As
the holiday’s approach – travel is often in ones future –
whether it’s traveling on a freeway to a relatives house or on a
plane to some far off destination. We commonly make serious mistakes
as we travel – whether during the Holiday’s or as the Europeans
would say on Holiday we often make these mistakes:
1.
Overpacking
At
home, with your complete closet available, there's no reason not to
run through work, workout and going to dinner clothes in one day.
But
when your life is crammed into a couple bags, your willingness to
wear outfits or clothes a second or even third time is OK!
Take
it from me who has been called “Pig Pen” for wearing the same
shirt, socks, pants and even underwear more than once – when
traveling why would you want to pay an extra $25.00 – $50.00 for a
second pair of pants when one will do the trick!
So,
those socks and underwear you wore on the plane should be good for
another go.
According
to a recent survey by Travelodge, two-thirds of travelers typically
return from a trip with at least six unworn outfits. SO DON”T
OVERPACK – save time and money!
2.
Not buying something you like as soon as you see it
You
think you're gonna circle back to that shop. I am so guilty of doing
this --- I cannot tell you how many times I should have just
purchased that trinket to remember my trip when I saw it.
You
think you'll see a cheaper, better version somewhere else.
You
won't.
When
you see something you like, just buy it and live without regret.
3.
Not checking your phone plan before traveling abroad
What
you call "international roaming" your phone carrier calls
this "JACKPOT!"
A
week of texts from Bermuda or St. Lucia shouldn't cost more and hurt
worse than open heart surgery. But it happens all the time to
travelers who fail to check their phone plans before departure.
There
are quite a few great APPS for your phone to deal with this issue –
all are inexpensive and some are free.
4.
Taking the "super" shuttle
Wait
on the curb for a ride in a sweat-soaked van and risk being the last
one dropped off on a nine-hotel run, all in the name of saving a few
bucks?
Your
time is worth more than that.
I
HAVE FALLEN FOR THIS MORE THAN ONCE! In the end – it is easier and
faster to pay a couple extra bucks for a cab ride. Who wants to sit
in a van as they drop off 15 passengers to 15 different hotels and if
you like me mine is always the last one on the run!
5.
Thinking you know the perfect time to book a ticket
My
wife is super guilty of this move! She is often waiting like a cat
to pounce on that low fare to wherever. Sometimes she is dead on and
lucky she booked it when she did – other times the fare drops
hundreds of dollars and we pay more because of her great planning.
Bottom
– line – no one really knows how the airlines work to set fares –
so if the price looks good and fits your budget to travel – “book
it Dano!”
6.
Not changing money at the airport
When
traveling internationally, the conventional wisdom is that only
amateurs change money at the airport, because the exchange rate for
foreign currency will be better in town.
It
usually is, but often not by that much.
So
you end up spending that American Dollar that is worth more on taxi’s
and tips to get to your destination so you can change your money at a
slightly higher rate.
I
have made this mistake too and even to the point of telling myself
not to make this mistake and invariably I do it – often because I
want off the plane – and start my vacation.
7.
Not buying the full insurance policy
If
you actually end up needing the travel insurance you purchased,
you're going to want the full coverage. I know – I know – it can
be expensive.
Just
because you're in a country where the beer is cheap, it doesn't mean
the healthcare is.
That
bargain insurance policy might pay for your flight home when you
crash your motor scooter on a winding road in Bermuda.
BUT
–
But
it won't cover the $$$ you will pay for stitches nor the trip to the
emergency room!
Check
your personal insurance before departing to see what it covers and if
it does not cover international travel – you might want to consider
that full coverage option we all have a tendency to decline!
8.
Not printing out reservation details
They're
already on your phone and computer, so why bother with hard copies of
your hotel name and address?
Because
your phone, computer, tablet and other electronics might not work
with the local network as soon as you land, especially after crossing
oceans.
Now
where are you supposed to go?
These
are just a few travel tips as we embark on one of the busiest travel
months leading up to the holidays. Take it from me – if you make
these mistakes there will be nothing Merry about that Holiday travel
to see family and friends!
As
always – give me a call for any insurance needs – if you think
your paying too much you probably are! – 440-527-0304!
