Top 5 Travel Myths
If you love to travel, don’t let a few travel tall tales stop you. We’ve honed in on five common myths you may have heard over the years and uncovered some of the real truths.
There are all kinds of confusing travel facts and fiction out there--from getting sick on airplanes to not drinking the water. You’ve likely heard a few of your own over the years, some of which you believe whole-heartedly and some you’re just not sure about.
We did some digging and found the truths behind some of these myths to finally clear up any confusion and keep your love for adventure alive. Can you think of other common ones you’d like to know more about? Share with us on Facebook.
Myth: Recirculated air on planes will make you sick.
Truth: While most airlines do recirculate its air, studies have shown it does not increase passengers’ risk of catching a cold or other illness. In fact, most reports said airplane air is no worse than most office buildings. Typically, it’s dehydration and the collection of germs in a small space that causes travelers to get sick. So drink plenty of fluids, wash and sanitize your hands and try to avoid aisle seats, tray tables and lavatories, as these areas are most likely to contain left-behind bacteria.
Myth: Package deals are the best deals.
Truth: This may be true in many cases at all-inclusive resorts or a week-long stay in Europe, but package deals are not always the best deals. Borders of Adventure suggests looking at a bundled package deal and then pricing all of its components (air, hotel, etc.) separately. You’ll quickly see whether or not there truly is a cost savings by going with the package.
Myth: Weekend stays are more expensive than weekday.
Truth: The reality is it’s more expensive to not include a weekend stay in your trip. Most hotels and airlines charge a premium for “business” travel, which often takes place during the weekday. Many hotels that cater to business travelers often offer good weekend discounts. According to Independent Traveler, if you Google “weekend hotel deals” you’ll find a rate that is cheaper than most weekday prices.
Myth: Bottled water is always safe when traveling abroad.
Truth: Don’t take that sip just yet. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, at least 25 percent of bottled water is tap water. If you travel to an area where you don’t trust the tap water, check the label of your bottled water to see where it is sourced. If it says filtered water – beware – this can be a fancy way of saying tap water. If it says spring water then you should be good to go.
Myth: Luxury hotels are always worth the cost.
Truth: Just because the price tag is steep doesn’t mean it’s the best experience. There are certainly hotels that claim to be luxurious but often miss the mark. Some may even charge for things like Wi-Fi that cheaper hotels offer with your stay. When making a room reservation do your due diligence and read reviews and ratings to get the full picture.
If you have other travel myths you’ve heard and would like to share, please post on our Facebook page or on Twitter.