Five ways to ruin a bucket list holiday

Is there anything worse than planning your dream holiday only to find it doesn't live up to your expectations?

One traveller, Heather Greenwood Davis, has put together a list of the top five tips to avoid disappointment on your bucket list trip!

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1. VISITING AT THE WRONG TIME

"Everything has its season and tourism destinations are no different. Pick the wrong time of year and that spot you expected to be amazing may well let you down," she writes in an article published on news.com.au. It's best to consider the best months for the weather, any peak time and local holidays when planning your trip otherwise you may be left disappointed.

Researching the best time of year to visit your ideal location will mean you'll get the most out of your holiday.

"Visiting Alaska at the end of August will get you incredible fall experiences and premium viewing, but waiting until late September will mean that most of the best outfitters are closed for the season and temperatures are beginning to dip," she adds.

2. THE “EGGS IN ONE BASKET” APPROACH

Just because you've spent years researching to see the pyramids or the Taj Mahal doesn't mean you'll be satisfied once you arrive and they're standing right in front of you, in fact the reality of the situation may cause some major disappointment when you find out one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is across the road from a busy McDonald's.

"Bucket-list monuments are amazing and definitely worth seeing, but why not broaden your excitement goals by having some other reasons to visit the destinations on your list?" Heather continues. She also suggests leaving room on you itinerary for the element of surprise, as your tour guide may be able to show you places you've never heard of before, which could impress you even more!

3. UNDERESTIMATING THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT

It's best to plan your days carefully so you can process and recover from any emotionally draining visits, like to the 9/11 Museum in New York City, The Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam, the new National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., or the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre in Rwanda.

While these are all very important historical and cultural places that should be seen, many travellers underestimate the emotional effect it can have. Planning carefully means you will be able to enjoy the rest of your trip without feeling blue.

4. BRINGING THE WRONG COMPANION

"Nothing spoils a destination faster than the wrong travel buddy, so vet your pals carefully," she adds.

Want to do yoga in an Indian ashram? Don't take a buddy who doesn't practice at home. The same goes for travelling with girlfriends and boyfriends... There's nothing worse than ending a relationship while on the other side of the world. And if you have never travelled with a friend previously your bucket list trip isn't the place to start!

"If you’re unsure about companion compatibility, have a conversation ahead of time that gives them (and yourself) the option of splitting up in a destination if interests differ. A mix of activities that allow everyone the chance to get what they want out of a destination will give you new things to chat about when you regroup."

5. CHEAPING-OUT ON A GUIDE

Heather adds that there are pros and cons of opting for a tour guide, however if you're looking to find "hidden gems and get a deeper sense of its lore and history, local guides are worth far more than their weight in guidebooks."

Do your research before you arrive so you'll be able to get the best out of any recommendations that come your way.

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