Traveling is an excellent way to unwind and discover new places and cultures. However, it comes with a few challenges, like budgeting, packing, and finding a suitable hotel. Even though you might face unpredicted difficulties, you can make the most of your holiday if you plan things properly. Here are some common travel mistakes to avoid, whether you’re a nomadic explorer or a first-time traveler heading to an adventurous location. Packing too many things Don’t use a heavy suitcase when packing your stuff for the vacation. A heavy suitcase will put you under unnecessary stress and drain your energy. Even worse, you might develop a sore back by the end of the trip because of carrying that heavy load all along. Instead, use a bag with a lightweight material, and ensure it isn’t larger than necessary. Start with a carry-on bag and select the items you need. When making a list of your stuff, narrow your selections to the bare necessities. Also, keep your travel outfits neutral so that anything can be mixed and matched. This way, your clothes can be used for multiple activities, and you’ll have to pack only a few items. If you carry too many outfits, your hotel room will become messy, not to mention there will be way too much laundry waiting for you after the trip. Not buying enough local currency at the airport If traveling to another country, you’ll need their local currency to buy food, pay for transport, book hotels, or shop. So, after reaching the airport, change your native currency into the local currency. If you’re caught in a situation where you don’t have the local currency, you’ll have to use your credit card to pay the bills. This can become an expensive affair due to the high conversion rates. Also, many places, like small shops or local markets, may not accept credit cards.

Flying is one of the best ways to travel. Considering that airline companies take care to offer the best rates, premium upgrades, comfortable ambiance, luxurious seating, etc., inside the flight, flying makes journeys easier too. But there are a host of rules you should follow when traveling or booking tickets. The average traveler can find all this a bit too complicated. So, here are eight airplane hacks that can make flying a hassle-free experience: Setup price alerts on your phone  Being aware of the best price deals every time is a good idea if you’re a regular traveler. Moreover, you can get interesting price alerts on your phone. Price fluctuations are a constant feature in the airline industry. But how can you keep a tab on the changes to make the most of it? You can use certain travel apps and install them on your mobile, like Google Flights, to stay updated. With one or two of these apps, you will certainly never miss getting the best price deals and cheap price alerts. Stay flexible You must stay flexible with the destination and the dates of your journey. Use apps or sites like Skyscanner that do most of your legwork showing destinations with the best deals over a period. So, it makes it easier for you to choose from different travel destinations at the most cost-effective rates. For many people, being flexible with dates can be a big limitation. So, in a set period, look at different choices of destination. This way, you can cover more places on the planet and fill up your bucket list. Book on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays  This top hack is shared by regular travelers. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are typically less busy. No points for guessing – the prices on these days are typically lower than the other days.

One of the most important considerations to make while creating travel plans is picking the right hotel for your stay. Cramped hotel rooms, undesirable locations, and bad views are some of the factors that could make your trip miserable. Even if booking a room is an easy process, there are still many factors to consider. Some of the common mistakes that might ruin a person’s travel experience are listed below. Non-refundable hotel reservations Hotels with non-refundable options are frequently less expensive than those with refundable costs. While it may appear that you are saving enough money for the vacation by considering a low-cost hotel room, the hotelier benefits because it ensures the room won’t be vacant. Nobody will want the trip they have been planning to get delayed, canceled, or in any other way interfered with. But one cannot deny the possibility of last-minute cancellations of travel plans due to any issue. Therefore, carefully understand the hotel’s cancellation policy while booking a reservation. It is advised to book refundable stays in anticipation of the worst. Many of the hotels in Vegas offer refundable bookings, so if you plan to stay in Nevada, you can consider those hotels. Not using a credit card While bank transfers and debit cards are acceptable options, credit cards may offer multiple advantages when making travel arrangements. Although the offers vary from card to card, many credit cards provide fantastic discounts you may take advantage of while making hotel reservations. For several reasons, booking a hotel room with a debit card is not a good idea. Many of us may not have enough cash in our accounts to cover the cost of the hotel, taxes, and the incidental temporary deposit; in such cases, credit card payment is the safe option. It might save you from high travel costs in several ways, like getting discounts or even free services.

