Myth (noun) –a false understanding of the truth.
Like with most things, travel has accumulated its fair share of illusions. And while some of these travel myths are justified, most are misconceptions that can hinder your trip if followed. Let’s take a look at the top 8 travel myths and uncover the truth behind them.
You’re more likely to receive an upgrade if you don’t select your seat in advance
This travel myth is something we hear very often at Encore Travel. However, we advise our travellers to reserve their seats in advance, at the time of their booking. When you don’t have a reserved seat, you run the risk of being assigned a bad seat. Or even worse, being involuntarily bumped off your flight if it ends up being oversold.
When you don’t have a reserved seat, you run the risk of being involuntarily bumped off your flight if it ends up being oversold.
Seat upgrades are usually based on your ticket price, your frequent flier status and if the economy cabin is oversold.
So please, save yourself the trouble and reserve your seat when you’re booking your trip!
You should wait to exchange your currency at the airport
While it might seem as though you aren’t paying an additional fee to exchange your cash at the airport, the fee is actually already built in.
That’s why we recommend visiting your bank before your trip and exchanging your money, as they often don’t charge you anything for the exchange. Or if you’re unable to get to your bank before you travel, call them to find out their fees and exchange rates, and consider using your debit card. They’ll probably charge you a transaction fee to take your cash out while abroad, but the fee might be more worthwhile if you take all your cash out in one transaction.
If it’s at the Duty Free, it is much cheaper
People often believe that items at the Duty Free are less expensive, however this isn’t always the case. While it’s true that you save money by avoiding the taxes, some Duty-Free stores will sell items at a higher price than regular stores. So, do your homework beforehand, and compare the price of an item before making your final purchase.
Your trip will be cheaper if you book it at the last minute
This travel myth is a very common misconception. While on the rare occasion it can happen that you score a great deal at the last minute, for the most part you’ll end up paying a lot more for your trip than if you simply booked it in advance. Also, by waiting until the last minute, you’re likely to have less options and could end up with travel accommodations that leave a lot to be desired.
You can wait and get your travel visa at the border
While it’s true that some countries will enable you to obtain a visa at the border, many don’t do this. And there’s nothing worse than travelling to a different country, only to have to return home because you’re unable to enter it.
So, do some research before you travel and find out the visa requirements well in advance. It could take up to 4 weeks to acquire a visa and it could also require some additional travel itinerary information, so be sure to plan ahead!
Public travel websites have the best hotel prices
With the rise in public travel websites, many people believe that this is the best way to get a good deal. But this isn’t true.
Booking all your travel arrangements with your company’s travel management company means that you’ll have access to better negotiated hotel rates. You’ll also benefit from added amenities that are often unavailable when you book through a public travel website.
For the most part you’ll end up paying a lot more for your trip if you book it at the last minute
The air on planes makes you sick
Has anyone else ever gotten off of a 6-hour flight, feeling like they’re covered in germs? Turns out it’s all in our heads!
Airplanes bring in fresh out from outside the cabin and then filter, warm, and pressurize it for its passengers. And though some of the air is indeed recycled, it passes through numerous filters before being circulated. You’re more likely to get sick from coming into contact with items that other passengers have touched, like the bathroom door handle or the tray table in front of you.
Jet lag comes from a lack of sleep
A lot of people assume that jet lag comes from a lack of sleep. However, your circadian rhythm (your 24-hour internal clock) is to blame for this.
Sleep and food regulate your internal clock, and it can get thrown out of whack when you change time zones. That’s why it’s important to regulate your body while you’re travelling, so that you’re able to adjust to your destinations time and beat the jet lag.
Sleep and food regulate your internal clock, and it can get thrown out of whack when you change time zones.
To better adjust, change the time on your watch or phone to that of your destination’s. Then, be sure that you begin eating and sleeping in accordance with that time. By doing this, you’ll help your body acclimate before your flight’s wheels even hit the ground!
Know of any other Travel Myths?
Sources:
-Condé Nast Traveler: 8 Travel Myths, Debunked
– travel: 20 Travel Myths You Need to Stop Believing
– Reader’s Digest: Top 10 Travel Myths
