Do you sometimes find yourself overwhelmed and stressed when things go wrong on vacation? Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time adventurer, certain mistakes can turn your dream trip into a nightmare.
I’ve traveled to more than 65 countries and lived in 5, so I’ve made a lot of mistakes and learned valuable lessons. I want to share those lessons with you so you can become a pro traveler, too!
Here are eight common travel mistakes and how to avoid them for a smoother, more enjoyable adventure.
This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. See below for full disclosures.
If you’re short on time, click the links below to skip ahead to one or more of these travel mistakes:
Want to earn free travel and hotel stays? Click below to find out more about one of my favorite credit cards!
When Travel Goes Wrong
Imagine the thrill of exploring a new city, the anticipation of finally going on your dream vacation. Now, picture all that derailed by a preventable blunder, like a missing visa document or overstuffed and overweight luggage. The line between travel bliss and travel frustration often hinges on one key element: preparation.
While over-scheduling can be stifling, completely neglecting essential preparations can lead to travel mistakes that throw off your whole trip. From logistical nightmares to missed opportunities, skipping crucial prep often translates to unnecessary stress and a less fulfilling trip.
Even when you take a spontaneous trip, some thoughtful preparation can make a huge difference without ruining your spontaneity.
Understanding and avoiding common travel mistakes can transform your journey from potentially problematic to positively memorable. You can successfully navigate your way around the globe and embrace the unexpected with confidence, not chaos.
Top 8 Common Travel Mistakes (& How to Avoid Them)
Travel is an investment – of time, money, and dreams. It’s disappointing when preventable mistakes chip away at that. While travel is rarely perfect, many common pitfalls are easily avoided with some foresight. From pre-trip blunders to on-the-road missteps, these are some of the most common travel mistakes and ways to travel more stress-free.
1. Not checking visa requirements.
One of the most critical travel mistakes is failing to check visa requirements. This oversight can completely sabotage your plans before you even begin your adventure.
Here’s how to avoid it:
- Research visa requirements for your destination well in advance.
- Check if you need a visa on arrival or if you need it beforehand.
- Check your passport’s expiration date – many countries require it to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.
On that note, make copies of your passport and visa documents to have as backups in case of loss or theft. This will help you prove your identity and nationality if you have to go to your country’s embassy while abroad.
Use your phone data while you travel without racking up a high phone bill. Click the link to learn more and get a 5% discount on your purchase!
2. Forgetting travel insurance.
Skipping travel insurance is a gamble that can cost you dearly. It can mean the difference between losing out on adventure and money and continuing your travels or recovering your losses. It’s a crucial step for both safety and financial security during your travels. Unfortunately, you won’t know you need it until you NEED it, and by then, it’s too late.
Here’s how to avoid this mistake:
- Research and compare travel insurance options before your trip.
- Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
- Consider additional coverage for adventure activities if they’re part of your itinerary.
- Keep your insurance details easily accessible during your trip.
My favorite general travel insurance is Travelex, and I use MedJet to cover any potential medical emergencies or evacuations.
3. Booking flights & accommodations at the wrong time.
Timing is crucial when it comes to booking your travel arrangements. The goal is to book your flights and hotels at just the right time to get the best prices and have your pick of the available options. Poor timing can impact your budget, availability, and overall trip logistics.
Here’s how to avoid it:
- Book flights about 2-3 months in advance for domestic trips and 5-6 months for international travel.
- Use flight comparison tools, like Daily Drop Pro and Skyscanner, to track prices and set alerts for price drops.
- Give yourself enough time on any layovers, especially if you’re flying through a large airport.
- Consider booking accommodations with free cancellation policies for flexibility.
- Be aware of peak seasons at your destination and book around them or further in advance.
When I first start planning a trip, I check availability and pricing for accommodations on VRBO and Hotels.com. I like to use the map view to get a better idea of how close the options are to the things I want to do.
Another favorite of mine is great for unique stays: on TrustedHousesitters, you can find homes to stay in exchange for watching adorable pets! Use my special discount code, ABUNDANT25, for 25% off new memberships!
4. Overpacking.
Lugging around excess baggage can turn your trip into a physical ordeal, limiting your comfort and ease of travel and potentially incurring extra fees. Nobody wants that!
Here’s how to avoid this major mistake:
- Make a packing list and stick to it.
- Choose versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched.
