7 Costliest Mistakes People Make When Planning Vacations
I’m a Travel Agent: 7 Costliest Mistakes People Make When Planning Vacations
June 5, 2023 By Jacob Wade
It’s vacation season!
With summer in full swing for most of the U.S., you might be putting the finishing touches on your vacation plans. Or you might be planning a winter getaway for later this year. Either way, before you take off on an epic road trip or fly to a desirable destination for some rest and relaxation, you might want to make sure you avoid making these massive travel mistakes.
We tapped Greg Johnson — expert world traveler, travel blogger at ClubThrifty.com and owner of Travel Blue Book Travel Agency — to share his insights on the costliest mistakes travelers make when planning vacations.
Not Planning Ahead
Failing to plan is planning to fail. Having a plan in place can help alleviate travel headaches and save you money at the same time.
“Most travelers book their vacations a few months before traveling,” Johnson said. “By that time, availability is usually low — which causes prices to rise. Depending on the trip, this can increase your costs substantially.
“To get the best deals, consider booking your trip as early as possible. Prices for flights, resorts and cruises are typically near their lowest when they first become available. By booking 11 to 12 months in advance, you can literally save thousands.”
Being Inflexible With Dates and Destinations
Flexibility is key to saving money while traveling.
“One of the best ways to save on travel is to be flexible with your dates and destinations,” Johnson said. “If you don’t know exactly where you want to go, consider choosing your destination based on the price of flights. Likewise, being able to fly on a Tuesday could save you big money compared to flying on a Friday. The same goes for resorts and cruises.”
He also said, “Do a little price shopping and play with dates before committing to specific travel dates, hotels or cruises. It’s not always possible, but being a little flexible can go a long way.”
Traveling During Peak Times
Peak travel means high prices, period. Johnson advises against it, if possible. “If you can avoid peak travel season, do it. Traveling during shoulder seasons and off-peak times can save you up to 50% on the cost of your trip. Plus, you won’t have to fight as many crowds, which can make your trip much more enjoyable.”
Using a Mobile Phone Without an International Plan
Staying connected when traveling overseas can be costly.
“When you are traveling internationally, be sure that your mobile phone plan offers coverage at your destination before using it,” Johnson said. “Not doing so can be an enormously costly mistake, potentially costing you thousands.
“If you already have an international phone plan, make sure that the country you are traveling to is covered under your plan. If you don’t, call your mobile company and inquire about adding one during your trip.”
Johnson also said, “Cruisers should be sure to turn off their data when not docked in port, as many international plans don’t cover you while sailing in international waters. You could easily rack up thousands of dollars in accidental bills if you’re not careful. We like to flip our phones to airplane mode and use the ship’s Wi-Fi throughout the cruise instead.”
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