Are you someone who rarely travels or someone who travels often? I have been traveling with my family for over 20 years, and I made one of these mistakes on our last trip. (I’ll let you know which one at the end of the article!) It’s easy to fall into some common mistakes that can put a damper on your trip.

From packing too much to not doing enough research, plenty of rookie mistakes can be easily avoided with a little bit of preparation.

There is so much to do for a trip, so it makes sense that a few of these things can be missed on some or all trips. So here is my list.

1. Not Budgeting

When it comes to traveling, budgeting is crucial. One of the travelers’ most common rookie mistakes is misjudging their budget needs. This is a hard one as you can only make fact-based assumptions when planning a trip.

From meals to transportation, it all adds up. Before you leave, research the cost of living in the area you’ll be visiting. This will give you a good idea of how much you should budget for each day.

2. Daily Expenses

It’s easy to underestimate how much you will spend daily when traveling.

Hidden costs can quickly add up and blow your budget. Some standard hidden costs include taxes, resort fees, and transportation to and from the airport.

Before you book your trip, read the fine print and factor in any additional costs. It’s better to overestimate your budget than to be caught off guard by unexpected expenses.

One easy way to plan for daily expenses is to give yourself a dollar amount you can spend per day. For our family of 5, we generally give ourselves between $100-200. This may seem high, but this includes all meals, attractions, and entrance fees.  We try to decide what to do the next day, and account for all the money in our dollar amount per day.

3. Overpacking

Packing can be very stressful, especially if you are going somewhere you’ve never been before. It’s easy to play the “what if” game and to get carried away. Overpacking can lead to unnecessary stress, additional baggage fees, and even physical strain from carrying heavy luggage.

4. Bringing Unnecessary Items

One of travelers’ biggest mistakes is packing items they don’t need. It is something that may take a little time to get better at, but if you are as cheap as me, and don’t want to pay for luggage, you can learn to do it.

You need to be realistic about what you’ll actually use on your trip. For example, do you really need to bring three pairs of shoes or a hair dryer when your hotel provides one?

To help you decide what to bring, make a list of essentials and stick to it.

5. Failing to Consider Luggage Restrictions

Another mistake travelers make is not checking luggage restrictions before packing.

Airlines have specific weight and size limits for carry-on and checked bags, and exceeding them can result in extra fees or even having to leave items behind. You don’t want to pay a huge fee for a suitcase that is over the weight limit.

Before you pack, check your airline’s website for their luggage restrictions and make sure your bags comply.

It’s also good to weigh your bags before heading to the airport to avoid any surprises at check-in.

6. Relying Solely on Credit Cards

When traveling, relying solely on credit cards can be a major mistake. While they are convenient and can be a great way to earn rewards, credit cards are not universally accepted, especially in smaller shops and restaurants.

Additionally, some countries may have unreliable or nonexistent internet connections, making it difficult to process credit card transactions.

It’s important to have cash on hand when traveling, even if you plan on using your credit card for most purchases.

In some countries, cash is the only accepted form of payment, and even in places where credit cards are accepted, having cash can be helpful for small purchases or tipping.

It’s also a good idea to have some local currency on hand in case of emergencies or if you need to pay for transportation.

7. Ignoring Foreign Transaction Fees

Another mistake travelers make when relying solely on credit cards is ignoring foreign transaction fees.

Many credit cards charge a fee for purchases made outside of your home country, which can add up quickly over the course of a trip. Before you travel, check with your credit card company to see what fees they charge for foreign transactions.

You may want to consider getting a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees or using a debit card instead.

8. Leaving Items Unattended

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is leaving their items unattended. You would think everyone knew this, but I often see people at airports walking away from their luggage.

Always keep your valuables with you or in a secure location, such as a hotel safe or a locked bag.

Another common mistake is leaving your items in plain sight in your car. Thieves often target rental cars and break into them when they see items left out in the open.

Always lock your car doors and trunk, and keep your belongings out of sight.

9. Not Making Copies of Important Documents

One of the most common mistakes that travelers make is not making copies of important documents. This can be a costly and stressful mistake that can ruin your entire trip. Here are some important documents that you should make copies of before you travel:

• Passport: Make a copy of your passport’s identification page. This will make it easier to get a replacement if your passport is lost or stolen.
• Visa: If you need a visa to enter the country you are traveling to, make a copy. This will make it easier to get a replacement if your visa is lost or stolen.
• Travel itinerary: Make a copy of your itinerary, including your flight and hotel reservations. This will make re-booking travel arrangements easier if they are lost or stolen or if you can’t find them on your phone.

Keep the copies of these documents in a safe place, separate from the originals.

You can also consider emailing the copies to yourself or storing them in a cloud-based storage service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, so you can access them from anywhere.

You will hopefully never need them, but if you do they will be priceless.

10. Disregarding Jet Lag

Jet lag can be a major obstacle to overcome when traveling long distances. Nothing is worse than struggling with fatigue on your only day in a city.

To avoid this, adjust your sleep schedule gradually a few days before your trip.

