So much can go wrong when you’re traveling that even the most minute thing can drive you crazy. That’s why traveling is so damn exhausting! Here are some tips to help you avoid some of the more common travel mistakes.
Booking Enough Time Between Connections
Make sure that you do! Every airport is different and more often than not your connecting flight could end up being at that far off terminal. Always allow yourself about an hour and a half between flights to help you mitigate the often impending what if’s. They really need to invent the piece of luggage that converts into one of those golf caddy mobiles:)
Having Enough Time To Apply For A Passport
Typical passport processing can take up to six weeks so make sure you take account for that when you are planning your next trip. Also, most countries won’t let you enter if you have less then 6 months left on your current passport. You also have to be aware that you have enough pages left over in your passport as well. South Africa for example, will not let you enter unless you have a full blank page in your passport available! What a load of crap.
Don’t Underestimate How Far Your Hotel Is From The Airport And City Center
This must happen all the time. It’s always a good idea to get a lay of the land prior to arrival. As much as you’d like it to be, everything isn’t going to be convenient. Make sure your are aware of any necessary shuttles that are available so you don’t have to spend extra money on a taxi.
Don’t Over Extend Your Itinerary
So many people want to do it all when they take a trip that when they get home they are more exhausted then when they left. Take a breather and make some time to just relax and do “nothing” by way of chilling out in a public place and take in some people watching. Don’t let others pressure your into to making ultimate plans that don’t seem to have any downtime.
Be Sure To Be Honest About Your Interests
There’s always going to be some sort of divide between you and your travel partners. Don’t over placate to someone when it should be a two way street and a compromise. Let your voice be heard but be fair and not overbearing about it.
Do Some Research To Get You Out Of The Tourist Trap
Take some time and figure out where to go that won’t be swarming with tourists. There is so much info available online that you shouldn’t have any problems finding activities and places to eat that are off the beaten path. Just use your smart phone.
Don’t Base Your Hotel Choice Off Of The Marketing Photos
This one is so easy to do. It makes sense though, as a lot of money was spent to create them. Make sure you take some time to read the reviews and gather as much intel as possible. For example, you could arrive at your destination and there could be construction going on and it could be really noisy, hence disrupting your stay. Always look at the most current reviews.
When Not Staying In Hotels Be Sure To Know The Details.
People that rent out rooms in their homes may not have the most patience for all things customer related so you must be sure to know the finer specifics of what they expect. Also be very careful about not leaving a bad rase in the owners mouths as they’ll leave you a bad review and that could affect you getting other rentals.
Don’t go to a Timeshare Pitch When Your not Intending to Buy
This one is just a common courtesy that some people take advantage of. Skip the freebies unless you are dead set on making a serious commitment to engage the sales people.
via NBC News