Whether you’re a world-class traveler or this is your first time on a plane, everyone can be guilty of making these bad travel decisions from time to time.
Whether it’s forgetting to check your room for bed bugs or not knowing how to properly book a connecting flight, making a bad choice while traveling can not only cost you time and money – but your life.
So before you book your next trip, check out the top 4 worst travel decisions you can make – and learn how to avoid them.
Choosing A Tight Connection
Yeah, you might have scored a cheap flight, but if you don’t get to your destination (or arrive late after spending a miserable night in the airport) is it really worth the $40 bucks you saved on your airfare?
Probably not.
Be mindful of the amount of time you give yourself between connecting flights and be sure to allow at least 2 hours.
Even if your flight costs a bit more, it’s worth your sanity.
While you might think 45 minutes is enough time to jump off your plane and sprint to the next gate, you’re just asking for trouble.
Not only are airlines notoriously known for running behind schedule, these days it’s even worse with flight attendants booting passengers off the plane or forcing entire aircrafts to deboard due to a child with special needs not wearing a mask.
It’s madness.
So expect delays to be the standard and you’ll end up being pleasantly surprised if you don’t have one.
Risking Your Life For A Selfie
Travel “influencers” have forever changed the dynamic of vacation photos.
No longer is it enough to stand in front of a beautiful sunset or snap a photo of a historic monument – these days it’s all about capturing the unique photo to wow the masses … even if it means treading on someone’s private property or risking one’s life dangling from a moving train for the ultimate photo.
Except, people are actually dying.
From 2011 to 2017 – the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care reports 259 people died while taking selfies.
And men – we’re mainly talking to you. 72.5% of the total deaths were men compared to 27.5% in females.
So before you go hanging from a cliff to show how brave you are – check yourself.
Sure, we all want that perfect photo to show our friends on social media how amazing our life is and all the cool places we’ve been, but it’s not worth your life.
Not Checking For Bedbugs
Don’t wait until you get the key to your hotel room to check for bedbugs.
This free registry is full of hotel reviews from guests who have gone before you and know the deal.
But even if your hotel has good reviews online, you should ALWAYS check your room as soon as you enter.
Examine your mattress around the seams and headboard and look for signs of these tiny disgusting creatures or their droppings.
Red blood stains on sheets are another sign your room may be infested with bedbugs.
And of course, always keep your luggage zipped up and off the floor to stop any creatures from crawling into your bag.
Check out our full bedbug article for even more tips on how to avoid bringing these blood sucking creatures back to your home.
Neglecting Personal Safety
It’s wise to be frugal while traveling and hunt for the best deal – but don’t be so cheap you actually endanger your life.
Thinking about staying at a hostel in a rough neighborhood to shave off a few bucks? Not smart, especially if you’re a female.
It’s true what they say – you get what you pay for.
And ladies, you need to especially be cautious.
If you choose to travel alone – rock on! But don’t go walking down side streets at night or
accept a “free ride” from a local.
There are other ways to save money – like not checking a bag or booking your trip during the off season.
Bonus Tips
Looking for even more travel tips before you book your next flight?
Check out our Proud American Traveler archive articles for more tips and advice to make your next trip the best one yet!
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(h/t Proud American Traveler)