Mistakes will be made; travel rarely ever goes perfectly. It’s time to prepare, fr fr. Traveling is an exhilarating adventure filled with new experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and encounters with different cultures. But sometimes, despite our best intentions, we make mistakes that can turn our dream trip into a bit of a nightmare. I’ve shared how I’ve had my fair share of travel mistakes before, so now I’m here to expose myself. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 travel mistakes and how to avoid them. These tips aren’t just for seasoned travelers; they’re about embracing the casual and free-spirited nature of travel. So, let’s dive in and explore the art of making the most of your journeys.
Overpacking
Hey, we’ve all been there – stuffing your suitcase like it’s a Tetris game, struggling to zip it up, and worrying about those extra luggage fees. It’s not just about the physical (and financial) strain; you’ll also want to leave room for all the cool souvenirs and memories you’re about to collect. And lastly, not many countries have flat sidewalks and elevators/escalators everywhere. Lugging around a huge suitcase will become very draining, very quickly. So, keep it light. Re-wear your favorite pieces, mix and match, and leave that “just in case” item behind. Trust me; you won’t need it. For more packing tips, check out my blog post on packing tips!
Not researching visa requirements beforehand
Picture this: I had to buy a whole new ticket from Bangkok to Nairobi overnight. Why? Because I didn’t do my homework on visa requirements. I had a layover in Bangalore, where, even though it was just a layover, I needed a visa to get on the plane. I couldn’t get on the flight. Learn from my mistake – check those visa rules when you book your flight. And don’t assume anything; rules change all the time. Do not wait, as many countries can take up to 30 days to approve a visa request. Even if you’re sure that you wouldn’t need one, CHECK AGAIN! So, stay updated and double-check!
Overextending your itinerary
You will get tired. Yes, you want to make the most out of your time in a new city, but you also do not want to burn yourself out. Plan time for rest. Plan time for slowness and to simply soak in the city in a way that’s relaxing for you. That could be people-watching at a coffee shop or sitting by the water, soaking in the sounds, smells, and ambiance of a new country. Plan in time for rest and relaxation so that you are all there for the more strenuous activities. Check out my post on trip planning for more guidance and your perfect itinerary!
Booking non-refundable travel or booking through a third-party site
Oh, the agony of booking through a third-party site without flexibility. It happened to me when I missed a flight in Thailand. No refunds, and I had to book a whole new flight. Lesson learned: have a plan B. Budget for those unexpected flight and accommodation hiccups; it’s better to be prepared.
Not bringing important medication
I went on a trip with a friend who didn’t bring her inhaler… on her birthday trip… One word – essentials. Don’t make the mistake of traveling without your meds, devices, and insurance card. Keep them close and throw in some basics like cold medicine and ibuprofen. They come in handy more often than you’d think. A small travel medical kit is a lifesaver.
Not taking out local currency beforehand
Get smart with your cash. It’s way cheaper to exchange currency at your bank before you jet off compared to those airport or foreign country rates. But don’t procrastinate; it takes a few days for your bank to get it ready. So, plan ahead, at least two weeks before you leave, and you’ll save some bucks.
Not looking into your phone with SIM cards
I spent a good amount of money on SIM cards that didn’t work for my phone. A lot of newer iPhones only take eSIMs, so don’t waste your money on regular SIM cards that don’t work and you can’t return. I even brought an older iPhone 6, and it still didn’t work. See if your carrier has a phone plan or look into eSIMs.
Not double-checking your bookings
Many countries use military time on tickets, times change, and you can mix up times and time zones. Make sure to double-check, triple-check, quadruple check all dates and times of bookings. This travel mistake could be costly, especially if you have more basic tickets. Also, you could download the app Tripit, which creates your full itinerary when you use the email used to make your bookings. This includes flights, accommodation, excursions, and even dinner reservations. Everything in one place, so it’s very convenient.
Not looking into weather patterns
This is pretty self-explanatory. Nobody wants to freeze in paradise. Research the weather, even if you think you’re heading to a hot spot. Different places have different weather patterns. I traveled to Nairobi at the end of July last year, and I ignorantly assumed that it would be hot because it was summer. However, that’s typically winter in Kenya. So, it would be well below 50 degrees Fahrenheit some days, which is pretty chilly to me. And I barely had any warmer clothes. And that leads me into my last point of…
Not researching cultural etiquette
Prior to landing in Nairobi, I had been in pretty hot areas, so I got off the plane in running shorts and a t-shirt. I received so many stares from the time I stepped off the plane. I felt so uncomfortable. Many countries have more conservative dress standards, and when visiting religious areas, such as temples in Thailand, you must dress conservatively. There are certain dress requirements, so be sure to look into that.
In general, you want to look into things that may be considered rude or ways to not disrupt a country as best you can when you go to visit. You are a visitor and want to treat a place with respect, as you would when visiting a friend’s place. So do your homework, be respectful, and blend in like a pro.
As you embark on your journeys, remember that travel is as much about the hiccups and wrong turns as it is about the breathtaking moments and sunsets in foreign lands. By avoiding common pitfalls like overpacking, visa mishaps, and cultural missteps, you’ll make room for the kind of adventures that stay with you forever. Travel light, research thoroughly, and adapt to the unknown. After all, the beauty of exploring the world lies in the surprises it has in store for us, and sometimes, in our missteps, we discover the most memorable stories. So, pack your bags, be prepared, but most importantly, be open to the joys of unplanned adventures. Safe travels!