Dealing with an upset stomach is one of the common concerns most travelers have while boarding a long-haul flight. Whether a person is traveling domestically or internationally, it is common to have an upset stomach, and sometimes, the symptoms may flare up, making it embarrassing for travelers to explain. To avoid such challenging scenarios and prevent health complications, here are some common foods and beverages to avoid having before boarding flights. Dairy products Long-haul flights, lasting more than 6 hours, can negatively affect one’s digestive system. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are some common issues people experience with an upset stomach. It happens because the stomach contents get churned up with changes in altitude and cabin pressure. Furthermore, people who are lactose intolerant won’t be able to digest the sugars found in dairy entirely. This indigestion will lead to gas and bloating. Therefore, avoiding consuming dairy products on or before boarding a long-haul flight is best. Travelers must avoid fatty milk, cheese, milk curds, baked goods, and processed snacks made with milk or yogurt as the main ingredients before taking a flight. Cruciferous vegetables Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage may be nutrient-dense. However, avoiding these items before boarding a flight is advised, mainly because these vegetables can cause gas. Even at cruising altitude, the plane will adjust course and height. These adjustments trigger changes in the cabin air pressure, and the body will find it hard to process these foods. As a result, one might develop bloating and nausea. During long-haul flights, it might be hard to hold in the gas for hours, which could very well turn into an embarrassing situation. Beans Beans are notoriously known for causing bloating in mid-air. Like cruciferous vegetables, beans, when digested beans release gases that expand in the stomach. Also, altitude adjustments can churn up the stomach’s contents, which further causes abdominal discomfort.

Staying in a luxurious hotel can be exciting. You can enjoy several amenities, personalized services, and complimentary benefits. But you should be cautious. Experts and travel enthusiasts have devised several dos and don’ts to follow when in a hotel to avoid confusion and make the trip more memorable. Special focus should be on the don’ts as these can risk your safety in a new place. Here are seven things to avoid doing in hotels: Opening the door instantly  Many instantly reach out for the doorknob on hearing the doorbell or a knock. This is a big mistake. While it is okay to assume that the person on the other side would be a housekeeping staff or an F&B person, it is best never to take a chance. This is especially applicable if you are in another country, traveling for the first time to a place, or staying at the location as a first-time guest. Verify the visitor’s identity before opening the door. You can do so by looking through the peephole or glancing outside through an adjacent window. Letting strangers inside can be costly if they turn out to be someone with the wrong intent. Packing the hotel’s bathrobes in your suitcase This is nothing short of stealing; you could be in big trouble if caught. Besides the legal hassles, pilfering the hotel’s properties speaks poorly about your manners. Taking a small bottle of shampoo, conditioner, or body lotion may be okay because these usually end up in the trash. But not bathrobes for sure. Similarly, do not just pick other linen pieces, small electronic items, or any artwork from the room. Hotels conduct a thorough inspection after you leave and could impose legal charges if the offense is serious. Using throw pillows  In luxury hotels, you may see throw pillows lying on sofas, chairs, and other sitting areas.

People travel due to various reasons. Some of us travel frequently while others once in a while. Regardless of the reason, if you’re looking for an affordable hotel, you need to be cautious about certain aspects. From safety to the location, booking without negotiating and ignoring reviews and ratings are some mistakes that are easily avoidable. While booking a hotel online, ensure that you avoid these six mistakes to get the best deals. Ignoring the basics When looking for cheap hotels, it can be easy to forget and overlook a few basic things. For example, the location of the hotel is important. You want to book a hotel that is fairly close to the airport or business centers, depending on the purpose of visit, or else you might spend a considerable amount of time and money travelling. Sometimes, the location of the hotel could be in unfamiliar regions, or it may not be reachable by cabs. Similarly, you should be aware about the check-in and check-out times. Ensure that the times sync well with your arrival/departure schedule. Do not forget to check if the hotel offers basic room amenities and in-house safety features. Booking the very first hotel that offers the best deal One of the common things people tend to do while booking hotels is to book the first hotel with cheap rates. But spending a little time to assess hotel rates can help save some precious dollars. Use some of the credible hotel search engines to compare rates before booking cheap hotels in any place or in Orlando. When you do so, check what add-ons you can get. Does the hotel offer free Wi-Fi, breakfast, free parking, and access to the gym, pool, or fitness center? Sometimes, certain hotels offer extra discounts when guests make reservations though certain mobile apps. Research about promotional codes online, as most hotels have good deals for guests booking with the codes.

