Top 10 Airport Mistakes Travelers Make and Tips to Avoid Them

10 Common Airport Mistakes and How to Avoid Them for a Stress-Free Travel Experience

Avoiding some common mistakes can make traveling a lot smoother, stress-free, and enjoyable. Here are the top 10 simple mistakes travelers forget, especially navigating through airports.

1. Arriving Late – Most of us are guilty of this. Always allow plenty of time for check-in, security checks, and finding your gate. My own golden rule is I always arrive at least 4 hours before takeoff. I adjust the commute time to maintain this depending on where I am at.

2. Not Using Travel- or Flight-Tracking Apps – Using travel- and flight-tracking apps can significantly enhance your travel experience. These apps provide real-time updates on check-in times, flight delays, gate changes, baggage carousels, and more. I rely on apps like Kayak and TripIt to keep my travel plans organized and stress-free. These tools notify me of any changes and help me stay on top of things.

3. Overpacking – Always travel light. Packing too much can lead to excess baggage fees and difficulty maneuvering through the airport and your entire trip. I have many tips on packing light on my channel.

4. Ignoring Security Regulations – Follow local security regulations to go through airport security smoothly.

5. Forgetting Travel Documents – Make a list of the documents you need to carry and triple check before leaving home.

6. Not Understanding Baggage Policies - Different airlines have different baggage policies, including your connecting flights. Ensure your luggage meets the requirements.

7. Ignoring Layover Time - Make sure you have enough time between flights. I recommend at least 2 hours.

8. Not Using Airport Lounges - Take advantage of lounges to make your wait more comfortable. Many credit cards offer free lounges. Some lounges offer day passes, which can be a worthwhile investment for long layovers.

9. Not Keeping Eye on Belongings - Always keep an eye on your belongings to avoid losing them or becoming a target for theft. Use a secure bag and keep your valuables close to you.

10. Forgetting to Enjoy Your Trip – Don’t stress too much over your trip. It is important to enjoy this unique experience, as it won’t happen every day. 

First Impressions: McDonald's in Ao Nang, Krabi (Thailand)

First Time Trying McDonald's in Thailand: A Surprising Experience

After arriving at Ao Nang from Bangkok, we wanted snacks and coffee. As we were searching for a coffee shop, we saw a MacDonald’s and decided to try it right away. It was our first time trying the fast-food chain in this part of the world, and we were curious to see if there were any differences from our experiences back home.

Unlike the ubiquitous 7-Elevens scattered throughout Thailand, McDonald's offered a welcome change of pace. The restaurant itself was clean and modern, with the familiar ordering system featuring touchscreens and the option to pay by credit card. Deciding on a snack, we opted for a classic Americano coffee (sugar and creamer are apparently not included with Americano orders) and two cheeseburgers. I had noticed before that in Asia, they don’t recognize regular coffee like in North America and Americano is the closest thing that comes to a regular coffee.

Here's where things got interesting: the price. While McDonald's might be considered a budget option in many places, the cost in Ao Nang (and anywhere else in Thailand, as we found out later) surprised us. Each cheeseburger came in at 100 baht, which translates to roughly $4 CAD. Similarly, the Americano was 90 baht, or about $3.70 CAD. We noticed that a Quarter Pounder with Cheese was 170 THB (7 CAD) and a double Big Mac was 210 THB (8.50 CAD).

While the price tag was a lot higher than expected (Thailand is a place where food is very cheap), the convenience and familiarity of McDonald's were undeniable. It was a fun little pit stop on our Ao Nang adventure and a reminder that sometimes, a classic burger and coffee can hit the spot even when you're exploring a new and exciting place.

What Are the Top Countries to Visit in Southeast Asia

Countries You Must Visit in Southeast Asia: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Southeast Asia is a treasure trove of diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Here are the three top countries to visit in this enchanting region:

Thailand

I just completed my Thailand trip and I was blown away by the natural beauty and tourist-friendly demeanor of this country. Known for its bustling cities, serene beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Thailand offers something for everyone. Bangkok, the capital, is a city that never sleeps, replete with vibrant street life, grand palaces, and bustling markets.

The northern city of Chiang Mai is famous for its temples and mountainous landscapes, perfect for trekking and exploring local hill culture. The southern islands, such as Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui, are renowned for their stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for diving and snorkeling.

Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, each offering unique experiences. Manila, the capital, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and vibrant nightlife.

