1) Forget to calibrate in time differences - this was one of the mistakes I made quite recently only this year despite all my travel experience. Having bought my single ticket from the UK to Macedonia which incorporated a one hour stop-off, I had assumed that the airline company would have given me the right times for the flight. However, on finishing the first leg of the journey, I bought myself a drink in the waiting room only to hear my name being called over the loudspeaker for immediate boarding. As it turns out, the airline had given my the UK times for the flights so with the one hour time difference, the flight in fact left an hour earlier than expected. Luckily I managed to be ushered through and, embarrassingly, board the small single aisle plane with the entire of the flight customers' eyes on me. Don't make the same mistake - check the timings!
2) Not checking the weather immediately before the trip - many may check the weather in advance when booking but some forget to do so just before leaving. As we know, whether can change quite quickly, forecasts can change, and even these are not always accurate. Leaving a jacket when going to a windy place with cold weather could be costly if new clothes must be bought. Leaving a bathing suit and beach shorts when the sun comes out could be a regret and annoyance you could do without.
3) Buying and eating at the first places you see - tourists are often targeted and it is not always easy to blend in. Don't let the first restaurant to sell their offer win you over - look at all the options and then take your pick of the better. Don't let taxi driver rip you off - agree first before boarding and don't be afraid to say no and go for another if unsure. Barter if it is customary - do your research with locals first so you don't end up paying double or quadruple what you need.
4) Not taking the time to do quick research on activities available - some people prefer to go with the flow and do what others speak of when arriving at places. Sure that can work for some but taking just that bit of time before the trip or even on arrival could mean you don't miss out on what you might enjoy even more. How many times have you left a place after the few days you had there, only to realise you didn't get to do something you'd have liked, regret not having seen what was available before, or think that you'll do it the next time you go there, only to have to wait a very long time to go back? Find out what's available, prioritise must do's and list the could do's if time allows.
5) Not asking the locals for help - it is not just males who don't like asking for directions. Sometimes we all feel like we can figure things out and will spend the time standing on the corner of a street trying to figure out on a map where we are, or spend the time walking past every street corner to peer at the street sign, looking for where we want to be. Finally getting there will make us feel good, but why not ask, get to where you want to be earlier and spend that time enjoying what you are there for, and perhaps even getting to know the locals and making friends? Sure, the first few may perhaps not speak English or know what you are looking for but taking a minute to ask a few more may be much quicker than struggling with a map. With people immigrating and studying/working abroad everywhere, you are likely to find someone you can communicate with and if not, use body language! You cannot communicate - just read the other articles on communication.
2) Not checking the weather immediately before the trip - many may check the weather in advance when booking but some forget to do so just before leaving. As we know, whether can change quite quickly, forecasts can change, and even these are not always accurate. Leaving a jacket when going to a windy place with cold weather could be costly if new clothes must be bought. Leaving a bathing suit and beach shorts when the sun comes out could be a regret and annoyance you could do without.
3) Buying and eating at the first places you see - tourists are often targeted and it is not always easy to blend in. Don't let the first restaurant to sell their offer win you over - look at all the options and then take your pick of the better. Don't let taxi driver rip you off - agree first before boarding and don't be afraid to say no and go for another if unsure. Barter if it is customary - do your research with locals first so you don't end up paying double or quadruple what you need.
4) Not taking the time to do quick research on activities available - some people prefer to go with the flow and do what others speak of when arriving at places. Sure that can work for some but taking just that bit of time before the trip or even on arrival could mean you don't miss out on what you might enjoy even more. How many times have you left a place after the few days you had there, only to realise you didn't get to do something you'd have liked, regret not having seen what was available before, or think that you'll do it the next time you go there, only to have to wait a very long time to go back? Find out what's available, prioritise must do's and list the could do's if time allows.
5) Not asking the locals for help - it is not just males who don't like asking for directions. Sometimes we all feel like we can figure things out and will spend the time standing on the corner of a street trying to figure out on a map where we are, or spend the time walking past every street corner to peer at the street sign, looking for where we want to be. Finally getting there will make us feel good, but why not ask, get to where you want to be earlier and spend that time enjoying what you are there for, and perhaps even getting to know the locals and making friends? Sure, the first few may perhaps not speak English or know what you are looking for but taking a minute to ask a few more may be much quicker than struggling with a map. With people immigrating and studying/working abroad everywhere, you are likely to find someone you can communicate with and if not, use body language! You cannot communicate - just read the other articles on communication.
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