It’s completely normal to make mistakes, especially when in a country we have no experience in. However, one costly mistake is enough to leave a sour taste in your mouth when you look back at your trip. Whether you are an avid traveller or don’t travel frequently, these mistakes are usually learnt the hard way after making them.
If you are afraid of making similar mistakes, fret not! Read on to learn more about the prevalent travel mistakes travellers make and prevent it from occurring on your trip.
Booking your flight too late
A common misconception many travellers have is that, if they book their flight late, the price would be lower. However, this is far from the truth. Although there are rare occasions where there are last-minute deals that some airlines give out, this does not happen frequently.
Most of the time, booking a flight late will only lead to the price doubling, tripling or even quadrupling what the original price was. Flying to a country with an overpriced flight is undoubtedly not the right way to start your trip.
Overlooking rental car damage
Travelling across the country in a local taxi could be costly, especially when you’re a tourist. Hence, many tourists rent a car as soon as they touch down in another country. However, this cost-effective decision could potentially turn out to be a costly mistake if you do not check the rental car for any damages beforehand.
Fortunately, this does not mean that you should only rent cars that look fresh out the workshop. A handy tip would be to take pictures of the car’s scratches and dents beforehand. This prevents you from being held accountable for the car’s previous damages and incurring a hefty fee.
Additionally, if you plan on driving abroad, it is in your best interest to get insurance. Having insurance gives you a sense of security when driving on foreign roads. It also protects you by covering your cost in an urgent medical incident, where you may need to call for a medical evacuation to the nearest hospital.
Not following the six-block rule
The six-block rule means that anything within a six-block radius of a tourist attraction will be double or even triple of its usual price. In other words, you’ll be spending more than necessary when it comes to buying souvenirs, food, and the like!
Hence, it is important to keep this rule in mind before making any purchase. It is a cost-effective and straightforward way of making smart travel decisions that’ll help you save money. Besides, not only are food and accommodation six blocks away cheaper – but they are also more authentic and gives you a better local experience when abroad.
However, even though you should look for accommodation away from the tourist attractions, you also need to take care of your own safety. So, pack in important medication, a first aid kit, and do the necessary research to know who to contact when you need immediate medical attention – such as an air ambulance.
Conclusion
Keeping these considerations in mind would ensure that you don’t fall prey to costly mistakes overseas. All that’s left is for you to get out there and cost-effectively, enjoy your trip!
