We’ve all dreamed of having the perfect vacation, only to return home thinking it wasn’t worth the stress. While travel mishaps can happen, many vacation disasters are self-inflicted and can be a lesson the next time you visit another place. Here are the 8 common ways travelers sabotage their trips.
8. Skipping Travel Insurance and Basic Prep
Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a sudden medical emergency abroad with no insurance. It can also be arriving in a foreign country and discovering that your phone doesn’t work and your cards are blocked. Be sure to contain your excitement and prepare for your trip well in advance. Ready yourself for different scenarios by having a backup plan.
7. Having Unrealistic Expectations
Nope, not all travel will give you that “Eat, Pray, Love” journey. It won’t magically cure your broken heart and solve your existential crisis. If you expect these scenarios, then you’re in for a disappointment. Set your expectations and simply enjoy the moment you’re in.
6. Refusing to Budget Realistically
You’re self-sabotaging yourself when you book the cheapest accommodations in a sketchy neighborhood that’s two hours away from anything interesting. Expect that it won’t look as great as it does in photos. Also, blowing your budget on your first two days and eating convenience store sandwiches for a week is one unbalanced trip. Don’t let financial stress ruin your vacation.
5. Obsessing Over Instagram-Perfect Photos
Spending 45 minutes to get the perfect shot for your breakfast means cold food you won’t get to enjoy. You’ll also annoy the people around you. Try to experience moments on your own and ditch your phone screen. If you’re doing it all for social media, then it means you’re not present in your own vacation. Unless it’s part of your job, put your phone in your bag and savor the moment. Maybe a few photos will do to document your trip.
4. Traveling with Incompatible People
Your group of friends might be amazing to hang out with in your hometown, but you soon discover that they have different agendas, or they complain a lot. Spending a week confined together may not be a good idea. This will ultimately ruin your trip and possibly even your friendship.
3. Never Disconnecting from Work
You filed that leave for a reason, so checking emails isn’t really ideal. Your boss will appreciate your dedication, but your travel companions won’t, and neither will your mental health. You’ll miss a lot of sights just because you’re typing on your phone. Return to your work when you get home, as this might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’re letting go of.
2. Trying to See Everything in One Trip
Attempting to visit 30 cities in 10 days across three countries is not ideal. Why? You’ll likely spend more time in airports and train stations than experiencing anything. Later on, you’ll return home with no experience you can recall. That’s the consequence of trying to squeeze everything in one trip. Be realistic about your itinerary.
1. Refusing to Rest or Sleep In
It’s understandable that you want to get the most out of your trip, but not resting will cost you the enjoyment of your trip. You’ll likely get a headache while walking around and end up sitting down to take a nap. You’ll also ruin the experience for your travel companions, as they will need to wait for you to cool down.