Overpacking, not having photocopies of your documents, and relying heavily on technology are some travel mistakes to avoid on your next trip.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a newbie, making these mistakes can negatively affect your trip.

On this note, we have compiled a list of mistakes to avoid and how best to combat them for a pleasant experience.

Common Travel Mistakes To Avoid On Your Next Trip

For a seasoned traveller, these mistakes may not be new to you as you may have experienced them once upon a time during your trip.

However, it’s important to keep this in mind when travelling so you don’t fall victim twice and keep repeating the cycle.

On the other hand, if you’re a newbie traveller, there are travel do’s and don’ts to keep in mind to avoid ruining your trip all by yourself.

Here are some of the common travel mistakes to avoid on your next trip for a better travel experience:

Also Read: How To Budget For Your Dream Vacation

Overpacking

One of the common travel mistakes to avoid is taking unnecessary things you may not need for your trip. Not only does overpacking cause extra pay for overweight luggage but it’ll be a discomfort in your trip.

You don’t want to spend time at the airport dragging boxes of clothes you may eventually not need or filling up the hotel room with clothes.

The cheat code for Packing Smart is to have a packing checklist. You can do this by packing according to the activities.

Create a list of the things you’d be doing on the trip and pack according to these activities.

For instance, if you will be spending six days, list out what you will be doing for the six days like going to the beaches, tasting street foods, hiking, dinner, etc. Then take each piece of clothing for these different activities.

Not Getting A Travel Insurance 

No matter how much cost you’re trying to cut, don’t cut off travel insurance. This is a grave mistake to commit and you will pay greatly for it. Travel insurance is a solid backup plan to have when travelling. It’ll save you money and cover unexpected changes and damages.

Whether you miss your valuables, flight, hotel room, etc, fixing these damages is easy peasy with travel insurance.

With travel insurance, you can enjoy an anxiety-free trip without thinking about all the possible things that can go wrong.

Hence, no matter how much of a budget traveller you intend to be, ensure that you factor in a travel insurance plan.

Ignoring Visa Requirements 

Is this even a possible mistake to make? Because being able to travel is only possible after you have met the requirements and a visa has been granted.

But in the case where a visa on arrival is applicable, you need to carry out thorough research on the visa requirements.

Don’t be so excited about the trip that you overlook the entry ticket requirements.

To avoid the falling trap of immigration officers at the airport, spend a considerable amount of time learning about the visa requirements of your dream destination. You can do this independently or consult a travel agent to help you with it.

Being Careless With Your Valuables 

One of the common travel mistakes to avoid is leaving your valuables carelessly in the open. It’s important to stay on guard when travelling. Whether you’re at the airport lounge, on the flight or trying to clear your bags, ensure that your valuables are well-padlocked.

Don’t leave your bags in the care of others. And also avoid handing over your phones to people.

If the inbuilt bag lock isn’t secured enough, get an external padlock to secure your valuables.

Not Seeking Advice from The Locals

Relying only on maps can be misleading especially if you don’t understand how to read and interpret maps. You could land in another city different from the intended city. Or even missing the road to your hotel.

This is a common occurrence with travellers who don’t seek advice from locals.

It’s understandable not to want to look like a JJC or be strangely looked at.

But which is worse, being stranded in a strange city or seeking advice from the locals?

To avoid the former, seek advice from the local stylishly. But don’t exude naivety while at it. Rather make it look like you’re simply curious to learn about the city and its environs.

No Knowledge Of Currency Exchange Rate

No knowledge of currency exchange rates is a common travel mistake committed by travellers.

Knowing the currency exchange rate can you to decide on how much to budget for the trip, how much cash to carry and the general expenses to expect.

It’ll also help you not to fall victim to fraud when changing to the country’s currency.

To avoid this type of scenario, be sure to ask all necessary questions before taking off. You can also carry extra cash in case there’s a need for more.

Ignoring Etiquette 

Different cultures apply to different countries. Your idea of normalcy may be abnormal in your destination country. 

This may include how to respond to elders when spoken to, how to greet them, how to eat and other cultural expectations.

Not taking into consideration these cultural expectations when planning a trip or travel can ruin your experience.

To avoid this scenario, ensure to learn as much as you can about the culture of the country you intent to visit.

Don’t question the people’s culture, stick to what looks like the standard of living to them.

Look out for body language and gesticulations when greeting, being served or speaking and respond accordingly.

Not Having Photocopies Of Important Documents

Having these documents stored on the cloud is great but think of if there’s no internet connection to access these files when needed.

The thought of it is already frustrating! Maybe you also need to submit it to officials, that will be another frustrating moment there.

Don’t let something as simple as this ruin your trip. Make plans to photocopy them on time before approaching the airport. 

Alternatively, you can also look out for a cyber cafe around the airport to make photocopies.

Relying On Technology 

This is a common travel mistake both with seasoned travellers and newbies. Depending heavily on technology for important documents can ruin your trip because technology can flop at any time without prior notice.

This can be faulty devices, poor internet connection, unexpected changes, change of location, etc.

To avoid this, try to have a backup for your important document. Also, make photocopies of the ones that may be required onsite.

Arriving Late At The Airport 

Another travel mistake to avoid is not arriving early at the airport. Even if your trip is in the evening or mid-afternoon. This will enable you to settle in, cross-check the requirements and make adjustments where necessary. 

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a newbie looking to explore the world, these are common travel mistakes to avoid on your next trip to ensure a pleasant experience.

We hope that you find these tips useful and take note of them on your next trip. Share with us in the comments some of your travel mistakes.