Travel calamities happen. Your flight is delayed or canceled. A cranky ticketing agent ruins your day. Your bags stay in New Hampshire while your plane goes to New York. Many travel issues are out of your control, but there are several common travel mistakes that you can prevent or avoid…if you know what to do.
1. Connection Conundrums
A half hour sounds like a long time with your feet on the ground in your hometown. But if you get to a big city airport with only 30 minutes to make your connecting flight, you better have your running shoes on!
Solution: Leave yourself at least an hour and a half between flights. Worst case scenario? You have time for a cocktail in the lounge before you meet your plane!
2. Security Checkpoint Stagnation
It takes a while to get through security at major airports. This is something that may surprise those used to flying in and out of smaller airports. Lines are often long and move slowly. And if you’re late to the checkpoint, chances are decent that you’ll miss your flight.
Solution: Arrive for your flight at least two hours before departure and allow extra time for busier airports.
3. Airport Parking Robbery
Long-term parking at the airport can be incredibly expensive and difficult to find. Wouldn’t that money be better spent on your trip?
Solution: If you can’t get a friend or family member to give you a lift, check out AirportParkingReservations.com. For a fraction of the cost of traditional airport parking, you can get a safe, secure spot for the duration of your trip.
4. Ground Transportation Glitches
You know where you are. You know where you want to be. But you forgot to arrange a plan for getting there. Many travelers step off the airplane and expect their destination to magically materialize – but your hotel could be miles away from the airport!
Solution: Book your ground transportation ahead of time and save some serious cash. Your hotel may offer a free shuttle; if not, call ahead to check taxi rates to your home away from home.
5. Travel Brochure Deception
Your flight went off without a hitch, but your hotel looks like something out of an Eli Roth movie. You’re afraid to walk barefoot across the carpet and the shower – well, that’s completely out of the question.
Solution: A cheap place to lay your head is great, but not if you’re upsetting the bedbugs who were there first! Read reviews, ask friends for recommendations and read our tips for finding hotels deals before booking your accommodations. Remember, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is!
You spend a lot of time and money on your travels. Don’t let a slip-up ruin your plans. Avoid these travel mistakes and it’ll (hopefully) be a smooth trip from start to finish!
