Financial Blog

Vacation is something that we all look forward to. Whether it’s a trip to waterslide wonderland or an out of town escapade, a break from your usual routine is a good way to discover yourself and explore new adventures.

Read more: 4 Secrets to Booking Cheaper Flights

Travelling is meant to be fun but it only takes one mistake—no matter how meticulous you plan—to ruin an entire trip. Even after countless adventures, know that you’re still prone to make few mistakes that can lead to wasting of time and money. Here’s a list of the most common travel mistakes and—more importantly—how to avoid them.

Packing and traveling light is key. Not only is a heavy luggage a nightmare to travel with, it’s also more costly. The rule of thumb: plan what you need before what you want. Stick to the essentials! Pack outfits that can be mixed and matched to save space in your luggage. Remember, you can always do some laundry during the trip!

Doing a bit of research before your trip will help you save time and money. Research about the culture, food, tourist-friendly places, places to stay or read blog reviews about other’s experiences. Being aware of your surroundings is the best way to prepare for a safe and memorable adventure.

You may not know it but your credit card is a key to a ton of airfare and lodging discounts. If you have a credit card, head to your credit card issuer’s website and bookmark their promos page. These pages are treasure coves for the patient and the persistent. Booking a cheap flight or finding a nice place to stay on a budget trip can be incredibly frustrating. But with enough patience and preparation, you can save a ton on your big travel costs, which means more pocket money!

Spending an excessive amount of money on drinks, food and souvenirs can lead to a nightmare mid-trip. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to be stuck in a foreign country without enough cash. To avoid mishaps, build a realistic budget with enough space for unexpected expenses. Not only does this help you stick to the original plan, it also allows you to enjoy the rest of the trip without breaking the bank.

Losing your wallet can be a terrible thing, especially if you have all your cash and cards in it. Sometimes, being paranoid is a good thing. Pickpockets and snatchers are everywhere! That’s why it might be a good idea to invest in a light and handy purse. Whatever happens, make sure not to put all your cash in one wallet. Pro tip: Stash a couple hundred dollars somewhere in your suitcase or your wardrobe. When you’re in dire need of cash, it’s easy to get a good money exchange rate for dollars in most countries.

Most credit cards—when used in a different country—will charge foreign transactions fees. While they look harmless at first, they do add up that by the end of your trip you’ll be wishing that you didn’t swipe as much. Call your bank to double check transaction fees for overseas purchases or you can apply for a Security Bank credit card for a hassle-free shopping experience with no foreign transaction fees!

Exchange rates at airports are infamously steep and paying that premium is definitely a waste. Instead, schedule a trip to the bank a few days before your trip to exchange your currency so you’ll get better rates. To view current foreign exchange rates, click here.

If you’re planning a trip, it’s best to book your flight months before your actual departure date. Flight are way cheaper when you book ahead of time. Bookmark airline websites or use apps like Skyscanner and constantly check them for good deals. Instead of spending extra on expensive flight tickets, you can use your savings by booking early to splurge on lodging or food.

Setting unrealistic expectations will not only disappoint you, it can also ruin your whole trip. Don’t be bummed out when things don’t go your way. Remember, unexpected twists can lead to the most exciting experiences.

Let yourself explore rather than sticking to crowded tourist places. Try local food, converse with the locals, or search for hidden gems outside the city. By being flexible, you can discover new and fresh destinations that can make your adventures one of a kind.