16 Popular Travel Myths That Are Completely False
When it comes to travel, everyone has advice, warnings, and must do tips that are usually handed down like secret family recipes. Just as not all grandma’s recipes turn out as sweet as she’d promised, not all travel myths stand up to interrogation. It’s time to unpack some of these misconceptions and set the record straight, so you can have more informed, more enjoyable adventures.
From outdated travel advice to common misconceptions that can fool even the most seasoned traveller, these 16 travel myths will help you avoid common pitfalls. Let’s see what we should really be worrying about, and what is really just baggage slowing us down.
Travel Agents Cost More
Using a travel agent means spending more money, is one of the most popular myths. In reality, agents have access to deals and rates that the public doesn’t and can save you hours of research time. Of course, they come in handy when crafting complex itineraries or when the travel is unexpectedly disrupted.
Travel Is Too Hard With Language Barriers
Afraid of getting lost in translation? It’s not a deal breaker, not knowing the local language. Thanks to translation apps, and the fact that more and more people around the world speak English, communication is less of a barrier. And a few polite words in the local tongue, and gestures, can go a long way!
Always Travel off Season
Traveling off season can save you money, it’s not always the blissful experience it’s made out to be. The weather can be less favorable, and many attractions either close or operate on reduced hours. Research your destination: At other times, shoulder season, The period between peak and off-peak seasons offers the ideal mix of affordability, accessibility, and pleasant weather.
The Problem Is That Bed Bugs Are Only in Cheap Hotels
Bed bugs don’t care what the room rate is. Both budget motels and luxury hotels have these pesky invaders. The main thing is to read the reviews and look for the bed upon arrival: dark, tiny stains on mattresses and sheets. You can also help prevent these pesky critters from hitching a ride home with you by keeping your luggage on a rack away from the bed.
Airplane Air Makes You Sick
It’s easy to point a finger at the recycled air on planes for those post-flight colds, shortness of breath and so on but the airplane air is filtered with hospital grade HEPA filters. It’s not the air itself that’s more likely to spread germs, but rather the proximity to other people and surfaces that aren’t regularly cleaned. keep a hand sanitizer handy — for yourself as well as your little one — and wipe down those tray tables and armrests.
Bottled Water Is Always Safer
Yes, the quality of tap water depends on the country, but bottled water isn’t necessarily safer. Tap water can be refilled in bottles and sold as new. If you’re worried about water safety, carry a reusable bottle with a built in filter or purifying tablets. This method is much safer and much better for the environment.
Duty-Free Shopping Is a Steal
Taxes are waived when you do duty free shopping, and that sounds like a great deal, but you may still find higher prices than what you would get at home or online. Knowing the prices of the things you want before you fly is worth it, so you can really say whether you’re getting a bargain at the airport.
A Bad Hotel Is One With a Lower Star Rating
Many star ratings really don’t reflect the overall quality or cleanliness of a hotel, but rather focus on aspects such as the available amenities. Just because a hotel is two stars doesn’t mean it’s a no-go; it may not have an on site restaurant or fitness center. It has also been a good idea to always read recent reviews to have a better understanding of what to expect.
Eating Street Food Is Unsafe
Enjoying street food is an integral part of the cultural experience and can be done safely. The best tip is to find stands where you can see the food being cooked and there’s a lot of people coming and going. This means that it is fresher and there is less chance of food borne illness.
Exchanging Currency at the Airport Will Save You Money
It’s convenient to exchange currency at airports, but the rates are usually not so good. To get better rates, exchange a little to get you started and pay for initial expenses and any remaining cash, then use local dollars or credit cards, which have better exchange rates and lower fees.
You Don’t Need Travel Insurance
If you’re attempting to save money by skipping travel insurance, you may end up paying for it in the long term. It can cover anything; from medical emergencies to trip cancellations that give you peace of mind. In unpredictable times, it’s a small price to pay for security.
Not All Places Accept Credit Cards
Having some cash on hand is always a good idea, but credit cards are accepted in most places, particularly in cities and tourist hotspots. They offer convenience, security, and often include extras like travel rewards and theft protection.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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