Travelling to a different country for the first time is an exciting venture that also involves some thoughtful considerations. First-time travellers often make mistakes like not getting travel insurance and overpacking luggage.
These mistakes may seem minor, but can interfere with travel safety and experience. So, here are some of the mistakes that you must avoid to have a memorable foreign trip.
Top 14 Mistakes to Avoid If You Want to Travel Like a Pro
If you are travelling for the first time, try to avoid these mistakes and enjoy your trip like a pro traveller:
1. Not Carrying Enough Cash
Many tourists think carrying cash can be risky and consider credit cards a convenient financial option. However, depending solely on credit cards during a foreign trip may cause unexpected issues like limited usage in remote locations, higher transaction charges, etc. So, even with a credit card, check the transaction fees with your credit card company.
Moreover, avoid exchanging money at the airport since it involves higher transaction fees and poor rates. For favourable rates, consider withdrawing money from ATMs. Also, always keep a substantial amount of cash handy in emergencies.
2.Packing Extra Stuff
Though it may seem trivial, you will not prefer carrying heavy luggage while travelling. It is not only uncomfortable to carry heavy luggage, but it can also attract high luggage fees. However, that doesn’t mean you will unpack your luggage and miss out on the essential items. You must maintain a balance between over- and underpacking your stuff.
Consider packing what you need and always keep some space for the souvenirs. Stay updated with the weather forecast and consider your activities to decide what to pack.
3.Not Having Enough Information on Flight Times or Airport
Inadequate information about the airport or flight timing can make you arrive at the wrong airport or miss the connecting flight. To avoid such inconveniences, always check the details of your flight twice and check the connection times and terminal properly.
Try to arrive early at the airport to avoid unexpected delays and ensure you get enough time between flights to tackle any potential issues.
4.Ignoring Local Culture
One of the common travel mistakes you should avoid is not being able to adapt to the local culture of the country you are travelling to. Embracing local culture enables you to experience a connection with the locals and enjoy it to the fullest. You can learn the key local phrases in their native language to interact and communicate better.
Always try to enjoy the local cuisine and follow their cultural norms for a rooted experience.
5.Not Having Travel Insurance
First-time travellers often make a big mistake by excluding travel insurance from the priority list. They consider it unnecessary, but having travel insurance is a much-needed backup in a foreign country.
It protects you against losing belongings, passport, etc., flight cancellations, and more. Besides, it provides coverage for your medical treatments in case of emergency health requirements.
6.Including Too Much on Your Itinerary
Some travellers are too excited about their trip and prepare a long itinerary. This can make you exhausted, and you must rush the entire trip without any relaxation or enjoyment. So, you should prepare a balanced schedule to ensure enough relaxation and explore the new place.
List the key areas worth visiting and visit them on your first trip. You can always plan another holiday and explore the off-beat destinations later on.
7.Not Enquiring about the Visa Requirements
Another crucial mistake that first-time travellers often make is not checking the visa requirements of their destination correctly. This may lead to inconvenient situations such as denial of your entry to the country.
Review the countries’ specific visa rules and regulations before planning your trip. Gather information from government websites to avoid any miscommunication and confusion.
8. Avoiding Local Transportation
Overlooking local transportation can increase your travel costs and reduce efficiency. Depending only on taxis or rental cars isn’t always ideal since many places provide budget-friendly and convenient public transit options. Exploring buses, trains, trams, or bike rentals can help you save both money and time.
Furthermore, while planning your trip, learn about the local transport system. Often, it’s the fastest and most economical way to get around and makes your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
9.Not Keeping Track of the Time Zones
Always verify time zones when arranging flights or making travel plans to prevent mix-ups. Overlooking time zone changes can lead to missed flights or hotel booking errors. Another common issue is not adapting to the local time after arrival, which often causes jet lag, especially on long journeys.
To reduce jet lag, start adjusting your sleep routine before you leave and drink plenty of water during your flight. Once you arrive, try to stay awake until local bedtime and spend time outside to help your body adapt.
10.Leaving Behind Necessary Items
Travellers often forget belongings on planes, trains, buses, or hotel rooms, which can be stressful and lead to financial loss. To avoid this, always check your seat and accommodation before leaving. Keep valuables in a lockable travel pouch for security and convenience.
Use the hotel safe for extra protection of essential items. An RFID-blocking wallet can help protect your passport and credit cards. It’s also wise to make copies of vital documents and keep digital and paper backups.
11. Choosing Cheap Foreign Trips from India
You may get easily attracted to cheap foreign trips from India, but this is not always safe. It can be a trap to drag you into something dangerous or a scam. So, travel within your budget, but do not fall for something too affordable to believe.
Always enquire about the package and location from trusted sources before finalising your trip.
12. Visiting the Major Tourist Attractions Only
Visiting famous attractions is worthwhile, but your most unforgettable moments often come from exploring lesser-known spots. Discovering hidden local gems gives you a more profound, more authentic sense of the place you’re visiting. Popular sites can sometimes lead to tourist traps, so it’s smart to seek advice from locals.
Try to dine and shop at places away from the main tourist areas for a more genuine experience. You’ll likely find better value and unique memories.
13. Staying Unprepared for Unexpected Expenses
Unexpected costs can arise while travelling, such as emergencies, missed flights, or spontaneous activities, which can add up quickly. To reduce stress, maintain a travel emergency fund and keep extra cash or a credit card.
Don’t carry all your money in cash for safety reasons. It’s wise to reserve about 10-20% of your travel budget for unforeseen expenses, ensuring you’re prepared for any surprises during your trip.
14. Planning Your Trip at Peak Season
Travelling during busy seasons often means higher prices and crowded attractions. To save money and avoid the crowds, consider visiting your destination during the off-peak season. You’ll likely find better deals on hotels and activities, and you’ll experience the place more relaxed and authentic, without the usual tourist rush.
Thus, following these easy tips can help you plan a better foreign tour with your loved ones. Always stay prepared and get travel insurance to tackle unforeseen situations in a distant land.