Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first time going on a big adventure, we are all prone to making mistakes that can hamper an otherwise amazing trip. The good news is that these mistakes are easily avoidable with good planning and foresight. 

Here are three of the biggest mistakes people make when traveling, along with advice for how to avoid them. 

1. Overpacking

It’s understandable to want to be prepared for every possible scenario that might pop up on your trip, but you’ll feel so much lighter (literally and metaphorically) when you avoid the high baggage fees at the airport and don’t have to haul around excessively heavy luggage. Not to mention that you’re bound to do some shopping, so leave room for the goodies you’ll want to bring home with you.

Our advice: Pack basic tops and bottoms that you can mix and match to create different outfits, and remember that you can always do laundry on the road. 

2. Only visiting famous tourist areas 

It’s okay to visit popular tourist attractions, but don’t make this the center of your trip or you’ll miss out on some of the area’s true culture and must-sees. Many famous tourist areas are nothing more than money traps and time-sucks — do you really want to spend a whole day of your vacation waiting in a crowded line for a five-minute look at something that’s probably over-hyped anyway?

Our advice: Do as the locals do. A great way to experience an area as a local is by renting an actual home for your visit instead of staying in a hotel. You’ll be staying in a more residential area, and your host can share their favorite restaurants, attractions and events that are actually worthwhile. 

3. Not informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans

To protect you from identity theft, banks will flag any transactions you make in unfamiliar locations and then freeze your cards. This is a great precaution on their part…unless you’re traveling and need your money. Nothing ruins a fun time like having your card declined due to your own silly negligence.

Our advice: Every bank is different, but there’s likely a place on their website where you can log in and notify them of your travel plans. Remember, in addition to your destination and the length of your trip, be sure to also enter any states you’ll be traveling through on the way there.

And there you have it! These tips are so simple, but they’ll save you a lot of time and hassle. 

What are your go-to travel tricks for a better vacation?

Begin your search for the perfect rental at www.itscabintime.com, or choose your state below:

Wisconsin | Michigan | Minnesota | Montana | New York | Tennessee | Kentucky

Rental cabins are a great way to experience the holidays. You can meet your extended family halfway, and it relieves the stress of playing the host so everyone can enjoy their time off. And, as fun as it is to sleep all the kids side-by-side on the living room floor — or in a tent out back, or in the bathtub — RentWisconsinCabins.com has a roomier solution. These large, multi-bedroom vacation homes are open year-round and have enough beds for the whole family.

5 top year-round Wisconsin vacation rentals that sleep 20 or more:

1. Adelines House of Cool Green Lake

If you are searching for a lake house that’s timeless & refreshing – you’ve found the place! Adeline’s is a perfect weekend getaway – just 3 hours north of Chicago. We would love you host you! This luxurious Estate is located in Green Lake County on Lake Puckaway. Adeline’s House has over 300 feet of channel frontage, and is a stained glass treasure trove! Adeline’s owner/architect is an avid stained glass collector. His love for light is mimicked throughout the house with beautiful pieces from all over the world

2. Sand County: Prairie Retreat

Come stay with us at this beautiful well appointed home in a country setting that allows you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Baraboo Bluffs from the covered front porch, or just sit back and gaze out and watch as nature passes you by. Perfect for all seasons, this home is not far from the Wisconsin Dells, yet in your own little world. Prairie Retreat features 7 full bedrooms, 2-sided gas fireplace and 65″ plasma tv. Plus there is additional sleeping for 4 in the lower level. Spacious great room featuring a 72″ plasma tv and gas fireplace.

3. Cranberry Castle

It’s time to discover all that Cranberry Castle and northern Wisconsin has to offer! Our 8500 sq. ft. log & stone cabin is one of the finest in the Northwoods. Vaulted ceilings and towering lakeside windows provide beautiful views. Relax in the outdoor spa with seating for six. We thought of everything …a theater room; sunroom with heated floor; stone fireplace; master bedroom with wall mounted HDTV’s, double shower, oversized closet and jetted tub. The race is on to the lakeside hammock!

