When you expect a lot from your dream vacation, it can be easy for things to go wrong. However, when you keep in mind the impossible, you can prevent unforeseen circumstances from ever occurring. Be prepared this summer on your travels. Here are five travel mistakes most people have made. Learn from them, and be prepared for the worst.
Be Thorough and Timely
When you make a hotel, airline or car rental reservation, examine it at the time you make it to confirm that all names are spelled correctly, it’s the right date and time, and the right price. Don’t delay checking up 
because correcting a misspelling is much easier a few minutes after you make the reservation than it will be a week later. Do the same thing with any documents necessary for the vacation. Keep copies of your important documents in a safe at home or even in York PA self storage units.
What are you Responsible For?
Whenever you sign your name to a legal document, carefully read over everything in the document and pay attention to anything it specifically mentions. For example, when you rent a car, it will contain a form that describes the current damage to the car. Don’t sign it before you park the car in a well-lit place and go over every inch of the car’s interior and exterior. Always inspect a hotel room before you sign the form. The lobby may be wonderful, but that doesn’t mean the room will be.
Admit to Yourself that Things Can Go Wrong
Buy insurance for the trip and make sure it covers everything from missed flights and unused hotel rooms, to broken legs and muggings. Some travel purveyors will recommend an insurance company. You don’t have to use them, and it doesn’t hurt to shop around. When you have a contingency for bad circumstances, you will feel better. Keep simple tips in mind as well like storing a wallet and keys on your person at all times.
Watch for Hidden Fees
Other countries have tax rates that aren’t like those in the U.S. If you travel to England, you will pay a value added tax of 20% on almost everything you buy. Hotels don’t include some fees on the room rate because they have to pay a commission on it. A hotel room with a safe will cost several dollars more whether you use it or not and the shuttle from the airport may not be free either. Your credit card company may charge a fee for the use of the card in a foreign country. Be sure to ask.
Unpleasant Surprises When You Return
If your house is going to be vacant while you’re gone, assume that it’s going to be burglarized. Put valuable papers and money into a safe deposit box. Put any large items, such as a motorcycle, in secure self storage units. This will help you to keep from worrying while away and will deter any burglars from taking a look at your house.
Brooke Chaplan is a writer and a recent graduate of the University of New Mexico. She loves to write about family, home, and fitness.
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