Whether creating digital art, recording music, or editing photos and videos, there is unique software to complete each task. However, the market is filled with hundreds of developers, each offering a range of features for a specific price. And there is always the off chance that one may not be happy with their purchase. So, if you have decided to buy software for your home system, here are ten common mistakes to avoid.

Overspending on features
Every software has numerous standard features, plus optional add-ons for an extra fee. More often than not, the developer’s website will give you several reasons why buying the fully-loaded version is the ideal choice. But you will likely never use some add-on features despite paying more money to unlock them. So, if you are beginning to learn a particular software, spend only on the standard variant. You could eventually pay for additional features as you become more familiar with the tool.

Buying from spurious websites
Every software has a price tag that may occasionally drop during the festive season or on particular sale days. But you may come across a few websites that continually advertise a price too good to be true. These websites may accept your payment but never deliver the software activation code or send one that does not work. So, always check the authenticity of the websites you visit to buy computer programs and avoid those that look suspicious.

Picking the first option
Many people use their search engines to look for the software they need and purchase the first option that shows up on their screens. Remember, links at the top of the results page are often sponsored. So, you might be buying something that does not give you complete value for money. Instead of buying the first product you see, list all the top online retailers selling the software and compare them. Then choose the one that offers the best features for the price.

Rushing the purchase
Just like picking the first option that pops up on the screen, some rush their software purchase because of a time crunch. Doing so may cause you to pay a lot more than you should. So, take enough time to pick software for your needs to ensure you do not overpay for the product. If possible, wait until the holiday season, when retailers drop prices on computer software by a high margin.

Not reading reviews
People often buy software without reading a single review, which is one of the biggest mistakes they could make. Hundreds of customers post ratings and reviews on the internet about their experience with particular software. These posts could cover several factors, including the product’s usability, value for money, and benefits or drawbacks. Reading these online reviews could help you make a more informed decision when buying the software.

Skipping the trial
Another error people make when buying software is not signing up for the trial. Most computer programs offer at least a seven-day trial for users to familiarize themselves with the interface before making a monthly or annual payment. So, do not pay for the tool until you use its trial version to ensure it is the right choice for the tasks you need to complete.

Not checking compatibility
While a particular software may have all the necessary bells and whistles you require, your money might go in vain if you do not check its system compatibility. Each product has different requirements in this aspect. For instance, some may require a certain amount of storage space and RAM to function efficiently, while others may need a specific chipset. So, check if your computer has the basic requirements before buying the software. Doing so will ensure you have the right product.

Making long-term commitments
Many users sign long-term contracts when purchasing software to reduce their subscription fees. However, they fail to consider that their needs might change with time. So, while the software might suit immediate needs, you must assess whether it will still be useful after a few months or a year. If you think your software requirements are temporary, sign up for a monthly package over a yearly subscription.

Going for the lowest-priced deal
You will find many software solutions for the same purpose but at different price points. To save money, users often pick the cheapest product. Doing so leaves them with software that is glitchy and full of bugs. This hampers their overall user experience and compels them to pay more for better tools. So, carefully check the features included in the software along with the price tag to avoid disappointment later.

Not reading the fine print
Besides the software’s features, developers publish terms and conditions and other legal documentation on their websites. Purchasing the program without reading this information could be problematic because many developers list the additional charges in the fine print. The terms and conditions may also mention how users can or cannot use the software and the level of privacy offered. So, you must read the documentation bundled with the software before signing a contract and making the final payment.

Whether it is for business or pleasure, traveling calls for meticulous planning and execution. Frequent travelers probably have their own set of tried and tested tricks to easily move through airports, avoid being stranded or stuck in a foreign place, and have an altogether safe and efficient trip. As most of us resume travel after a long break, it is important to revisit and avoid common traveling mistakes for a smooth journey.

Overpacking
This is a common issue for most people regardless of the number of trips they have taken in the past. The art of packing light doesn’t have to be complicated. It is okay to repeat a few outfits to make space for the essentials. Also, wouldn’t you want to set aside some space in case you decide to go shopping on your trip? To avoid paying an excess baggage fee, review your itinerary and pack accordingly.

No cell phone plan
One of the common traveling mistakes is completely relying on Wi-Fi. However, not every café, station, or hotel is likely to offer free or reasonably fast internet. So, when you have no access to the Wi-Fi, you wouldn’t want to be stranded and have no means of calling for help. This is why you must always look for affordable cell phone plans while traveling. You may get a local sim to avoid any exorbitant traveling fees/prices on your original plan.

Not notifying your bank
You must always check if your cards can be used internationally, and if they are not activated for international travel, you can either do it through the mobile app or ask the bank to provide access. Credit cards can get blocked when swiped in another country if your bank has not been informed about the travel plans and destination beforehand.

