If you have traveled internationally, you already know what a hassle travel planning can be. With so many details to be dealt with, it is very easy to make some careless mistakes. Such blunders could turn your trip into a money-wasting and disappointing experience.
Here are 6 common mistakes to avoid when traveling:
- Ignoring travel insurance
There are several things that could go wrong and complicate your travel plans. For instance, you might have to cancel your travel plans due to unavoidable circumstances. Or you could have a medical emergency during your trip. Travel insurance is therefore very important to protect you from any risks you might encounter. If you have exiting insurance policies, find out if they cover travel related risks. However, it would be advisable to get a comprehensive stand-alone travel insurance policy.
- Outdated passports
Many people make the mistake of failing to check the validity of their passports before traveling. You will not be able to leave the airport if you don’t have an up-to-date passport. Therefore, be sure to check the validity of your passport well in advance before traveling. This will give you time to renew it if necessary. Don’t forget that your passport should still be valid when you are returning to your country.
- Having an unrealistic itinerary
An overstuffed itinerary can turn your trip into a very tiring and costly affair. You will end up rushing from one place to another without really enjoying any of the attractions. When planning your travel itinerary, be aware of the time it takes to get from one location to another. Remember to factor in time for rest as well as possible delays. In case you run out money or the weather changes, be flexible enough to change your plans. You can always plan a return trip to see what you missed the first time.
- Not having an International Drivers Permit
If you are planning to drive during your trip, you will need to get an International Drivers Permit (IDP). This will make it easy for you to rent a car and drive without any hassles. IDPs are translated into several international languages and are recognized by almost 200 countries. However, getting an IDP does not require taking a driving test. If you have a valid license already, you can get the permit. Read this guide for more information about obtaining an International Drivers Permit.
- Failing to alert your credit card company
With the increasing cases of identity theft and fraud, credit card companies are very suspicious of any foreign activity. Using a credit card abroad without alerting your provider could result in the suspension of your account. To avoid this, be sure to update your credit card provider about when and where you will be traveling outside the country. You might even be surprised to discover that the company offers special rewards for travelers.
- Not backing up videos or photos
It would be very unfortunate if you lost your camera along with all the photos and videos from your trip. To avoid this, be sure to have a USB drive, DVD or CD where you can backup your content. You could also save your content online on sites such as Google Drive, Dropbox or Amazon Drive.
- Traveling with the wrong people
Before traveling with a friend, clarify if you have the same expectations on matters such as eating out, transport, accommodation and night life. Your company should also be someone you can communicate with effectively. If you cannot match expectations, it would be better to travel alone than go with someone who will be a burden.
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