Many travellers, once they return home, feel that their holiday turned out differently from what they had hoped. According to a recent survey, 97% of respondents regret at least one trip, and two thirds of them admit they would gladly replay that experience.
Travel expert Misty Belles spoke on TODAY about how to reduce the risk of “holiday regret”. She stressed how important it is, even before you set off, to assess your expectations realistically so that they match what is genuinely possible for your chosen destination, budget and travel dates.
Among the key tips is to set a clear holiday budget in advance to avoid overspending and financial stress once you are back home. The expert recommends planning for the main costs (transport, accommodation, excursions) and allowing a contingency fund for unexpected purchases or activities.
Another point Misty Belles highlights is to leave time in your itinerary for independent walks and spontaneous discoveries, rather than scheduling every minute. This helps you get a better feel for the local atmosphere, avoid becoming exhausted by an over-packed programme and return home with happy memories instead of a sense of missed opportunities.