Traveling can be exciting and scary at the same time, especially when it’s your first time. You have no idea how can you prepare and how your trip will end up to. But as the idiom says, “One bad apple spoils the bunch.” Don’t let one mistake ruin the rest of your trip. Avoid these blunders and make the most of your travel.
1. Feeling obliged to stay in a hostel.
If you’re traveling solo, expect to get stay-in-a-hostel advice when you research for solo-traveling tips online. Hostels and other communal living establishments provide safety, comfort, and security but are more recommended to a solo traveler who will meet his/her fellow travelers. If you’re looking for the same comfort and safety, a reputable hotel can make a great alternative lodging option.
2. Having ambitious itinerary
Your choice of itinerary should depend on your budget – not your expectations of how your travel should go. According to The Independent Traveler, you’re at your most “vulnerable” when arriving in a place and at your most “stressed” when leaving. Take it easy. If you want to splurge on buying souvenirs or stay in a prominent hotel, ensure you won’t run out of money.
3. Ignoring the possible dangers.
Traveling has its dangers and can be more risky when journeying with other people. Here’s a quick tip: If your gut doesn’t feel right, never ignore it.
4. Overscheduling.
You are responsible of all your plans before the trip. To avoid the hassle “aftershock” of overscheduling, list down the things you need to accomplish such as buying necessary things for your personal kit, checking the flight schedule, searching for available ATM in your destination, and so on.
5. Over packing.
“I should pack some extra clothes — probably two sweatshirts and a pair of knee-high boots. Who knows? Maybe two days after I arrive, the weather will change.” Real travel scouts don’t over pack. To avoid loading up your luggage with things you don’t really need, do a quick research of the weather in your destination.
6. Overspending.
No traveler wants to go home empty-handed. But running out of cash during your trip is much worse than the other. According to Norbert of The Globo Treks, stick with your “realistic budget” so you can “give room for unexpected expenses.”
7. Being too shy to converse or ask.
Traveling in an unfamiliar place can be grueling if you’re a shy type of person or have no idea if the locals can speak or understand your language. But this should not take the best of your trip. In case you get lost, ask for directions of locals or look for the nearest police station to seek help.
8. Referring too much on travel guide books.
You should not let your favorite (or newly bought) guidebook define your trip. It will only make you restrict yourself from exploring new places, people, and things. Put it down and have some adventure!
9. Keeping all your money in a single place.
Everywhere you go, you’re a no stranger to pickpockets. Instead of carrying all your money, why not bring only the sufficient amount and leave the excess in a safer place? If you consider bringing extra, place it in your sock or other side of your pocket.
10. Not double-checking the documents or before departure.
Are you worrying you’re going to miss your flight? There’s nothing to be worried about – as long as you double check all your requirements and documents 2 to 3 days before your flight. Plus, make sure your name is spelled correctly on your flight and/or hotel reservation.
11. Not buying insurance.
If you’re traveling solo, travel insurance will be your best companion. It can cover your cancellations, delayed trips, lost baggage and even your medical emergencies. There are many options to choose from, so take time reviewing each to find the one that matches your travel needs.
12. Being culturally insensitive.
To interact with the locals effectively, be open-minded and sensitive to their culture. If their activities don’t seem to please you, don’t react. Instead, find the adventure by trying out new things. That way you can spice up your journey and make yourself comfortable in your chosen destination.
13. Not changing money at the airport.
When traveling internationally, the rule of the thumb is to change money at the airport. No matter how much money you have, if it’s not exchanged in the local currency, you’ll end up traveling around like a broke person carrying fake bills.
14. Forgetting to make reservations.
Are you planning to stay in a popular hotel or visit a well-known museum in your destination? You wouldn’t want to waste your time standing in a long line for hours. To save your time and yourself from hassling in long lines, make reservations online and don’t forget to print a copy of each.
15. Not tightening travel-sized shampoo caps.
Travel-sized shampoos, lotions, and conditioners are cute but will make your bag look like a goo of trash when their caps are left untightened. Before leaving, ensure these travel-sized bottles are tightly capped to avoid spilling to important documents like your passport, travel insurance copy, and others.
Additional reminders:
Check your phone plan before traveling abroad.
Don’t try too hard to haggle.
Buy high-quality flip-flops.
Don’t be scared to try out street foods.
Give way and be friendly to other tourists.
Notify your bank for future foreign transactions.
Consider different time zones before booking your trip.
Don’t tempt pickpockets by bringing all your gadgets (i.e. laptop, tablet, or DSLR camera).
Find out hidden foreign charges in your credit card.
Research on your target destination before booking a flight.
Wherever you go, don’t let any of these slip-ups turn your dream trip into a nightmare. Be wise and prepared at all times, because you’ll never know what might happen in your most unexpected time and destination.
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Sources:
Image courtesy of Ryan McGuire at Gratisography
How to Travel, The Independent Traveler, Inc., GloboTreks, CNN International
