First published almost 18 months ago, with a “new year” and as travel is definitely on the uptick, I thought this was an opportune time to republish (with just a few minor tweaks) Common Travel Planning Mistakes that I still see…in hopes of helping you to avoid them!
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Travel is a passion of mine and I’ve been involved in the business of travel in some way or another for over thirteen (13) years. Writing about it started when I launched my blog in 2012. I started sharing travel tips and then more about my travels to Italy.
Over the years it has evolved and involved assisting clients with their travels, then partnering with local destination experts and leading custom, boutique small group tours to Italy.
Another evolution or “pivot” has been designing and planning custom itineraries for the past three years and now I’m your “boots on the ground” here in bella Italia!
It goes without saying that travel has changed (again!). Most of us remember the after effects of 9/11 (which are now part of our travel experience)? Then, along came COVID and now we’re experiencing an even more extensive and, in my opinion, long term change.
Through all of this (and COVID!), I’ve seen the same travel planning missteps over and over…and over! Seasoned travelers, novice travelers…you name it!
So, I decided to share some reminders – twelve (12) to be exact: reminders of the most common travel planning mistakes that I see repeated…well, repeatedly! Maybe some will sound all too familiar?…
#1 Trying to do TOO much: Over scheduling, not allowing adequate time for travel/transfer times or unexpected delays. Not allowing for the unforeseen or for spontaneity.
I know it’s hard to face the fact that you simply cannot see and do it all, but you can’t! Otherwise you run the risk of cramming, jamming, rushing and not enjoying any of it… Prioritize and choose.
#2 Not consulting with a travel professional: If you have a toothache you go to a 
professional, don’t you? You’re investing your time and hard earned vacation travel dollars so, please consult with travel professionals. And if you’re thinking that it will be more expensive, in fact, it isn’t!
Read: Why You Should Use a Travel Professional
#3 Don’t budget realistically: Be sure you’re getting the full story! When making reservations, read the fine print, what is/is not included, what is the refund policy? Are there cancellation or change fees? If so, what are they and what are the terms?
Ask questions! Know what you’re paying for; no surprises. And remember, if it sounds too good to be true… If you’re on a budget, it’s better to modify your plans than try to stretch it too far.
And, yes, inflation has hit everywhere, and notably in all aspects of the travel/tourism business.
Read: Your Travel Planning Checklist
#4 “Crowd sourcing” for information:Why would you ask perfect strangers for travel advice or their opinion? There’s a lot of information and MIS-information out there so be discerning – seek the counsel of experts! Refer back to #2!
#5 Don’t have a “Plan B”: Be prepared “just in case”, whether it be a last minute flight or itinerary change or if there’s an emergency of some sort, have a backup plan. (And, another reason why you should consider travel insurance!)
And we all saw the headlines or knew someone who was caught in the airline chaos last summer (and is still happening!)
Read: S.O.S. and Travel Savvy & Travel SmartZ
#6 Overpack! I simply cannot believe the size and sheer volume of the luggage many travelers still insist on bringing! Get smaller pieces of luggage and DO NOT OVERPACK! I promise that, the first time you have to lift, carry or drag those bags over cobblestones, onto a train, in an airport or up a few flights of stairs, you’ll vow “never again!”
I STILL see travelers lugging HUGE suitcases and bulky backpacks! Argh!
Read: Packing TipZ You’ll Thank Me For , Packing Tips – The Art of Packing and Don’t Forget -Don’t Bother Checklist!
#7 Under prepare & under budget: Before you leave home, prepare and plan properly (including for pets!). Leave knowing everything is taken care of! Have a checklist and avoid last minute stress. And please budget for those unforeseen expenses and “splurges”!
See my comment in #3 about inflation!
Read again: Your Travel Planning Checklist
#8 Don’t “go to the source”: Get up-to-date and current information from local sites and from local experts/guides. Especially nowadays when travel guidelines/restrictions are changing so often, it’s even more important to “know before you go” and check often!
Read: Rewarding Sightseeing
#9 Don’t learn about the destination beforehand: Appreciating the local culture, food, history, customs and language is so rewarding and enriching. Invest in learning and in the services of local guides and experts.
Read again: Rewarding Sightseeing
#10 Unrealistic about physical demands of travel: Walking, standing, stairs, 
uneven pavement and those charming “hill top” villages! The operative word is ‘hill”! Get in shape. Pace yourself! And, did I mention jet lag?
Another reason why comfortable shoes are a MUST!
Read: Watch Your Steps! and How to Cope with Jet Lag
#11 Thinking you can be “spontaneous”: Well, it would be nice to think that travel and visiting popular sites was like it was 20 or 30 years, even 10 years ago…but it isn’t! Spontaneity is nice but standing in lines for hours is the pits! Avoid disappointment and/or wasting precious vacation time in lines…book popular attractions in advance.
I still see long (very long!) lines snaking from museum/historical site entrances. Lack of planning = standing in long lines possibly for hours!
I repeat: Read #8 and #9!
#12 Wait for the “right time” or until the last minute for “deals”: Forget it! The best time is when you can go! Don’t wait and, by the way, about those last minute “deals”? Those were the good ol’ days! They are gone! Life and travel have changed and we have to change and adapt, too.
Read: The Best Time to Travel
BONUS TIP!
Biggest Mistake? Sure “plan ahead” has taken on a new meaning and dimension but it’s a mistake to think that you can’t plan at all!
That’s right, the biggest mistake is not planning at all! Of course, there’s more to consider. Of course, it will require more research and learning exactly where, when and how you can travel. And yes, there are restrictions, protocols, and mandates but it’s all designed to keep you safe.
So, please consult official sites (not social media and not your best friend or relative – as well meaning as they may be)!
Research. Do your homework. Make a plan. Be flexible! Remember why you love to travel! Enjoy…
Have a Fabulous Time!!
⇓ Check Out These Italy Travel TipZ Posts ⇓
Guidelines for High Speed Train Travel in Italy
TipZ for Day Tripping in Italy
More Travel Tip Resources:
Need expert help with your travel plans? Yes, I can help or refer you to reliable resources!
⇒ CLICK for More: “No Nonsense” Travel Tips!
Even though my book is Italy-focused, many of the 450 tips are perfect for any travel:
⇒Victoria’s Travel TipZ Italian Style on Amazon ⇐
⇒ Coming in 2022 in my next book! All of this and MORE no-nonsense travel tips!!
⇒ Does any of this sound familiar? Any other mistakes you’ve made and would like to share? Please comment below! ⇓
4 thoughts on “A Dozen Common Travel Planning Mistakes Redux!”
As always, great information and tips! I always think of the movie…if it’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belguim!..Perhaps that’s why cruises are so poplular….just skimming. It’s very difficult to not try and do it all…but well worth scaling back and actually remembering what you did where! Ha…loved the comment about “hill top towns”…will never forget climbing up a via to reach Cortona…that was a lesson! Ciao Bella!
Phyllis & Joe,
Indeed…some lessons are harder to learn than others! When I see the itineraries of some folks it makes me dizzy!
Of course, everyone is entitled to their own “style” and pace but rushing around just to take photos/videos, and say you’ve “been there”
doesn’t define travel for me (nor for you two!).
Ci vediamo in 2022!
xo’s
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