When traveling, many visitors strive to blend into the scenery, to not stand out in a foreign destination, and to not appear as an out-of-place puzzle piece within a picturesque view. Common reasons for this conservative behavior include avoiding being scammed by pickpockets and others who prey on tourists, being respectful of the local culture, and boosting confidence while navigating unfamiliar territory.
While these are all valid concerns that make someone want to evade sticking out like a sore thumb, sometimes simple travel blunders can have the opposite effect. Even the most seasoned travelers can undergo mishaps that can create significant roadblocks in their plans. We’ve compiled a list below of frequent travel mistakes that instantly make visitors look like tourists, and you might be guilty of some of them.
Over or Under Packing
Deciding what to pack can often be a headache for travelers, especially when they’re unfamiliar with the weather or venturing to a place where conditions vary daily. Online resources are invaluable during this process, since they allow users to check the predicted weather pattern weeks in advance and even get some ideas for packing lightly.
The well-known clothing retailer REI shares a comprehensive guide on their website for packing efficiently for an adventure-filled getaway. The post also encourages travelers to create a packing list to make sure nothing essential is forgotten, to bring footwear that serves multiple purposes, and to prepare for doing laundry, which will also help limit the amount of clothing to pack.
Ignoring Local Etiquette
If there’s one thing experienced travelers recommend to anyone new to the lifestyle, it’s to research the local etiquette of their destination. This ties into what we mentioned about respecting others’ cultures, and failing to do so could come off as insensitive.
In May 2023, Booking.com for Business highlighted the importance of travel etiquette (i.e., dressing appropriately, adapting to customs and traditions, and greeting professionally). They noted that prioritizing proper etiquette can help avoid misunderstandings and offending someone, and can establish successful communication with the locals.
Being Too Spontaneous or an Overplanner
There are usually two types of travelers: those who opt to follow an itinerary and those who prefer to go off-script, choosing their own adventure along the way. However, being too extreme on both sides could be a recipe for disaster.
Those who are too spontaneous could end up wasting time and missing desired attractions because they didn’t plan ahead. Meanwhile, visitors who overplan could run the risk of missing out on rare experiences because they’re too focused on sticking to the schedule. Try to strike a balance between each by creating a flexible schedule that can be adjusted as needed.
Exchanging Money at the Airport
Those who don’t frequently travel internationally might not be aware of all the options for exchanging currency; therefore, the airport may be their first source. However, the high exchange rates and potential fees make it an unfavorable method for many.
Financial publisher Bankrate suggests ordering foreign currency ahead of time to offset costs and maximize the return. Experts also recommend using a travel-friendly card or withdrawing cash from an ATM, which will have lower service fees.
Disregarding Time Zone Changes and Jet Lag
When traveling, visitors often want to cram as much as possible into the short amount of time they’re in town. This can guarantee that they see the sights, but they’ll also be exhausted doing it if they’re not accounting for time zone differences and jet lag.
Disregarding these could significantly affect the experience, as it doesn’t allow time to adjust and be fully present in the moment. Consider keeping plans light upon arrival and easing into the vacation instead of rushing immediately to the next destination.
Not Informing the Bank of Travel Plans
Informing the bank about travel plans is just as important as sharing the itinerary with close family and friends. Not only do a traveler’s inner circles need to be clued in on their whereabouts for safety reasons, but the bank should also be notified.
After all, the bank is responsible for securing the person’s finances, and the institution could block their credit or debit cards if it suspects suspicious activity (such as the card being used in another country from where its owner lives). Communicating expected travel plans with the bank can prevent this from happening, and potentially being stranded abroad without access to finances due to the bank’s security measures.
Skipping Out on Travel Insurance
It isn’t uncommon for people to bypass the option to add on travel insurance when securing a flight, but savvy travelers wouldn’t dare pass it up. Travel insurance, while not required, is a beneficial purchase, as it saves money in the long run if medical emergencies arise.
Many people choose to skip this offer to avoid extra costs, but it can be useful for health and trip cancellations. A May 2024 Forbes article highlighted the pros and cons of travel insurance and advised those considering purchasing it to do so within 14 days of ticket purchase to reap all the benefits.
Being Unaware of a Country’s Entry and Exit Requirements
We mentioned in our recent article detailing medical tourism that being aware of a country’s entry and exit requirements is crucial when traveling for any type of procedure. However, this is essential for anyone crossing borders, regardless of the intention.
Visitors shouldn’t assume that entry is automatic and that a visa isn’t required, regardless of the length of their stay. Experts advise checking the nation’s official government website for entry and exit rules before booking their getaway and staying informed about the protocols.
Not Brushing Up on Language in Non-English-Speaking Places
Few things spotlight a tourist more than someone who doesn’t know the language of the country they are visiting. While it’s unlikely that travelers would learn an entirely new language for every place they visit, brushing up on some local phrases would suffice.
On the other hand, not knowing the language shouldn’t deter anyone from traveling, but learning some basic phrases helps get in the good graces with the locals.
Not Checking Phone and SIM Plan Options
We recently shared an article announcing a new partnership between Gigsky and VISA, which allows Americans to use their phones while traveling abroad free of charge. Other options, such as purchasing international plans or a local SIM/eSIM upon arrival, can also help sidestep incurring roaming charges.
It would be a considerable disadvantage if travelers didn’t research these options before heading overseas, as they would wind up with a hefty phone bill that could have been prevented with a little more preparation.
Being Unprepared with Travel Essentials
We’ve already touched on how not packing correctly could put a significant damper on the travel experience. When creating a checklist, it’s strongly recommended that travel essentials are included and at the top.
These are the must-have items that would make the trip go smoother, such as medications, sunscreen, a phone charger, a first-aid kit, and sunglasses, to name a few mentioned in the U.S. News World Report’s list of packing essentials categorized by destination in a May 2025 article. Forgetting these could affect the entire vacation, especially if a great deal of time is spent searching for them.
Forgetting Local Holidays and Big Events
Travelers can spend months planning their getaway, including selecting the ideal hotel, booking cost-effective airfare, and choosing the must-see attractions along the way. However, by not factoring in local holidays and large-scale events, they could miss their opportunity to see anything worthwhile due to closures and areas being roped off for special occasions.
After selecting the desired travel dates, conduct an Internet search to see if they intersect with any holidays or pre-scheduled events. Only then could visitors be assured that nothing would interfere with their plans.
Travel Mistakes Roundup
Mistakes happen, and sometimes unexpected incidents occur when traveling that are beyond our control. Whether seasoned travelers or not, one can experience setbacks while abroad, but following these guidelines can help reduce preventable mishaps and make for a smoother, more enjoyable trip.