4. Log Gables: Log Home

This beautifully crafted vacation log home is one of a kind! Situated on nearly 5 acres — watch children playing at a sand box, on the play set, or watch the nearby woods come to life with wildlife. If you have a large family-this is your destination. 2 washers, 2 dryers. A great Dells location: Skiing at Christmas Mountain 3 mi away; Tanger Outlets 1.1 mi away. Get ready for a top-quality experience with a special personal touch.

5. Legendary Barker Lake Lodge

For Groups, Reunions & Weddings. Total lodge maximum 30!! 6000 sq/ft Log Lakeside Lodge on Golf Course includes a Commercial Style kitchen for your exclusive use. Dinning room sits up to 50 with the TV Lounge for additional 20 guests. Legendary Fireplace Great Room. Two Outside decks provide wonderful park like setting views.

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Our Norby’s Nook Cabin was the very first home built on Nepco Lake. The lake has public boat landings and a public beach at NEPCO Lake Park. Bring the fishing poles & tackle and catch dinner! Nepco Lake has Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye.

Our unique location gets you here quick. Norbys Nook Cabin is 3.5 hours from Chicago, 2.5 hours from Milwaukee, and 1.5 hours from Madison.

Your lake vacation adventure includes a cozy cabin surrounded by towering white pines and kayaks to explore 496 acre Nepco Lake. Locals refer to it as A Canadian Lake in Central Wisconsin!

Of course Wisconsin Rapids has plenty to offer: Aqua Skiers ski show; exciting Wisconsin Rapids rafting; more relaxed Paddleboarding; golfing at Sand Valley Golf, the Ridges, or Homestead; unique shopping at the Trading Post; great Snowmobile trails too. Ask us about the Cultural Center beer tasting and music.

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RentWisconsinCabins.com has 720 WI cabin rentals and counting. Vacation Rentals are popular for family vacations, family reunions, friends get-aways, couples retreats, fishing tournaments, etc. The advantages of a vacation rental are endless. There are lots of different pet friendly options, homes with fireplaces and fire pits. You have private parking and sometimes piers for your boat. Vacation rentals give families room to spread out and enjoy each other. It’s Cabin Time™

What do you need to do before you book your vacation rental? Here are some tips:

1. Inquire about your vacation rental with the actual owner or manager before you book. They know the property and the area best. They will give you excellent advise so you can live like a local on day one.
2. If you are looking to bring your pet, be sure you know the Pet Policy. Some will not allow certain breeds or sizes of dogs. It might also be good to check out if there is a kennel or fenced in area for your pet while you’re gone. We list nearly 300 pet friendly cabin rentals in WI.
3. Know the cleaning policy. Some rental owners or managers charge a cleaning fee and don’t expect much cleaning from you. Some expect to have the place ready for the next renters. Whatever the case may be, it’s always wise to take pictures or note any possible previous damage. Don’t get to carried away, but be thorough.
4. Picking up the keys. Some rentals may have a lock box on the door. Some owners might meet you at the property or have them hidden somewhere. Property Managers might have you stop at their office and pick up the keys. Know before you go!
5. Ask about mobile phone reception. Vacation rentals can be remote. If you need use your cell phone for directions, or to check in, make sure you will have cell coverage. We recommend you have a physical “old school” map in the vehicle just in case. Ask about Wi-Fi availability too.
6. Always ask about supplies and what you should bring. Rental owners might supply bed sheets but not towels, or vice versa. Some supply both. Always ask about a medical kit or if you need to bring certain kitchen items that you can’t live without (like a bottle opener, crock pot, or a muffin pan.) You get the idea:)
7. Check out the calendar of events or a town’s Facebook page to research area events. The owners or managers could also inform you on local events and things to do. Keep in mind that rental prices are often higher during summer, Holiday’s, and big events.
8. Ask who you need to contact if you have any emergencies. If there is a leaky faucet or a light goes out, you will know whom to contact.

Wherever you travel in Wisconsin, you’ll have a better time in a cabin, cottage, lodge or home. Check out our seasonal and year-round cabin rentals in Wisconsin.

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