5 Common Mistakes Travelers Make When on Holiday
There are plenty of things to keep in mind when traveling. So long as you’re sensible, vigilant and keen, you’ll be in for an unforgettable experience – but there are things to look out for in order to keep it that way. Here are 5 common mistakes that tourists sometimes make on their travels, and how to avoid them.
Losing your luggage
It’s one of the most dreaded things to happen when traveling, but it happens all too often. Losing your luggage, especially through no fault of your own, is always stressful – and what makes it even worse is if you’re not covered for it.
TINZ details some of the circumstances in which you may find yourself at risk of not being covered. Don’t leave your valuables and personal belongings in plain sight – even if in your car – as you likely won’t be able to claim on insurance. Stay vigilant and keep your belongings with you at all times (when possible) to ensure you don’t run into any unfortunate losses.
Stay vigilant and keep your belongings with you at all times (when possible) to ensure you don’t run into any unfortunate losses.
Disrespecting or ignoring the culture
One of the worst things to do in certain spots of the world is to have a blatant disregard or disrespect for the culture. Take Thailand, for example. Walk into certain buildings here with your shoes on and you won’t be warmly welcomed, as one of their prime cultural values is taking them off before walking through the door.
Brush up on your knowledge before arriving at your planned destination so that you don’t run into any cultural faux pas. Locals across the world are more often than not extremely accommodating and friendly – make sure you don’t offend them with your lack of common customs.
Sticking to one spot
Don’t miss out on your surroundings through a fear of exploring. Many tourists, unfortunately, stick to the parameter of their hotel and rarely leave, effectively missing out on some sights and activities that may await not too far away.
Inquire once you arrive to see if there are any tours or day trips you can join. This way you’ll be with a guide who will show you everything you need to see – if the concept of being left to your own devices in a strange location daunts you, this is the best way to explore.
Related Article: Jiufen and Pingxi Tour with MyTaiwanTour
Getting Lost
On the other side of things, don’t become too confident in your abilities. Time and time again, we hear about the travelers who go missing for a few days after losing themselves in the depths of a foreign country. You’ll want to be prepared and thoroughly know both where you’re heading and how to get to and from it.
Don’t head off the beaten track into uncharted territory, especially if it has been warned against. And don’t opt to take a tour that is led by an unregistered and unqualified group – be sure in who you’re following, and don’t feel the need to go anywhere you don’t want to go.
Related Article: My First Solo Trip to Japan – a Mix of Disaster, Fun, and Adventure
Skipping the local cuisine
Don’t be afraid to tuck into a traditional delicacy! Sure, some dishes are perhaps more challenging than others, but that makes for the fun of it. Take the Korean dish of sannakji, which is essentially a chopped-up live octopus with its tentacles still squirming on the plate. It may sound repulsive, but travelers and locals alike lap it up.
Of course, you may want to avoid tucking straight into the spiciest or most challenging food you can find as soon as you arrive, so as to avoid any illness for the rest of your trip. But you’ll be foolish not to sample the local cuisine – it’s one of the most effective ways to immerse yourself in your location.
Related Article: Food Trip in Malaysia
Great list and reminder! though may I add, for the luggage thing, I suggest (especially if you have a luggage to be checked in and a carry on) you should have your valuables in your carry on instead of putting them in your checked in luggage.
Everyone should do their homework, not only cultures, behaviors, etc, but also look at their way of living – for example, if you are staying in an homestay, airbnb and the likes of it, research if they use 220v or 110v of electricity and the plugs they use (you might bring a universal adapter with you), do they use tissue roll after using a toilet? you might bring your own tabo (Lol!) or something that will substitute for it.
They will also appreciate if you know a bit of their language, even the basics. Don’t expect everyone speaks english because reality is, not everyone knows the language as much as we do.
Also before flying in to a different country, check their current weather, this will give you an idea what kind of clothes to bring.
Traveling involves a little research so do some reading, watching youtube testimonials, ask fellow travelers, etc. Its better to be prepared out there!