If you are planning on leaving the country, you might have heard how complicated it can be. But this shouldn’t stop you from exploring your dream places and making memories around the world. Even for an experienced traveler, it is possible to make some travel mistakes. So here is a blog post full of some things that I have learned over time through my travel experience and how to avoid them.

Avoid These Travel Mistakes

Just by being prepared, you can set your travels up for success and steer clear of any complications. Although this list may seem like a lot, I can assure you that it will be worth it when you realize how much wasted time, money, and confusion you could save yourself from.

Not Being Prepared

Doing research on the place that you are visiting ahead of time will provide you with information to avoid making any travel mistakes in that particular spot. Just by researching ahead of time, you can save some money and time, finding some free activities to do around town.

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Passport/Visa

Packing an expired passport can be a big one of the travel mistakes that you do not to want to come across. Make sure to come prepared by checking the date of your passport ahead of time.

*Some countries require their visitors to have at least 6 months of validity on their passports.*

Many countries allow you to travel with just a passport, but others require a visa ahead of time. It is literally a nightmare getting turned away at Immigration because you didn’t know the specific procedures to follow. Instead of making one of these travel mistakes, make a quick visit to VisaLink in advance and confirm any expectations the country you are visiting has set. This can take a month or longer so plan be prepared and plan in advance!

To avoid making these same travel mistakes, remember that passports, ID’s, visas, insurance, and any tickets are essential. By printing an extra copy of your documents, you will save yourself from any possible struggles of losing them or leaving them behind. Don’t forget this tip or you may end up stuck somewhere for longer than you planned.

Cell Phone Plan

Knowing what your cell phone plan covers is important if you don’t want to get charged for data roaming fees. If your plan does not cover this, then you can turn off your data and leave airplane mode on, allowing you to just connect to WiFi when it is available.

If you don’t think you can live without data while traveling. Then I suggest checking out IEvaphone. I love it because you can make mobile phone calls or internet browser calls for free. And it just saves you the struggle of registering, dealing with credit cards, and a slow design.

Flights

Booking connecting flights with a short transit time is one of the travel mistakes that I have made several times now. If you are stuck in a long line at customs or the flight ends up delayed, you may have a chance of missing it. Give yourself a couple of hours between flights to allow for any possible type of delay.

Reviews

Read the reviews for everything. And when I say everything, I mean…everything. All of the accommodations, tour companies, and transportation options that you plan on booking should all be reviewed ahead of time. If you make one of these travel mistakes and don’t spend the time to review your plans, you will most likely end up disappointed.

I recommend reading Trip Advisor and/or Yelp reviews before making any major decisions.

Check Out What You Need To Know Before Visiting Switzerland

Insurance

With all of the common travel mistakes and possibilities of things that could go wrong. Not buying insurance is setting yourself at risk of not being covered if a bad situation were to happen. By spending a few extra few dollars on travel insurance, you will feel more secure if you were to lose your baggage, have a medical emergency, or even a trip delay. Read about the travel insurance to see what is included and if it suits your needs. You can learn more about it, here.

Reconfirming

I didn’t realize that reconfirming part of your plans is essential when trying to avoid making travel mistakes. It wasn’t until I got to Prague, that I went to go to check into my airbnb and noticed that it got canceled. If I would’ve reconfirmed, I totally could’ve avoided this and wouldn’t have had to spend multiple hours stressing out trying to find a new place to stay in.

You don’t have to reconfirm every single detail of your planned trip. But I would reconfirm any accommodations, tour companies, and meal reservations that you have set.

I also must add that double-checking is essential. Yes, it is similar to reconfirming, but you can not reconfirm if you have got the wrong date or location. Always make sure to have one last look over everything that you have planned. It is no fun showing up at the wrong airport or flying to the wrong city… At least, that is what I have heard!

Packing Problems

Over-packing

Please don’t make the same mistake I did and pack your whole wardrobe. Believe me, it is no fun toting around a huge bag of items that you probably won’t even wear. Or getting charged extra from the airlines for exceeding luggage weight.

One tip that has helped me with my overpacking issue, is packing several outfits that can be mix-matched and re-used with different clothing items. This has made it easy to switch it up, providing me with new styles each day without having to stuff 20 different pants into one bag.

