12 Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes When Planning a Vacation

Are you planning your next vacation to an exotic destination? Then you’re probably busy packing everything, finding the best travel deal, and asking all your friends who went there for suggestions. Yet, we can assure you that, no matter what, you will probably make some mistakes on the way. How to avoid this? Know in advance some common errors so you can try your best to avoid them. Here are 12 common mistakes almost everyone makes when planning a vacation.

Overplanning

Planning is essential, but ensure you don’t overdo it. Opt for two main attractions per day and leave the remaining time free. This will allow you to see all the city’s main sites while having enough time to get lost in its cobblestone streets, try some random restaurants, talk to the locals, and stop shopping in a nice boutique in the city center. Long story short, planning every minute of your trip!

Not Thinking About Jet Lag

If you are traveling to a far-away destination, you should always consider how jet lag will affect your holiday. There is no point in planning a three-day trip to Asia if you will spend the first day and a half struggling with sleepiness. Make sure to also consider jet lag for your return trip. You may want to plan one or two extra rest days to get used to it instead of heading to work immediately.

Figuring Out Your Phone Plan

While most phone providers allow you to call, send texts, or use the internet when you are abroad, the prices for these services are often prohibitive. A good alternative? You can get a temporary e-SIM card for the country you will visit. This will give you access to a few gigas for emergencies. Another option is to buy a SIM card in your chosen destination once you land.

Underpacking And Overpacking

Packing is an art. First-time travelers will probably overpack, while those with experience may run the risk of underpacking. Try to figure out how many outfits you will need, and don’t bring any extra articles, no matter how tempting they may be. Also, try to bring necessary items such as medicines, cash, flip-flops, etc. A great idea is to list items you want to bring and revise them at every trip.

Not Learning The Langauge

While it will be impossible for you to learn an entire language in the months before your trip, familiarizing yourself with a few keywords will make a massive difference. Learn words such as ‘hello,’ ‘thank you,’ and ‘please,’ and important phrases like ‘I am vegetarian,’ in case you are. Locals are way more likely to help and engage with you if you address them in their native language.

Not Checking Visa Requirements

While this may sound silly to some, many people forget to check visa requirements before planning their trip. This is a massive mistake, as for some countries, you may need months to get all the necessary papers to be admitted. On top of this, don’t forget mandatory vaccinations, which may take plenty of time and money for you to get. If you know people who traveled there before you, asking for advice is a must.

Choosing The Wrong People

Are you traveling with a group of friends? Then, ensure you trust these people fully and feel extremely comfortable around them. Traveling is a transformative and enriching experience, yet it can be highly stressful. You surely don’t want to spend this time with someone you don’t like or your trip will be ruined. Did you just start a new relationship? Then, a weekend getaway may be a better option.

Not Dividing Important Belongings

Always, always divide important belongings between your luggage. For instance, if you bring cash with you—something we highly recommend—don’t put it all in the same wallet. Instead, keep a bit in your purse and leave the rest in your luggage. The same can be said for your documents and credit cards. In this way, even if one of your luggage gets stolen, you will still have access to some cash and documents.

Too Much Traveling

One of the most common mistakes is trying to fit too many destinations into a single trip. For instance, most Americans heading to Europe try to visit all the most famous capitals within a few weeks. You cannot plan a visit to London, Paris, and Rome within seven days. Technically, you can, but the truth is that you will spend most of your time traveling from one place to the next. Instead, try to spend more time in a single destination to truly make the most of it.

Not Budgeting

Unless you have unlimited money, budgeting is a must. If you don’t make a plan for how much you want to spend and for what, you will end up paying a fortune! Create a budget for all the main expenses, such as accommodation, transportation, and tickets to attractions. Don’t forget to also bring a few extra dollars for emergencies; you never know what may happen!

Not Engaging With The Locals

Engaging with the locals could be tough in some countries, especially when they don’t speak your language. Sometimes, we let laziness prevail and spend our entire trip only talking to other travelers. This is a massive mistake, as only by engaging with the locals will you truly learn about a culture and its traditions. So, try your best to chat with them, even if only for a few minutes daily.

Ingonoring Local Etiquette

Every country has its own set of unique rules. For instance, if you’re visiting a Muslim country, you may have to choose modest clothes covering your shoulders and knees. While this may be against your ethics, remember that you are a guest and should do your best to fit in. Always familiarize yourself with local etiquette before traveling to a place, and figure out what you should wear and whether there are any other rules—for instance, regarding public display of affection—you should follow.