There's nothing quite like the excitement of a first international trip, is there?
That fresh new passport, planning your outfits, dreaming of the photos you'll post on social media... it all feels amazing.
But as the departure date gets closer, that excitement often turns into stress.
"What's the visa process?" "What if I miss my flight?" "What if I book a hotel that's in a terrible location?"
My name is Manoj Verma, and I run a travel business called "Journey Junction." Over the years, I've seen countless first-time travelers unknowingly make a few small mistakes that end up ruining the magic of their trip.
I want your first trip to be perfect. So, I'm sharing the 5 biggest mistakes you need to avoid.
1. The "5 Countries in 7 Days" Itinerary
This is the most common mistake. We think, "I'm spending so much money, I should see everything at once!"
The Result? You spend more than half your vacation inside airports or on trains. You arrive at every new place feeling exhausted, "covering" destinations instead of "experiencing" them.
Expert Tip: Less is more. If you have 7 days, 2 cities or 1 country is more than enough. Focus on quality, not quantity. You're going on a holiday, not running a race.
2. Not Checking the "6-Month Rule" for Your Passport
You know your passport is valid, but have you checked the 6-month rule?
Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after your date of return. Even if your passport is valid for another 5 months, the airline might not even let you board the flight.
Expert Tip: Before you book anything, pick up your passport and check its expiry date.
3. Booking a "Cheap" Hotel in the Wrong Location
People often go on travel sites, filter "Price: Low to High," and book the cheapest hotel they find. Only later do they realize that hotel is 2 hours away from the main city center.
The Result? You save ₹1000 per night on the hotel but end up spending ₹2000 every day on taxis just to get to the attractions. Not to mention, you waste hours of your precious time.
Expert Tip: Always prioritize "location" over "price." A well-located hotel saves you both time and money.
4. Thinking Travel Insurance is a "Waste of Money"
We all think, "Nothing bad will happen to me."
But believe me, anything can happen on an international trip. From delayed flights and lost luggage to, worst of all, a medical emergency.
A small travel insurance policy can save you from lakhs of rupees in unexpected bills. It's not a 'waste of money'; it's an 'investment' in peace of mind.
5. Budgeting Only for Flights and Hotels
A first-timer's budget usually looks like this: Flights: ₹50,000 Hotels: ₹30,000 Total: ₹80,000.
But they forget to add the cost of local transport (taxis, metro), food, museum tickets, tips, and shopping.
The Result? Their budget is blown by day 3, and they have to compromise and cut back on experiences for the rest of the trip.
Expert Tip: Create a "Daily Budget." Assume you'll spend ₹5000 per day on food, transport, and activities. On top of that, always keep a 15% 'Emergency Fund' separate.
My Final Advice (Conclusion)
Your first international trip should be an unforgettable memory, not a list of problems.
Planning is a full-time job. If you want someone else to handle all this stress—the visa, the perfect hotel, the budget, the tickets—so you can just focus on the excitement, that's what Journey Junction is here for.
We will plan a perfect, custom itinerary that suits your budget and your style.
To start planning your dream trip, [contact us today by clicking here!