Do you have an upcoming trip in your future? Are you sure you aren’t making any travel mistakes? Traveling is a great way to see new things, eat new foods, and participate in amazing experiences, but there are common travel mistakes you could be making that will cost you.
Here are some travel mistakes that you should avoid making so you can put all of that saved money towards your next trip!
Eating in Tourist Spots
Restaurants and cafes located in close proximity to major tourist attractions are likely to be busier and more expensive than those located a little further out. Instead of looking for a meal in a busy tourist spot, try to find where the locals go. The food will be just as good or better, the wait time will be less, and it will likely cost you less, too.
Flying Instead of Driving
Flying generally gets you where you are going faster, but it may not be the most cost-effective way to travel. Compare the prices of flying versus taking a train, bus, or car. There are even fly-or-drive calculators that you can use to see how your options compare.
Paying for Water
Don’t waste your hard-earned travel money on paying for bottled water. Get a nice reusable water bottle, preferably with a charcoal filter (they make even the worst city water palatable), and refill your bottle for free at drinking water stations or in your hotel room. This can also keep you from buying overpriced sodas and juices.
Keeping All of Your Money In One Place
Having your cash and credit cards stolen is a hassle on a normal day, but it’s a much bigger deal when you are traveling, especially if the thief ends up with ALL of your money and credit cards. Don’t keep all of your cash and cards in one place; split them up over multiple pockets, shoes, and bags that you keep in your personal bag. That way, you don’t run the risk of losing everything.
Overpacking
Overpacking your bags can lead to additional fees for overweight or oversized bags. If you can travel with just a carry-on, you should. Then, you don’t have to worry about lost luggage, additional fees, or waiting around in baggage claim. Thanks to packing cubes, you can get a lot of stuff in a single carry-on if you pack smart.
Traveling in Peak Season
Peak season may be different depending on where you are going, but for many destinations, peak season is summer. That means there will be higher prices for everything and you’ll have to deal with larger crowds. Adjusting your travel plans by just a few weeks can save you a lot of money, and you won’t have to deal with the crowds, or at the very least, they will be smaller.
Drinking Foreign Alcohol
If you are traveling and want a drink, try what the locals are drinking instead of ordering a foreign beer. For example, if you find yourself in Ireland, don’t head to the bar and order a Budweiser. Import taxes on alcohol vary from country to country, but they can be quite high.
Using Money Exchange Services
Don’t use the money exchange services that you will find in every airport and train station. These exchange services charge large fees and have poor exchange rates. If you need cash while traveling, just withdraw it from the ATM.
Booking The First Flight You See
Don’t book the first flight you see to your destination. Check other airlines and dates to see if you are really getting the best deal. There are plenty of comparison sites you can use to make your research easy. Don’t forget to clear your browser’s cache and cookies before booking your flight; that one simple step can save you a lot!
Forgetting to Tell Your Bank
Before you travel, you need to let your bank and credit card companies know when and where you are traveling. Otherwise, your transactions might be declined, and your cards put on hold to prevent fraudulent charges on your account.
Not Buying Travel Insurance
Of course, you don’t want to get ill or injured on your trip, but it could happen, and if you don’t have travel insurance, it can be a devastating blow to your finances. Get travel insurance before your trip so that you can have peace of mind and enjoy it. If you do find yourself injured or sick, you’ll be covered.
Eating Out For Every Meal
Sure, you’re on vacation, and you may not have a kitchen, but that doesn’t mean you have to go out to a restaurant for every meal. Instead, hit the local grocery store or market for some of your meals. The deli is a great place to grab some premade salads or sandwiches that you can enjoy in a nearby park. While you are in the store, grab some shelf-stable snacks, fruit, and drinks to keep in your room so you aren’t tempted to use overpriced vending machines.
Traveling During International Holidays
Unless you want to pay more for everything from flights to hotels and even entry to attractions, don’t travel during big international holidays like Christmas. This includes any major holidays that might be occurring in the area you are traveling to. For example, finding an affordable hotel during Chinese New Year is nearly impossible, and navigating transportation can be a nightmare.
Booking Your Flight on the Wrong Day
If you are looking for the best deal on your flight, Tuesday is generally acknowledged as the cheapest day for flights because there isn’t as much demand. You will also save the most money on your flight by using a booking window of three weeks to three months before your travel date.
Not Setting a Budget and Using It
One of the biggest travel mistakes you can make is not setting a budget before your trip and sticking to it. Check your card balances and how much you have withdrawn and spent from ATMs so that you don’t return home to find that you spent more than you intended to.
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