We’re all humans and we make mistakes. Which usually doesn’t mean the end of the world. But when travelling, you spent quite a lot of money which makes it more painful when things don’t go the way they were planned.
We made a list with six mistakes you should avoid while travelling. We tell you about our experiences and why we talk about this at all.
Well, quick answer to that: Being egoistic, we try to travel in a way that makes us happy. When we come home we want to be full of happy memories. And they are easy to remember.
Provoking burglary
It was only this year when it happened to a family member: The first day in Lisbon his wallet was stolen. No, he didn’t just lose it. It happened in the Tram 28, which is the tourist tram. It was full of people and if you’re not aware of your stuff, this could happen any time.
No one provoked this, but: Trying to take care of your staff will never be a bad idea. Professionals will get your staff anyway, but you can try your very best to make life hard for them. See this as some kind of revenge.
Keep in mind: Keep an eye on your stuff and bags. Do not leave them alone, even if it’s just for a photo.
Bad preparation
In some countries, there is no need to book your accommodation in advance. For example in Thailand. It’s enough to book the first night. Everything else can be done when you’re there. But if you want something specific, you better book here in advance.
If you want to save money, you should at least inform yourself about the prices before. Our experiences in Asia: If you spend more, you get more. This can not be taken for granted everywhere else.
If you’re lucky, you can get a cheap last minute flight. According to our experiences, prices are lowest six weeks in advance. Of course, you need to know the prices before to know whether you made a good deal or not.
This can also upset you: Certain sights are not open every day, whether it’s a day of rest or a holiday. Or maybe you have to book tickets in advance like we had to for Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
Furthermore travel guides and blogs offer you a lot of information and inspiration. Travel guides name you the hard facts while blogs tell you about their own experiences. You should combine both.
Eating and Drinking at touristic places
It is not always wrong to do this. But: most touristic sites have ridiculous prices, while you often get more value for your money in the alleys next to them. For example in Dubrovnik, Venice or Capri. (Doesn’t mean we didn’t do it!)
If the prices are good, there’s no reason why you should avoid those places providing you like crowded places. Sometimes there are those bad rumors that you won’t find good meal in touristic places. We’re not sure whether to believe this. You should make the experiences on your own.
Arrogance
My favourite topic. There are seven billion people on this earth and it’s totally normal disagreeing with some of them or not to like them. But there are some people who are aware of being mean to other people. Let’s call it the disgusting version of not liking someone. Why do those people do this? Stupidity, ignorance, arrogance… you name it.
If you’re travelling to a foreign country you should at least know a little bit about the people’s habits so you won’t provoke problems. To behave like an asshole is not an option, even if your only purpose is getting drunk in Mallorca. You will leave a bad impression and people become mad about you. You don’t care? Well, you should. Worst case: People feeling motivated to ruin your mood as well. Just to express it in a polite way. Don’t think this will make you leave with good memories.
Friendliness is trump. Smiling as well. Just that simple. Who even wants to be surrounded by unpolite and snotty people. You want the waitress to spit in your meal? No? Then stay friendly.
When in Lisbon’s underground, a German guy (unfortunately), was complaining what kind of third world country underground this is. Fact is, Lisbon’s underground is a quite new one and therefore in great condition. Germany (just to name Berlin and Frankfurt) can only dream about that.
Regarding language issues: You don’t have to study all kinds of culture and language books but some basics would definitely help. Natives of the country are always happy when people try to say ‘Hello’ or ‘Thank you’ in their language. People smile when you do and everyone is happy.
On our way to the Acropolis in Athens, we met a painter who wanted to talk to us and was totally happy about our English skills. He said, the French men are the worst and called them narrow minded people. At first we thought it was funny what the old man was telling us but actually it was not. This guy didn’t even expect them to speak Greek, but just a little bit English. He just wanted a little bit of cooperation. To some people this means a lot.
Way too much luggage
A very difficult topic. Meanwhile it became routine. Nevertheless I always take a little bit too much with me. For Barcelona and Bali I managed it just to pack what I really needed. Still got a weird feeling like I forgot something. Which I didn’t!
Too much luggage is just annoying. Too heavy to carry, clothes you’re not going to where anyway, cosmetics you won’t need. Too many shoes.
General rule: If you’re not sure whether you’ll need something, leave it at home. Usually you can buy everything everywhere. Don’t waste your time and pack only things YOU REALLY NEED!
Travelling health insurance
What kind of mistake can people make here? Well, first not to even have one. Thank God, we never needed it. But if this would be the case, I really don’t want to spend thousands of euros on doctors or hospital costs. I mean, it can be really expensive. Just in case you overread it.
The second mistake would be not to compare the various insurances. Some offer more than others. Depends on what you think you’ll need. Google helps a lot comparing them.
We hope, this list will help you a little bit. If you have more ideas about what there should be on this list or if you don’t like something, just leave a comment below!
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