Five costly travel mistakes you should avoid

Travelling sure can be expensive, and making certain travel mistakes can significantly increase costs. Here are five common, costly travel mistakes and how you can avoid them…

1. Not making bookings in advance

Waiting until the very last minute to book flights, accommodation, and activities can lead to higher prices due to limited availability.

Avoid this travel mistake by planning and booking your travel arrangements as early as possible. Use fare alerts and price comparison tools to track and lock in the best deals possible.

2. Ignoring travel insurance

Skipping travel insurance to save money can definitely backfire if you face medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost baggage.

You can avoid this by purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers any medical expenses you might incur, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. Compare policies to find the best coverage for your trip.

3. Exchanging your money at airports

Exchanging currency at airport kiosks often results in poor exchange rates and high fees.

Rather make use of ATMs or local banks upon arrival for better exchange rates. Consider using a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees for purchases abroad.

4. Overpacking and excess baggage fees

Packing too much can lead to hefty overweight or excess baggage fees at the airport.

Be sure to check your airline’s baggage policy before packing your luggage. Use a luggage scale to weigh your bags at home and pack efficiently. Consider shipping items ahead if necessary.

5. Not researching local transportation ahead of your trip

Relying on taxis or airport transfers without exploring cheaper local transportation options can quickly add up.

Research the available public transportation options, such as buses, trains, and rideshare services where you’re visiting. You could also look into purchasing transportation passes or cards for tourists, which can offer savings on multiple rides.