12 Common Travel Altering Mistakes That Can Turn Your Trip Into A Nightmare

1.Not Planning Ahead: Waiting until the last minute to book flights, cruises, accommodations, car rentals or activities can lead to higher costs and limited options and not preparing a travel budget for spending money and emergency funds. Don't go broke halfway into your vacation.

2. Over-packing: Packing too much will lead to unnecessary baggage fees and the hassle of carrying heavy bags will lead to unnecessary exhaustion, stress and having to buy more luggage to fit your souvenirs. Stick to the essentials.

3. Forgetting Travel Insurance or Thinking You Don't Need it: Many travelers dismiss this step, but unexpected events like medical emergencies, death in the family, unexpected loss of job, lost baggage, last minute flight changes can ruin your trip.

4. Failure to Secure Important Travel Document:  Not checking passport expiration dates, not checking visa requirements or failure to obtain visas for certain destinations can turn your trip into a real nightmare from the get go,  when you get turned away at the airport or cruise terminal or, if by the grace of God you make it to your destination, get denied entry into the country.

Majority of foreign countries require that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond completion of your trip. Check the expiration dates and apply for your passports early. Average time to receive a new passport is between 6-8 weeks, but may take longer.

Most of the time, you'll just collect another stamp in your passport but some countries have Visa requirements you must obtain prior to your embarkation of your trip. And, of course, these can change. Therefore, always check the visa requirements with the authorities of your destination country and if necessary,  obtain these when you book your trip.

5. Ignoring and Failure to Adhere to Vaccine Mandates, Recommendations and Health Advisories:  Some countries still have strict COVID vaccine mandates in place and will deny entry to anyone who isn't jabbed. Ignoring health advisories and vaccine recommendations can also lead to turning your trip into an unforgettable nightmare, if you contract some God awful illness and end up in a hospital far away from home. Like passports and visas, always check the health regulations and recommendations for your region.

6. Not Checking for Hidden Fees: Some accommodations, resorts, flights or activities have hidden fees, like resort fees (at times accumulating daily), baggage fees, change/cancellation fees, local taxes.... which can add up, quickly, and drain your budget before having bought your first souvenir.

7. Ignoring Currency Exchange Fees: Not comparing exchange rates and relying on ATMs and credit cards that charge high fees or interest (cash advance interest accrue daily) can, quickly, drain your budget. ATMs give you double jeopardy, as you'll be charged for the use of the ATM and another fee by your financial institution, every time you use an ATM that is not in their network. Obtain credit cards that offer 0% or low introductory rates, cash back and other incentives, like earning miles, points for eating out, shopping, discounts at car rentals.....

8. Not researching or disrespecting local customs: Failing to understand local cultures, etiquette or basic language can lead to misunderstandings, being perceived as offensive and sometimes even land you in jail. Remember, you are a guest in these countries, always be respectful of their culture, faith and local customs.

9. Relying TOO Much on Technology: GPS and map apps are convenient and helpful, but useless, if your phone dies, gets lost/stolen or you end up in a no cell service zone. Now what? Make sure to always get a good old fashioned map or road atlas for your area.

10. Sticking to Tourist Traps: Only visiting popular tourist sites, usually, means missing out on authentic local cultural experiences and paying inflated prices. Experience it all and create lifetime memories.

11. Overestimating Your Ability to Handle Jet-Lag: 

• Time Zone differences, direction of travel (East or West), light exposure, individual differences (some are more prone to the effects than others),  and disrupted sleep schedules can all contribute to jet-lag. To minimize the effects, gradually, adjust your sleep schedule before your trip, Start shifting your bed and wake up time by 1-2 hours each day in the direction of your travel destination.
• Prioritize sleep in the days leading up to your trip, so you are well rested.
• Minimize Stress: Avoid last minute packing and other travel preparations.
• During your travel to your destination, stay well hydrated, avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine and wear comfortable clothing.
• Once at your destination, spend time outside or expose yourself to bright light, especially in the morning. This will help your body adjust to the new time zone.
• Eat and sleep according to the local time and create and practice a relaxing, comforting bedtime routine.

12. NOT Consulting With a Travel Advisor To Avoid These Mistakes:  The most common misconception is that people think, travel agents charge exuberant consultation fees, why pay someone else when you can book everything on some online platform?  Travel agents have the best insights, access to wholesale pricing, provide guidance and most of us won't cost you a dime. I will cover the advantages of working with a travel advisor/agent and our role in planning your journey in my next blog. Stay tuned.

As your travel agent, I will always make sure to prepare you for your best travel experience, yet, way beyond just booking you a trip. All you have to do is Pack, Show Up, Enjoy and Create new memories.

Happy Travels!!!!