If you travel quite a lot, then you may feel as though you are quite experienced when it comes to using airlines and booking flights. This is great, but at the end of the day, you do still need to make sure that you don’t fall victim to these top mistakes. If you do, then you may find that you end up paying for it in more ways than one.
Overpacking
It can be tempting for you to bring an outfit for every possible occasion, but the issue with this is that it can make it very difficult to haul your luggage around. You may find that you end up getting stuck with extra baggage fees because you have exceeded your weight limit, and this is the last thing you need. One way for you to work around this would be for you to pack your bag as you normally would and then take half of your clothes out. You won’t wear all of them and you don’t have to compromise your style either. On top of this, you can also do some laundry on the road if you need to. It can be tough to take this approach for the very first time but when you have done it once, you will soon find that it is very easy for you to do it again. When packing your clothes, it helps to take into account the destination you are travelling to as well. If you are visiting a hot country then don’t under-pack hypoallergenic sunscreen.
Not Checking Your Phone Plan
It’s vital that you know what your plan covers so you can avoid any huge fees in regard for data roaming. If you aren’t covered then try and turn off your phone data before you get on the plane. You should also leave your phone in aeroplane mode. You can still connect to Wi-Fi if you do this, but it will save you a small fortune in fees. If you can, it’s also wise for you to buy an international plan, or for you to get a SIM card when you arrive. By doing this, you can be sure to get the best result out of your roaming fees.
Not Booking Enough Time
Flight conditions can be somewhat unpredictable. If you have one flight that is delayed, then you may be forced to rush through an airport you don’t know very well to try and make your connecting flight. You might not make it in time either and this can mean bad news, to say the least. If you want to help yourself here, then it is a good idea for you to book with a safe buffer in between. If you know that you are travelling through Heathrow Airport then it is wise for you to allow at least two hours between your changeovers. The main reason for this is that you will have to go through security again, even if you are going from one flight to another.
Not Grabbing Local Currency
As soon as you happen to leave the airport, you will need to make sure that you have some local currency. This will allow you to take public transportation or even cab rides. Taking money from the airport ATM will usually give you a brilliant exchange rate so get whatever it is you need there and then get a bit extra as this will cover you in the event of an emergency. If you can do this, then you will soon find that you can get way more bang for your buck. Using your credit card can be useful, but having cash is always important as a lot of places won’t accept cards like this.
Not Informing Your Credit Card Company
Credit card companies often flag foreign transactions in the event of credit card theft or even fraud. They may even go as far as to freeze your account, and this is the last thing you need. One thing you can do to try and help yourself here would be for you to inform your company about this, ahead of time. While you are at it, it is wise for you to see if they impose a transaction fee. This way you won’t have to worry about any nasty surprises.
Not Taking out Insurance
Travel insurance will cover you for cancellation fees. If you cannot make your vacation or your business trip, then at least you won’t be out of pocket. Some plans do not cover you for emergency medical payments, but if this is the case, your health insurance plan should cover you for just about anything you need.
Not Checking your VISA
If you are turned away at a checkpoint, then this can be expensive, to say the least. You may also find that it is time-consuming, and this is the last thing you need. There are a lot of sites out there that list VISA requirements for various countries so it helps to check them out, ahead of time if you can.
Packing for Too Many Activities
This limits your opportunities more than you realise. You may find that you are too busy to find hidden gems or that could be around. If you want to help yourself then it is important that you give yourself plenty of time to relax and that you soak up everything that the destination has to offer. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to come out on top.
Not Tracking Your Reservations
It’s a hassle for you to have to rummage through your bags for everything you need. You may not have access to a printer if you do need a hard copy either. If you want to do something about this then make sure that you keep your itinerary in a pocket of its own, or make sure that you have an electronic copy on your phone. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to make your vacation a little less stressful.
