Common mistakes can ruin your trip – here's how to avoid them (Image: Getty)
Two in five (42%) of Britons are planning to travel abroad this year, equivalent to around 29 million people, driving an increase in demand for holiday advice. Searches for vacation-related queries overseas have skyrocketed (up 32% over the past three months), with over 43,000 people relying on Google for tips on planning trips.
However, amidst excitement, many travelers unconsciously make simple mistakes, which ultimately puts extra money, time and stress. From unexpected baggage charges at boarding gates to hidden mobile data charges, even veteran vacationers can fall into these traps. However, with a little planning, these common travel errors can be easily avoided.
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Jane Bolton, a travel expert at TaylorMade's Package Ski Holiday Operator, shares the eight most common mistakes British people make while traveling, as well as how to avoid them for a stress-free trip.
1. I have not read detailed printed materials on my car rental agreement
Hiring a car abroad may seem easy, but many travelers get caught up in hidden fees buried in fine print, insurance exclusions, or strict return policies.
Some car rental agreements include an overcharge of £1,000 or more for every mild damage, and may add unexpected charges to fuel, mileage or additional drivers.
How to avoid it:
Before signing anything, be sure to carefully review the full terms, including insurance coverage, deposit requirements, fuel policies, and more.
Instead of paying a costly loss waiver at a rental desk, consider purchasing an independent, over-insurance policy in advance. These can offer better coverage for just £33 in a week.
Always take a clear picture of your car before and after use to protect yourself from unfair damage claims upon return.
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2. Forgot to check in online or enter incorrect passenger details
If you forget to check in online, you may be charged an additional airport charge. Budget airlines, including Ryanair, are currently charging passengers who cannot check in online. This means that if you don't go through this process before you arrive, you may face unexpected fees.
Entering the wrong name when booking a flight, such as a nickname instead of a full passport name, or booking with a married last name when your passport is still in the maiden name, can cause major issues at check-in.
Some airlines may need to charge a large fee for name modifications or rebook tickets entirely.
How to avoid it:
When booking a flight, middle names will be included as needed to double-check that all passenger details match the passport exactly.
Before you depart for the airport, make sure your boarding pass is correct to avoid expensive name change fees at your desk.
3. Pay extra to sit together when you may not need it
Many airlines now charge passengers for seating choices and lead travelers to pay extra to sit together when they may not be necessary.
On quiet flights, groups often sit together automatically. This means you can spend money for no reason.
Even on busy flights, some airlines still try to have their families and groups sit together as much as possible, so you don't always have to pay for a seating choice.
How to avoid it:
To increase your chances of sitting together for free, check in online as soon as possible. Some websites and apps provide seat alerts and notify you when a better seat is nearing departure.
4. Finally, all packaging
Rapidly packing the night before a trip often leads to overpacking, forgetting essentials, or having trouble putting everything in place in your baggage.
This allows for extra baggage charges, last minute airport purchases, or simply a stressful start to your vacation. Some airlines, like EasyJet, for example, have strict cabin baggage policies.
Passengers may face additional charges if items such as helmets do not fit within specified dimensions.
Lack of preparation can mean that there is no major travel documents, adapters, or proper weather clothing. All of these are expensive or difficult to replace once overseas.
How to avoid it:
Prepare a packing list and slowly pack it over several days. To ensure compliance with weight and size restrictions, please check your airline's baggage policy in advance, especially with regard to sports equipment and bulky items.
Packaging cubes help you keep things organized, maximize space, and allow for more fits in your case.
