
Many people hop on a plane and get to their destination with all these ideas of how to spend their vacation. Unfortunately, sometimes the things we plan for without having any prior experience with it, can turn out to be bad plans. Learning from other people’s travel mistakes is a great way to minimize your own travel disasters.
The average American goes on one trip per year and spends about $2500. Whether you’re planning on going on a grandiose journey outside of the country, or simply hopping on an hour train ride just a state away, here are some of the biggest travel mistakes, and how you can avoid them.
Partaking In Illegal Activity
Engaging in illegal activity in your hometown isn’t exactly the best idea as it is. However, you’re adding risk when you decide to do this risky activity in a place that isn’t your comfort zone and you don’t have your grounded whereabouts.
This can be particularly risky when you are in a foreign country where you don’t have a firm grasp on the lay of the land, and some laws if broken could lead to more than just a night in jail. In some places, you could end up in a lengthy legal battle, or even worse, go straight to prison.
Packing Too Much Luggage
Over-packing can seem like a great idea at first since you aren’t sure of all that you will need given any changing circumstances like rain, or adding in a last minute destination in your itinerary. However when you’re trying to navigate with extremely heavy luggage in multiple suitcases, all you’re doing is putting yourself at risk for missing a connection, potentially getting robbed, or just plain slowing yourself down.
Instead of over-packing, try minimizing with only what you need. Plan one outfit for each day, and pack a few pairs of extra underwear and socks. If you are really in a pinch you can always try to find a laundromat where you are, or just buy a few new items of clothing. It’s usually better to go traveling slightly short-handed than totally over-packed. Unless you’re going to a deserted island you probably don’t need all that stuff.
Over-planning
Most travel experts will tell you that one of the greatest gifts that you can give yourself is the gift of flexibility. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll end up being offered to do. Instead of locking yourself down with a rigid itinerary, stay flexible within a general timeline.
Sure you can still plan your days, but stay open to new adventures if they arise. You never know what kind of opportunities or adventures you could be missing out on simply because you insisted on sticking to your schedule.