I explore the world to immerse myself in diverse cultures, admire stunning architecture, and stroll charming cobblestone streets. Delving into the history of a location usually tops my list of favorite experiences. Yet, residing in Australia translates to lengthy flights for most global destinations. I always look for optimal deals and nifty gadgets to enhance the travel experience. While some of these additions prove worthwhile, others lead to regrettable blunders and impractical purchases that can deplete your hard-earned funds.
The worst purchase I made this year was two domestic flights to the same location. Unfortunately, having ADHD means that if I don’t immediately put my purchases in a labeled folder, there’s a chance I might forget I made it—especially if there’s a long time to the departure date. I only realized my mistake when I went through airport security and they asked me which flight I was taking. This year’s best travel purchase was a power bank that charges my laptop.
1. Regret — Paying Taxi Fare for the Best Doner Kebab
Sometimes, we hear things about an amazing must-try food in a location we’re visiting. We’ve heard such good things that we’re willing to pay extra to go out of our way to experience it. One traveler says that they paid for an expensive cab ride to a place in Amsterdam to try the “best doner kebab” ever, only to find the place was closed.
2. Love — Private Tour in Marrakech Medina
Sometimes, we want to do it all ourselves, and other times, we want to save a little money by joining a group tour only to find we’re one of forty others, and the experience is disappointing. One person says they were glad they opted for a private tour of the night market in Marrakech, saying they will never forget the magic of the place’s food, sounds, and sights.
3. Regret — Nightmare Inn in Hong Kong
The Chungking Mansions are located in a major tourist and shopping area of Hong Kong known as Tsim Sha Tsui. Most reviews describe this accommodation as dirty, extremely small (to the point where one guest couldn’t even open their luggage properly), noisy, and where guests use the same elevator as the trash collection. Trash collection was also rare and would accumulate at the property.
4. Love — Multiday Parking Pass
Depending on the length of your vacation, having a multiday parking pass at the airport might be more beneficial than paying for a taxi or Uber. For one traveler, they discovered the benefits of having an Indigo parking pass that enabled their disabled relative to park close to the entrances.
5. Regret —Powerstrip Advertised as Multifunctional
Sometimes, we buy things that don’t fit our purposes; however, when you buy a travel essential like a powerstrip that’s advertised as multifunctional and able to work in any country only to find your appliances frying when you plug them in as one traveler did, you’d be pretty disappointed.
6. Love — Manta Sleep Mask and Pillow
One traveler mentioned the Manta Sleep Mask. This differs from your usual sleep mask, which is typically made of nylon and unpleasant to wear. This mask ensures a personalized fit tailored and creates a total blackout. The materials are soft and breathable, exerting zero pressure on your eyelids or lashes. This one sounds like a great gift idea.
7. Regret — Tickets to O in Vegas
This Cirque du Soleil experience in Vegas is a spectacular feat of talented acrobats and dazzling color. However, if you’re not really into that, spending a minimum of $79 for a ticket is a waste of money. One person felt their money could have been spent on something better.
8. Love — Lounge Access With Shower
If you don’t have lounge access with your airline’s frequent flyer club, many airports will have ones that you can pay for. Both London’s Heathrow and Singapore airports are two examples. Having a hot shower feels amazing if you’ve been on a long flight and there’s a wait until your next flight. They usually include food for the price as well, making the cost of $40 or $50 worth it.
9. Regret — Holiday Park Cabin in Rotorua
A family decided to save money by staying at a caravan park while on holiday in New Zealand’s Rotorua. For those who don’t know, this area is filled with geothermal activity, which means amazing bubbling mud pools and relaxing hot springs. It also means the smell of sulfurous gas fills the air. So if your accommodation means you spend a lot of time out of doors, it can get very smelly.
10. Love — Motorcycle Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh
Years ago, I got what I paid for with a cheap bus tour in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh. However, one traveler’s experience of touring on the back of a moped and experiencing the culture and food made me want to return. They said the tour was organized through Back of Bike Tours.
