The 10 Mistakes ALL Travelers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Have you ever traveled and thought "why didn't anyone warn me about this?"? You're not the only one. Every year, millions of travelers make the same mistakes that cost them time, money and trouble. Here are the 10 most common and how not to fall for them.
1. Not taking out travel insurance (until it's too late)
The most expensive mistake you can make. A simple cold in the US can cost you 2,000 euros. A flight cancellation without insurance can leave you stranded.
How to avoid it: Take out travel insurance BEFORE you fly. It's not expensive (from €30 per week) and it can save you from ruin.
| Type of insurance | Average price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | €30-50/week | Cancellation, luggage, medical assistance |
| Complete | 60-100€/week | The above + sports, preexistences, flight |
| Premium | 100-150€/week | Everything + full refund, 24/7 VIP |
2. Change money at the airport
Here you lose between 10% and 15% compared to the real exchange rate. Airports have the worst commissions in the world.
How to avoid it: Withdraw money from a city center ATM with a fee-free card (Wise, Revolut or N26).
3. Do not download offline maps
You arrive in a country without internet and you don't even know where you are. Google Maps does not work without data.
How to avoid it: Before flying, download Google Maps or Maps.me maps for the entire country.
4. Carry too many suitcases
The more you carry, the more you pay in luggage, the heavier it is to move, and the more stress you have.
How to avoid it: Travel only with carry-on luggage. Series: you can live 2 weeks with a 40L backpack.
5. Not checking public transportation schedules
You arrive at the station and the last train has already left. Or worse: it doesn't work on Sundays.
How to avoid it: Check the schedules BEFORE you arrive. Google Maps tells you local bus and train schedules.
6. Overpaying for hotel WiFi
Hotel WiFi costs between €10-20 per day. It's a robbery.
How to avoid it: Use mobile data with eSIM (from €5 per week) or look for cafes with free WiFi.
7. Do not carry backup cash
Your card is blocked, there are no card machines, or the business only accepts cash.
How to avoid it: Always carry €50-€100 in backup cash in a local currency.
8. Do everything touristy
The "must-see" places are crowded, expensive and inauthentic.
How to avoid it: Look off the beaten path. Ask locals, use Reddit or blogs like this one.
9. Not learning basic phrases
"Hello," "thank you," "please," and "where's the bathroom" can save your life.
How to avoid it: Learn 10 essential phrases before you go. Google Translate works offline with the camera.
10. Not having a copy of documents
If you lose your passport and don't have a copy, the problem is twofold.
How to avoid it: Photo of the passport on the mobile phone + copy in email + physical copy in the suitcase.
Checklist: Don't forget anything
- ☐ Travel insurance contracted
- ☐ Commission-free card activated
- ☐ Downloaded offline maps
- ☐ eSIM configured
- ☐ Backup cash
- ☐ Copies of documents
- ☐ Basic phrases learned
- ☐ Revised transportation schedules
Do you have any mistakes to add? Leave them in the comments and we will help other travelers avoid them.