- Pack travel-sized toiletries or plan to buy essentials at your destination.
- Consider doing laundry during longer trips instead of packing extra clothes.
- Use compression packing cubes to make more room in your suitcase.
Want more in-depth and specific packing tips? See some of my most popular packing guides (and packing mistake guides) to help you plan for your next trip:
Your FREE Carry-On Bag Travel Guide
Pack smarter and more efficiently with this FREE carry-on bag travel guide. Learn how to pack essentials, keep electronics safe, and more on your next travel adventure!
5. Not learning basic local phrases.
This is one of the more underrated travel mistakes. Will it ruin your entire trip if you don’t speak any of the local language? Probably not. But knowing at least some basic phrases can make your interactions smoother and help you immerse yourself deeper in the culture, which only enhances your trip.
Here’s how to avoid this mistake:
- Learn basic greetings, such as “hello,” “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” and how to order food and drinks.
- Download a language app like Babbel or Rosetta Stone to make learning fun.
- Practice pronunciation before your trip to boost your confidence.
- Carry a small phrasebook or use a translation app on your phone.
6. Not protecting yourself online.
This mistake is relevant before, during, and after travel. It’s a safety and security issue that becomes increasingly important while traveling, especially when using public Wi-Fi. Neglecting your online security while traveling can lead to identity theft or financial fraud. It could even mean you’re unable to use your credit cards for the rest of your trip!
Here’s how to avoid it:
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) such as SurfShark, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
- Avoid accessing sensitive information (like banking details) on public networks.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.
- Be cautious about the information you share on social media during your trip.
7. Overstuffing your itinerary.
Trying to cram too much into your schedule can lead to a rushed, stressful experience rather than an enjoyable adventure. It’s tempting because there’s so much you want to see and do, but overstuffing can actually lead to the opposite. You’ll run out of time and then be too exhausted to do anything anyway!
Here’s how to avoid it:
- Prioritize your must-see attractions and build your itinerary around them.
- Allow for some downtime and spontaneous exploration each day.
- Consider the logistics of moving between locations and some buffer time.
- Be realistic about how much you can comfortably see and do each day. I recommend no more than two activities per day.
- View other travelers’ itineraries on platforms like Steller to see what’s actually realistic.
Are you loving The Abundant Traveler® content? Please support it!
If you’re loving what you’re seeing and learning, please consider supporting with a donation so I can continue providing this free for travelers like you. It could be as little as a cup of coffee or an Aperol spritz. I appreciate your support!
8. Only visiting tourist traps.
While popular attractions are popular for a reason, limiting yourself to these is a big travel mistake. Sometimes, the major attractions are less authentic and more of a tourist trap. It’s best to take advice from locals and experienced travelers to find out what’s truly worth it.
Here’s how to avoid this mistake:
- Research lesser-known attractions and local favorites.
- Ask locals for their recommendations on your first day.
- Explore neighborhoods away from the main tourist areas.
- Consider guided tours that offer unique or off-the-beaten-path experiences.
- Look at reviews on Viator TripAdvisorand to see which attractions are too crowded.
Other Travel Mistakes to Avoid
Of course, I couldn’t possibly list all the possible travel mistakes you could make in one blog post. The list is endless, and you’ll probably discover a new one each time you travel. That being said, here are a few extras I’ll share with you. Click on the links below to watch a video about each of these additional mistakes.
Embrace the Journey, Travel Mistakes and All
While these tips can help you avoid common mistakes when traveling, remember that some of the best travel stories come from unexpected situations. Approach your travels with an open mind, a sense of humor, and a willingness to learn. By being prepared and staying flexible, you’ll be ready to make the most of your adventures, turning potential mistakes into memorable experiences!
What are some of the biggest travel mistakes you’ve learned on your adventures? Let me know in the comments below!
Want to read this post or watch the videos later? Save it on Pinterest!
Looking for more travel tips and inspiration for your next adventure? Check out my favorite travel products and some of my other posts below!
User-Generated Content (UGC) Disclosure: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that, at no extra cost to you, The Abundant Traveler may earn a small commission. Using these links is a huge way to support me, and these will help keep the blog running and free for everyone to enjoy.
All my reviews and opinions are based on my own experience, which may not be the same for everyone. If you choose to use them, then thank you for your support.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Abundant Traveler is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as DailyDrop.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
