Traveling is a very enriching experience. You get to explore new places and learn about different cultures. Unfortunately, it can also cost you an arm and a leg, especially if you do not plan your trip carefully. Here are ten of the most expensive mistakes you can make and should avoid as a traveler:....
10. Failing to Research on Available Transportation
One of the most basic things you need to find out about the place you are visiting would be the different modes of transportation available. You do not have to take the cab or a car rental all the time. If the place you are visiting has a reliable and an efficient public transportation system, then take advantage of it. It will save you a lot of money. You can research online before you leave so you will know the cheapest and fastest way to get around the places you are visiting. You can start by finding out how you will reach your hotel from the airport.
9. Planning a Very Touristy Trip
It is understandable that you want to visit all the main attractions in whatever place you visit. However, you are not required to visit all the so-called tourist attractions that locals are promoting. These places can be costly as they may come with what we call tourist rates. Before embarking on your journey, try to do some research online and look for alternative spots that you can visit. They may not be as popular but at least, they will not hurt your budget.
8. Failing to Book Your Accommodations
Travelers are becoming more and more adventurous. We often hear of backpackers going around different places. However, you have to balance your desire for spontaneity with practical considerations. You would not want to wander around an unfamiliar place late at night when you are exhausted and hungry without any place to stay in. There are security risks to consider. Out of desperation, you might end up staying in an expensive hotel if the more affordable ones are all fully booked. If you really want to embark on an adventure, at least book your accommodations for the first night to buy time to scout the area for one day.
7. Booking Your Flight Too Early
We cannot help it if you are really excited about your trip that you decide to buy your tickets several months before you actually leave. However, you do not have to be very competitive. Remember that airlines may have last minute deals that could cut your plane fares by a huge amount. You may also want to check with your trusted travel agent as it may be entitled to additional discounts that you can take advantage of. It would be ideal to wait for around three months before your intended trip to buy your tickets so you do not have to cry when you see cheaper deals being sold after you have already paid for your own tickets.
6. Failing to Get Medical Insurance
When you are planning your trip, the first thing you normally get rid of is the medical and travel insurance. I am sure you often untick the box for travel insurance when you buy your plane tickets. There is nothing wrong with thinking positive but when you are traveling, it is better to be safe than sorry. Getting sick or being involved in an accident in a foreign country can be very expensive because chances are, medical expenses are not part of your budget. Thus, it is important to get medical insurance, especially if you will be engaged in adventurous and risky activities. Check your existing medical insurance as some companies allow you to extend your coverage when traveling.
5. Failing to Inform Your Credit Card Company
With the prevalence of credit card fraud, especially for transactions overseas, credit card companies are being very cautious and suspicious when it comes to expensive purchases abroad. So if you plan to go overseas and use your credit card extensively, make sure to give your credit card company advanced notice so that it will not unilaterally suspend your card when it suspects fraud with your purchases. After all, you would not want to be embarrassed with a declined credit card. Who knows, your credit card company may even agree to temporarily increase your credit limit.
4. Carrying Excess Baggage
Of course we all want to look our best when we travel. However, this does not mean going overboard and taking your entire closet with you. With strict airline regulations that limit the weight and number of luggage you can bring when you travel, you have to make sure that your baggage is within the limits set by your airline. You would not want to repack your stuff at the check-in counter or leave some of your belongings behind, or even worse, shell out additional cash to pay for excess baggage fees. The key here is to plan your wardrobe and pack your clothes wisely.
3. Losing Your Travel Documents
Your travel documents are probably the most valuable things that you carry with you during your trip. These documents include your passport, visas, and plane tickets. Losing them will have a lot of serious repercussions. You can be subjected to security risks, specifically for identity theft, as your most important and personal details can be found in these records. It will also be a waste if you need to spend a few hours or even days to obtain replacement documents. Add to that the costs of calling and traveling to the embassies or consulates and fees to get the new travel documents. Make sure to keep these documents secure and keep copies so you will not have a problem getting them replaced later on.
2. Using Your Mobile Phone on Roaming Rates
Whenever you travel to a foreign country, make sure to have contingencies for your mobile phone needs. This is essential if you do not want to be surprised with outrageous fees and rates for call and data roaming. Some telecommunications company charge you for everything that happens to your phone when you are out of the country – incoming and outgoing calls, incoming and outgoing messages, etc. You can check with your provider if they offer a fixed package for unlimited messaging, call, and data roaming services. Better yet, you may just want to buy a SIM card at the place you are visiting if they do not really cost that much.
1. Changing Your Flight Reservations
You have to plan your trips carefully. Before buying your ticket, make sure the dates you have chosen do not clash with other important events or trips that you have to attend to. Otherwise, you will have to literally pay for this mistake dearly. You have to pay for re-booking fees and the fare difference between your new ticket and the ticket you purchased earlier. Sometimes the costs are too high that it can already pay for an entirely new and different trip.
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