If you love to travel and explore new places, it’s easy to make mistakes along the way that can be costly. From booking flights to choosing accommodations, there are many decisions to make that can impact the overall cost and experience of a trip. This article will explore 13 common travel mistakes people make and how to avoid them.

Booking Airfare Too Early or Too Late

One common mistake is booking flights too late or too early. While waiting for last-minute deals or booking far in advance is tempting, this can often result in higher prices. According to Kayak.com, this is the best time to book flights:

For general year-round travel, the lowest average domestic airfares are usually found 2-4 weeks prior to departure while international airfares are at their lowest point 2-3 months out. Here are some additional travel secrets:

1. Don’t book too early. The average domestic fare found six months before a departure date was 2% higher than the fare found 2-4 weeks out.
2. Travelers planning a week-long domestic trip should depart on a Saturday and return on Monday to score the cheapest airfare (roughly 16% lower than average).
3. For international week-long trips, we recommend departing on a Tuesday and returning on Wednesday to save some $$. These flights were 21% lower than the average.

Another mistake is not taking advantage of rewards programs or credit card points that can help save money on flights and accommodations. By being aware of these mistakes, travelers can save money and have a more enjoyable trip.

Not Budgeting for Your Trip

One of the most common travel mistakes people make is not budgeting. Traveling can be expensive, and if you don’t plan, you may spend more money than you intended.

It’s essential to set a budget for your trip and stick to it. This means considering all of your expenses, including transportation, accommodation, food, and activities. Don’t forget to factor in unexpected costs, such as medical emergencies or lost luggage.

Consider using a travel budget planner to help you stick to your budget. This can be a simple spreadsheet or a more sophisticated app that helps you track your expenses and stay on your budget.

 

I created a travel planner that me and my family use every trip we take.

 

Another way to save money on your trip is to be flexible with your travel dates. If you’re willing to travel during the off-season, you may be able to find cheaper flights and accommodation.

Finally, don’t forget to research the cost of living in your destination. Some countries and cities are more expensive than others, and it’s important to adjust your budget accordingly.

Overall, budgeting for your trip is essential if you want to avoid overspending and ensure you have a stress-free vacation.

 

Choosing Where You Want to Go Instead of When You Want To Go

This is my number one saving money idea for travel. We choose the dates we can go on vacation and then look to find the best flight deals during that time. You will be able to travel twice as much with this tip as you save a ridiculous amount of money on flights.

We have traveled to Ireland for $145 round trip from NYC, to Norway for $210, and to Los Angeles for $99 all with this method. If you need to be somewhere specific at a specific time, this won’t work, but this is how we do all summer vacation flights and all spring break flights.

 

Ignoring Travel Insurance

Travelers often overlook travel insurance, which can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations. Many people assume that their existing insurance policies or credit card benefits will cover them while traveling, but this is not always the case. Here are some reasons why ignoring travel insurance can be a costly mistake:

• Medical Emergencies: Medical expenses can quickly add up if a traveler becomes ill or injured while traveling. Without travel insurance, these costs can burden the traveler’s finances.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption: If a traveler must cancel or cut short their trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or natural disaster, they may lose money on non-refundable bookings such as flights and accommodations.
• Lost or Delayed Baggage: Airlines can lose or delay luggage, causing inconvenience and added expenses for travelers. Travel insurance can help cover the cost of replacing essential items.
• Emergency Evacuation: In the event of a natural disaster or political unrest, a traveler may need to be evacuated from their destination. This can be expensive without travel insurance.

It is important to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing. Some policies may not cover certain activities or destinations, so choose a policy that is appropriate for your needs.

Some credit cards will offer trip cancellation or lost baggage, so check to see if yours does before buying more insurance than you need!

 

Passport Validity

When planning a trip abroad, it is essential to check the passport validity requirements of the destination country. Some countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Failure to meet this requirement may result in denied entry or deportation.

It is also important to ensure that the passport has enough blank pages for visa stamps. Some countries require at least two blank pages, while others may require more.

Ashley M. realized her son didn’t have a valid passport two months before their trip to Spain. She immediately expedited the new passport, but it didn’t come before the trip causing her to lose hundreds of dollars in airfare and hotels.

” It was hard to realize that our trip had to be postponed, but an expedited passport can’t be relied on every time.”

 

If you forget, there are some options for quick passports ( I have been in the situation at least 3 times with my kids’ passports) you expedite them if you need them in 2-3 months or some locations do same-day or next-day passports.

Check here for more information.

Visa Process

Visa requirements vary depending on the destination country, the length of stay, and the purpose of travel. Some countries may require a visa application submitted in advance, while others may issue visas upon arrival.

It is crucial to research the visa requirements well in advance of the trip and allow enough time for processing. Some visas may take several weeks or even months to obtain.

It is also essential to ensure that all required documents are submitted with the visa application. Missing documents may result in a delayed or denied visa.

If you want to go to a country where visas are required, you will need to plan months in advance to ensure you can go.

Booking at the Last Minute

Booking a trip at the last minute can be tempting, especially when you see great deals advertised. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved.

