Even seasoned travellers make ridiculous mistakes. From missing flights, getting dates completely wrong, to forgetting essential documents, it has all happened before. These are some of the worst mistakes we’ve seen. Make sure you avoid them!
Packing More Than You Need
This seems to be at the top of the list, no matter how many times someone has travelled. We seem to be compelled to take too much, rather than too little. It’s almost as if we can’t handle leaving our homes, meaning that we try and take everything we own with us.
Forget this philosophy as soon as you can. Try packing the absolute minimum that you need. You’ll be surprised at how liberated you’ll feel. The major way of getting to this point is by packing multiuse items. One great example of this is a shirt that you can wear in both casual and formal situation.
Not Having Your Itinerary and Bookings Printed
Don’t reply on your mind alone. The hard drive can sometimes let you down. That’s why you should always take a document folder with absolutely everything at the ready. Whether it’s hotel bookings, flight details, taxi phone numbers, bank addresses, and anything and everything else you can think of.
You won’t always have the Internet or a phone signal to find what you need. Make sure you have a good old-fashioned paper copy as a backup.
Not Packing Your Carry-On Appropriately
This one is incredibly common and it really is one of the easiest to avoid. First of all, make sure you pack at least one additional change of clothes. Airlines often ‘lose’ luggage and you don’t want to be wearing the same thing day in, day out.
In addition, be well aware of your airline’s rules and regulations when it comes carry-on luggage. What is the maximum bag size? Are you allowed a purse in addition to your luggage? What about weight limits? You don’t want to be in a situation where you have to repack everything at check-in. Trust us.
Inviting the Wrong Person
It sounds like a great idea. Inviting one of your best friends for a fantastic backpacking trip around South East Asia. Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple.
Having the wrong person as a travel buddy has ruined countless holidays. Remember, just because your friend is great to hang out with does not mean they’re good to take a plane around the world with. It’s kind of like picking someone to live with. Proceed with caution.
Not Taking Cash
The thing that makes the world go round is often forgotten, with travellers preferring plastic. However, cold hard cash is still king. Remember, not every country will have an ATM that accepts your card. It happens more than you think. Avoid having to call your family or friends for an emergency bailout and make sure you take some money with you.
So there you have it, the worst mistakes you can make when traveling abroad. Make sure you avoid them and you’re golden.
