This is a very hard-learned lesson, and every time I ignore it, I wonder when I’m finally going to learn my lesson.
Whenever you travel ANYWHERE, a few days before your trip, program the phone number of the place where you’re staying into your cell phone, and call them to confirm your reservation. Most importantly, ask how much it costs to take a cab from the airport. I have had cab drivers take me 10 blocks and charge me 30Euros, and how the heck should I know it should only cost eight? And there went my dinner budget. Also, in places like Iceland, it really does cost 90Euros, because the airport is over an hour away. This is when your hotel owner tells you to take Grayline. Oh, and in Iceland, take Grayline to and from the airport.
If a phone call isn’t in your budget, send an email about a week before you go. A call is better, because I know I have the phone number in my cell phone, and that it works. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been lost, pulled out my cell phone, and called the single best person to guide me home.
Also, take that opportunity to ask about/book any tours that may sell out, because they’re super-popular. Not to pick on Iceland, but the day I wanted to go to the Blue Lagoon sold out two weeks before I ever even heard of the place.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not super organized, and I don’t want to plan what I’m doing every day, but there is a certain handful of things that can screw up your trip. Now, you can take care of them from the comfort of your sofa.