's say from different companies, and you did not make it, you will have to buy another ticket to get to your destination.
Give yourself at least a two-hour layover so you have time in case of any possible scenario. Your flight could be delayed, there might be a long line at customs, or the terminals might be super far apart, or there might be a lot of people at passport control... you name it.
It is better to grab some food and stretch your legs rather than running through and stressing.
Losing money in exchange transactions
Travelling to a country where they have a different currency? Changing your money at the airport is the surest way to lose money in exchange transactions. The rates and fees are generally much higher at the airport, which is why we prefer to pay everything with our cards and withdraw cash at our final destination.
Have a look at some traveller-friendly cards from your country, as they tend to have better exchange rates with no costs for payments and so on.
Don’t be too ambitious
One of the most common mistakes is creating an overambitious itinerary, which is packed with what to see and do almost every hour and with no time to rest.
You have to think then: what is more important for you, to see as much as possible in a short period of time or to see things properly with the possibility to just indulge in the moment?
We usually do day itineraries with the main things and then have a list of extras, so when we do have the time, we do not have to lose time searching for places and can go right away.
Also, we love to get lost on the way, and that is, I think, the best thing to do to get to know the place, see hidden corners and find interesting stores or restaurants.
Having all your valuables in one place
When it comes to carrying money and other valuables, do not have it all in one bag. The last thing you want is your bag with your money, cards, phones and passports to be stolen and you to be left with nothing.
Not Buying Travel Insurance
Travel insurance covers cancellation fees, so if you unexpectedly can’t make your vacation or business trip, you won’t be out hundreds of dollars. Some plans also cover emergency medical expenses. If your own health insurance plan doesn’t cover you outside your country, it is definitely great to have. We never leave the country without one, even if it is to go to a neighbouring country, as the bill for a single check-up can be the price of another ticket. Better safe than sorry.
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