No buffer between flights
International travel could mean that there is no direct flight to your destination, and you might have to book a connecting flight. You should check the connection time or duration of the layover and ensure that you have enough time to board the second flight. Not including a buffer period of at least a few hours is a serious traveling mistake that would result in missing the next flight if your first trip is delayed or canceled. You should account for such uncertainties in the schedule for all modes of travel.

Booking a hotel room online before is a pretty straightforward and quick process. In fact, it’s so simple that many travelers overlook a few crucial aspects before booking, which ends up costing more time and money. What’s even worse is that a seemingly-minor misstep can spoil your entire vacation. If you want the best deals and make the most out of your trip, here are some common hotel booking mistakes you must absolutely avoid.

Booking at an inopportune time
When you book a hotel at the wrong time, you often end up paying a lot more. “Wrong” here means you’re booking too early or late. That being said, there’s no single best time to book, but you must consider the popularity and seasonality of your destination and monitor rates for a few days before booking.

Assuming there’s no better deal
Nearly every booking website claims to offer the best online hotel deals. But taking their word would be unwise. Compare prices across different sites and check if they’re offering promotions. Sometimes, the lowest prices are available on a hotel’s official website, so you might want to check that too.

Not paying with a credit card
Always use credit cards for hotel bookings. This path is typically the only means of getting cash-back bonuses, rewards, and free stays, among other benefits. More importantly, credit cards offer fraud protection and immediate refunds for mischarges, which are not offered for payments made through debit cards and cash.

Booking without checking reviews
Most hotel rooms look spacious, luxurious, and spotlessly clean in pictures, but the reality can be quite different. Reading reviews helps you know whether the hotel is how it looks. In addition, reviews can give you an idea of the quality of service and overall stay experience.

Booking non-refundable rooms
Non-refundable rooms are cheaper than regular ones, but keep in mind that booking such a room is a high-risk option. The hotel will not refund a single dollar if you have to cancel or amend your stay for any reason, be it a flight delay or medical emergency.

Overlooking the location
In search of the best deal, many travelers ignore the fact that their hotel is too far from the places they want to visit. If your hotel is located in an inconvenient or isolated location, it could ruin your whole vacation and cost you more money and time while traveling.

Going on a safari tour can be exciting, as experiencing the wildlife in its natural habitat is an experience of a lifetime. While all safaris are extremely well organized, thanks to the nature of the tour, it is important that you are also completely prepared for such tours to avoid some rookie mistakes. This can include trivial lapses like wearing the wrong outfit. Let’s look at some common mistakes to avoid when booking a safari:

Inadequate research
Not all lodges and reserves are the same; each lodge offers a different experience. You should book the most suitable package, depending on the kind of experience you want and the wildlife you want to experience, at a distance, of course. On some safaris, you can walk to reach different regions, but on other tours, you may not be allowed to step out of your jeep. So the package you book should offer the experience you are looking for while meeting your requirements and budget. Most of these tours get booked months or even years in advance, so thorough research and planning is definitely a key step. The packages can be expensive, so make sure you set aside a reasonable budget for the safari tour.

Packing the wrong colors
Yes, selecting the right colored clothes is important when booking a safari. It has nothing to do with fashion, as when in the wild, you should be able to blend into your surroundings rather than stand out in bright clothes. This can easily startle the animals. You will be asked not to wear blue or black on game drives, as the colors can attract tsetse flies and other insects. Neutral colors like beige or green and their different shades are considered the safest. White may seem like a neutral color in other settings, but not on a safari. So make sure to look up acceptable colors before you leave for the trip.

Not looking up the local culture
A lot of the reserves and lodges are built on land home to different tribes and other locals, and often you will get the chance to visit villages or interact with them. It is extremely important to be respectful toward not just the local community but even the staff serving you at the lodge. Being in a new place with new people can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with customs unique to you, but the key to an enjoyable trip is to stay open-minded, unbiased, and non-judgemental.

Choosing inappropriate clothing
When you think of safari, do you think of the hot, dry climate, driving around the reserve in an open jeep? Well, yes, that is true. But the warm day quickly turns into a cold, crisp evening on a safari. So, not packing the right clothes for safari tours can be a rookie mistake. Pack the right clothes for the game drives and social evenings that you may be spending with your tent neighbors or other guests. Take into account the weather and comfort while packing. Adapting to the weather at the destination becomes much easier with the right clothes and gear.

Having unrealistic expectations
This may be counterintuitive to how you plan your safari trip, but here’s the truth, you are entering a region that is unpredictable. So keeping low expectations when it comes to animal spotting can keep you grounded and avoid disappointment. This is the wild turf, and while expecting wild animals at every turn is natural, it is not guaranteed. Sure, there are some tours that align with the migration schedule of certain animals. You might be able to book lodges where elephants or giraffes can be spotted, but this is largely animal behavior, which can be unpredictable at the end of the day. There are some tricks to spotting the Big Five, so if you follow the tour guide’s instructions, you may be able to witness something magical.