Packing light has also saved me from back pain and having to haul all of my luggage up any stairs or across town.

Printable Packing List For Everything You Need To Pack For A Cruise

Organizing

I also have found the eBags Packing Cubes to be a huge success in helping me organize my bag. The bags make it very simple to quickly grab exactly what you are looking for in your suitcase.

*Don’t forget to check around the room that you stayed in to ensure you aren’t leaving anything behind on your travels.

Carry-On

It isn’t common, but it’s possible that your luggage can get lost in TSA. To avoid this travel mistake, set aside a pair of extra clothes and any “must-have” items in your carry-on.

You also need to be aware of your travel requirements for when you go through security at the airport. It seems like every time I go through security, I watch as someone looks surprised that their favorite perfume and razor are being trashed. Just follow the rules. In most airports, nearly all liquids must be 3.4 fl. ounces or less and stored inside a clear bag. You should also just keep the sharp tools in your checked bag to avoid any questions or conflicts.

Money

Many taxis and transportation services only take their local currency, so make sure to get some when you arrive. You can use an ATM at the airport for good exchange rates. Just don’t go straight to the exchange kiosks, they tend to carry expensive fees and rates.

Cash

Certain places do not accept any type of card so cash is necessary.

You should always have money at hand, but avoid carrying too much of it at once. I use a money belt to keep my cash safe and hidden. And I always bring a fist full of $1 bills for extra cash and tips (if tips are necessary for that particular destination).

Credit Cards

Not informing your bank ahead of time, can leave you with an account that gets frozen or even flagged purchases due to “unusual activity”. Instead of having to deal with all of this money stress, just notify your bank and credit card companies beforehand. You can easily do this by looking for a “travel notification” link on your bank’s website and informing them.

Before making these travel mistakes with money, you should be aware that many credit cards charge an International transaction fee. If you end up using that card for everything on your travels, the fees will really add up. I suggest getting a card with no transaction fee for your travels.

Budget

Creating a realistic budget with some breathing room for any unexpected expenses is the best way to manage your spendings. But there are also many other tips to stay frugal while traveling, which you can read here.

Not Enjoying Your Time

Traveling is meant to be fun, full of making memories, and learning. Spending your time worrying too much about what is going to happen next or setting to high of expectations can totally kill your travel vibe.

Avoid making either of these travel mistakes by planning ahead and leaving your home with no expectations at all. Arrive with an open mind and accept things as they happen.

Diving Deep Into The Culture

Seizing every opportunity to experience the culture is the best way to create more meaningful travel memories. By engaging with the locals while traveling, you will be more educated in their lifestyle and your eyes will be opened.

I still swear by the fact that I learned more by staying with host families than any school has taught me.

Don’t miss out on tasting the local cuisine, speaking to the locals, and asking what they usually do at your destination. I can assure you that you will experience much more this way.

Read about My Experience Of Staying With 35 Host Families

By getting out of your comfort zone, you will be able to try new things that you never even imagined. And traveling is the perfect opportunity to do so!

Check Out These 6 Simple Steps To Make Leaving Your Comfort Zone Easier

Not Putting The Phone/Camera Down

First, I must admit that I am completely guilty of this travel mistake.

Yes, taking pictures is a must for traveling. When you have pictures to look back at when you are home, you can easily bring back the memories and reminiscence on your adventures.

But this doesn’t mean we have to spend the whole day taking photos. Nobody wants to see 300 pictures of the same statue in different positions.

Take a few shots and then put the device down. Enjoy the view with your own eyes.

Just make sure to back up your photos because losing them can be pretty dang heartbreaking. I use Google Photos to store my pictures, it has helped me steer clear of losing any photos.

Lessons Learned

If you do end up making one of these travel mistakes, do not feel bad. Don’t let one of these travel mistakes ruin your whole trip. Instead, take it as a lesson learned, solve it, and move on.

I mean, hey…I definitely have made many of these travel mistakes and I just keep learning from them. It only helps me grow and makes me a more knowledgeable person and traveler!

Just try to follow this list and then let it go.

Some situations are uncontrollable.

Have you made any of these mistakes? Do you have others that you have made outside of this list? Please share in the comments below!

Happy Travels!

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Remember... no matter what challenges you face,
Take it 1 Day At A Time.