Sometimes the excitement of going on a holiday can leave you complacent about all the extensive research and planning you need to do.

However, in order to get the best bang for your buck and to ensure you have a smooth-sailing, pleasant holiday, there are some things you simply must tick off your travel to-do list.

Here are the top 5 travel mistakes people often make and how to avoid them:

MISTAKE 1 – Not bothering to shop around strategically for the best bargain

Always research and shop around, in order to get the best value for your money. Check out daily deal sites for great travel deals and packages that include flights, accommodation and bonus extras. Also be strategic about the way you research. For example, did you know that most airline and travel websites track your cookies? So if your search history is filled with flight searches, they can increase the price of flights as you continue to check for other deals. Switch your web browser to incognito (private) mode or erase your cookies before purchasing airfares online. A little bit of patience in the research phase may just score you a big bargain! Now you can do some extra shopping with the money saved

MISTAKE 2 – Not getting a travel money card

The Australian dollar is often at a disadvantage in places like Europe and USA. It’s worse when your bank charges you a hefty percentage every time you withdraw cash or swipe your credit card. Carrying loads of cash isn’t always the safest option either. Get a travel money card to ensure a flat rate every time you withdraw or make a purchase. You can also have multiple currencies on one card if you’re a global trotter.

MISTAKE 3 – Not doing your research on safety concerns

Know the safety of the countries you are travelling to by lodging your travel plans with Smartraveller, a great service provided by our government. Should there be any travel warnings or safety issues, Smartraveller will email and notify you accordingly. If you are uncertain of any areas, you can do a preventative check first to ensure your safety. Don’t skimp on this step – it’s not worth it.

MISTAKE 4 – Not tipping in places you are supposed to

Knowing how much to tip can be a very contentious issue. For example, in places like Japan there is no such thing as tipping and tipping can be perceived as rude. Whereas, if you don’t tip in America, it would be deeply offensive and you may be called out on it. It doesn’t matter where you’re travelling to – either purchase a guidebook or do your research beforehand to find out how much you should be tipping. Also be sure to factor this into your budget because if you’re tipping 15% on every service offering this could quickly add up!

MISTAKE 5 – Not knowing the local language at all

We are very fortunate to have a predominant language in Australia which the majority speak. However, when you’re travelling, you can’t assume that everyone speaks English. Just learning a few phrases can make a huge difference to how you are received in another culture. It is a sign of respect to learn the language of the country you are travelling in and can also prove to be very practical. You’ll be satisfied when you are able to order a meal in that country’s language or when you understand crucial signs. If you’re going to have a local SIM card with data on your phone, downloading a translation app could be handy too.

Just a little bit of research and planning before your trip can save you a lot of time and money. Happy travels!

Do you have any other tips or mistakes to avoid when travelling? Please share in the comments below.

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