Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid

Five Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid

Even though we're no longer newbies to the travel world we can still fall victim to common travel mistakes. It's always silly little things that could have easily been avoided.

Lucky for us we're quick learners and we don't make the same mistake twice. Now like a well-oiled machine we check off our list and make sure we're prepared.

This way our trips will be more smooth sailing with less worry. Who knew a little planning could go such a long way.

Hopefully, you can learn from our trial and error. Check out our top list of five travel mistakes and how to avoid them.

Traveler walking along with a bag on a dirt road

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Not Having a Charger

This may seem like a no-brainer but it goes further than just having a charger in your luggage. We're talking about always having your charger WITH YOU.

We even take it one step further and think you should also keep a charging block on hand. It doesn't have to be a big charging block but just something that can give you a quick charge in case you find yourself needing it.

We use our phones for EVERYTHING when we travel. Calling a Lyft, using GPS, booking reservations for anything and everything. It seems that due to Murphy's Law, the moment we need our phone to be working the battery is low. Now we keep a charger and block in Kelsey's purse so we always have it nearby and ready to use.

Not Checking Bags

When we say not "checking bags" we're not talking about putting bags under the plane. We mean the act of literally double and sometimes triple-checking your bags to make sure everything you need is in there.

We typically make a list of what to pack for each trip. There are also staple items we always ask each other about right before leaving (phone, wallet, keys). Even if you are POSITIVE you packed these items it never hurts to do one final check.

If you are flying it is also a great idea to do one final check to make sure every item is TSA approved. Since we keep all our toiletries in a kit at all times it can be easy to simply put that bag in our luggage without another thought but this can get us in trouble.

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Sometimes it can be something small like a mini aerosol can of dry shampoo. We hate to be wasteful and have to throw items away, plus, getting your bag pulled while traveling can add on time. Be proactive and do one final check of any carry-on items to make sure they will not get flagged while flying.

Using GPS Instructions without Question

GPS is a lifesaver. You can now easily find your way around a new city without ever being there. However, using GPS step-by-step instructions without a second thought can be your downfall.

We can't tell you how many times GPS took us on a route that was not the fastest way. We have also had GPS take us to a location where our destination doesn't even exist.

You don't have to be too paranoid about your GPS app leading you astray but at least take a few extra minutes to make sure everything is looking right.

This means zooming out to look at the full map or checking out the "street view" to see if the building you are going to is where you want to be. We also like to double-check the hours of operation by either calling or looking on the internet as GPS can be wrong.

When we travel we walk almost everywhere. This helps us stay healthy while also exploring a new city. When it comes to using GPS for walking we've found even more hiccups than when driving. First off, the walking path is typically not the fast route.

We're not sure how the GPS decides the route but it may try to keep you on main roads which can add time to the route. The biggest blunder we've encountered is GPS taking us on a route that is not safe or allowed by pedestrians. Now when we GPS a walking route we also use a map and make our own plan of action.

Travel Mistakes You Should Avoid

Not keeping Important Items Nearby

This is probably most important when you are flying and forget to put all important items into a carry-on. Even if you were planning on not bringing a carry-on we suggest at least some type of fanny pack for important items.

Bags get lost, and accidents happen. Having valuables and medications on hand can make all the difference.

Even if we're not flying we make sure to keep important items in Kelsey's purse. This way we know it's always nearby and easy to get to. Typically this means phones and wallets but it also means chapstick and Phil's glasses.

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If you do make the mistake and lose your bags or something valuable, make sure you have travel insurance. We always have some sort of insurance whether it is through credit cards like a Chase Sapphire Card or through a company like AXA Travel Insurance that provides cheap travel insurance no matter where you are going.

Not Giving Yourself Enough Time

Time is always of the essence. No matter where you go or what you are planning GIVE YOURSELF MORE TIME.

Packing for the trip...Give yourself more time. Leaving for the airport...Give yourself more time (having something like Global Entry will save you even more time at the airport!).

Seeing a new city...Give yourself more time. Basically no matter what, giving yourself more time can make a huge difference.

Having built-in extra time can significantly reduce stress with traveling. This way you can get to every destination with time to spare and have a little extra time for exploring. This small change into your travel life can make or break your travel game.

Stop Making Common Travel Mistakes

There are a lot of travel mistakes out there so we at least wanted to give you a rundown of some we've run into over the years. You can't prepare for everything but sometimes a little planning goes a long way.

Traveling is such a fun and wonderful experience and you don't want common travel mistakes to take away from that. Safe traveling!