Planning a vacation can be an exciting time, but even the most seasoned travelers can make mistakes. To help you avoid common slip-ups, we’ve compiled a list of five travel mistakes that you should watch out for this year.
1. Overlooking Travel Medical Insurance: One major mistake that many people make is not considering the importance of travel medical insurance. Christopher Elliott, founder of the nonprofit Elliott Advocacy, warns that unforeseen accidents or illnesses can result in hefty hospital bills. Most U.S. healthcare plans offer limited or no coverage outside of the country, so it’s crucial to have a travel medical insurance policy. These policies provide coverage for a range of medical emergencies, including medical evacuation and emergency transport. The average cost of a travel medical insurance plan is $89, according to Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison website.
2. Getting Hit With Unnecessary Baggage Fees: Airlines have recently increased their prices for checked bags, and what many travelers don’t realize is that some airlines charge more if you check a bag at the airport instead of paying in advance. To avoid unnecessary fees, make sure to pay ahead of time for any bags that you plan to check.
3. Incurring Hidden Hotel Fees: Hotels often charge guests extra fees for amenities like Wi-Fi, early check-ins, and gym access. To avoid these fees, consider joining the hotel’s loyalty program, which is usually free and can lead to reduced or waived fees. Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask the hotel staff at check-in if certain fees can be waived.
4. Not Utilizing a Key Search Feature on Airbnb: Like hotels, Airbnb rental property owners may add extra fees to your bill, such as cleaning fees and service fees. These additional costs can quickly add up. However, Airbnb has introduced a helpful feature that allows guests to view the total costs of a stay before taxes. To enable this feature, simply click the slider on the upper right of the search page that says, “Display total before taxes.” It’s important to note that if you’re in the United States, you may need to change a setting to see the full rate when searching for rentals.
5. Paying Full Price for a Rental Car: The rental vehicle shortage caused by the pandemic has led to increased prices for rental cars. To avoid paying full price, consider utilizing discounts offered by big-box stores like Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club. Membership with AARP and AAA can also provide discounted rates for rental cars. Additionally, some credit card companies offer rental car discounts for specific cardholders. Before purchasing insurance from a rental car company, check if your credit card offers rental car insurance coverage.
By being aware of these common travel mistakes and following the provided tips, you can ensure a smoother and more cost-effective vacation experience. Remember to prioritize travel medical insurance, plan ahead for baggage fees, be mindful of potential hidden hotel fees, use Airbnb’s key search feature, and take advantage of discounts for rental cars. Happy travels!
