Traveling is an exciting experience. But it can also be overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with all the ins and outs. Unfortunately, some travelers don’t go as prepared as they should. And so, they end up making mistakes. It is specifically true for mountain vacations. Weather changes, altitude sickness, and not packing the right outfits are among a few travel blunders. If you’re heading to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the beautiful mountain destination, here are some mistakes you can avoid.
- Overpacking:
Carrying a large and heavy suitcase can make your vacation more difficult. Keeping too many clothes or items with you can weigh you down and make transportation difficult, not to mention expensive.
- To avoid overpacking:
- Choose a travel bag or suitcase that is the appropriate size for your needs.
- Start by choosing a carry-on bag, and only go for a larger size if absolutely necessary.
- Make a list of everything you believe is necessary, then attempt to eliminate half of those items.
In this way, you can narrow down your selections. To have a versatile travel wardrobe, choose neutral colors that enable you to mix and match each item easily. Also, try to keep comfortable clothes so you can wear them for multiple activities.
- Not Picking the Right Hotel
Your hotel stay can make or break your travel experience. Ideally, you want accommodation that’s close to the main attractions. It’ll save you a whole lot of travel time and money. Look for suitable lodgings in your destination. For example, if you’re heading to Gatlinburg, look for Gatlinburg Tennessee hotels close to the renowned Great Smoky Mountains National Park so you can enjoy a pleasant walk or bike ride to your destination. Some other popular spots that you’d want in close proximity are Ripley’s Aquarium, Anakeesta, and Gatlinburg Space Needle.
But that’s not all. Your chosen lodge must also have enough amenities to keep you comfortable during your stay. Make sure the hotel is up to date with modern facilities and offers activities such as a spa, gym, and pool.
- Not Taking Advantage of a Tour Guide
Gatlinburg has a lot of attractions, and it can be difficult to make sense of all the things you should do in a short time. If you don’t want to miss out on anything, consider hiring a local guide who can give you an in-depth tour of the city. Even for those teaching English as a foreign language, a guide will save you time and energy since they know all the hotspots. And they can provide you with tips and anecdotes to make your Gatlinburg visit all the more memorable.
- Not Researching the Weather
Gatlinburg is a mountain town. It’s natural that the weather here will be unpredictable. Mornings might be sunny and bright, and the evenings might be chilly and dry. If you hike to a higher elevation, brace yourself for some chills and rain. So, always look at the weather forecast. Besides helping you avoid a wardrobe malfunction, it’ll also help you make sure you don’t miss out on outdoor fun. For instance, you might not be able to go rafting if it rains. In case of thunder, you might not be able to enjoy the rides at Dollywood. That would be a bummer. Don’t you think?
- Creating an Overambitious Itinerary:
Everyone wants to cover as many locations as possible when planning a vacation. For instance, if you are in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and you want to see attractions like Dollywood, the Wax Museum, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and many more in seven days, it might be too much.
Having an overambitious itinerary can lead to a stressful vacation in the end. To avoid this, plan fewer activities and make a flexible schedule. When you stay in one location for a longer time, it becomes easier to plan your activities effectively.
- Forgetting to Inform Your Bank:
Whenever you are planning, you must inform your bank. Certain banks utilize an automatic system for preventing fraud which may prevent your transactions in case of any abnormal activity on your card.
It’s an easy process to avoid this annoying situation. Just call your credit card company before going on a trip or inform your bank about your traveling dates. However, to avoid these situations, keep different options available for you, such as a debit card or cash.
- Carrying Valuables:
You must avoid keeping expensive valuables such as jewelry, gadgets, or private items while traveling in a new country where you don’t know about thieves.
Additionally, you can lose your valuables on a trip if you don’t keep them safe. So, it is best to keep them at home. However, It might be a good idea to bring a jacket with zip pockets or wear a bum bag to hold your cash and credit cards. Remove any unnecessary cards or passes. Extra stuff will make your wallet heavier.
- Losing Money in Exchange Transactions:
If you live in a country with a low currency exchange rate, it is best to exchange the currency in advance for a better rate. If you plan to exchange your money at the airport, you will lose money in the transaction. Airport rates and fees are relatively higher than those of foreign exchange shops or banks.
You must check out different exchange shops to get a better rate. Every exchange shop offers different rates, so you must compare the rates. However, when traveling to other countries, it is easy to take advantage of currency exchangers looking to make a quick buck.
Conclusion:
Traveling is a large part of most people’s lives. It can be either part of a job, hobby, or an adventure leading to learning and broadening your horizons. However, many people get caught up in the excitement and overlook some common sense when it comes to being prepared for travel.
Be sure to remember these mistakes presented above so you can ensure a safe and successful experience no matter where your travels take you. Don’t forget all your necessities, such as identification, and medications, packing chargers for electronic devices, budgeting for emergencies, making copies of important documents, and researching your destination before heading out.
