6 Tips to Avoid Ruining Your Vacation

Embarking on a vacation is all about enjoyment, relaxing, and rejuvenation. But all too often, vacations turn into stressful ordeals. To avoid ruining your vacation, follow these tips:

1. Make A Packing List And Check It Twice

A detailed packing list will help you avoid forgetting essential items.

Packing can be painful, but making a list ensures you won’t forget anything.

Plus, it’ll make packing go so much faster! You may want to consider having a travel bathroom bag always ready, so you don’t have to spend time looking for toiletries.

I started doing this two years ago, and it has made packing so much easier!

Checking your list twice is also crucial; you don’t want to get to your destination and realize you forgot your toothbrush or socks for the entire trip. 

2. Follow The TSA Guidelines For Packing Your Carry-On Luggage

The last thing you want is to be held up at the airport because you packed your liquids incorrectly.

So familiarize yourself with the TSA guidelines for packing carry-on luggage before you leave for your trip.

Packing according to the TSA guidelines will help ensure your travel experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

For details on liquid requirements, you can visit the TSA website (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule)

3. Invalid Passport

There is nothing worse than getting to the airport and not being able to board the plane or your destination and not being able to enter the country because your passport is expired.

So, make sure your passport is up to date before you travel.

Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months after your planned return date.

So check the expiration date and plan accordingly.

Additionally, ensure you have all the necessary visa requirements for your destination country.

4. Carry Valuable Items

Determining what valuable items you are or are not taking on your trip can be challenging.

If you don’t want to risk losing your valuables, leave them at home. 

Whatever valuables you decide to take with you, be sure you are comfortable with the possibility of the items being lost, damaged, or stolen. 

If you are traveling with valuable jewelry, we recommend confirming you have jewelry insurance just in case of loss, damage, or theft. 

While traveling, it is always essential to have cash in case of an emergency, so keep your money and any valuables in the resort or hotel safe.

Don’t let the loss of your valuables ruin your vacation.

5. Steer Clear From Red Flags/Scammers:

Be sure to look out for red flags that may signal a scam when you are booking your vacation.

An example would be if you’re being offered a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Be wary of anyone asking for your trip deposit or payment without providing a detailed invoice and the trip terms and conditions. 

If you suspect someone might be trying to scam you, research to see if any complaints have been filed against them.

You can also contact the Better Business Bureau to check for previous complaints.

When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and go with a reputable company that has a good track record.

6. Only Select A Tour Guide With Experience:

There’s nothing worse than getting lost on vacation.

A good tour guide can be worth their weight in gold, ensuring you see all the best sights and avoid any potential pitfalls.

Do your research before you book to ensure you’re getting a reputable guide.

Bad tour guides have ruined vacations for countless travelers.

Make sure you don’t end up being one of them by doing your research in advance.

If you are booking on your own, check reviews and or ask around to find a reputable tour guide.

You also may want to consider working with a travel agent as they have vetted all their guides, transfer companies, etc.