Comments on: 16 Things Not to Do When You Travel

By: Donna I.

Donna I. — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 23:59:03 +0000

Traveling to Italy in a few weeks. These are some good things to think about.

By: David M.

David M. — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 14:24:43 +0000

Great tips. Agree with all of them. One thing that (perhaps) should be updated is that Momondo and Kayak are now the same thing, since the latter bought the former 🙁

By: Dianna

Dianna — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 14:05:34 +0000

I would be cautious of World Nomads for travel insurance. I thought they were good until I actually had to file a claim! They ignored phone calls, emails, didn’t update the claim status……wasn’t until we contacted the BBB that they finally communicated with us then settled the claim ($75 hotel stay for cancelled flight – pretty standard). It was close to 6 months between filing the claim, and having it settled. I will be looking elsewhere for insurance for my upcoming trip to India.

By: Heather Wicksted

Heather Wicksted — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 17:15:42 +0000

Thanks for this post! I am always amazed by people who ask me about cashing in travellers cheques! I noticed couch surfing has a slash through it.. is this just a typo or do you have reservations with them now you didn’t have when the post was first published?

By: Greta

Greta — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 16:37:52 +0000

This is such a great list that will always hold true. Love that a lot of these suggestions get you closer to locals and away from tourist traps too! I had to laugh at travelers checks- I remember using them when I lived in Spain back in 1999 and think that was about the end of their life…

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 21:56:12 +0000

I agree! I definitely do not enjoy eating by large tourist areas. When I’m on vacation I like to feel like I live there and am not a tourist. So it feels nice to get away and be secluded from these busy places. Also, I think that it is not a good idea to exchange money at the airport. I recommend a local bank or exchange station off of airport grounds. Have you ever tried exchanging your money before you leave? It saves a lot time and prevents the worries of doing it while away.

By: Rosi

Rosi — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 13:59:23 +0000

Great tips, my advise is before I travel I exchange some money in an exchange place at my hometown never wait to arrive at airport to do it, because sometimes if your plain was delayed and you arrived late they are closed and then your are stuck on how to get to your hotel or hostel or Airbnb .
Just arrive from Asia and the fees from the atm or the credit card were no fun, specially that I couldn’t exchange a lot of money because Japan has their own currency, Hong Kong also and Beijin also so I had to be very careful how much money I took out of ATM’s but overall get a cc with no fees is the best ,but if you are using public transportation you need cash .

By: Simon

Simon — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 22:48:06 +0000

I have paid bank fees from time to time, because often they’re more economical than using a foreign exchange to get the local currency. But perhaps the NZ & UK banks that I’m with just aren’t as good as others internationally.

Other than that, I concur with everything on this list! Not that you needed my seal of approval 😉

By: Johnny

Johnny — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 14:34:08 +0000

This is some really good advice but I’d have to say I disagree with the taxis. Unless you’re only targeting European travel, or generally first world travel, Taxis can be very cheap in other some countries. I was recently traveling around the Middle East in Tunisia and Egypt and taxis there are dirt cheap.

The fare from Tunis International airport to the city center was 7 dinars, which is $3.50. Granted the bus was the equivalent of 1$, but is the incremental difference worth navigating through the public transportation system? Probably not, even for the most frugal of backpackers.

So I think, yes taxis are normally quite expensive in the more developed nations, cause let’s be honest, they aren’t catering to backpackers, but it shouldn’t be something you completely ignore!

By: Ian

Ian — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 02:38:19 +0000

Thanks for the tips. I guess the take away is that, do your research. There are places where it’s not only convenient to take taxis, it might also prove to be cheaper than going one whole round in a bus or train. Hostels are cool. I personally met a lot of new friends in hostels. Ask the locals, they’re you’re best guides. Do not prioritize saving a few bucks if you’ll have a really hard time or if it will take you a long time. Remember, although traveling on a budget affords you to travel more, the unnecessary hassle it may bring will take away on the purpose of your trip. That is to discover, make new friends, and just have a good time.