Be it your first adventure abroad or your passport is studded with stamps, be careful to avoid these pitfalls to not spoil your vacation.
Going with the wrong shoes while traveling
We would like each trip to be as comfortable and glamorous as an episode of Real Housewives – but it rarely happens like that in real life. One of our readers wrote to us that, crazy about her high heels, she had stuffed a few pairs into her suitcase before a trip to Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, it was not the shoe ideal for hiking in the rainforest, an excursion she had been dreaming of for a long time. His walk ended when a strap of his shoe broke. What kind of shoes did she buy? A pair of water shoes with extraterrestrial heads on top, the only pair at the size of the stores in the area. For these next trips, this globe-trotter learned that always had to pack at least a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
When traveling, do not believe that your phone is automatically set for international
We have all seen a real-time photo of friends standing in front of the Eiffel Tower or other enviable destination. After all, international travel is probably included in your phone plan, right? False! Each company has its own policy for international travel and generally sells packages abroad. If your phone is not locked, you can also buy a Sim card that will work in the country you are going to. Before leaving home, check with your provider that you have the right package for your trip to be able to share the wonderful moments you live with your friends and family – without ending up with a 1200 bill $, as it has happened to a poor traveler.
Before a trip, do not forget to visit a travel clinic
Travel clinics offer a wide variety of health services such as vaccine updates, diarrhea and altitude sickness medications, and insect repellents to help you travel safely. Health authorities usually recommend going to one of these clinics four to six weeks before you leave to give the vaccines time to become effective. I did not know about these traveler’s clinics a few years ago when I volunteered to work in a hospital in the Dominican Republic. As a result, I caught an intestinal virus and had a rash, two health problems that can put a damper on the pleasure of discovering a new country.
Neglecting to warn your bank that you are going on a trip
Nothing is more annoying when you are abroad than to be blocked by your bank and to have no more access to your accounts. Believe us! We have already made this mistake and we swear it would never happen again. Before taking off, let your bank and credit card provider know where and for how long. Many financial institutions allow you to do this online; this is a precaution which you can only congratulate yourself.
Travel insurance? To do what ?
It is anchored in us: we systematically decline all these little “supplements” that we are offered when we buy something. But maybe you should think twice before saying no to travel insurance. Depending on the destination or activities you plan to do on site, travel insurance can save you the hassle of having to spend a good deal if your journey does not go as smoothly as planned. Travel insurance companies can offer you package protection or more personalized coverage. These insurances cover medical emergencies in addition to offering you travel and luggage protection as well as life insurance – which you will never need, hopefully. Travel insurance will give you peace of mind in most cases. Here’s what to do if your airline loses your luggage.
Put your medicine in your suitcase
Do not hide it! Sometimes we are separated from our luggage for a while and panic sets in. Pro tip: If you are traveling with basic necessities like drugs, put them in your carry-on baggage. That way, if you are stuck in a long correspondence at the airport or your baggage is lost, you will be relieved to know that your health will not suffer.
Do not change money at the airport
You need to get local money as quickly as possible. In many countries, taxis, public transport, local markets
Forgetting to lock up your valuables
A frequent traveler has already told us that he learned this lesson the hard way when he neglected one day to lock up his professional camera. When he came back that night, his camera was not found.
Ignore the signals on the beach
Although this advice seems a little unusual in a list of this kind, its particular character deserves mention. You have finally arrived at your destination? If you are planning to go basking on a beach, this new jersey you bought before you leave may not be worth much. As most locals tell you, if you look at the signs posted in the area, you may discover that it is a nudist beach – signage is not always easy to find. As a beach enthusiast told us: “It’s also weird to be the only one to be dressed on a nudist beach than to be the only one to be naked on a beach” dressed “.
A very friendly advice: do yourself a favor and read the signs so that you do not feel uncomfortable or totally out of place. Want to buy your next ticket online?
