We all need a break from the monotony of the daily grind at one point or another. For most of us, that means spending a lazy day at home, sipping wine while we watch our favourite movies in the comfort of our softest PJs.
For other more adventurous types, that means going someplace different. Where you can literally smell the difference in the air, and where you notice a change in environment, no matter how subtle it may be.
We don’t always have the luxury of time, which is why sometimes you need to make the best out of a single-day trip. With so much to do and so little time, a single mistake could ruin your vacation. While a lot of travel mistakes can be taken lightly (in the spirit of adventure), there are some mistakes that you should never make:
Not Doing Your Research and Not Planning Properly
Before you go anywhere you aren’t familiar with, you need to have a clear plan of action. While things don’t need to go exactly as planned, down to the minute and place, you should know exactly what your destination and objectives are at any given time. You should know how to get to the best side of Kauai or the name of that Insta-worthy rooftop patio in New York before you leave your house. Remember that you have limited time in this new place. If you want to experience its true essence, you need to be able to visit most, if not all of the hot spots. There’s a wealth of information online on how to maximize your stay.
Overplanning
Next up on this list of travel mistakes to avoid is all about overthinking your adventure. While planning is an essential part of any trip, being too rigid with your plans is going to put unnecessary pressure on yourself and your companions. You don’t have to adhere to the plan strictly. This is especially true when something on your list doesn’t feel as appealing as it was when you were planning the trip. You don’t have to force yourself to check off every item on your list. Remember, you’re there to relax too.
Drinking Too Much Alcohol
It’s easy to simply let go and drink all the alcohol your heart desires, but you have to consider if the momentary bliss is worth an incessant headache for the rest of the day. There’s nothing wrong with indulging in alcohol but do so responsibly. If you’re only after the alcohol, you should have just gone to your local pub instead.
Visiting A Place That’s Too Far
As a general rule, if you need to spend the same amount of time travelling to your destination instead of actually experiencing it, then it’s very likely that the trip isn’t worth it. If you’re going to drive an entire day to spend a single day somewhere else, chances are you won’t have enough energy to actually enjoy your vacation.
You need to ensure that you’re going to make it to your destination and you also need to make it back home safely. This is even more important if you’re going to be driving because your full attention is needed during transit.
We all deserve a vacation once in a while, especially when we work hard and work smart without fail. Sometimes a day is all we need, other times a day is all we have. Whichever the case is, we need to make the most of the time we have. Plan ahead, stay safe, but most importantly, have fun!
