Don’t Make the Same Mistakes I Made on My Holiday

Holidays are meant to be a time to relax, recharge and explore new places. But, despite our best intentions, sometimes things don’t go quite as planned. Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes while travelling. Here are eight mistakes I made on my holidays, and how you can make sure they don’t happen to you.

1. Underestimating the Importance of Rest During a Holiday

One of the biggest mistakes I made was thinking that I could keep up a frantic pace from the moment I checked in at my destination. I wanted to see everything, experience it all and never waste a moment. But, that comes with the risk of up feeling burned out by the end of the trip. For convenience, you can use a browser to find information about rest spots or activities to help plan your downtime effectively.

The Solution?

It’s important to factor in some downtime into your itinerary. Don’t feel pressured to be on the go constantly. Factor in some moments to rest and recharge. You’ll come back feeling refreshed instead of frazzled.

2. Not Doing Enough Research to Plan for Local Customs

I love to immerse myself in new cultures, but there have been times when I didn’t research local customs enough before arriving. I made small missteps – like tipping incorrectly or misunderstanding a local practice – which left me feeling embarrassed and out of place.

Don’t Make the Same Mistake

Take a little time before your trip to look up key cultural differences, tipping etiquette and important phrases in the local language. Even if you’re only booking a trip to somewhere else in the UK, do a little bit of research beforehand.

3. Overpacking

I often feel as though I need to be prepared for every possible scenario, so I pack a massive suitcase with far too many clothes, shoes and accessories. But, I hardly use half of the items I take with me.

How to Avoid It

Make a packing list and stick to it, and only pack what you’re actually going to need. Focus on versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. Consider the time of year and what the weather is likely to be.

4. Not Booking Travel Insurance

I used to think travel insurance was just an extra expense I didn’t need, but I’ve since learned my lesson. Having coverage in case of an emergency provides peace of mind during your trip.

Do it Right

Invest in travel insurance and make sure to enter all of the required information accurately, as this ensures your coverage is valid. Whether it’s for health, cancellations or lost luggage, having insurance can save you a lot of stress and money if something unexpected happens.

5. Forgetting to Disconnect

I often find myself glued to my phone on holiday; checking emails, scrolling through social media and worrying about work. I have a tendency to not truly disconnect and enjoy the moment.

Do This Instead

Set boundaries before you go. For example, let work know you’ll be offline and set up an out-of-office message. Use your phone for getting around and taking pictures, but try to unplug at other times.

6. Not Booking in Advance

One of the most frustrating mistakes I’ve made was not booking activities in advance. I thought I could just show up and figure things out, but this often leads to missed opportunities and higher costs.

Think Ahead to Save Money

By planning ahead, you can take advantage of early bird discounts and special offers. Book experiences, dining reservations and other activities online before your trip. This way, you can ensure you get to do everything you want without the last-minute stress.

7. Not Arriving at the Airport Early

I used to think arriving at the airport an hour before my flight was plenty of time, but long security lines and a last-minute gate changes can really throw a spanner in the works. The stress can be overwhelming and it’s not the way I want to start my holiday.

Beat the Rush

Arriving at the airport early can help you to beat the rush and avoid last-minute stress. Check in online and print or download your boarding pass to speed up the process. If there’s a QR code, use this access your boarding pass and other travel documents quickly.

8. Not Keeping Track of Expenses

It’s easy to get so caught up in the excitement that you don’t keep track of your spending. By the end of the trip, you might be shocked to see how much you’ve overspent.

Stay on Budget

Keeping track of your expenses is essential to staying on budget during your holiday. Set a budget and plan ahead to avoid overspending on experiences and other activities. Start by setting a daily budget for each date you’ll be away and track your expenses to ensure you stay on track.

Booking a Holiday Lodge Can Help You Avoid Common Travel Mistakes

No Long-Haul Travel Stress
Forget about flight delays, jet lag or the complexities of international travel. A UK holiday lodge is often just a short drive away, meaning you can relax and enjoy your time away without the stress of long travel times.

Instant Relaxation in Beautiful Surroundings
The UK offers a variety of stunning locations for holiday lodges, from the peaceful countryside to coastal escapes. Whether you’re looking for a retreat in the Lake District or a coastal getaway in Cornwall, you’re guaranteed beautiful natural surroundings that make unwinding effortless.

Flexible and Simple Accommodation
Lodges typically offer more flexibility than hotels, with kitchens, spacious living areas, and the option to cater for yourself. This can save you from overpacking or relying on expensive dining out, and you can truly make your stay feel like home.

Plenty of Local Activities Without Over-Scheduling
With a holiday lodge, you’re often surrounded by outdoor activities like hiking, biking or exploring local attractions. You can enjoy them at your own pace, without feeling like you’re on a strict timetable or missing out on experiences.

Cost-Effective and Family-Friendly
Holiday lodges in the UK can be a more affordable option, especially for families or small groups. You get more space for less money compared to hotels, and the cost of meals and amenities can be kept down by cooking for yourself.

If you have ‘organise my holiday’ on your list of things to do, now is the time to start booking everything. Regardless of the type of holiday you’re looking for, avoiding the above travel mistakes can make the entire experience a lot more enjoyable.