A cruise vacation can be exciting, with all kinds of onboard events to look forward to and a charming itinerary filled with nightlight, buffets, and the open seas. However, not every cruise package is created equal, and some trips on the sea can be underwhelming. So, it is important to do a little research before booking a cruise and choose top-rated options. Further, here are a few cruises to avoid for a hassle-free vacation: 1. Short cruises during spring break A cruise trip during spring break can seem ideal because of the perfect weather in places like the Caribbean. Even the ports are not too crowded, and one can take kids along during their school break. However, even college students get a break during this time and tend to book cruise trips. So, the cruise ship can get overwhelming and chaotic because of the noise and non-stop partying. Instead, one should book a cruise to the Caribbean during January if they want a more relaxing experience at the sea. If one must book one during spring break, they should look for less party-centric cruise lines. 2. First and last Alaska cruises of the season Destinations like Alaska are perfect spots for tourists because of the rainy weather and luscious green mountains they can experience. Here, cruises that sail in May and September are comparatively cheaper than June, July, and August packages. But for new travelers, this might not be the ideal cruise destination in May and September. This is because there is a high chance of experiencing bad weather during these months, with May being slightly colder and September bringing heavy rains in the region. It may also disappoint shoppers as the port shops at the beginning of the season are usually not fully stocked yet. Further, by September, these shops usually run out of prime goods and do not restock until next spring.

Cruise vacations are becoming increasingly popular, with several cruise lines entering the business. Established names in this industry, like Silversea Cruises, offer exciting European packages to exotic destinations in the continent, which are excellent for unwinding with friends and family. But unfortunately, many travelers make mistakes that prevent them from enjoying their time aboard. Here are a few mistakes to avoid, whether you’re a first-timer on a cruise or someone who enjoys voyages often. Staying inside the cabin all day Vacation cruises host plenty of entertainment and adventurous activities throughout the day. For instance, you may find fitness centers, spas, game areas, and cooking demonstrations by experienced chefs. Some ships organize sports like table tennis, shuffleboard, and water volleyball. There may also be a play or a movie screening in the ship’s theaters for evening fun. Participating in these onboard activities will make your holiday more memorable than staying in the cabin. So, read the daily event schedule on the cruise line’s app and plan your time accordingly. Some popular activities may require a prior reservation as they get booked quickly. Not exploring other food options A common mistake most passengers make is not exploring the different eateries on the ship. Cruises are not limited to the traditional buffet. A bit of research will help you find other casual dining alternatives. For instance, you may find a café, burger joint, burrito shop, or pool grill for a peaceful dining experience. Most ships have dining rooms where you can go dressed up in smart casuals and enjoy the food, which is much better than the buffet. Some also host special dining events like a meal with the chef or specialty food tasting. While such activities usually cost extra, they’re worth every penny. So, skip the buffet, especially on the embarkation day, when you’ll find yourself waiting in long lines and searching for an empty table.

Traveling by road to a destination requires a lot of planning to ensure the trip is worth it. It isn’t about simply getting to the destination but also about how convenient and comfortable the journey is. Here’s when purchasing a recreational vehicle (RV) equipped with accommodation facilities, such as a living room and cooking space, comes in handy. But since investing in an RV is a significant decision, here are eight purchasing mistakes to avoid. Buying the wrong size The common belief is that buying a bigger RV is always the best choice. But there’s a lot more to it. Before purchasing an RV, selecting an appropriate size to suit your needs is essential. Remember, larger spaces will require more upkeep and towing power and are usually challenging regarding maneuverability. One of the best ways to avoid buying the wrong size is by consulting with friends and family who have rented or used RVs and asking them to share their experiences. Consulting with an authorized dealer is another way to avoid buying an RV that does not suit your needs. Overlooking pre-owned models While the smell of a brand-new vehicle is something that most people love, there are better options than buying a new automobile. Buying a brand-new RV and driving it out of the lot loses its market value. On the flip side, a preowned RV might help you save a lot of money because they are usually available at a much lower price. Furthermore, several preexisting RV owners take good care of the vehicle, so you might even get one requiring fewer repairs and maintenance. Moreover, instead of buying a new or preowned RV, you could also look for companies that rent it out. This way, you do worry about storing the vehicle and only pay for the time you need it.

