8 Travel Pitfalls to Avoid 2021

After being cooped up for over a year in the COVID pandemic, folks, especially those who are fully vaccinated, are ready to start traveling again. In fact, travel and interest in travel has picked up tremendously and, while that is very exciting, things are not the same as they once were. Some travelers are encountering a new and different world.

I have compiled a short list of pitfalls that you should try to avoid in order to have an amazing trip in the 'new normal.'

1. Plan Carefully. As you start making your travel dreams a reality, you may be tempted to just 'go for it' and visit your dream destination. I get it, I do. You've been home, maybe reading books set in exotic locales or watching amazing travel videos and picturing yourself in that beautiful setting. Before you get too far down a road, do a little research. Is the destination open for business? What are the requirements to travel there? How safe is it to travel there?

2. Read the fine print. This one is tough. No one enjoys reading the fine print. But, I highly suggest you do. Those 'Terms & Conditions' contain information that could make a HUGE impact on your trip. Pay special attention to the Cancellation Policy, Refund Policy and Exclusions. Some things that may not be covered are, guess what, a global pandemic. Read carefully and ask questions if you aren't sure about something.

3. Not so Fast. Last minute travel, while not a thing of the past, is definitely more challenging. You really need to plan ahead a bit more now. As I write this in July 2021, inventory (resorts and flights) is already low for holiday travel and even Spring Break next year. You want to travel and, guess what, so do other people.

4. Travel Insurance - don't leave home without it. Seriously, so many things can happen that are unplanned and unexpected. That's what insurance is for. Think of your vacation as an investment. It's money and time. Protect that investment with an insurance plan. There are many choices out there and I am happy to recommend some insurance providers to my clients.

5. Check and check again. When I say things are changing a lot, I mean DAILY. Flight changes. Travel requirement changes. It's a constant flow and I can barely keep up with it. So, once your plans are set, check back on them frequently.

6. Set Expectations. It's so easy to focus on ourselves and our experiences. It's totally understandable and normal. But try to remember, everyone all over the world suffered hardship in the past year and a half. Airlines, resorts, restaurants and tour operators all laid off workers. Bringing them back to 100% takes time and money. So, take a deep breath and try to go with the flow a bit more.

7. Be Gracious and Kind. This goes with the tip above. We truly are all in this together, so a little grace goes a long way.

8. Use a Professional. This may seem self-serving and it truly is not intended that way. It seems so simple to just book yourself on an online travel consolidator. The cost seems cheap and it's super simple, right? I get it. I do! But, if anything happens, like a global pandemic, for example, you will be hard-pressed to find someone to answer the phone and help you. I suggest trying to call in a new booking and try to call as an existing customer and see what happens. Can you talk to a human? Can they help you? I can tell you that I always answer my clients calls and I am available to help solve any issue - a cancellation, schedule change, whatever. Sometimes the cheapest price has a hidden cost of your time, or, as I mentioned above, something in the fine print.

Mary Graham is a Certified Travel Associate and has been planning magical vacations for clients for over five years. She takes the stress and hassle out of planning and doesn't charge any fees for vacation package clients.

Contact her by email: mary@tripsbymary.com or call 919-817-4081. Visit her website: www.tripsbymary.com.