Traveling is an incredible way to discover the world, experience new cultures, and discover new parts of yourself. And even though it is an exciting experience, it is very important to learn how to travel the right way. When we start traveling, it’s very easy to make small mistakes that can drastically change the quality of your trip. This is why, in this blog, I’ll be sharing some of the mistakes I made when I started traveling so you hopefully won’t make them.
GETTING TO THE AIRPORT WITHOUT EXTRA TIME
No one wants to miss a flight, which is why getting to the airport two hours before your flight for domestic flights and three hours before international flights is extremely important. Even though boarding typically starts about an hour before departure, it is important to get to the airport with time to spare in case there are any setbacks.
When you get to the airport, you may find long lines for check-in and going through TSA. If you don’t get to the airport with extra time, getting through these lines and making it to your gate might turn into a very stressful and rushed experience. Avoid missing a flight with these tips.
Extra tip: If your airline gives you the option, try to check in before getting to the airport. Most of the time, you should be able to do this 24 hours before your departure time. This will help you avoid lines and save time while you are at the airport.
NOT PLANNING TRANSPORTATION
Having a clear idea of how you’re going to get to and from the airport is always wise; however, it does require some prior planning.
If you’re thinking about renting a car, we always recommend that you rent it months in advance in order to ensure availability. When you get your car, take pictures of any scratches or damage the car may have. This will give you evidence of the condition in which you received the car. Having these pictures may save you from having to pay extra damage fees that you aren’t responsible for.
Whether you’re taking an Uber or a taxi, it’s always smart to do some research beforehand and have an idea of how each of these options works in your specific destination. Some countries consider Uber a safer option, while others have great taxi services that also tend to be cheaper.
If you have a hotel shuttle or are part of a tour that includes transportation, knowing where they will be picking you up and who will be picking you up will help you save time and avoid unnecessary stress.
FULL ITINERARY
When we go on vacation, it’s very easy to want to do it all in one trip. However, when we try to do this, we often end up feeling really tired and burned out before the trip is over.
Having a well-balanced trip is a key factor in enjoying your vacation. One of the best tips I can give you is to leave some spare time for yourself to explore at your own pace. Stop at a coffee shop, sit down and take it all in, or simply let yourself be amazed by the little and unexpected things that the destination has to offer.
In many cases, these unplanned moments end up being the most memorable ones.
OVERPACKING OR NOT PACKING ENOUGH
When I started traveling, I would always overpack and realize at the end of the trip that I hadn’t really used many of the things I had brought with me. In other cases, I had forgotten some of the key things I needed for the trip.
In order to avoid this, it is important to check the weather at your destination ahead of time. If you’re going to a warm place, packing light clothes is a priority. However, taking a light sweater or jacket can really be an advantage when it comes to air conditioning in some places.
Having an idea of what you would want to wear every day helps you organize your suitcase and will help you avoid bringing clothes that you might never use on the trip.
It is also really important to always take all the medications that you need for the trip and carry some with you in your backpack or carry-on in case your luggage is lost or delayed at the airport.
Having a small first-aid kit with basic things for headaches, nausea, stomachaches, allergies, and any medications that you or your family take on a daily basis should always be a top priority on your packing list.
NOT CONTACTING MY BANK
If you’re traveling internationally and plan on paying for some things with your credit card, it is very important to contact your bank before you start your trip, as making payments abroad may seem like a fraudulent attempt on your credit card.
In order to avoid your bank blocking your account, it is important to call them to notify them where you’ll be traveling and for how long.
Another very important tip is to always carry some cash in the local currency. If you’re traveling to a different country, you’ll be able to find currency exchange services at the airport. If possible, before you exchange your money, make sure to compare a few different rates, as the exchange rate may vary a little bit between them.
NOT HAVING TRAVEL INSURANCE
Although, in most cases, you will never really need to use travel insurance, knowing that you always have someone to rely on in case of an emergency is a huge advantage.
Whether it’s a medical emergency, lost or stolen luggage, flight delays, or simply not feeling well during the trip and needing medical assistance, having travel insurance gives us the peace of mind of being able to contact someone without having to pay all the separate costs associated with the given circumstance.
When we travel, having a plan for the little setbacks and being careful about the small details can make a big difference. Planning ahead of time, leaving some free time to enjoy your destination, and having a backup plan at all times can really make the difference between having a good vacation and having a great one.
Traveling is about enjoying a new place and creating new memories, and with a little bit of extra planning, this experience can be an incredible one. Remember that with Royal Holiday, you can plan your entire trip.
