7 TRAVEL MISTAKES WE NEED TO STOP MAKING

DON’T LET THESE COMMON MISHAPS SPOIL YOUR NEXT LONG-AWAITED HOLIDAY

NOT READING THE BUDGET AIRLINE FINE PRINT

You’ve trawled all the sites online and found a bargain airfare – great news! Not so fast! Before you commit, make sure you read the fine print being especially careful to check what the baggage allowance is. This is where they can sting you at the airport, the fees per kilo can be enormous. Suddenly that super-cheap airfare turns out more expensive than a full-service carrier.

CHOOSING TO CHANGE MONEY AT AIRPORTS

While it’s handy, if you want to save money, go elsewhere rather than exchanging money at the airport where it can be expensive with high rates and cash-in fees aplenty. There are usually more favourable rates away from tourist hotspots. Consider getting a travel money card so you don’t have to worry. Other options include using your ATM or credit card at local banks which does come with a fee. It pays to do some research on which is the best way for you.

OVER-PACKING

It’s an error we all make – should you pack that third pair of shoes? How many frocks will you need? What if the weather turns? Invariably we over-pack and that means we not only have to haul a giant case around, but there’s no room for any purchases along the way. Next time you pack, do a trial run and half it. We guarantee it will be enough!

NOT CHECKING THE EXPIRY ON YOUR PASSPORT

Got six months or less left on your passport? Get a new one! Some countries insist your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date you plan to exit their borders. Indonesia, for example, requires a passport valid for six months.

LANDING IN THE WRONG AIRPORT

Booking a European adventure on the internet? Make sure you research where in a city the airport is. Many cities have more than one airport with some quite a distance from the action. You could also be flying into one and leaving from another. You could be up for a whopping taxi fare to get to where you want to go.

NOT KNOWING ABOUT VISAS AND VACCINATIONS

No matter where you are going it pays to do some research beforehand on safety risks, visas, health vaccinations, and different laws that may apply. Not knowing, for example, that you need to fill out an ESTA visa waiver for the US before you go, or that you need a visa to visit China, could mean you are denied entry. It takes just a few minutes to check the Smartraveller site before any trip and subscribe to the free updates.

FORGETTING TRAVEL INSURANCE

Heading overseas, or on a cruise? Get travel insurance. Not sure which one to purchase? Be sure to read what it covers and whether it is right for you, especially if you are hiring a car or getting involved in snow sports. Should you get injured or sick in the US without insurance, for example, the bill will run into the thousands. Seek advice from travel agents on what might be the best fit for your trip so you don’t end up with massive bills.