10 Travel Mistakes You’ll Never Make Again (and How to Avoid Them)

Bowen in Queensland Australia.

We’ve all had those “Oh no!” moments on the road—mistakes that become funny stories after the trip but stressful nightmares during it. From overpacking to missed bookings, travel mistakes are easy to make but even easier to avoid when you know what to watch out for. Here are 10 travel mistakes I’ve made (so you don’t have to) and how to dodge them on your next adventure!

🚫 1. Not Getting Travel Insurance (Biggest Rookie Mistake!)

Picture this: You’re on a dream holiday, and suddenly your luggage disappears, or you fall sick and face a massive medical bill. Without travel insurance, you’re on your own—both financially and emotionally.

Avoid it: Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Make sure it covers medical emergencies, cancellations, lost belongings, and adventure activities if you’re planning anything daring.

💡 Tip: Compare policies on websites like Compare the Market.

📅 2. Overplanning Every Second of Your Trip

I used to plan my trips down to the minute, but guess what? Life—and travel—rarely follows a perfect schedule. Overplanning kills spontaneity and can leave you stressed if things go off-track.

Avoid it: Plan your must-dos but leave some free time for spontaneous discoveries. Some of the best travel moments happen when you wander without a plan! Leave yourself open to authentic experiences, and recommendations from the locals.

🧳 3. Overpacking (And Regretting It at the Airport)

Lugging around an overstuffed suitcase is exhausting (and expensive if you exceed baggage limits!). Plus, you’ll probably wear the same comfy outfits on repeat.

Avoid it: Stick to a packing list and pack versatile pieces that you can mix and match. Stick to 2 pairs of shoes where possible, and ditch the heels / dress shoes (I packed heels for years and have probably never worn them on a trip).

💡 Tip: Take note of what you don’t wear or use on your next trip, and avoid packing it the next time.

💳 4. Not Notifying Your Bank About Your Travels

Imagine trying to pay for dinner overseas, only to have your card declined because your bank flagged it as suspicious activity. Or going to an ATM to withdraw local currency, only to have it take your card. Been there, done that. I lost a bank card at an ATM in Paris the day we were meant to fly to Athens, because I hadn’t notified the bank… at the start of a long weekend! I learned the hard way.

Avoid it: Notify your bank before you leave, especially if you’re travelling internationally. Set up travel alerts through your banking app if available.

💡 Tip: Carry a backup card and some local currency for emergencies.

🚁 5. Taking a Drone to the Wrong Country (And Having It Confiscated)

Not all countries allow drones, some have strict rules that could result in fines or confiscation, and others are less familiar with drones for photography. I once learned this the hard way at an airport security checkpoint in Vietnam, where I was whisked away and had to explain that it was used for photography to locals who struggled to understand me.

Avoid it: Research drone laws before you pack. Countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Cuba have strict no-drone policies.

💡 Tip: If you do bring your drone, check for required permits and fly responsibly.

🚕 6. Not Confirming the Taxi Price Before You Travel

Stepping out of an airport and hopping into a taxi without agreeing on a fare first can lead to an outrageously overpriced ride. Transport scams are common, especially when there’s no meter in place to determine the fare.

Avoid it: Use official taxi stands or ride-share apps like Uber. If you must take a local taxi, confirm the fare or ensure the meter is running before you start the ride.

💡 Tip: Research average taxi fares from the airport to your accommodation in advance.

💤 7. Napping Immediately When You Arrive (Hello, Jet Lag!)

It’s tempting to hit the bed after a long flight, but giving in to a nap can throw your body clock off and make jet lag worse. A short nap can throw your body clock off for days, and have a big impact on your trip.

Avoid it: Push through and stay awake until local bedtime. Spend time outdoors—natural light helps reset your body clock faster.

💡 Tip: If you need a quick recharge, limit naps to 20 minutes.

🏛️ 8. Rocking Up to Major Attractions Without Pre-Booked Tickets

Long queues, sold-out time slots, or worse—getting turned away! I’ve missed out on bucket-list experiences because I assumed I could just “purchase a ticket on the day.”

Avoid it: Pre-book tickets to popular attractions that are likely to book out or experience long lines, especially during peak seasons. Many sites also offer skip-the-line options.

💡 Tip: Check if there are combo tickets or city passes that save money on multiple attractions.

💊 9. Not Packing Health Essentials

From headaches to stomach bugs, or even blisters, minor health issues can ruin your day if you’re unprepared. Trust me—you don’t want to hunt down a pharmacy in an unfamiliar place. I’ve been caught out running short on feminine products in a country that didn’t use them, and spent half a day searching pharmacies and corner stores rather than exploring the sites.

Avoid it: Pack a small health kit with essentials like pain relief tablets, motion sickness tablets, feminine hygiene products (if applicable for you), band-aids, and any prescription meds you need.

💡 Tip: Include sunscreen and insect repellent—two things you’ll always regret forgetting!

🐘 10. Supporting Unethical Animal Tourism

Riding elephants, posing with sedated tigers, or swimming with captive dolphins might seem appealing, but these activities often involve animal cruelty. I’ve learned that truly ethical travel means respecting the creatures we encounter, and have come across really sad cases of animal cruelty on my travels.

Avoid it: Choose ethical wildlife experiences, such as visiting sanctuaries that prioritise animal welfare. Look for activities where animals are observed in their natural habitat rather than performing for tourists.

💡 Tip: Research tour providers thoroughly and look for responsible tourism certifications.

🚀 Travel Smarter, Not Harder

Travel mistakes happen—but they don’t have to ruin your trip! By learning from these common blunders, you’ll be on your way to stress-free adventures filled with unforgettable memories.

Have you ever made one of these travel mistakes? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear them!

💬 P.S. Want to make your next trip even easier? Check out my post on Travel Planning Like A Pro In 5 Easy Steps, and start planning your next adventure!