Misleading Travel Advice

As an independent travel agent you get to hear a lot of travel advice that gets passed around.   Most of it is well meaning, however a proportion isn’t worth paying much attention to and some you should actually ignore.   We’ve had many clients questioning advice given to them and we thought it might be helpful to shed light on some of the more common examples.

• “Always book flights and hotels way in advance.”

Booking early can at times get you a great deal. However, bear in mind that when availability goes down, prices go UP so it isn’t always the best approach.

• Avoid visiting countries during peak tourist season.”

Yes, peak seasons are crowded and often more expensive, but they’re also “peak” for a reason.  Think festivals, perfect weather or seasonal events. By avoiding peak times you might miss out on some of the best things your chosen destination has to offer and not get the full experience.   Something you might live to regret, especially if you end up not going back.

• “Stick to popular tourist spots for safety.”

While it is sensible to be cautious, you will have some of the best experiences when you go off the beaten track.  Avoiding certain places due to a fear of the unknown can mean not getting to discover the more authentic and less commercialised parts of a country.

• “Exchange currency before you travel.”

Not necessarily a good idea!  In some countries you’ll get a better exchange rate at their cashpoints or banks than you will from your local currency exchange bureau.  Also, withdrawing small amounts “on the go” can help with budgeting.

• “Don’t eat street food – it’s unsafe.”

Street food is often the heart of local culture and not trying it can mean missing out on the real flavours of the country you are visiting. Just be cautious and choose busy stalls with a high turnover to ensure freshness.

• “Always go for the cheapest option.”

Cheap certainly doesn’t mean better.  Whether that is a flight with too many layovers, or a budget hotel with poor reviews, trying to save money upfront can lead to disappointment, more expenses and stress which you certainly don’t want or need on holiday.  Most of us want to have quality and value for money so it is worth taking both factors into consideration when planning a holiday.

• “To make the most of your trip you should have a packed itinerary.”

Overpacking your itinerary can lead to burnout.  It’s really important to have some downtime to relax and explore spontaneously.  Often the best experiences happen by accident, when you least expect it and when you are not rushing around.  This is a key point for me when I am working on an itinerary.  Whilst I help my clients see as much as possible, I always ensure they have time in their schedule to relax too.

• “Travel Insurance is Unnecessary.”  

One of the biggest misconceptions in travel is that insurance is an expense you can skip.  The truth is that travelling without it is a gamble not worth taking.  Whether you have a medical emergency, a cancelled flight or the airline loses your luggage, travel insurance can save you significant amounts of money and stress.

To find out more about any of the above, or if you’ve been given some advice that you are unsure about, please get in touch with Gemma Perry either via email gemma@theholidayfixer.com or telephone 01672 550 877

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