Sometimes it seems more fun and adventurous to just go on a whim; but it’s far less fun when you find yourself in an unsafe area of a foreign country at night and can’t speak the language. Researching the most basic details of your destination (like places to avoid) can save you a heap of trouble.
This includes flight attendants, gate agents, phone representatives, and baggage handlers. Even if you’ve had a truly unpleasant experience, or the airline is deliberately giving you a hard time or being rude, remember — until the end of your journey, your life (or at least your holiday) is still in their hands. No matter how bad things get, they have the power to make it even worse. So take a deep breath and stay calm.
Do you know how many pairs of shoes you actually need for a trip? Two are enough. One dressy pair and one casual pair. If you want to work out, add a pair of sneakers.
In the U.S., ATMs are everywhere, but that’s definitely not the case in most foreign countries. Exchange money early and exchange enough. We recommend never arriving in a foreign country without having some of the local currency in hand. Exchange it at your local airport so you can avoid long lines upon arrival.
Taking local buses and trains is convenient, but you should also have other options — for example, try exploring the city on foot.
6. Bringing wine, olive oil, and other glass bottles
This never ends well. You might think wrapping wine and olive oil in old T-shirts and hiding them in your suitcase will help you avoid extra fees, but you’re wrong. You could come home to find the glass shattered and all your clothes ruined. Don’t risk it — ship them home instead.
7. Upgrading only if it’s super cheap
If your flight is three hours or longer and you're offered an upgrade for less than $150, take it. Your comfort and peace of mind are worth more than shopping.
8. Dressing Inappropriately
Don’t wear shorts and a T-shirt when climbing the Alps. If your attire offends locals, it seems you made the mistake of “not doing your homework before the trip.” Before traveling, research appropriate local dress, culture, and weather conditions.
9. Not Notifying Your Bank When Using Credit or Debit Cards
Your card might be declined due to your issuing bank flagging unusual spending in a new location, cutting your enjoyable trip short. Sure, you can call the bank to clear things up, but international call charges are steep if you’re overseas. Notify your credit card issuer before you travel.
10. Forgetting to Bring Converters and Chargers
Forgetting chargers is like leaving your camera, phone, and laptop at home—your devices likely won’t charge.
11. Leaving Your Raincoat at Home
You say, “But the forecast says sunny.” But we all know weather forecasts are 100% accurate, right? No. You might find unexpected downpours during your trip: your choices are to stay in your hotel room until it passes or scramble around looking for an umbrella or raincoat. One option is terrible, the other will leave you soaked. To avoid the whole mess, just bring some rain gear.
12. Booking Flights and Ferry Tickets for the Same Day
Booking flights and ferry tickets for the same day is just asking for trouble. If your flight is delayed and you miss the ferry departure, the fare is non-refundable. Even if you make it, the entire flight will be spent watching the clock and stressing over every possible delay. Arrive at the port city a day early, check into a hotel, and think of it as cruise travel insurance. Explore the city, and more importantly, enjoy a stress-free journey.
13. Forgetting Sunscreen
This one’s obvious. Remember: the sun shines just as brightly in other countries.
14. Over- or Under-Planning Your Sightseeing
It’s a delicate balance. Some attractions are a waste of time, while missing others may leave you regretful. One of our editors still regrets skipping the Taj Mahal rather than the Mona Lisa. To avoid this, carefully plan in advance what you want to see—not just what you think you should see.
15. Not Keeping a Travel Journal
You'll wish you had.