Top 10 Travel Mistakes: How to Travel Smarter This Year

Are you currently planning a trip and wondering what are the top 10 travel mistakes people make? Below I have put together a list of, what I believe are the 10 most common travel mistakes to avoid when traveling abroad.

Traveling abroad will bring some of the most rewarding experiences of your life. But we all know that when we step out of our comfort zone, mistakes can happen. 

I’ve spent the last 15 years traveling the globe. Along the way, I’ve lugged around excessive luggage, neglected to inform my bank leading to account lockouts, and relied on costly international roaming instead of opting for a local SIM. Additionally, I had a decade-long stint working in the airline industry, where I encountered numerous missteps made by passengers. Fortunately, I viewed these experiences as invaluable lessons.

Although any of these top 10 travel mistakes should be viewed as a lesson, I would love to help you avoid these mistakes so you can skip straight to the learning part!

Common travel mistakes can happen before you even leave the comfort of your home. Not booking the correct flight or failing to get the appropriate visa can be costly (and a real headache), so to avoid learning the hard way, keep reading!

Here are the top 10 travel mistakes to avoid when travelling abroad

Overpacking

Let’s start with the most common travel mistake, overpacking. Overpacking is like carrying a suitcase full of ‘what-ifs’. Remember, you’re going on holiday, not relocating! Packing your entire wardrobe might seem tempting, but it’s a classic mistake that will weigh you down.

So, when you’re packing lay everything out on your bed. Stick to the essentials, mix and match outfits, and leave room for shopping. I prefer to do this a few days before departing so I have time to come back and reassess!

Also, remember to pack something modest, such as a long skirt or scarf to cover your shoulders. Temples, mosques, churches, etc will often enforce a dress code. 

Avoid the burden of unnecessary baggage and you’ll be breezing through airports and comfortably jumping on and off public transport.

Forgetting to Advise Your Bank

Forgetting to advise your bank before heading off can turn your dream trip into a nightmare. Imagine ordering a cocktail at a beach club in Bali, only to find your card declined! Avoid this travel mistake by giving your bank a heads-up about your travel plans. These days this can usually be done within your banking app, only taking a few minutes, and will save you from being stranded without access to your money.

Not Checking Visa and Onward Ticket Requirements

Neglecting to check visa requirements, onward ticket needs, and passport expiry dates can be one of the most costly travel mistakes you can make. It’s so important to double-check all the entry requirements for your destination before you arrive at the airport. This even includes countries you have visited in the past – things can always change. If you show up to the airport unprepared, the airline staff won’t even check you in.

Spare yourself the hassle by doing a thorough pre-trip check. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay (or often counties will require a minimum 6 months validity), research visa requirements for every country you plan to visit and don’t forget about onward ticket regulations. It can be tedious, but a little preparation upfront will save you from often expensive travel disruptions.

Checking in Important Items in Your Luggage

If you check in important items in your luggage, such as cash, car keys or medication, you’ll be playing a risky game of chance with your cherished belongings. Unfortunately, airlines do regularly lose luggage and even though bags are usually recovered within a couple of days, it can be a real inconvenience in the meantime.

Losing checked luggage is frustrating enough without the added stress of losing critical items. So, pack smart and ensure your most important possessions are within arm’s reach. Trust me, your peace of mind will thank you later.

It’s a Mistake Not to Bring Any Cash 

While credit cards and digital payments are the most convenient, relying solely on them can potentially leave you stranded. Imagine you arrive at your destination knowing that you’ll need to purchase a visa-on-arrival, and when you get there everyone is advised that the EFTPOS is down and they’ll only be accepting cash. (This happened to me in Zanzibar and while everyone was scrambling to get money from the ATM, I was organized so went straight to the counter). Or worse, imagine finding yourself at a restaurant with a terrible internet connection, and unable to rely on electronic payments for your bill (and this happened to me in Cambodia). 

Having some cash on hand ensures you can navigate unforeseen circumstances with ease.

Using the ATM Conversion Rate

So many people aren’t aware of this travel mistake but you should always make payments or withdraw cash from a foreign ATM in the local currency. Using the ATM conversion rate can end up being a costly mistake. Nine times out of ten you will receive a better exchange rate from your bank. So, by choosing your bank’s conversion rate, you’re not only saving money but also ensuring that you’re getting the most out of your travel budget.

Not Purchasing a Local SIM Card

Not purchasing a local SIM card while traveling can end up being a real hassle. Beyond the convenience of avoiding ridiculous international roaming fees from your phone company back home, having access to local data can be a game-changer when navigating new cities. You’ll have the option to research while out & about so often finding more hidden gems. Plus, if you’re a solo traveler having a constant internet connection offers real peace of mind.

Not Splurging, When it Will Give You Extra Time

Sometimes, it’s perfectly okay to splurge a little extra money if it means saving precious time during your travels. So many times I have been planning a trip to a new city, and I find the cheapest flight option has a longer layover and another with a shorter layover but a slightly higher price tag. If I opt for the more expensive flight, although I’ll spend more upfront, I’ll be granted the invaluable gift of time. With this better arrival time, I can hit the ground running, and get amongst the sights, sounds, and flavours of this new city sooner.

And, remember if you have a long layover, you’ll most likely spend money on food and drinks at the airport too.

Travel isn’t always about the budget, it’s about maximizing time and making the most of every moment of the adventure.

Eating at Restaurants Next to Tourist Attractions 

Limiting yourself to dining at restaurants next to tourist attractions will quickly make your travel budget disappear. While the convenience might be tempting, these restaurants often come with inflated prices and mediocre quality compared to smaller local places just a few blocks away. 

I also think it’s more adventurous to discover a cozy neighbourhood spot, where the flavours tell the story of the city’s heritage. Not only will you save money, but you’ll be dining off the beaten path, and able to immerse yourself in the true vibe of the destination. So, break free from the tourist traps!

Not Learning About Local Laws and Customs

Failing to learn about local laws and customs before traveling is a misstep that can lead to stress, misunderstandings, and even legal trouble. Every country has its own rules, regulations, and cultural norms. Sometimes very different from home and visitors are expected to adhere to these. 

From dress codes to public behaviour, what may seem like harmless actions to you could be deeply offensive to the locals. Plus, ignorance of local laws can get you in trouble. So take a bit of time to educate yourself about the customs, traditions, and legal requirements of your destination. This will not only show respect but also ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.