With heightened stress and emotional strain becoming increasingly common today, the role of emotional support animals in promoting mental well-being has gained significant recognition. These remarkable companions offer many benefits, including offering comfort and support to those facing emotional and psychological challenges or dealing with a disorder. If one is planning to get an emotional support animal, here are a few benefits and things to consider before making a decision: What are emotional support animals? ESAs differ slightly from pets in that they are prescribed by mental health professionals to provide comfort and assistance to those with diagnosed mental health conditions. ESAs have legal recognition and protections under certain laws and are chosen for their ability to offer emotional support, while pets are primarily chosen as companions based on personal preferences. Some popular ESAs are alpacas, dogs, cats, birds, llamas, sheep, goats, horses, rabbits, chickens, and pigs, with dogs being the most common ESAs. To find an emotional support animal, one can start by consulting with a mental health professional or therapist. They can offer guidance regarding the process and determine if one qualifies for getting an ESA. ESAs versus service animals ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks. They are also protected under the Fair Housing Act. Service animals, on the other hand, are trained to perform specific tasks or work directly related to a person’s disability. They have broader legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Does a pet qualify as an ESA? While many pets offer emotional support to their owners, they may automatically qualify as ESAs without the proper documentation and recommendation from a mental health professional. Any breed or animal can be considered an ESA if it meets the legal guidelines. Benefits of having ESAs Introducing purpose and responsibility: An emotional support animal can be beneficial for those struggling with mental health.

Various online platforms have made booking accommodations a breeze. Whether you are traveling within the country or abroad, you need to make sure that you have chosen the right place to say and made the bookings correctly, so there’s no issue when checking in. However, certain common mistakes people tend to make when booking hotels can put a hitch in their trip. Here’s a list of six such booking mistakes that you should avoid: Not clarifying the different elements of the rate Many a time when making a booking, people just see the room rate. They forget to check out other additional components of the room rate. For example, many forget to find out about taxes. If you are booking online, there are resort fees that you may not see immediately and forget to check about. The resort fee is an amount charged for certain amenities at the property and is mostly not part of the basic room rate. You may realize the extra amount to be paid only when you arrive at the hotel, and at that time, it is too late to cancel your booking without paying a hefty fee. Therefore, it is best to gather all information before you make the booking. This way you will not end up being in a sorry state spending more than budgeted for the trip. Choosing non-refundable rates to book the room This could be another big blunder. Non-refundable rates usually are lower rates than the normal rates, that’s why these are so attractive. Sometimes, the non-refundable tag are prominently displayed but at times it can be mentioned in tiny fonts somewhere below that is easy to miss. Unfortunately, situations can change anytime and what was once a confirmed trip, you may need to cancel the booking eventually. There could be an emergency at the home, or office, or you may need to change the dates, etc.

For automobile enthusiasts, there’s nothing comparable to buying an SUV that perfectly balances speed, space, comfort, and power in a vehicle. This is the main reason why SUVs have emerged big time in the automotive industry, offering different sizes and trims to suit personal preferences. However, buying an SUV is a significant investment, so avoiding mistakes becomes crucial. To help make an informed decision, here are some common mistakes to avoid while purchasing an SUV. Only going by the design There are many SUVs with unique designs currently on the market. But going only by an SUV’s design is a mistake because a spectacular SUV with limited utility features is a white elephant. Therefore, one should consider the overall features of the vehicle, including factors like its performance, cargo space, price, safety, etc., before making a choice. Buying a vehicle of the wrong size An SUV’s size determines the number of passengers and the amount of cargo it can accommodate. While only four to five passengers may fit comfortably into a compact SUV, midsize ones can accommodate up to seven passengers, and the large ones have space for even more. The best way to decide what size of SUV one requires is to consider personal requirements – the number of family members, frequency of long-distance travel, etc. For example, people with smaller families who need an SUV primarily for local commutes may do better with a compact SUV. But those who travel often and need additional space for cargo or have large families may require a midsize or large-sized SUV. Not researching adequately The first step to buying a good SUV is to research the available options thoroughly. Jumping on the bandwagon or hastily finalizing the brand and model can backfire in the long run. It is also important to avoid being too brand loyal because that limits one’s options.