10 Biggest mistakes travellers make (and how to avoid them)

You spend all year counting down till your next vacation, so you want it to go as smoothly as possible.  

From stuffing your suitcase with more pants than you'd wear in a month to not checking travel advisories, we gathered up ten of the biggest mistakes travellers make and how you can avoid them on your next getaway. 

Being too ambitious with your itinerary  

When travelling to a new city, it is easy to get excited and want to see all the major attractions. Your vacation time is precious; understandably, you want to make the most of it. But overambitious itineraries don't give you time to relax or to live in the moment and explore new sights that catch your eye. The last thing you want is to come back from your vacation exhausted. So, we recommend working with a travel professional, like a CAA Travel Consultant. They will help you get the most out of your trip while ensuring it's well-paced and the experience you want. 

Overpacking  

One of the most common mistakes travellers make is overpacking for their trip. Before you depart, it is easy to get carried away and want to cram multiple outfits per day and several pairs of shoes. But if you stuff your suitcase, it could be over the weight limit, resulting in extra luggage fees. Plus, you'll be stuck dragging the heavy bag around the airport and lack space for souvenirs. To prevent this, create a packing list a few days before you leave - and stick to it! 

CAA has a free packing list you can download. You'll want to use packing cubes to keep everything organized (you can pick some up at our CAA stores in Ottawa). Then, roll your clothes to save space before placing them into the cubes.  Another trick is to wear your bulkiest clothing items, like jackets or boots, to the airport, so they don't fill up your luggage.  

Not getting the right travel insurance for your trip  

You're all set with travel insurance. But did you pick the right coverage? Make sure to talk to a travel professional, even if you have insurance through group benefits or a credit card plan. Did you know some activities you might participate in aren't covered? A travel professional can help you find the best coverage for your adventure and understand your policy. 

You'll want coverage for a medical emergency if you get sick or injured abroad or need prescription medication. Additionally, you need trip cancellation and interruption coverage if you must cancel your trip before you depart or cut it short due to an emergency abroad (or at home).   

Not checking current travel advisories for your destination  

Travel regulations constantly change, so it is essential to stay on top of current travel advisories as they impact your decision to go on vacation and travel insurance. Visit travel.gc.ca to check your destination's current travel advisory before booking and leaving. 

For this information on the go, you can download the Travel Smart app from the Government of Canada. If you need help understanding what the advisories mean, contact a travel expert.   

Underestimating airport lineups and security  

You'll want to allocate enough time to get through security and customs. The Government of Canada generally suggests arriving 60 minutes before your departure for domestic flights and two to three hours for international flights. You can also check the airport's website for updates on wait times.  

Staying on the beaten path 

We all love the must-see attractions, but remember to go off the beaten path occasionally. Not only will you escape the crowds, but you'll get to experience the city as the locals do.  

Not learning a few local phrases  

Learning to say hello, goodbye, and thank you in your destination language can go a long way. To help you study a few local phrases, use free tools like Duolingo (available as iPhone and Android apps). You'll also want to download a translator app (like Google Translate) on your phone. They can help not with conversations, but some can instantly translate images like signs or menus.  

Forgetting to update your phone plan 

Make sure to update your phone plan to have international data and minutes, or consider buying a local SIM card to avoid unexpected roaming charges. Access to the internet will help you navigate unfamiliar cities, as you can use Google Maps to find nearby restaurants and attractions.  

Relying on your auto insurance for rental cars 

Don't put your insurance rates at risk when driving an unfamiliar rental. It's better to get rental vehicle damage insurance for coverage on your trip around Canada or the world.  

Assuming OHIP covers you while you're travelling in Canada 

Some of the services not covered by OHIP in another province or territory include: 

• Ambulances (including transport and paramedics) and airlifts  
• Anything not already covered under OHIP in Ontario 
• Prescription drugs provided outside a hospital 

Aside from the emergency medical services mentioned, OHIP doesn't cover trip cancellation or interruption insurance, which is why you'll want to buy travel insurance. 

We're here to help! 

Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or about to depart on your first vacation, our trusted CAA Travel Consultants are here to help.