Even frequent flyers will find that there are a few bad habits we all share when it comes to travel. Although, guilty pleasures such as indulging in cake or binge watching our favorite tv show can greatly improve our lives. But, habits can also lead us down a different road. So, don’t let these bad habits derail your next vacation.
Over or Under Booking Your Itinerary
Like Goldilocks picking porridge, it’s hard to plan an itinerary that’s just right. It’s easy to over plan or to leave everything to a spur of the moment decision. Many of us are guilty of trying to jam pack as many activities as possible in a little amount of time. We often forget to calculate extra travel time or give ourselves a break. Well, there may not be one perfect formula to planning a trip, scheduling free time is a major component of balancing an itinerary. You will be able to try any spur of the moment activities that caught your eye, but it’s also important to relax and enjoy while away.
Over Packing
Overpacking is one thing we’ve all been guilty of doing. It’s easy to pack half your wardrobe, after all, you never know what you might need. To avoid this, I try packing versatile pieces that will work with multiple outfits, such as a great pair of jeans. Leaving extra room in your suitcase for any purchases is always a failsafe way for a smooth return flight.
Focusing on big adventures
Who would not want to sail around the Mediterranean for a month? Big trips are a fantastic way to get out of your element and discover a whole new way of life. It’s easy to get caught up in grand adventures and forget that small trips can be just as rewarding. By planning a few small trips throughout the year, you can get mini doses of adventure. So, perhaps a weekend in San Francisco will do the trick.
Not Sleeping
The excitement of traveling combined with the anticipation for the things to come is enough to shake my sleeping habits out of whack. By forcing myself to stick to a routine, I find I sleep better and have more energy for the things that matter. Can’t sleep on a plane? Check out this helpful guide to getting a smooth restful flight.
Stressing the Small Stuff
Forgot your camera? Bad weather? There are so many ways a trip can go off course. It’s easy to get discouraged when something goes wrong. Rather than focus on the things you can’t do, focus on the ones you can. So your trip got rained out, consider visiting a museum instead. You never know what you might discover. Besides, unexpected mishaps make for the best stories, right?
A xenophile at heart, she lives to travel and loves to share her experience on Trip Jaunt (formerly Weekend Jaunt), an online travel community and hub she founded in 2010. She hopes that you will feel inspired to discover the world as well! Helen is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the Academy of Canadian Film and Television.
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