5 General Mistakes Travelers Make Everytime

Planning a trip can be quite stressful most especially planning a visit to a virgin destination where you have never been to before. There is always the confusion of what to and what not to pack for the journey coupled with the inevitable feeling of forgetting something behind on the travel date. But not to worry because in this article, we review the 5 most common travel mistakes people make and how you can avoid them so at the end of the day, before you embark on your journey, it may ease your mind to check items off this list to ensure that you are not falling victim.

1. Rushing Through The Planning Stage

Travelling usually involves some element of uncertainty. From the location to transportation, these would probably be completely new to you. Taking the time to do thorough research can save a lot of headache and eliminate such uncertainties. Compare multiple travel websites for the best rates, look for pictures and reviews of accommodations and attractions, and learn about the area you will be visiting ahead of time. There is nothing that makes you more prepared than this.

2. Planning The Schedule Too Rigidly

A lot of people make this mistake. A good planner should always make some allowance for incontingencies. They ask themselves questions like: what if there is a problem with the accommodation? do I have extra cash to atleast sort myself out even if it is just for a night if it comes to that? What if my means of transport breaks down? do I have some spare cash and not only a credit/debit card that I may not be able to withdraw or pay from because there area is remote? These are some of the questions that help you to be more than prepared and have peace of mind while travelling. Quite a number of people also plan their journey to fall from the very first day of their holiday/leave to the very last day without allowance for unforseeen circumstances that may stretch your last day of work prior to your leave.  In general, it is best to have an idea in mind of what you would like to do and be flexible about changes in the schedule. Unexpected events could make it necessary to do things on different days or times than you had anticipated. Always allow for more time than you think you need.

3. Budgeting Too Low

This is another common mistake people make. It is true that life’s surprises can be just as hard, or even harder on your wallet than on your schedule but this can land you in a far worse condition. Again, do plenty of research on extra fees at hotels, airlines, and local attractions as the fees you see may just be the basic fee for the most basic experience. Also take into consideration that you may lose things or need unexpected replacements. Consider all the meals, gas, and souvenirs that you will probably need or want. You may also want to check with your bank and credit card companies for applicable fees and rules on exchanges and foreign transactions.

4. Cutting Flight And Driving Plans Too Close

Pick flights with long connection times. The wait may seem intimidating, but you could really need it. Flight delays, luggage issues, and simply getting lost in the airport could make you miss a flight, and that is definitely worse than the possibility of waiting. Also plan extra time for places you are driving to. Detours, uneexpected traffic, and getting lost could make the travel time significantly longer than expected.

5. Packing More Than You Need

You can use about half of the amount of clothes you normally take on trips if you plan on mixing and matching. Anticipate wearing almost everything twice, or more if you are willing to do laundry. This saves you time messing around in your suitcase or suitcases, reduces the chance of losing things, and could save you a lot of money with the airline. If you can buy something at your destination, it could be much easier and cheaper than bringing it from home. Try to choose things that will take up less room than others where possible.
These five items should help you plan a worry-free trip. So do your research, plan for more, pack for less, and enjoy your trip.Becky Laundhill is an International Aid Worker who has travelled far and wide. She is currently working on a project in Nigeria; West Africa and recommends that you click here to visit http://buzznigeria.com; an information website where she often writes about her experiences on the places she has visited.