Even the most experienced travellers tend to make mistakes while travelling. If you want your first overseas trip to be memorable and hassle-free, then you should avoid making these silly travel mistakes. Even simple mistakes made abroad are a blunder. You don't want to make mistakes and get in trouble or possibly also ruin your trip. However, if you plan your trip smartly, you won't get into any problem. A little planning goes a long way. Here are a few common mistakes that a traveller makes while on his first abroad visit-
Overpacking
Vacations are exciting, and you want to look your best in every picture you click while on the trip. For that, you pack a ton of clothes for every possible occasion, which makes it difficult to haul your luggage. Also, you may be charged extra baggage fees for accidentally exceeding the weight limit. Therefore, you should pack light and smart. Take the clothes that you can mix and match without sacrificing your style.
Not Checking Your Cell Phone Plan
It goes without saying that there are different plans for international data usage. Get an international plan that covers international call and data services to avoid spending exorbitantly on your mobile plan . In case you don't want to spend on your mobile plan, turn off your data and switch on the Wi-Fi, and use data when your Wi-Fi is connected. You can even buy a local SIM on arrival.
Not Booking Enough Time in Between Flights
Weather conditions are unpredictable, and flight schedules tend to reschedule in such cases. If such an event takes place, you will have to rush through an unfamiliar airport to get your connecting flight. Hence, it is advised to book your flights with a safe buffer in between.
Not Grabbing Some Local Currency at the Airport
Make sure you have some local currency when you land in a foreign country as you will need that for making payment at public transports and cab rides. Take the money out at the airport's ATM as it will give you a better deal and save you big for emergencies.
Not Informing Your Credit Card Company
Credit card companies flag foreign transactions as credit card fraud. They may even freeze your account due to suspicion. Hence it is advisable for you to inform your credit card company about your travel plans. Also, find out whether they charge a foreign transaction fee to avoid any additional fee surprises in the future.
Packing Too Many Activities or Countries into One Trip
Since it's your first trip, you would want to visit several spots and indulge in several exciting activities, but it's not a good idea. If your itinerary involves a lot of hopping from here to there, it would be really exhausting to you to manage the entire trip without falling ill. Also, you won't be able to explore the hidden gems or follow up on tips from locals.
Not Keeping Valuables Safe
Things can go wrong anytime, anywhere. Theft is the last thing you would like to face while enjoying your trip abroad. Therefore, avoid keeping your cash, gadgets, and other valuables out of your sight. Invest in good anti-theft bags and keep your belongings with you whenever possible.
Not Buying Travel Insurance
A travel insurance policy is your best friend when you travel abroad. It covers several unforeseen circumstances like loss of passport, loss of checked-in baggage, etc. It also includes trip delays so that you don't have to pay in thousands if you can't make it to the destination. Few plans even cover emergency hospitalization expenses and emergency cash assistance.
