5 mistakes I made when traveling

I realized that I was making many mistakes during most of my past travels, but over the last year I have learned how to travel smarter from attending trainings, educating myself and other resources.

My new focus is to teach people how to travel smarter which can also help you save money and frustration.

Here are my 5 top mistakes:

1. Letting my passport expire or fall within 6 months. You should never let your passport expire or travel with your passport with 6 months or less because you could be turned away at the destination. Also with all the delays in getting passport renewals you should start the process 8 months before it expires.

2. Waiting in security lines at airport. You can get TSA pre-check for $78 for five years or Clear for $189 annually to use expedited security lines. The best part is you don’t have to take off shoes or belts and don’t have to take out laptops and liquids from your bag.

3. Booking short layover flights. Travel is unpredictable so a delay could make you miss your connection. Make sure you have enough time in between flights especially for international travel and at larger US airports.

4. Forgetting travel insurance. Purchasing travel insurance will help with peace of mind for travel disruptions or medical emergency. Most health insurance companies don’t offer benefits out of the country or states.

5. Not packing a carry-on bag. This is one of the worst mistakes because lost luggage can ruin your trip. When checking luggage for a flight, you should pack an extra outfit and things like expensive jewelry that you don’t want lost by the airline.

Avoiding these mistakes can help you have a smoother and more enjoyable trip.

Traveling smarter not only enhances your experience but also saves you valuable time and money. By avoiding common mistakes and making informed choices, you can make the most of your journey without breaking the bank.