Travel nightmares become reality all too often, which is why following disaster-avoidance tips are essential part of a smooth sailing holiday.
Here are some common holiday nightmares, and how to avoid them.
1. Your travel insurance doesn’t cover unforeseen mishaps and emergencies
Don’t leave the country without medical insurance, as you may not have as much coverage as you think. Credit cards can provide some coverage, but they often limit the number of days you are covered, as well as the amount. And they also may not provide coverage over the age of 65. Insurance options are displayed by most travel providers during the purchase process, so pay close attention to your options.
2. You return from holiday to a massive mobile phone bill
Turn off your phone and truly enjoy your holiday, or at the very least, call your mobile service provider prior to departure to purchase an out-of-country package. To make sure you get the right plan for your needs, tell your service provider where you are going, how long you will be gone, and what you plan on using your mobile device for, making calls, accessing data, or both.
3. The resort you booked doesn’t meet expectations
Booking through reputable travel companies can help ensure that hotel properties meet the standards you expect. Unpleasant surprises might include lengthy bus journeys from the airport to a resort, a family encountering an adults-only policy at a hotel, or an “all-inclusive” holiday that only includes breakfast. Do your research, whether it’s by using a travel agent, speaking to people who have been to the resort, and/or checking traveller reviews. You get what you pay for, particularly with all-inclusive resorts, so find out exactly what’s included.
4. Your flight has been cancelled, and now you’re stranded
Make sure you have the latest mobile apps on your smartphone to keep you updated and help with last-minute bookings. There is no way to avoid last-minute flight cancellations, but there are ways to ensure that you are adequately prepared if you are faced with the unfortunate situation of booking an extra night’s stay in a city you don’t know.
5. You’ve missed your flight because you were late getting to the airport
Always give yourself more time than you think you’ll need to get to the airport. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance covers you from the moment you leave home, but only if you miss your connection through no fault of your own. Check your insurance carefully to understand exactly what that means.
Image via Pinterest.
