Avoid the travel mistakes I learned the hard way—from overpacking to missing local gems. Plan smarter and stress less on your next adventure!
Let me tell you a truth most glossy Instagram feeds won’t: travel isn’t always picture-perfect. Sometimes, your dream vacation ends with a lost wallet in a foreign country or spending €50 on “authentic” pasta that came out of a microwave. I’ve made more than a few travel mistakes over the years—some hilarious, some expensive, and all highly educational.
So, consider this your unofficial survival guide, packed with real-life mishaps I’ve lived through (so you don’t have to). Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned wanderer, these stories will help you avoid those frustrating, trip-ruining “wish I knew better” moments.
I landed in Seville, Spain, excited to explore the city’s famous tapas bars and flamenco shows—only to find the entire city shut down for Semana Santa (Holy Week). Not a single supermarket, pharmacy, or museum was open. Even locals seemed to disappear.
Always check the local calendar for public holidays, festivals, or other events relevant to the city or country. What might be a cultural celebration for them could mean ghost-town vibes and closed attractions for you. Apps like TimeAndDate or even a quick Google search can save you from arriving to an unexpectedly deserted (or overpacked) city.
I once had to book a last-minute flight out of Vietnam—yes, at the airport—because I didn’t realize I needed a pre-approved e-visa. I assumed “visa on arrival” meant I could just show up. It didn’t.
Never, ever assume your passport will get you in. Always verify entry requirements, even for layovers. Some countries require transit visas if you’re switching terminals. Use official embassy sites—not random blogs—for the latest info.
Pro Tip: The IATA Travel Centre website is a legit source trusted by airlines.
I once exchanged €200 at the airport in Rome because I was too tired to find an ATM. After the transaction, I realized I’d paid a 15% “convenience fee.
Airport currency booths are the Starbucks of travel finance—always convenient, always overpriced. If you must use cash, find a bank ATM once you’re in the city. Even better, use a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
In Paris, I scored a ridiculously cheap hotel deal... that turned out to be in the outer suburbs. I spent more on train tickets and lost time commuting than I saved on the room.
Location > Price. Always check the hotel’s proximity to major sites or public transportation. In cities like Rome or Barcelona, staying central can save you money and energy.
Tip: Plug the address into Google Maps and look at the area in Street View. You’d be amazed at what you can spot, like the nightclub next door.
I went to Scotland in early October with flowy skirts and sandals, ready for a boho photoshoot. Reality? Rain. Wind. 40°F. I ended up buying an emergency coat and hiking boots—plus lugging my “cute” but useless clothes around.
Check the historical weather (not just the 7-day forecast) for your destination. Pack smart, not just pretty. Layers are your friend, especially in Europe, where the weather can turn on a dime.
Rule of thumb: One warm layer, one rain layer, one comfy pair of shoes. Always.
I spent an entire morning in Lisbon wandering, trying to find a Wi-Fi café just to look up directions.
Spoiler: I didn’t find one.
Even in modern cities, public Wi-Fi is spotty. Either buy a local SIM card or use an eSIM service like Airalo. For around $10, you get peace of mind, access to Google Maps, and the ability to call your Airbnb host when the buzzer doesn’t work (true story).
In Italy, I created a jam-packed itinerary: Rome one day, Florence the next, Venice after that. On paper, I was maximising my time. In reality? I was exhausted, grumpy, and barely saw anything properly.
Slow travel > checklist travel. Allow buffer time. Get lost. Linger in a café. Revisit your favourite piazza at sunset. Leave space for spontaneity—it’s usually where the magic happens.
My rule now: One main thing per day, max. Everything else is optional.
Flying with a budget airline in Europe, I assumed my small backpack would count as carry-on. Nope—it was considered a “personal item,” and they charged me €60 at the gate. Ouch.
Every airline has different baggage policies, especially budget ones like Ryanair or Wizz Air. Some allow only a small bag under the seat. Don’t assume; check dimensions in advance. Also, weigh your bag before heading to the airport.
Travel Hack: Wear your heaviest clothes and use a packable tote bag if you’re over the limit.
I once paid €18 for overcooked pasta in Venice. The view was stunning... but the food? Meh.
If a restaurant has photos of the food on a signboard, is right next to a landmark, or someone is actively inviting you in, run the other way. The best food is usually found a few blocks away from tourist hotspots.
Pro Tip: Look for handwritten menus, crowded tables with locals, or restaurants with just one or two options. Those are the real gems.
In Prague, I arrived at a castle 15 minutes before closing. I begged to be let in, raced through the halls, and saw... nothing. Later, I arrived in Santorini at 6 AM with nowhere to drop my bags and wandered like a zombie until check-in.
Time your arrival and activities wisely. Research opening hours, and always buffer for delays or early landings. Many hotels allow early luggage drop-offs—just ask in advance.
I tried ordering vegetarian food in rural France and ended up with duck pâté. Yikes.
Even learning 5–10 words in the local language goes a long way. People appreciate the effort, and it can prevent awkward (or expensive) misunderstandings. Try “hello,” “thank you,” “I don’t eat meat,” and “where is the bathroom?” as your base kit.
Bonus: Apps like Google Translate have a camera feature that translates signs and menus instantly.
A friend I was travelling with got food poisoning in Morocco and ended up in a private clinic. No insurance. The bill? Over $800.
Travel insurance isn’t glamorous—but it can be a literal lifesaver. Even if you never need it, the peace of mind is worth it. Most plans cover medical issues, lost luggage, and trip delays for a fraction of your trip cost.
Reliable insurers: World Nomads, SafetyWing, and Allianz are popular choices.
Here’s the thing: every mistake taught me something valuable. Sure, I wish I hadn’t paid €60 for a backpack or missed that epic flamenco show, but those moments shaped the traveller I am today. And hopefully, by reading this, you’ll skip the stress and keep the joy.
Travel isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about becoming braver, more resourceful, and a little more humble with every trip. So pack your bags, take a deep breath, and know that even if things go wrong, you’ll have one heck of a story to tell.
Save this post, share it with your fellow travelers, and bookmark it for your next trip. Got your own funny or frustrating travel mistake? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
Avoid These Travel Mistakes
