We all want our travels to go smoothly — but if we’re honest, we all make mistakes now and then. Travel can be tricky enough without an unexpected issue or cost, and it’s easy to spot mistakes after they’ve happened.
Avoid vacation regret by dodging these common travel blunders:
Not reviewing the details before you book
A simple mistake can wreck havoc on your plans — whether it’s keying in the wrong airport code, getting the dates wrong or not using the right name on your airline ticket. These errors can be time consuming — and expensive — to fix.
Avoid it: Borrow the hobbyist’s maxim: Check twice, submit once! Carefully review your information before you submit, and watch out for common errors like inverting the day and month, am versus pm, typos and incorrect airport codes. Get out your passport and make sure the name on the reservation matches. (If needed, get someone else to review the information too.)
Underestimating expenses
You’ve planned for accommodations and airfare, and budgeted for shopping… But there’s a list of other costs you may not be expecting like booking fees, baggage fees, hidden hotel fees, travel insurance, currency exchange charges, taxes, foreign transaction fees and tips. All the little things can add up to a big surprise on your credit card bill.
Avoid it: Account for the costs you can find out about — fees and taxes shouldn’t be a surprise — and make some extra room in your budget for unexpected costs. Experts warn not to rely on travel insurance alone to help you in an emergency — you should have access to some additional funds when you travel. (For more information, see 6 hidden travel costs and Dealing with emergencies abroad.)
Allowing too little time to connect
Travel often takes more time than we think. Don’t miss your cruise because your flight got delayed, or miss a connection because you didn’t know it would take half an hour to get across the airport.
Avoid it: Whenever possible, allow for extra time and anticipate some delays. Arrange to arrive early, and make allowances for bad weather, highway construction or road accidents along the way.
Being careless with documents and cash
It’s not crime or civil unrest that’s the top problem: Lost or stolen passports are the number one reason travellers need help, according to the U.K Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Tourists are popular targets for theft because they’re often distracted, unaware of local scams and perceived to be wealthy. There’s more to lose than your cash and credit cards — identity theft is on the rise almost everywhere.
Avoid it: Take steps to protect your cash and documents while you travel, like using the hotel safe and wearing a money pouch hidden under your clothes. Be extra cautious during busy times and in places where you’ll find lots of travellers. (See Tips for dodging pickpockets and Credit card fraud and money safety abroad for more advice.)
