17 Things You Should Never Do on Vacation
1. Overpacking Your Itinerary
Sometimes the urge to check off every highlight in your guidebook can be overpowering. But let’s take a moment to reconsider that jam-packed itinerary. When you find yourself racing against the clock on your holiday, you might miss out on the simple joy of exploring.
Give yourself the gift of time. Relish a leisurely visit to a few chosen spots rather than a whirlwind tour of them all. Choose a couple of must-dos, but leave room in your days to explore and discover.
2. Staying Glued to Your Phone
Your smartphone is like a magic wand. With one tap, you can capture special moments, peek at maps for directions, and quickly peek into the web for info on your next stop. But be careful—don’t let the screen’s glow steal away the beauty of the world around you!
Once that snap is saved, it’s time to pocket your phone. Free up your hands and let your eyes feast on the wonders you’re visiting. And remember, those work emails and tasks can wait—you’re on a mission to chill out and relish the pause from your everyday bustle.
3. Relying on Your Credit Card
Credit cards have become is just as routine as encountering someone who speaks English nowadays. You’ll increasingly find businesses, ranging from cozy cafes to vast arenas, eager to accept your swipe or tap.
But, don’t pack only your credit cards for your adventure. Count on smaller merchants, adored for their authentic wares and eats, to prefer cash. While catching a cab or picking up unique trinkets, you’ll need a few notes and coins to make the transaction smooth.
4. Not Learning the Local Language
It’s becoming more likely to find English speakers globally, but while you pack your bags for that next adventure, consider this: learning key local phrases can make all the difference. Not only does it smooth over those moments when you bump into someone who doesn’t speak English, but it also shows respect for the culture you’re visiting.
A simple “hello” or “thank you” in the local tongue can work wonders, making connections with people and breaking down barriers. It’s a sign that you care about where you are and the people you meet, and believe us, it doesn’t go unnoticed!
5. Mocking the Local Accent
It’s a blast to hear the unique ways locals chat, but remember to keep true to your own voice when you’re out and about. Locals might not share your enthusiasm for imitation and, honestly, could get pretty tired of hearing their accent from visitors.
It may even rub some the wrong way, to the point of being offensive. Best to avoid any awkward situations — stick to your own accent, and appreciate theirs the way it is meant to be: authentic and original.
6. Only Choosing to Stay in Hotels
When searching for accommodations, cast a wider net than just large hotel franchises and you might uncover somewhere truly special to recharge. Opting for an Airbnb can enhance your stay, as choosing a room in a local’s house not only nets you insider tips on top spots but also offers the cozy feel of home.
Let’s not overlook hostels—they’re no longer just for young globetrotters. Nowadays, many hostels can rival budget hotels in both comfort and style, welcoming guests of any age looking for a swanky place to relax without draining their wallets.
7. Trusting the Tap Water
Knowing if you can sip straight from the tap while globetrotting is a must. Your own kitchen faucet might be a fountain of crystal-clear water, but that’s not a given worldwide. Before you pack your bags, make sure to research if the local liquid is lovely or a no-go.
8. Not Taking Local Transit
Navigating the twists and turns of public transportation is like a key to the city’s heart—you get to live like a local, not just a visitor hopping between sights. Learn those routes, decipher those transit maps, and you’ll end your trip with a mental map of the city etched in your memory, feeling like a true insider.
9. Packing Too Much
Instead of being burdened with heavy suitcases, you’ll save cash and breeze through airports with ease. Consider each day of your adventure and what you truly need. Will you wear different outfits each day, or are fancy dinners on your itinerary every night? Likely not, unless runway shows are on your agenda.
10. Wasting Time Getting the Perfect Photo
Snapping that solo masterpiece in front of iconic landmarks may seem like a no-brainer for your Instagram feed. Let’s be real, those perfectly empty shots with not a single soul photobombing the background are pretty much the Holy Grail for social sharers.
But here’s the scoop: world-famous spots are usually bustling with visitors. Nabbing a picture of yourself with the Eiffel Tower, without a crowd behind you, is tougher than finding a quiet coffee shop in Times Square.
11. Not Being Aware of Roaming Fees
Before packing for your next trip, it’s essential to understand your mobile phone plan’s roaming charges to prevent an unexpected high bill. Some providers offer sensible daily fees for using your phone abroad—but don’t make assumptions! Double-check the rates for the countries you’re visiting.
12. Currency Exchange at the Airport
Securing currency at the airport might seem handy, but it’s like buying gold at a candy store—unnecessarily expensive! Be wise and grab some local cash from your bank prior to departure. If that slips your mind, don’t fret. Just wait until you’ve reached the city’s heart where currency exchanges are abundant and rates are wallet-friendly.
13. Getting Frustrated
Sometimes, despite our best-laid plans, life decides to shuffle the deck. You might find yourself facing a closed attraction or sitting through a flight delay. But that’s just part of the adventure! A big smile and a relaxed attitude are your best pals when things don’t quite tick along as expected.
Instead of letting frustration bubble up, remember that these little bumps can sometimes lead to the most memorable parts of your trip. Prepping for your travels is smart, but so is riding the waves of spontaneity.
14. Don’t Skip Out on Travel Insurance
Securing travel insurance could save you from a vacation disaster. Ever heard of someone turning a dream vacation into a financial nightmare? It’s not just bad luck; injuries can happen to anyone, anytime.
Getting treatment in a foreign country isn’t just daunting—it can also hit your wallet hard. Being wise about it means preparing for the unexpected. Check if travel insurance is included with your credit card benefits or make a small investment to protect yourself.
15. Not Dressing Appropriately
When packing for a trip, it’s crucial to consider the local norms alongside the climate. Even on a sweltering day, it may be frowned upon to wear short garments like shorts or tank tops. Respect local culture by bringing attire that suits both the region’s weather and cultural expectations.
16. Leaving Your Mark
Snapping a photo with your favorite spots is a thumbs-up way to capture moments. However, when it comes to landmarks, taking a bit of them home? Not such a good idea.
If you’re tempted to pocket a piece of history or etch your name, remember that if we all did this, soon there’d be little left to admire. Just think, your photo can tell the tale of your visit without harming a stone. Keep the experience alive and the landmarks intact!
17. Not Respecting the Environment
When visiting new places, showing respect is key. You wouldn’t want someone to leave trash in your backyard, so why do it elsewhere? It’s pretty simple: enjoy your outdoor snacks and leave zero behind. Remember, just because you might spot a soda can on the sidewalk, doesn’t mean you should add to the heap.
