Underestimating costs and going overboard with shopping—11 common mistakes rookie travelers make

▲ Travel (Image / Getty Images / Illustration)

By Rita

In truth, everyone makes small mistakes from time to time, let alone when traveling abroad in unfamiliar territory. Jet lag can leave you disoriented, language barriers make communication tough, and getting lost is easy—all of which increase your chances of making mistakes, some of which could be quite costly. Below are the common errors rookie travelers often make, as compiled by traveller.com.au.Common mistakes rookie travelers often makeInterestingly, many seasoned travelers still fall victim to them too. While the perspectives of Australian media may not entirely apply to Taiwan, they’re still worth considering as reference:

1. Over-booking
Being nervous about your first independent trip, you book every night’s accommodation, every single mode of transport, and every breakfast, lunch, and dinner before you’ve even left... Is all that really necessary? Actually, it’s important to leave some flexibility so you have room to change your plans spontaneously if inspiration strikes.

2. Relying on travel agencies for “everything”
There are definitely big advantages to using travel agencies—they’re professionals who spend eight hours a day looking out for deals for travelers. But that doesn’t mean you should rely on them for absolutely everything. Try booking your own accommodations or flights—you might actually save some money.

3. Distrusting locals completely
It’s common for first-time travelers to cling nervously to their bags, suspicious of every local, convinced that everyone is trying to rip them off or rob them. Trust doesn’t come easily, but in truth, most locals are just going about their daily lives with no ill intent toward you. Sometimes showing a bit of kindness can even help you make friends.

4. Getting scammed
Many assume first-time travelers abroad are the easiest to scam. But think again—does that really mean the second, third... or seventeenth trip will be completely scam-free? Professional scammers know how to target all kinds of people. The key for travelers is not to carry too much cash.

▲ Travel (Image / Getty Images / Illustration)

5. Trying to see every attraction
This is also why “visiting seven cities in 12 days” itineraries remain so popular. But slowing down and truly getting to know one place can shape your attitude in future adventures too.

6. Underestimating costs
After returning from a trip, many realize they’ve spent much more than they’d planned. So for your first time abroad, don’t budget too tightly—better safe than sorry.

7. Bringing too much
Unless you’re going camping, there’s no need to pack a sleeping bag; don’t overpack clothes since you’ll likely buy more along the way; you don’t need a giant first-aid kit—just the basics will do; don’t bring three pairs of shoes; and no need for more than two pairs of jeans.

8. Buying too much
As the title says—don’t go overboard with shopping.

9. Panicking at the drop of a hat
The moment something goes wrong, some people panic instantly. But whether it’s your first trip or you’re a seasoned traveler, unexpected issues happen to everyone. Surprises are part of the journey—embrace them. A broken-down car, a canceled hotel booking, lost belongings... you’ll find a way through. Panicking only makes things worse.

10. Not buying travel insurance
Even if you’re only planning to stay in a hotel for a week, don’t skip the insurance. How can you be sure nothing unexpected will happen? Instead of worrying about lost luggage, getting sick, or other mishaps, spending a little can give you a lot of peace of mind.

11. Treating travel guides as gospel
Many first-timers abroad only do what the guidebooks say. But guidebooks represent just one perspective. Why not explore a bit, check out interesting things you spot along the way, ask locals, peek around, or dig deeper? Isn’t seeing things your own way better?

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