Even if you’ve checked your packing list three times and made sure your bookings haven’t been cancelled last minute, travel mistakes are still bound to happen. The problem is, that some of them will cost you only a little inconvenience, but others will completely drain your wallet, waste your time, and make you wish you never left your home in the first place. The good thing, however, is that most of them are completely avoidable, so if you want a trip that runs smoothly, make sure you’re not making these common mistakes.
Forgetting to Check Visa Requirements
The U.S. has one of the most powerful passports in the world, but it doesn’t mean that you can enter any country just because you bought a ticket. Visa requirements can vary and if you don’t do your research ahead of time, it can lead to denied entry, last-minute fees, or even deportation. Some places will let you in with just a passport, but others require applications, fees, and processing time, so make sure to check before making any grand plans and don’t assume it’ll be as easy as just showing up at immigration.
Not Packing For Any Weather
Just because you’re travelling to a tropical destination doesn’t mean it won’t get cold, much like the fact that you’re taking a short city trip doesn’t mean the weather will be on your side and it won’t rain. It’s easy to open up the weather forecast and pack for what you expect, but packing for what you don’t is what sets a seasoned traveller apart from one that might have a miserable experience. No matter where you go, you need layers, the type of clothes that can handle any shift in temperature. An Aran sweater is one of the best things you can throw in your bag. This sweater is made of merino wool, a fabric that regulates the temperature of your body, and it was originally created for Irish fishermen to keep them protected from the harsh Atlantic winds. Make sure to get an Aran sweater before your trip to stay warm and comfortable wherever you end up. You won’t regret having it when the weather flips on you and it can also be of great help on the plane, keeping you cosy during the long flight.
Underestimating Jet Lag
When you go on a short trip, you set your mind on making the most out of it, but most of the time you forget about a crucial detail – jet lag. It’s way more than just “feeling a little tired”: it wrecks your energy, your mood, and makes you too exhausted to explore the new place once you finally arrive at your destination. If you know that you’re the type of person who can’t sleep on the plane, don’t think that this time you’ll magically have a great nap. Instead, it’s better to leave the first day of your trip for sleep and rest, especially if you’re also travelling to a country in a different time zone.
Relying Too Much On Cards
Using your card everywhere you go might sound convenient, but you’ll soon be proven wrong. Some places still run on cash, especially those located somewhere far from big cities or tourist locations, so don’t assume that plastic will work no matter where you go. It’s better to keep some local currency on hand for small purchases, transportation, and tips, so that it saves you from unnecessary headaches and awkward moments when your card gets declined. Also, make sure to withdraw the cash beforehand, since ATMs can be unreliable and banks can even flag your transactions and block your cards if you use them in a foreign country.
Skipping Travel Insurance
We know that you don’t want to spend your vacation money on something you hope you won’t need, but travel insurance exists for a reason, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. What was a well-planned trip can quickly turn into pure chaos because of a delayed flight, the airline that lost your luggage, or, worst of all, a sudden illness, and there’s not much you can do without coverage. Medical emergencies abroad are no joke, and hospital stays and treatments can sometimes cost thousands, so an investment in insurance is really a small price to pay to save you from an enormous financial disaster if something goes wrong.
*This is a collaborative post