One common mistake people make when booking last minute is not doing enough research. They may be so focused on getting a good deal that they overlook important details, such as the hotel’s location or the airline’s quality. This can lead to a disappointing trip that doesn’t meet their expectations.

Another mistake is assuming that last-minute deals are always the best option. While it’s true that airlines and hotels may offer discounted rates to fill empty seats or rooms, it’s not always the case. Some last-minute deals are more expensive than if you had booked in advance.

Booking last minute can also be frustrating! Flights may be fully booked or have inconvenient departure times, and hotels may be unavailable or far from your desired attractions. This can lead to added stress and frustration during your trip.

While booking at the last minute may seem like a good idea, it’s important to weigh the potential risks and benefits before deciding.

Packing Too Much

When packing for a trip, it’s easy to get carried away and bring more than you need. However, packing too much can lead to a number of problems and unnecessary expenses. Here are some common mistakes people make when packing for a trip:

• Bringing too many clothes: It’s important to pack clothes that are appropriate for the climate and activities you have planned, but bringing too many clothes can weigh you down and make it difficult to navigate through airports and train stations. Stick to versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, and plan to do laundry if necessary.
• Packing unnecessary items: It’s easy to think you’ll need certain items on your trip, but in reality, they may just take up space and add weight to your luggage. Consider leaving behind items like hair dryers, bulky toiletries, and extra shoes that you may not need.
• Not considering baggage fees: Many airlines charge for checked baggage, and the fees can add up quickly if you’re bringing too much. Be sure to check your airline’s baggage policy and pack accordingly to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Not sure how much is good to pack? Get my free Perfect Packing list here

Not Using Credit Card Benefits

Many travelers are unaware of the benefits that come with their credit cards. These benefits can save them a lot of money and provide valuable perks. Here are some common credit card benefits that travelers may be missing out on:

• Travel insurance: Many credit cards offer travel insurance that covers things like trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. It’s important to check the coverage details to ensure it meets your needs.
• Rewards points: Credit cards often offer rewards for travel-related purchases, such as flights and hotels. These points can be redeemed for free or discounted travel.
• Airport lounge access: Some credit cards provide access to airport lounges, which can be a great way to relax and avoid crowds while waiting for a flight.
• No foreign transaction fees: When traveling internationally, using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees can save a lot of money on fees and currency exchange rates.
• Concierge services: Some credit cards offer concierge services that can help with travel planning, such as booking flights and hotels, making restaurant reservations, and arranging transportation.

By not taking advantage of these credit card benefits, travelers may miss out on savings and valuable perks to enhance their travel experience. It’s important to read the fine print and understand the details of the benefits offered by your credit card to make the most of them.

Avoiding Public Transportation

When traveling to new places, it’s tempting to rent a car to make life easier.  However, the price can sometimes add hundreds, if not a thousand dollars, to your trip. Public Transportation may be a cheaper and easier way to get around.

• Research the area: Before relying on public transportation, research the area to see if it’s safe and reliable. Some cities have more efficient public transportation systems than others.
• Consider the cost: While public transportation may seem cheaper, it’s important to factor in the cost of tickets and the time it takes to get to your destination. Sometimes, taking a taxi or ride-sharing service may be more cost-effective.
• Find out if there is a weekly pass for the bus or the subway, which can save you a lot of money.

By keeping these tips in mind, travelers can avoid some costly mistakes associated with avoiding public transportation.

 

Roaming Charges

Before you use your phone overseas you need to find out what it will cost you. The cost of using your phone away from home can be a shock when you get your next bill.  Avoid sticker shock by

• Paying for an international plan for the month you will be away.
• Getting an e-sim card through Airalo. (These work better than interational plans for way less money in my experience.)
• Only use your phone at a hotspot or at your hotel.

Just remember to have a plan before your get to your destination, or you may be in a positition where you have to use your phone to figure out an international plan or getting a local sim card.

 

Staying in Tourist Areas

One of the best ways to save on Hotels or Airbnb is to avoid tourist areas. If you don’t need to be in the center of all the action, staying a number of blocks away could save you hundreds of dollars.

On our most recent trip to Vancouver, we chose to stay in an Airbnb in the student area of town and paid half of what we would have paid to stay downtown. There was great public transportation wherever we needed it, and we didn’t mind the bus ride.

Eating in Tourist Areas

While eating right where you are sightseeing is very convenient, you will pay much more for that convenience. Tourist areas are expensive because they are beautiful and easy.

While there are times that it makes the most sense to grab something to eat nearby, you will save a lot of money by walking 5-6 blocks away and eating where the locals eat.

When we visited Italy, we found that by walking 10-15 minutes away from tourist areas, we ate for less than half the price and ate fabulous food!

Do You Make Any Of These Travel Mistakes?

We all make mistakes until we know better! I have made ever single one of those mistakes at one time or another. Now I know better and want you to know without having to do the same things I have done!

Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also be costly if you make mistakes. By avoiding the 13 common travel mistakes above, you can save money and have a more enjoyable trip.

Packing smartly and avoiding overpacking can also save money on baggage fees and make transportation easier. So can research and planning.

Overall, by being mindful and planning, travelers can avoid costly mistakes and have a more enjoyable and stress-free trip.