Not listening to the guide
Guides know the lay of the land at the back of their hand and can easily spot if something is wrong. They have also been trained to conduct tours in the wild—a job carrying a certain amount of risk. Considering the training and experience the guides have, it is only right to listen carefully and follow their instructions on the safari. They have been trained to tackle unpredictable situations, so all you have to do is follow the instructions to a T. Paying attention to the guide can help you ensure you have fun without getting into trouble. Those who do not follow protocols in the wild are not only a threat to themselves but also to the rest of the group.

Forgetting sunscreen
Seems like a trivial issue, but considering you will be out in an open vehicle, under the scorching sun for a few hours of the day, you should protect your skin. So, apply a lot of sunscreen and also carry the tube with you for reapplication. A bug repellent can also come in handy on a safari tour.

You can always speak to the safari staff while booking the package to learn about other important information. Some research can also help you prepare well, remember the essentials, and avoid making mistakes.

Makeup application techniques have evolved over the years. And if you are a beginner trying makeup for the first time, there are chances you may end up making common mistakes in the process. This can range from not using the right shade of eye shadow, using the wrong brush, or even something as simple as misapplying the foundation. However, with the right products and a few makeup tips, one can achieve the perfect look with healthy glowing skin.

Over-washing the face
Washing or cleansing the face is one of the most important steps in the makeup application process. However, each person has a different skin type. Moreover, with age, the skin may undergo various changes. So, when one applies foundation and notices dry and flaky skin, it’s a sign of over-cleansing. Hence, experts suggest washing the face twice daily – morning and night. This process can help retain the skin’s moisture in the form of natural skin oils.

Skipping a skin preparation routine
One of the biggest makeup mistakes people make is applying makeup products directly on the skin. This can often make the face look cakey. Therefore, it is important to apply hydrating skin care products like moisturizer, serum, primer, and toner before makeup application. You can follow the cleansing-toning-moisturizing routine before going in with the makeup process. This can make the makeup application look good while maintaining skin health.

Applying makeup in the wrong lighting
Lighting is the key element while applying makeup or choosing the right products. It is important to test the products on the skin in natural lighting. Trying to buy makeup products in dim-lit stores can lead you to buy the wrong shade of products. A wrong shade of foundation can make your face look ashy, leaving a gray cast on the pigmented areas on the face. To prevent this situation, it is best to swatch the products in a natural light setup.

Using too much concealer
Concealers help to cancel out pigmented/dark areas like dark circles on the face. However, incorrect use of the right products or the right shade of concealer can highlight fine lines, darkness, and pigmented spots. Therefore, it is advised to use a small amount of the concealer on the under eyes and blend it well with your finger or a brush. If required, you can add another layer of the product. Ensure you set it with a translucent powder to prevent it from setting into fine lines. Additionally, experts suggest avoiding thick and creamy foundations or concealers and using liquid and hydrating options to achieve a healthy and natural look.

Ignoring the lips
Lips are one of the key focus points when it comes to makeup. Usually, as one begins to age, the upper lip begins to slowly thin and lose its natural color and shape. Hence, it is crucial to care for the lips as much as any other body part. Therefore, experts recommend exfoliating the lips with a gentle scrub at least once a week and regularly applying hydrating lip balms. In addition, one must also opt for colors close to the natural lip color for lipsticks, glosses, and lip liners to achieve the look of fuller lips. Avoid applying products on dry, chapped lips.

Not applying blush
Nowadays, most people prefer to skip the application of blush from their makeup routine. However, this proves to be one of the biggest mistakes resulting in duller-looking skin. In most cases, blush can instantly help one look youthful since its primary objective is to mimic a natural flush of color. However, one must make sure to choose a natural rosy color that complements the skin tone. So it is considered best to avoid blushes that are either too bright, powdery, or shimmery for a more natural look.

Using the wrong blending techniques
Buying the right shades of foundations, concealer, or eyeshadows is not enough. Just dabbing these products can make the face look unnatural and out of place. So, to avoid this common makeup mistake, one must blend the products properly, as the key to natural-looking makeup is in the art of blending. It’s recommended to watch a few tutorials and videos online to get a better idea of the process. Blending with the right set of tools is also essential. Therefore, invest in good-quality brushes and blenders.

Applying heavy mascara on the lashes
A top-quality mascara achieves the objective of accentuating the edges of the eyes, giving a sharp shape to the eyes. The heavy application of mascara can lead to clumpy eyelashes, leading to droopy-looking eyes. Some people may make the mistake of applying heavy mascara on both the top and bottom lashes. However, in most cases, heavy application of mascara can bring attention to the wrinkles below the eyes. Hence, it’s best to apply a single coat of mascara to achieve a natural and lifted eye look.

Apart from avoiding the above-mentioned makeup mistakes, one must also regularly follow a skincare regimen. Good skincare ensures healthy and glowing skin. This includes using the right moisturizer, toner, primer, and exfoliant regularly. One can also visit a dermatologist to learn more about tips and tricks for healthy skin.