Finding yourself in an unfamiliar place while travelling can be unpredictable, so it’s best to control what you can, so the rest of the adventure can work its magic. In this blog, we’ve put together a list of common travel mishaps and some ways to avoid them so you canjet set like a pro.
Expired Passport
Travelling with a passport that’s expired or about to expire is definitely something to look out for. Requirements for how long your passport needs to be valid for varies by country, so it’s important to look into timeframes well before you embark on your trip. For example, visitors to Canada are minimally required to hold a passport that’s valid for the duration of their stay, and in some instances, the requirement can extend for a longer period. Other countries require a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, so be sure to check the requirements specific to your destination and layovers.
Missed Visa Requirements
There are many factors that affect a traveller’s visa requirements when entering a foreign country, such as the purpose of the trip (ie. Vacation, work, etc.), duration, dual-citizenship, and more. It’s important to determine the specific visa requirements of your destination and layovers to ensure entry upon arrival. Some applications can take a while to process, so it’s best to deal with visa requirements as early as possible.
Not Informing the Bank
In order to protect your money from fraud, many banks might block your cards if you suddenly start making purchases abroad. While this can be a great protection, if you can’t use your card while travelling, you might be stuck without a way to pay for purchases. For this reason, it’s best to inform your bank of your travel plans before you go, to ensure your card works smoothly whenever and wherever you need it.
Tight Travel Times
Leaving brief gaps between layovers might seem like the most efficient way to travel, but you might want to leave a little extra wiggle room in between flights. Flight delays and cancellations have become increasingly common in the last few years, so if your flights are too close together, you might end up missing your connection altogether – especially in larger airports. To avoid this, it’s best to leave ample time for layovers when possible. Of course, this can’t always be planned for, so Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Insurance can come in handy.
Travelling Without Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is the best way to avoid having to pay unexpected out-of-pocket expenses while you’re away. Sometimes mishaps during travel are unavoidable, so it’s important to have comprehensive coverage for the “what-ifs”. TuGo has many coverage options for all travellers such as Emergency Medical Insurance, Baggage Insurance, and Sports & Activities Coverage.
Overpacking
Overpacking can be tempting, but it’s definitely not worth it! Overpacked bags can result in difficulty transporting your luggage, unnecessary fees at the airport, and not enough luggage space to bring home souvenirs! Be sure to pack your essentials, but try not to go overboard. Need some packing tips? Check out our Carry-On Packing Guide for some hacks for packing light.
Bringing the Wrong Charging Cables
This is an easy one to overlook, but no one likes a dead phone—especially while travelling! Outlets are different from country to country, so to avoid scrambling to find a new charger while you’re abroad, look into your destination ahead of time. Planning to visit multiple destinations? Get yourself an international power adaptor so you can plug it in wherever you find yourself.
Tourist Traps
Many travellers head to social media for their travel recommendations. While the internet can be a great resource, using it exclusively to craft your itinerary can have you missing out on local hidden gems. While you’re abroad, ask around for local watering holes for a unique and memorable adventure.
Rigid Itineraries
Planning ahead is a good idea when travelling, but once you arrive, be sure to leave room for your destination to guide you. You never know wherever you might end up, so be open to new and unexpected experiences when they arise.
Following these travel tips can help you avoid some common mistakes that can throw a wrench into your plans. I’m sure you’ll be travelling like a frequent flyer in no time. You’ve got this!
Smooth travels,
Jacqueline
