Frequent journey errors and methods to keep away from them

This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you may go to the hyperlink bellow:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-10/common-travel-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them-/107127268
and if you wish to take away this text from our web site please contact us


There’s nothing fairly like a well-earned break.

But whether or not you might be driving to your nearest seashore city or embarking on an journey through a long-haul flight, easy errors could make a vacation memorable for all of the flawed causes.

Here are some widespread errors and how one can keep away from them.

An overloaded and rigid itinerary

When travelling, folks usually rush round, seeing as a lot as potential, says Michael Turtle, a journey author and blogger who lives on Gadigal land in Sydney.

“[But] you’re just so exhausted by the end of the day that you just don’t enjoy it.”

And you additionally threat turning into run-down, he says.

“The best way to approach holidays — especially one that involves a bit of sightseeing — is to basically have one or two main tentpole activities for the day,” Mr Turtle suggests.

This could possibly be so simple as planning a morning and a day exercise and letting “those serendipitous moments” fall into place round them, he says.

Lauren McRae, a journey agent who lives within the NSW border city of Albury, on the standard lands of the Wiradjuri folks, additionally recommends constructing in flexibility and respiratory area in your schedule.

For instance, she says the climate in Bali may imply you wait till the day earlier than to e book an exercise, like an ATV (all-terrain car) tour.

However, Ms McRae says to pre-book something you’ll be heartbroken to overlook.

Booking unsuitable lodging

Lucas Brancatisano says he is made the error of reserving “rubbish” lodging to save cash.

Mr Brancatisano makes social media content material about his travels and lives within the Gold Coast/Yugambeh language area.

Sometimes the lodging is cheaper as a result of the realm is additional away from the stuff you wish to see and do, however you find yourself spending extra on transport, he says.

Often, the funds worth displays the standard and “you really quickly realise why it’s so cheap”.

Spending an additional 10 or 15 {dollars} an evening in some locations may end up in an “infinitely better experience”, Mr Brancatisano says.

Ms McRae says mattress configurations and capability in inns and resorts could cause sudden issues, significantly for households.

You may assume you may ask for a roll-away mattress on arrival, however lodge insurance policies and even authorized necessities imply it is higher to examine upfront, she says.

“A lot of places in Fiji and even Bali will allow two children under 12 to stay in the room for free. However, it’s based on existing bedding.”

Michael Turtle poses with his arms outstretched at a lush tropical viewpoint.

Michael Turtle says the most effective lodging to e book can rely in your mode of transport and the way accessible a vacation spot is. (Supplied: Michael Turtle)

Packing an excessive amount of

“I’m a chronic over-packer myself,” Mr Brancatisano admits.

But he is learnt that except you are going someplace very distant, you may often purchase one thing you want.

“Go in with a lighter bag. If you can do just carry-on, honestly that’s the way to go,” he says.

Bringing alongside too many footwear is a simple blunder that provides weight and bulk to your baggage. He recommends taking not more than three pairs.

Ms McRae says “overpacking is a big mistake” because it wastes time and valuable area.

If you are flying with checked baggage, Ms McRae and Mr Turtle recommend packing every part you would wish for a day or so in your carry-on in case your checked baggage is delayed or misplaced.

This is especially essential when you take medicine, they are saying.

Lucas Brancatisano and a friend pose in a sunny european town.

When he was a less-experienced traveller, Lucas Brancatisano (proper) says he would fear, “What if I need this?” (Supplied: Lucas Brancatisano )

Failing to inform your financial institution or examine trade charges and costs

Forgetting to let your financial institution know you are heading abroad can disrupt your journey, Ms McRae says.

“They might flag that as a suspicious transaction and freeze your card, leaving you with no access to money until you call them and try and get it reactivated, which can take time,” she says.

Ms McRae says your atypical card may additionally include excessive worldwide transaction and ATM charges.

She makes use of a journey card as an alternative.

Mr Brancatisano additionally prefers a journey card and suggests doing a little analysis beforehand to check choices, together with their trade charges and ATM charges.

Not checking your passport particulars

If you are heading abroad, Ms McRae urges you to examine your passport’s expiration date.

“For most destinations when you’re leaving Australia, you need to have at least six months’ validity on your passport — especially for Bali.”

Another mistake Ms McRae hears about usually is when the identify on somebody’s passport would not match their flight reserving.

“When you’re booking flights, you need to have your name as per passport on the ticket.”

Late visa purposes

Mr Turtle as soon as utilized for an ESTA (digital system for journey authorisation) simply throughout the advisable 72-hour window earlier than travelling into the United States, nevertheless it did not come by in time, and he missed his flight.

Lauren McRae sitting on a lounge chair, against a beige background.

Lauren McRae says she not too long ago helped somebody who thought they might get a visa into Vietnam on arrival, which was the case. (Supplied: Lauren McRae)

Ms McRae recommends checking entry necessities earlier than you e book as they might have modified because you final travelled.

For instance, the United Kingdom launched an digital journey authorisation (ETA) for Australian travellers final January, whereas Australian travellers to Bali want a well being declaration (the All Indonesia Declaration Form), a visa and a vacationer levy to enter.

Forgetting about insurance coverage

“Always have travel insurance, regardless of where you’re going,” Mr Turtle says.

Ms McRae suggests taking out a journey insurance coverage coverage as quickly as you pay for any bills.

Lucas Brancatisano waves goodbye at the airport.

Lucas Brancatisano says finding out journey insurance coverage is a should. (Supplied: Lucas Brancatisano)

“You could come down with an illness, break your leg or something unforeseen might happen and … if you don’t have travel insurance, then all those restrictive terms and conditions come into play, and you could lose thousands of dollars,” she says.

Ms McRae recommends checking the quantity of canopy, that any pre-existing well being circumstances will not be exempt and that every one locations and actions are lined.

She provides that there will be an additional premium for snowboarding or occurring a cruise.

Mr Brancatisano says journey insurance coverage is a vital.

“You can get through unscathed, but you don’t want to be caught out if you don’t have it.”


This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you may go to the hyperlink bellow:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-10/common-travel-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them-/107127268
and if you wish to take away this text from our web site please contact us