Escaping the Everyday

Jake and I have been traveling for a few years now, and I had been traveling even before we started dating. We were out to eat with friends the other weekend, discussing our travel adventures, when they mentioned their desire to travel as well. I made a joke, saying, “Well, we can teach you all the things NOT to do.” Then it dawned on me how perfect that would be for the next blog post.

Many people aspire to travel, and while numerous blogs highlight the wonders of traveling, we often neglect to showcase the moments when we make mistakes or encounter unexpected challenges.

If we can assist others with travel tips, then our objective has been accomplished.

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1. Not having a backup plan

It is imperative to always consider a contingency plan for your travel arrangements. In the event of an unforeseen circumstance, have a clear strategy in mind for how you would proceed.

When Jake and I decided to travel from Maine to Montana, we had a place booked for at least three months. However, upon arrival, the place was absolutely disgusting. We realized we could not stay there and knew no one in the area. Initially, we were thrilled about this place, but we should have had a backup plan in case it didn’t work out.

We could have requested the landlord to Facetime with us so we could see the place in real time instead of relying solely on pictures. We would have realized immediately that the place was filthy and that hens were living in the house.

2. Going on a flight with nothing to do

The first time I traveled alone by plane, I had nothing with me for a three-hour flight. I simply sat with my thoughts for the entire duration, which was not an enjoyable experience.

I always bring my headphones to listen to music, my book, or even my iPad. One interesting thing I have learned about having my iPad is that I can download movies and shows on Netflix, allowing me to watch what I have downloaded from anywhere, even without Wi-Fi.

Favorite books: Fourth Wing, The Housemaid, A Court of Thornes and Roses, Things We Never Got Over, Into the Wild, Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

If you are uncertain about what items you can bring on an airplane, you can always refer to the TSA website to determine what is permitted through security.

3. Creating and overambitious itinerary

One important lesson I have learned is that overplanning a travel itinerary can be a mistake. I find that embarking on a trip with a rough outline of activities and destinations is far more stress-free and enjoyable than planning everything down to the minute.

There are always unforeseen circumstances on your trip that require adaptation, or you may discover an activity upon arrival that you are eager to experience, but your schedule is already packed with pre-booked activities, leaving no room to fit it in.

Activities might take longer than anticipated, potentially disrupting the entire itinerary. If this happens and you miss the next scheduled activity, you may lose money.

4. Getting stuck in the tourist traps

Searching online for the best places to visit in an area can be useful for generating ideas, but it is important not to be confined to those suggestions. These locations are usually popular among tourists because many people rely on online searches to make their travel decisions.

One must dive deeper to uncover the hidden gems of any destination. Jake and I typically join a local Facebook group and ask residents for their favorite non-tourist spots to visit. There is no better advice than that which comes from the locals! Particularly when it comes to dining, sometimes the best and most delicious places are the unassuming ones.

It has been remarkable what we have discovered simply by inquiring within those groups. Jake will also explore Reddit to see what others are saying. Particularly if there is a place you wish to visit that is often crowded, you might gain some insight into the best times to visit when it is less crowded.

5. Letting mistakes ruin your trip

Do not let setbacks during your trip affect your mood for the rest of the journey. When traveling, unexpected situations are bound to arise. It is essential to address them and move on.

It is easy to become overwhelmed by emotions and the current situation, but do not let it spoil the trip. While it is easier said than done, you will be grateful once the trip is over. I tend to worry excessively, and if we encounter an unexpected expense, I sometimes stress about how we will pay it off.

At that moment, there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. Continue with your trip and address the issue upon your return. Do not let this setback ruin the potential for an amazing trip.

6. Overpacking

I have always been prone to overpacking, but I have learned that when traveling, it is much easier and more economical to pack smartly rather than cramming everything into bags. Not only will it save you money, but it will also save you the hassle of carrying around very heavy luggage.

I always make sure to save a little room because I know I will be purchasing some type of souvenir as well.

My favorite travel tote bag: click here

7. Trying to save money at the expense of your trip

If you can only travel once a year, do not let financial constraints hinder the experience. If you have allocated a specific budget and discover that an activity costs $20 more than anticipated, do not let that deter you from an experience you may not have the opportunity to enjoy again.

If it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, do not hesitate to splurge a little. However, be cautious not to fall into the habit of always splurging, as this can lead to budgetary issues.

The primary objective of traveling is to explore and experience the world. Therefore, do not let a few additional expenses prevent you from fully enjoying your trip.

8. Don’t book your trip too early

The early bird does not always catch the worm. For your flight, it is advisable to wait approximately three months before your trip to book. This is when airlines begin adjusting prices based on demand.

Jake and I always wait for the best deals. There are some things that you might not be able to wait on, such as tickets to an event, but when prices tend to fluctuate, try to wait until the best deal appears.

9. Not utilizing points and miles

Possessing a credit card that accrues points and miles can be highly advantageous. Jake and I have an airline credit card that rewards us with points for our weekly expenses, which we pay off each week, thereby earning us points in the process.

We have accumulated enough points for a free flight, which will greatly assist us when we decide to travel. However, it is important to be cautious about not spending beyond one’s means with a credit card. It is very easy to accumulate debt, so I am proud of how Jake and I manage the credit card for points.

10. Not following your gut

When something feels amiss, trust your instincts. Your intuition can be incredibly powerful and may even save your life. It cannot be emphasized enough how crucial it is to be aware of your surroundings and your feelings towards them.

I believe this notion was instilled in me by my family upon entering college. It is the first time being independent, without your parents advising you about potentially dangerous or unsafe situations.

While I could elaborate extensively on various aspects we’ve learned throughout our travels, these are the essentials that I believe would be valuable for anyone.