Your body needs time to adapt to the new schedule, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

If you’re traveling east, try going to bed and waking up earlier than usual. If you’re traveling west, try going to bed and waking up later.

Ok, this is one of the things, I never do and always wish I remembered to do. That is me asleep on a canal tour of Amsterdam. I went and took a 3-hour nap and felt like I missed part of the day.

11. Overbooking First Days

Another common mistake is overbooking your first few days.

It’s tempting to squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible, but this can be exhausting and exacerbate jet lag.

Instead, plan to take it easy for the first day or two. Allow yourself time to rest and adjust to the new time zone. This will help you feel refreshed and ready to explore when you’re ready.

12. Skipping Travel Apps

When it comes to traveling, many apps are available that can make your life much easier. Unfortunately, many travelers make the mistake of skipping travel apps altogether, and there are so many apps that can make your life easier when traveling.

Navigation Apps are a lifesaver when driving on a trip. These daily-use apps become even more important when you’re in a new place.

With turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates, you can navigate unfamiliar streets with ease.

Additionally, many navigation apps allow you to save maps offline, which can be a lifesaver if you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or data.

If you’re traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language, a language translation app can be a game-changer.

These apps allow you to translate words and phrases in real-time, making communicating with locals and navigating your surroundings easier.

Some popular language translation apps include Google Translate, iTranslate, and Microsoft Translator.

Additionally, many language translation apps allow you to save translations offline. This can be helpful if you can’t access Wi-Fi or data.

13. Forgetting to Get Parking at the Airport

When planning a trip, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of your destination and forget about the logistics of getting there.

One common mistake that many travelers make is forgetting to secure parking at the airport. This can lead to a lot of stress and hassle, especially if you’re running late or can’t find a spot.

I recently forgot to do this and instead of parking at LGA airport in NYC we had to get parking last minute at JFK and take a taxi to LGA. Not only was it out of the way, it was a real pain.

14. Leaving Passports at Home

Another rookie mistake that can ruin your trip is leaving your passport home.

It’s easy to forget such an important document, especially if you’re rushing to pack or have a lot on your mind.

To avoid this, make a checklist of all the essential items you must bring and double-check it before you leave.

I have not done this, but my brother once missed out on Christmas in Quebec City because he forgot his passport and had to turn around at the Canadian border.

15. Not Factoring in Rush Hour

Another thing to keep in mind when planning your trip is rush hour.

If you’re driving to the airport, be sure to factor in extra time for traffic.

Rush hour can be unpredictable and cause major delays, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Consider leaving earlier than you need to to avoid potential problems.

We once missed flying home for Christmas because of a 2-hour traffic delay. Know your area and plan your departure time based on the time of day.

16. Avoiding Public Transportation

When traveling to a new city, avoiding public transportation and opting for a taxi or ride-sharing service can be tempting. However, this can quickly become expensive and may not be the most efficient way to get around.

One of the biggest advantages of public transportation is that it is often much cheaper than other forms of transportation.

However, if you don’t do your research, you could spend more time than it is worth.

Make sure to look into the options available, such as day passes or weekly tickets, and compare prices to see which is the most cost-effective for your needs.

17. Not Informing the Bank of Travel Plans

One of travelers’ most common mistakes is not informing their bank of their travel plans. It may seem like a minor detail, but it can have major consequences.

If you use your credit or debit card in a foreign country without notifying your bank, they may flag the transactions as suspicious and freeze your account. This can leave you stranded in a foreign country without access to your funds.

To avoid this situation, inform your bank of your travel plans.

Most banks have an online portal or mobile app that allows you to set travel notifications. You can specify the dates and locations of your trip, and your bank will record them in their system.

It is also a good idea to carry multiple forms of payment when traveling.

18. Overlooking Mobile Phone Plans

Phones are a wonderful thing, but traveling with them is a pain.

First of all, you make costly roaming charge call or you can use data at a huge cost to you.

You should check with your mobile phone carrier to avoid these charges to see if they offer international plans.

Some carriers offer affordable plans that include data, texting, and calling.

If that is too expensive, you can buy a local SIM card or an e-sim card from a company like Hola or Airalo.

19. Only Packing One Pair of Shoes

This is a huge issue with a lot of first time travelers. They wear their comfiest shoes and think they are all set. In truth, they are in for some pain.

Bring at least two pairs of shoes to alternate them every other day. Your feet will be happier, and you can walk around for much longer each day to see the sights.

20. Eating Near Major Tourist Attractions

When traveling to a new destination, it’s tempting to dine at restaurants near major tourist attractions. However, this can be a mistake that leads to overpriced, mediocre food.

Restaurants near tourist attractions often cater to tourists willing to pay more for the convenience of being close to famous sights. As a result, the quality of the food and service may not be up to par with other restaurants in the area.

21. Expecting Everything to Go as Planned

When traveling, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of your itinerary and expect everything to go as planned. However, this mindset can lead to disappointment and frustration when things inevitably don’t go according to plan.

One of the most common mistakes travelers make is not being flexible with their plans. While it’s important to have a general idea of what you want to do and see, it’s equally important to be open to changes and unexpected opportunities that may arise.