For beach lovers, Boracay is a must-see with its powdery white sands and turquoise waters. Palawan, often referred to as the last frontier, boasts stunning limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and some of the best diving spots in the world. The island of Siargao is a paradise for surfers and those looking to escape the crowds.

I have visited the Philippines 2 times so far and hope to visit more in the future.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, offering a blend of modernity and tradition. Kuala Lumpur, the capital, is known for its iconic Petronas Twin Towers, bustling markets, and diverse culinary scene.

Penang, often called the food capital of Malaysia, offers a mix of colonial architecture, street art, and delicious street food. The island of Borneo, shared with Indonesia and Brunei, is home to some of the oldest rainforests in the world, offering unique wildlife experiences, including the chance to see orangutans in their natural habitat.

I will be visiting Malaysia next and can’t wait to set foot in this tourists’ favorite country.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a country of contrasts, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay.

The ancient town of Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant lantern-lit streets. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is a dynamic city with a rich history and a gateway to the Mekong Delta.

The northern region offers stunning landscapes, including the terraced rice fields of Sapa and the majestic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay.

Although the infrastructure may not be as developed as Thailand and Malaysia, Vietnam is working hard to get there. Vietnam is now one of the top tourist hotspots in this region and I have plans to visit this incredible country shortly.

How to Use Toronto Public Transit TTC

Navigating Toronto's TTC: A First-Timer's Guide to Public Transit

If you are a tourist or visiting Toronto for the first time, Toronto has a robust public transit system called TTC. Using TTC is an efficient and economical way to get around Toronto. Here's an easy step-by-step guide on how to use Toronto's TTC for the first time.

Payment Methods

There are several ways to pay for your TTC ride:

1. Credit/Debit Cards: Tap your Visa, American Express, or Mastercard on the reader. Alternatively, you can use mobile wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay.

2. Presto Card: Purchase this reloadable card from vending machines at TTC stations, authorized retailers like Shoppers Drug Mart, or online. Once you have a Presto card, tap it on the reader upon entering a TTC vehicle or station.

Using the Presto Card

The Presto card offers additional benefits, such as reduced fares and easy reloading at TTC machines, online, on the app, or at authorized retailers. You can also use the Presto card on the UP Express train between Pearson Airport and Union Station. This is a much faster and cheaper way to connect to downtown Toronto from the Pearson International Airport.

Navigating the TTC Network

The TTC network includes subways, streetcars, and buses. A single fare covers your entire one-way trip, and you can transfer between TTC vehicles without additional charges within a two-hour window. This allows you to travel across the Greater Toronto Area using the same card or payment method.

As you venture into the city, keep these tips in mind:

1. Be aware of peak travel times, as vehicles and stations can get crowded.

2. Check TTC schedules or use the official TTC app or other transit apps for real-time updates.

3. Prioritize your safety and be mindful of your surroundings when traveling.

With this guide in hand, you're now ready to explore the vibrant city of Toronto using its extensive and accessible public transit system. Safe travels, and enjoy your ride on the TTC!

How to Access Airport Lounges for Free (The Easiest Way)

Travel Hacks | Tips to Access Airport Lounges for Free

There are several strategies you can apply to access airport lounges for free without flying business class. Some of these strategies require pro-grade knowledge on frequent flyer programs and a lot of research or hassle. I have a podcast outlining some of them here: Accessing Airport Lounges for Free

However, the easiest and possibly the best way to access airport lounges for free is by having a credit card that gives you free lounge access as a perk. These travel credit cards come with a plethora of other travel benefits and features that are worth a lot more than the annual fee you pay. For example, things like free travel insurance, free concierge service, zero foreign currency transaction fee, and many more are available.

Here are my top 4 Canadian travel credit cards that provide easy airport lounge access without you setting foot on a business-class flight. All these cards have an annual fee of less than $150.

Sure, there are many other cards that provide lounge access, but I set them aside because they tend to charge a lot more than $150 annually.

Canadian Credit Card Options (Annual Fee ≤ $150):

- BMO World Elite MasterCard: 4 free lounge visits via Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.

- CIBC Aventura Gold Visa & CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite: 4 free lounge visits via Visa Airport Companion - Program.

- Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite: 6 free lounge visits via Visa Airport Companion Program and offers no foreign transaction fees.

If you are reading this article from other parts of the globe, look for a similar credit card in your country that fits your needs. It is highly likely that you will find travel credit cards that give you free lounge access in your own country as well.