Going on a trip, whether alone or with family, could cost a lot of money if not planned properly. As expected, we all would probably have had some travelling mistakes we made in the past. Extended planning needs to be done in advance, and two weeks is the perfect time to do some planning to prevent unexpected events. The main things that need to be planned (but are not limited to) are, accommodation, transportation, travel insurance and event or attraction tickets. Not to forget, it is also good practice to have backup plans in case something doesn't go according to plan.
To help you plan a smooth and budget-friendly trip, here are six most common mistakes that you need to watch out for:
1. No prior planning
Although impromptu trips are fun, it’s not always the best way to travel, especially when you’re on a very tight budget. Having a plan in place can make you excited, look forward to the vacation and adds an atmosphere of anticipation while at the same time helps you to foresee things that might happen. To do this, you need to research and determine everything in advance from total budget, destination, and accommodation to emergency fund for any unexpected costs.
2. Postponing ticket purchases
A survey conducted by a travel agent in America found that plane tickets are much cheaper six weeks before departure. Waiting until the last minute to book a flight isn’t the best idea especially during peak seasons such as national holidays.
If you want to save on travel costs, you may want to book your ticket on Sundays, because according to Cermati.com, Sunday is the optimal time to get cheap airline tickets. The difference in prices for ticket reservations on Sundays are quite significant, over 10 to 30 percent off the price for bookings on other days.
3. Roaming charges
A common miss for those travelling abroad would be choosing your phone services. Choose a roaming package that suits your budget and needs for your overseas trips, whilst also paying attention to the number of days you are there for. If you will be living abroad for more than a month, it might be cheaper for you to buy a sim card. You can also take advantage of free wifis in public facilities when you are outside.
4. Overweight luggage
One of the most irritating yet common issues that could happen when travelling is overweight luggage. Make sure you are aware of the maximum amount of baggage and items you can bring onboard. Bring just enough clothes or equipment when you travel and don't bring too many unnecessary items as you would definitely be filling your luggage space with souvenirs and gifts from the vacation.
5. The hidden cost of cheap ticket price
There is nothing wrong with promo offers such as discounts, and limited or special offers. However, you should always pay attention to the small things that might not be accounted for in detail. Hidden costs that have not been taken into account such as baggage fees, or cheap hotel room fees that don't include breakfast could wreck your vacation budgeting plan.
6. Not purchasing a travel insurance
When you're planning to travel, it is important to prevent various travel risks such as rebooking tickets, theft, falling sick, or accidents, especially in uncertain times like the current pandemic condition. Always make sure you are choosing the right travel insurance to be protected from unwanted and unexpected events. Read articles about 8 Benefits of Travel Insurance to Help you Travel Safely and Comfortably for more detailed information.
These are some of the things you need to pay attention to when planning a vacation, whether it’s solo travelling or with your family. Complete your vacation with Amanyaman, the first and only travel insurance in Indonesia that gives you 2X protection before, during and after your trip. For more information about Amanyaman’s program options, click here.