5 Things You Should Never Do When You Travel

After traveling a lot, it’s easy to become familiar with travel do’s and dont’s. But many people don’t travel often. So we created this list of 5 things you should never do while traveling.

Traveling is fun and exciting; it is an adventure that lets you see the world and gain experience. But it can also be expensive and confusing – especially when you travel abroad.

There are certain things that you should know and be prepared for.

And, there are also certain things you shouldn’t do.

Without doing a bit of research before you go, you may end up wasting time, money, and opportunity.

Of course, there are things you should never do while you travel, too.

Since we always worry about what we should do rather than what we shouldn’t do, we thought we’d fill you in on today’s travel no-no’s.

 

1. You Should Never Spend All of Your Time near Tourist Spots

Tourist traps are called this for good reason. Locals know where to find the naïve tourists looking to gain cultural experience – and willing to pay for it.

Sadly, the “cultural experience” you receive is a watered-down version of reality.

Choosing to shop, eat, and sleep near these areas means that you will end up spending more money than necessary. And, the experience isn’t even all that legitimate.

When traveling, be sure to get an authentic experience by immersing yourself in the local culture.

• Eat where the locals eat and stay off the beaten path.
• Ask locals where they spend their time, where they like to shop, and what they like to do.
• You may be surprised at how much money you will and how many amazing experiences you will have.

2. You Should Never Book Your Travel Without Seeking All Your Options

There are many ways to travel. Commercial and private aircraft, cruise ship, train, automobile, etc.

Don’t jump at the first thing you see because it looked cheap. Consider all of your options.

You may find that there are unknown or budget-friendly airlines that can give you the best deal, but you won’t necessarily find them on major search engines.

Likewise, private aircraft also allows you to score some deals. This is especially true if you are traveling with a group or find an available empty leg special.

For those traveling through Europe, you may want to consider the same.

• Traveling via train is typically the most common options.
• However, empty leg specials on private jets could get you where you are going faster, cheaper, and in luxurious style.

The point? Keep your travel options open.

 

 

3. You Should Never Buy from Any Store That Isn’t Local

First, your plan to travel to your destination did not likely come with the thought that you’d like to see the commercialized version and never truly see anything.

So, why go to the country and spend your money for generic items that were made in other countries?

Here’s an example.

1. When traveling to Spain, you decide to make a stop at a souvenir shop outside of the Alhambra.

2. You see floor to ceiling souvenirs screaming “Pick me! Pick me!”

3. When you finally find an Alhambra replica that you want to purchase, you flip it over and it says, “Made in China.”

4. Is that how you want to always remember your trip to Spain? Not likely.

Move to a different part of town and you can find a local market with booths set up selling handmade necklaces, purses, and the like.

Local, handmade items that are not mass-produced all over the world.

Choosing to make your purchase here means that you are supporting the local economy. You also have the added benefit of purchasing an authentic souvenir.

 

4. You Should Never Travel Without a Backup Plan

As soon as you leave home, you need a Plan B.

We want you to have the most amazing and memorable trip ever.

Unfortunately, what we want and what actually happens are two different things.

Sometimes life gets in the way.

Accidents happen. Thieves happen. Natural disasters happen. And, so much more.

When you are miles away from home and something happens to you, you better have a plan in place.

1. When traveling abroad, be sure to have a spare copy or two of your passport and travel itinerary. (It is a good idea to leave a copy of this with a trusted person back home, too, just in case).

2. Know how to get in contact with your local Embassy while traveling, in case of emergency.

3. Never carry all of your money and credit cards together in one place.

4. If you become the victim of a pickpocket or purse snatching, then you are left with nothing. It is a good idea to spread these items around in multiple locations on your person and in a secret compartment within your luggage.

 

 

5. You Should Never Rush When You Travel

Slow down.

Enjoy your travels and the experiences you are privy to.

Rushing isn’t going to speed up time. Instead, all it will do is get you worked up, anxious, and frustrated. And, it will likely cause your positive mood to go sour.

Consume yourself and your actions with everything going on around you.

• Meet locals.
• Learn your way around a new city.
• Eat some delightful ethnic food.

Whatever you do, just do it without a time constraint. Leave the play-by-play itineraries at home.

When you arrive at your destination, visit the local tourist bureau and discover all the must-see things to do and local events.

Then, just do it.

You will realize that by not living by the clock you are able to better enjoy all that your destination has to offer – and you will begin to see your body (and mind) truly relaxing.

 

Conclusion

There are many things that you should do when you travel – and many that you should not.

Don’t waste time, money, and energy on the latter. Instead, take in the experience.

Fly a private jet. Stay in a hostel. Make a new friend. Discover hidden gems at every stop.

You only live once – and that life goes by faster than you can imagine.

So, get out there and see the world while you can.