10 Mistakes Travellers Make

Whether it’s your first trip or you’re an experienced traveller, we all make mistakes that can cause headaches or even ruin our trip. The great news is that with some planning, it’s easy to avoid some of the most common travel mistakes in order for you to spend your time enjoying your vacation.

#10 Packing too Much

Do you really need it all? I don’t want to tell you what to pack, but make sure it’s light. The most important thing is that you have the correct footwear for your destination. Make sure you have hiking shoes or running shoes if you’re going to walk a lot. Soar feet are terrible, and are something that will greatly impact your trip if you do. Because your feet will be taking the most hits.

#9 Forgetting your power cords and chargers

It sucks, but batteries need some attention too. You need to keep an eye on your electronics and make sure they are well-charged or at least bring chargers with you. The last thing you need is a dead cellphone when you’re on a dangerous hike in the middle of nowhere. I understand that the really long trails, some have attendance sheets for hikers, in order for the park rangers to know if you have come back or not. But in general, it’s good to have a line of communication to someone at all times.

#8 Not planning your trip enough

You might be the type of person that is “spontaneous” and “free”, but some things in life need planning. Travel needs planning and I’m not just talking about the place you’re sleeping at. If you want to really take advantage of all that the destination has to offer, you’ll research it first. Select the places you really want to see, then make sure to look at what time they open and close and if you need to buy a ticket in advance to book your presence. And even if you’re just going for a hike, make sure you research how hard the hike is, how long it takes and where to park. The last thing you need is to travel all this way for something that you’re not qualified for.

#7 Blowing your money on booze

Partying and drinking is very expensive. Make sure you don’t blow your whole budget on it. Hotels and Resorts will charge you so much, because they know you’re there to have fun and let loose. I’m not saying you shouldn’t go out, I’m just saying to be cautious on how much you are spending at those bars. You should only bring the amount of money you are ready to spend. Because remember that you’re judgment gets impaired when you’ve had a few too many, and you might keep spending without acknowledgement of your travel budget.

#6 Not packing snacks

Specially if you have dietary requirements, like for example; you’re vegan or celiac. Packing a snack is so crucial because the snacks you can eat are not sold at every local store. You’ll then get the case of “the hangry” and nobody wants to see you in that state when you’re travelling.

#5 Eating at the expensive tourism restaurants

This happens a lot at tourist trap destinations, you’ll most likely see the tourist restaurants beside the tourists attractions. It’s Always 2x more expensive than the usual restaurants. Try to avoid those.

#4 Not Socializing

If you’re on any trip, especially if you’re a solo traveller; it’s important to take time and socialize. The last thing you want is to go on a trip and not speak to anyone; that can get lonely. Make time for it, leave your room; you’ll feel so much more enriched. And some locals have cool stories that they will share with you which will make the experience so much more interesting.

#3 Pushing yourself too much, physicality

This goes hand in hand with the planning side of travel. But it’s also important to be nice to your body. Be realistic of your physical fitness. You might think that you are in peak physical condition and that you can go all day, but travel wears you out. Make sure you give yourself time to rest! Being in constant travel-mode is exhausting and can make you sick. And please don’t plan the toughest hikes on the last day of your trip, just don’t.

#2 Polluting the Environment

Okay, so this is one that really frustrates me. I can’t press hard enough how important it is to respect the environment, specially at national parks and conservation areas. If you can’t pickup after yourself – you can’t throw away your own trash and responsibility dispose of it; then you don’t deserve to be going to these places. These places are only beautiful because they are not treated like dumpsters.

#1 Not respecting the culture of the place you are visiting

I hope it’s not a big shock that this is on the list. But you’re visiting someone else’s home, so its important to respect the culture and locals of the destination you’re travelling to. Every culture has a different sense of humour, what one group of people can find funny can be rude to others. And when it comes to rules, I think you’ll be in a much place if you obey the regulations. I’ve got stories of things I’ve seen; where tourists have knowingly disobeyed the rules and it has almost cost them their life. Just take it from me, this isn’t the time to be a rebel. Rules are there to protect you and the people around you. It’s important that you research the destination you are visiting, to know the culture and rules in advance.

 

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