7 Things NOT To Do When You Want To Travel

I’m getting super antsy to get back out there and see what else the world has to offer me. I don’t know about you, but I won’t ever stop traveling. The last thing I want to do is make a mistake when booking something, or forget to research something super important. In order to do that, I make sure I go through these things NOT to do, when I want to get traveling.

Do not just book the first cool looking resort you find. 

There are so many other fun options out there, and you could be missing out on something better for a similar price! There are also sales, and offers that may be currently active but you’re missing out on that $40 spa credit if you don’t know it’s there because you didn’t do the research.

Please do not go to another country without doing some research on local customs

Customs are different everywhere, be aware.  Ex: Churches in Italy require you to cover up your shoulders, midriff, and your thighs if your shorts or skirt is too short. You’d need to make sure you have appropriate clothing on any excursions that you go on, or even just walking down the street.

Do not travel without having a Plan B or the opportunity to create one while traveling.

Things happen…like COVID-19. I was supposed to be on a river cruise up the Rhine River when things started to close down in Amsterdam. We had to use our resources like Skype, to call the airline and reschedule our flight home. We were in Amsterdam and stayed for 4 days as opposed to our 10 day trip that included stopping at a few places on the Rhine in Germany and The Netherlands.

Don’t book your flights last.

Flights can fill up fast, and sometimes the dates can make or break your budget. Ex:  If you book your hotel on 3/22 but you can’t get a flight until 3/23? You need to then alter your hotel stay. It’s just more trouble than it’s worth. Also keep in mind layovers can include an extra day in wither getting to your location or returning home. It’s best to figure all that out before you look at hotels and resorts.

Don’t plan on flying everywhere. Especially if you’ll be in Europe

Trains are a great option in Europe and more than likely will be cheaper than trying to fly around if you’ll be country hopping.

Definitely do not buy travelers checks.

These days most businesses and banks don’t know what to do with them. It’s so old school and phasing out of travel norms that it’s just not worth it. I get wanting them for financial safety while traveling but there are new ways to handle that and I talk about some of those safety actions in my blog post on How to Prevent Pick-Pocketing.

Last but not least, do not book travel without travel insurance!!!!

As we have all learned through this COVID-19 pandemic, you really never know what could happen. All those who think it won’t happen to you, this is proof that it could in fact happen to you. We’ve been lucky so far in that, many of the travel companies and airlines are taking changes and cancellations for free given the seriousness of the issue, but that will not always be the case. Ex: What happens if the airline loses your luggage? That extra hundred or so bucks can save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Just get the dang insurance people

***Bonus*** Use a Travel Agent. 

They can help make sure that you don’t do any of the above. They’ll do their best to talk you into travel insurance, (advice of which you should heed), and they may even be able to get you deals and extras you never would have been able to receive without them. 

If you’re ready to do this, and avoid all of the things NOT to do when looking to travel, go to my Need A Travel Agent? page, and fill out the form. Let’s get working on you next trip!