There’s a good chance if you’ve been traveling for any length of time that you’re better at it now than you were in the past. Each trip represents an opportunity to refine your packing habits, shave off a few minutes at the airport, and find the best airfare deals. What you want to do is identify some common blind spots in your travel strategy that can set you back as you move forward.
These are 10 common travel mistakes you shouldn’t make.
1. Booking Too Far In Advance
Purchasing plane tickets at the very last minute carries some risks (not finding a ticket) and rewards (getting a great deal). The opposite is also true however, booking too far in advance can lock you into unnecessarily high airfare.
2. Never Using AirBnb or Hotels
In some cases one or the other can be better. Limiting yourself to only hotels or vacation rentals can have you missing amenities, deals, and a more local experience. Search both and find out which might be best for you on every trip.
3. Airport To Accommodation
Even people who don’t like to plan should have a good idea on how to get from your arrival point to the place you’re staying before you get there. You’re most vulnerable to scams, overpaying, and losing time with all your luggage while you wait around trying to figure out how to call a cab. foXnoMad Podcast guest Laurie Woolever‘s book World Travel: An Irreverent Guide has details for many major cities worldwide.
4. Over-Packing
Put all the stuff and clothes you’ll need for a week. Anything more means you’ve packed too much stuff you won’t need or can’t just get at your destination.
5. Not Using Mileage Programs
One flight is enough to warrant using a mileage program. Here’s how to make the most of them and since most program miles never expire, they can add up, even if you fly infrequently.
For the remaining 5 travel mistakes (some of my personal favorites on the list) check out the video here.